books - article index

An Interview with NANCY HENDRICKSON, by Brian Konradt

Sowing the Seeds of Opportunity: How to Multiply Your Freelance (Writing) Work   - by Brian Konradt

An Interview with JENNIE S. BEV, author of "Write Industry Reports"   by Brian Konradt

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An Interview with NANCY HENDRICKSON,
author of "Secrets of a Successful Freelancer"
by Brian Konradt

Since becoming a freelancer, NANCY HENDRICKSON has published more than one thousand features, shorts and newsletter columns in national and regional magazines and on the Web. Nancy is a full-time freelancer, living in San Diego. She specializes in computer, genealogy and history writing.

[ BK ]: What kind of job/s (or career) did you do before you became a full-time writer? Did any of these jobs contribute to your success as a freelance writer?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: I've worked at a variety of jobs, including supervising in a tree nursery, driving a school bus, working in retail and medical insurance. However, for the last several years before I went full-time as a freelancer, I transcribed medical reports. The jobs, themselves, didn't contribute directly to my freelance success, however they helped me realize what a diversity of interests I have--and how much I'd enjoy writing about many, many topics. Also, because I was self-employed during my medical-job related years, it taught me to discipline myself, to set a work structure and work goals--it also helped me develop a solid business background, which is invaluable as a freelancer.

[ BK ]: Many aspiring writers dream about freelancing full-time. You're living this dream. What are some myths and truths about freelancing full-time? Is it as glorious and rewarding as it may seem?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: Yes, absolutely! I get up in the morning and (unless I have an early interview scheduled), I walk to one of my neighborhood coffee houses for an unhurried morning brew. I then work solidly til about noon, and then take a couple of hours off for lunch, then work til later in the afternoon.

Recently, I packed up my laptop (with wireless modem) and drove from San Diego to Port Townsend, Washington--up on the Olympic Peninsula, working all the way.

The greatest thing about being a freelancer, for me, is to set my own schedule and to be free to travel anywhere, as long as I can get an Internet connection. These days, even if I'm in an area where my wireless modem doesn't work, I can always find an Internet cafe and work there, or a local library.

Then downside, of course, is that you are always hustling to get assignments. However even that has gotten better, because editors now call me with jobs.

I wouldn't trade this life for anything!

[ BK ]: Your e-book advises writers to become a niche writer -- specializing in an area. Why is this so beneficial in today's economy? How has specializing helped you?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: As I wrote in the book, you can write about many, many topics (which I do), however I market myself as a specialist because editors want to know that you're really savvy in their area.

For example, I've been writing for a computer magazine and they don't care one bit that I'm also a genealogy specialist--they just want to make sure I know how to research, interview analysts and write good tech stories.

As the world expands, I've found publications actually becoming more narrowly focused. Most of us have fairly specialized interests, and we want a magazine that focuses on that. As a reader, for example, I want to read about PDAs (personal digital assistants) which run on the Palm OS. I'm not so interested in Pocket PCs. My obvious reading choice is the magazine which really focuses on the Palm OS devices.

Of course, I have to confess, as a writer, that I still buy the Pocket PC magazines, just to keep up on the industry.

[ BK ]: How do you market yourself to garner assignments? For the beginning freelance writer, what marketing would work best to land first and repeat work?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: I think a beginner has the best chance by finding a market that covers a subject they know inside and out. Then, when querying, play up their expertise. Although they can certainly find experts to interview (and editors love this), it makes the editor more comfortable knowing the writer has that solid background in their field.

As far as getting future assignments--I *never* turn in an assignment without including a list of query topics. The best time to get that additional work is when you turn in a completed assignment. It works a huge percentage of the time.

[ BK ]: As you made the transition from a part-time writer to a full-time freelance writer, what fears did you have? Did you think about failure or worrying where your next paycheck would come from? How did you overcome your fears?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: You know, this was an area that didn't bother me. I had been working as a part-time freelancer for quite awhile, so I had a good sense of how much income I could generate.

I also devised a spreadsheet (which I didn't mention in the book, and need to put in as an additional suggestion). The spreadsheet listed all of my clients at the time. In another cell, I wrote the approximate amount of money I would get from a single assignment. I then did this for each client.

Next, I guessed at how many jobs I could do for each client in a year. Then, I let the spreadsheet calculate what my year's income would be. If it wasn't enough, I went back to see who I needed to write more for, or how many new clients I needed to add.

[ BK ]: In your e-book you advise writers to join Internet mailing list/s as a way to connect with prospects. Can you explain how this works, and how this can lead to getting work?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: I actually wrote an article for The Writer about this topic. Joining mailing lists (in your subject field) can help in a few ways:

1. You can find wonderful sources to quote or interview.

2. You can position yourself as an expert in the field--and believe it or not, editors do cruise through mailing lists in their genre.

3. You can use them to begin establishing your reputation. For instance, what if someone on the mailing list published a short newsletter - - offer to give them a free short article for it. Not only will that help build your clips, if you're just starting, it will start getting your name out in the field.

[ BK ]: Besides writing for magazines, do you do any other types of writing to supplement your income?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: I sell my Secrets of a Successful Freelancer book, I just finished an Internet genealogy book for a traditional publisher, and it will be out in the spring.

I also sell some great e-books on the topic of writing e-books through a site at http://www.thehowtopublisher.com Additionally, I have a local corporate client who hires me to write their newsletter, Web content, ads, etc. This is a new area for me and I really love it.

