As a freelancer, it is much easier to keep existing clients than to find new ones. After working for a dozen publishers and editors for a few years, I have seen the problems that arise from writers who don’t live up to the expectations of their clients. Here are a few tips to get you on your client’s “A” list.
- Get to know your client. Find out what is important to them. Get an idea of their voice and what they want to convey. It is entirely possible to communicate exclusively through email. However, an introductory video or phone chat will aid in gaining a personal connection with your new employer.
- Invest in Grammarly. A full day on the keyboard will mush even the liveliest of brains. A quick check on this software will catch pretty much everything you may have overlooked. Note: You must have a good sense of grammar and spelling before this step. Any editing software can take things out of context.
- Run everything you write through Copyscape or a similar plagiarism checker (even though you will never plagiarize); there are a lot of words out there. Even the most creative sentence may be out there somewhere. It’s worth it to rewrite a sentence to keep your work completely original.
- Get the facts. Writers must run at least five sources for each topic and crosscheck all the information to make sure it is accurate.
- Follow directions. If an editor tells you to write a 25-word intro and a 500-word article, that is what they mean. If you find the topic interesting, get carried away and write 800-words they won’t have the space.
- Respond to emails, texts, and phone calls almost immediately. When an editor or publisher emails you with an assignment, they don’t want to wait around for 2-3 days for a response.
- Understand that editors edit. If you thought your intro sentence was amazing and when the magazine dropped you discovered they rewrote it, do not email them and ask why.
- Show your clients your creative side. You don’t always have to wait for an assignment. If you have an excellent idea for a story – pitch it. Every client will love it when you put forth some initiative.
- Go the extra mile. Ask your client if a sidebar or a graphic would enhance the story or assignment. Ask first as they may not have the budget or the space for the extra work.
- Finally, please do not miss deadlines. This is the number one gripe of any client, publisher, or editor. If an emergency arises or you have trouble with the subject for any reason, communication not avoidance is essential.
Writing is a very competitive field, but there are loads of opportunities. If you follow these suggestions, you’ll gain an edge in the field. Keep writing!