Q: I went on Elance.com and there were great jobs paying two cents a word—well, okay, four for some of them. The writers bidding for them offered LESS! And they had amazing credentials and years of experience. How can I find out what the market is like right now? Maybe it’s changed since you wrote … Read more
Q: There is a company in the fitness equipment business that advertises on TV, and I’ve noticed a selling point they’re not using that I think could increase sales in a major way. Do you have any ideas as to how I can inform them and be paid for doing so? A: There’s no surefire … Read more
Q: I would like to write articles for a comic book site focused on a particular super hero with no pay being offered (it would be great practice). The requirements are as follows: You have to have a solid background in the comics of this particular super hero, meaning a minimum of five solid years … Read more
Q: PB Note: I received an e-mail that closed with the signoff “Sincerely in Christ”. This can be a sensitive topic, and one I was hesitant to address, but I think it’s important. My reply about the signoff follows: A: It’s great that you clearly have strong faith in your life. AND, that’s a personal … Read more
Q: I’m just about ready to launch my new website. I have a clear idea of how I’m going to market myself and am excited about getting started. I now have a healthy, worst-case-scenario, 6-month-supply of expenses saved up. Now that freedom is in sight, I’m wondering what to do. Do I quit now and … Read more
Q: One of my clients is a new day spa, and they wanted some brochures on their different services. The project manager wanted to keep an educational tone with the selling part as secondary. I created drafts based on this and needed a little more info, so she referred me to the COO. The COO … Read more
Q: I am actually a darn good health writer of both clinical and consumer information. Here’s my problem: I can’t seem to reel in the steady clients. Instead, I get a project for a couple of thousands dollars, and then I’m sitting there. I can never get the retainer client or the big project. Half the time … Read more
Q: Article writing is my strength and I enjoy it more than any other type of business writing. I’m beginning to make the move from full-time staff writer to freelance writer, and I’m hoping to eventually make an annual income of $120K. My question is: Can I be successful—and make the income I want—by specializing … Read more
Q: Most of the big boys (ACT!, Goldmine, etc.) have more functionality than a one-person writing shop needs, and at roughly $200, it’s more than I’d like to pay. Do you know of any inexpensive contact manager programs? A: Here is a very brief review of Kurlo, courtesy of a beginning prospector: Kurlo was rated … Read more
Q: A local company has asked me to write copy and provide ongoing marketing advice and direction. After our meeting today, she asked if I would give her a flat rate to cover six months of part-time hours that would include every aspect of my services (copywriting, creative, marketing advice, and ongoing consultation) instead of … Read more