Aug
30
The End of the Month Crunch
Filed Under writing from home | 3 Comments
Since it’s the end of the month (I’m still in shock that summer is almost over), I thought a link to the following article might be appropriate.
How to have more money at the end of the month, By Lori Tate
This article has some great tips on stretching your freelance dollars. Enjoy.
Aug
28
As freelancers, we work as we can, and sometimes, we don’t have enough work to keep us busy. Other times, our workloads are heavy, and we’re stretched to the max. I myself have been very busy writing-wise. In fact, the reason I took some time to re-design this blog is because I needed to do something that WASN’T writing for part of a day. I haven’t had the time to frequent the blogs I like to read, but I did take a short break today to catch up on reading a few posts over at Deb Ng’s blog.
Deb’s post on planning ahead really struck me, probably because of the recent tornado/storm in my area . After I grabbed my pet rabbits and medication, I reluctantly took the time to grab my laptop before hiding in the hall as the tornado siren rang. I realized that if I lost my laptop, I’d be in some serious hardship (financially and career-wise).
When the storm hit, I’d been plugging away at an article. When the storm started, my power began to flicker, and my first thought was, “I don’t have time for this,” rather than being concerned about how quickly the weather was turning. By the time the tornado sirens began ringing, my priorities were straightened out. But it’s easy to get so absorbed with writing work that I lose touch with everything but making sure it all gets done.
Next time my workload is slow, I’m definitely going to take Deb’s advice and get a jump start on a few things. Her idea of writing blog posts ahead of time, for example, is really one I could benefit from.
Aug
28
Freelance Writing Jobs - Telecommuting Writing Jobs for 8/28/07
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Some recent leads for freelance writing jobs from Telecommuting Writing Jobs:
- SportsWrap Blogger (rate not disclosed)
- Mobile Phone (Cell Phone) Blogger ($50 per post)
- Fitness Writers ($15 for 500-700 words)
- Insurance writers needed (10-25 cents per word)
- Writer - Fire Protection ($15 per page)
- dailypixel Network seeks Car Blogger (rate not disclosed)
- Latin Music Blogger ($700/month)
- Fashion Blog Writer (up to $200 per month)
Visit Telecommuting Writing Jobs to for a full daily list of freelance writing jobs you can do from home.
(leads for freelance writing jobs copied with permission by Telecommuting Writing Jobs)
Aug
24
For most freelance writers, having a dedicated workspace is important, even if it’s just a small section of one room. But even if you want to dedicate a whole room to a home office, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some tips for setting up your own home office or workspace on a limited budget:
1) Make the most out of the space you have.
Many freelancers don’t have an entire room to dedicate to the cause. If you have a guest room that is rarely used, or a bedroom for a child who is away at college, consider making part of this room your office. You can leave the bedroom set where it is, or move it to one side of the room. Sectioning off part of a living room or bedroom works, too. Lots of freelancers even take over a small section of the basement. Rearrange where necessary.
2) Save money by being creative.
If you can’t afford a new desk or other new office furniture, get creative! I spent no money creating my office space. My desk is actually an old dresser. Turned on its side, it makes a great desk. I use the inside space for storing books. My filing cabinet was given to me a neighbor on his moving day. Before I got that, I used an old square plastic crate for my files. If you get creative, you can make just about anything work. My make-shift office is so comfortable that I’ve never bothered to redecorate even now that I can afford to.
3) Ask around for freebies or second-hand deals.
If you need a desk, a sturdy table works just as well. You can use a small conference room table your local business or school might be getting rid of. Often people who are moving are trying to get rid of tables and desks. Ask neighbors to keep you posted on any furniture they’re trying to sell or give away. You’d be surprised how many people would rather give it away to you than have to pay the garbage service to haul it away for them.
4) Shop around for bargains.
If you have to make some investments, for a desk or other furniture, you can shop around to avoid paying retail prices. Flea markets and garage sales aren’t your only options. Kmart, Target and Walmart all have basic furniture now, and it’s cheap! It might not last as long, but it’s worth more than you’ll pay. If you have an Ikea store near you, try there. You pay less because you have to put everything together yourself. Save on delivery costs by taking it home with you. You can get discount office supplies at big stores like Office Max or Office Depot.
5) Personal touches help.
Your office doesn’t have to be pretty, but a few personal touches here and there can help boost your mood. After all, you’re probably going to spend a lot of time working in your office. Hang a decorative calendar on the wall, or invest in one of those funny or inspirations day-by-day desk calendars. Even just adding a desk photograph of your kids or framing and hanging pictures your kids have drawn on the walls can keep you inspired.
Aug
22
Freelance Writing Clips - Getting Published as a New Freelance Writer
Filed Under writing from home | 3 Comments
You want to get published as a freelance writer, but you don’t have any clips (published writing samples). It’s the freelance writer’s catch 22. So, what do you do? There are several options.
1. Offer a previously UNPUBLISHED writing sample on a topic closely related to the publication, just so they can see your writing style. (Some editors are only interested in how well you can write, not in how many bylines you’ve had, so this one is wholeheartedly worth a try.)
2. Write for free (once or twice) for a RESPECTED publication to get the clips.
3. Use some “samples” of your writing which aren’t necessarily clips, but which showcase your writing talent, such as:
- a letter to the editor
- school papers or essays
- reviews you’ve written
- website or blog content
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About Amy Derby
Formerly a corporate paralegal, I ditched the pantyhose to begin freelancing in 2004. I enjoy long walks to the coffee maker, never setting an alarm clock, and not wearing a bra to the (home) office. I can be reached at amy.derby (at) gmail.com.