I love the business side of writing, so spreading out to these other fields is a natural for me.

[ BK ]: You have your own web site that provides prospective clients with information about yourself, your skills, and samples of your work. How has your web site helped your writing business? Do you recommend writers have their own web sites as well?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: My site has definitely helped me get new clients. When I query an editor who doesn't know my work, it's just so easy to refer them to my site--they can see which publications I've written for, and my writing style.

If you want to be a successful freelancer, I think you really have to have a Web site. And, one that is easy to navigate and not filled with annoying graphics. Editors just want to get in, see who you are and get out.

I also *strongly* recommend that you get your own domain name and pay for a hosting company. It looks so much more professional.

[ BK ]: With more than 1,500 shorts and feature articles to your portfolio, you're a very prolific writer. How do you keep yourself going from day to day and avoid laziness and boredom over the long term?

NANCY HENDRICKSON: Good question. I write about a variety of subjects, so that keeps my brain occupied and interested. Even when I write for the same market, there are many, many topics to research, and I like that very much. For example, in my work for my current computer clients, I may write a hands-on review of 10 software programs and then the next week do a roundup, and the next week a piece on how to get the most from a specific program.

Another thing that keeps me busy and interested is my www.thehowtopublisher.com work. I like creating the business, writing the newsletter for it, and finding fun ways to market it. I'm never bored with my work.
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Nancy’s ebook, “Secrets of a Successful Freelancer,” is a detailed blueprint which will help any serious writer jump-start their freelance writing career. Her ebook sells for $16.95 and is sold at WritingCareer.com, an online ebook store, located at http://www.writingcareer.com/nhb001.shtml
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Brian Konradt is a freelance writer and graphic designer based in South Carolina.

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Sowing the Seeds of Opportunity: How to Multiply Your Freelance (Writing) Work   - by Brian Konradt

You can turn your $200 fee to write a press release into $2,000 to carry out an entire PR campaign simply by convincing clients to invest in campaigns, instead of individual assignments. Campaigns achieve better results and cost less in the long-term for clients, compared to individual assignments. And, of course, as the freelancer, you get paid much more for turning out a succession of assignments that assimilate a successful campaign.

Here's how to multiply your writing sales by convincing clients to invest in long-term campaigns, instead of short-term individual assignments.

• Know the short-term and long-term results. A client approaches you to write a brochure. He may or may not know that his product can also benefit from other types of promotional pieces, such as ads, direct mail, news releases, websites, and so on, to sell his product or service. Your job is to educate the client. The brochure may be the first promotional piece in a consortium of promotional pieces. Here, you must know the short-term and long-term view results of the brochure.

The short-term results are the results the brochure will achieve for the client; and the long-term results are the results the brochure will achieve/contribute for the entire campaign. It answers the questions, "How do the results of this brochure fit into the entire campaign?" and "How can these results be strengthened with other forms of promotional materials?"

Show the client how a campaign, that's comprised of a succession of assignments, can achieve — and exceed — his expectations and outsell and outdo the performance of a single assignment.

• Use "tie-in" services. Whenever a client approaches you with a single assignment, ask yourself what tie-in services can supplement the single assignment. A news release achieves better results when it's accompanied with a photo. And a press kit — complete with press releases, photos, brochures, and company information — can achieve better results than a single press release. All of these extra tie-in services can turn writing a single press release into multiple writing sales.

• Offer the "concept to completion" benefit. Instead of pitching yourself as a freelancer who can write newsletter copy, pitch yourself as a freelancer who produces newsletters, from copy to completion. You multiply your income by outsourcing parts of the job and delivering a finished product, not a piece of the product. You also can extend your "concept to completion" services by pitching yourself as a marketing consultant, in which you make recommendations to the client as to the best way to market the newsletter.

• Develop strong consultative skills. Besides selling your freelance services, also offer consulting services. Clients pay you to explain ideas, concepts, recommendations and turnkey solutions as to the best way to achieve the results they desire. Consulting with clients can lead to securing freelance work, since clients realize you have the skills and expertise to undertake the task.

• Know the future needs of clients. Clients come with present needs — and future needs. A client may hire you to write a newsletter now, but they'll also consider you for future work if you know what their future needs are and how to fulfill them. The company may be ushering in a new product line, creating a new division within the company, sponsoring a charity event, or creating a website. All of these future events need a freelancer to do promotional writing and freelance work. That's you. Your job is to show clients how you'll address their future needs with solutions that'll increase their profitability and/or productivity. This is usually accomplished with a proposal through which you pitch yourself as the freelancer who has the solutions to undertake the future tasks.

• Use proposals to secure work. Proposals are an inclusive persuasion tool to convince prospects that you can increase their profitability and/or productivity with your freelance services. Proposals specifically show the client how you intend to achieve the desired results, the time and costs involved, and why you and your solutions are the best choices to boost the company's profits.

• Adaptations. Any of your freelance writing services can be adapted for websites, turning a single assignment into two assignments. Get paid to write a press release or brochure, and then get paid again to adapt the copy digitally.

• Add-on services, such as desktop publishing services, marketing consulting, compiling and selling media lists, and project coordinating can help multiply your work and your income.

Brian Konradt is a former freelance copywriter and graphic designer, and founder of FreelanceWriting.Com (http://www.freelancewriting.com), a free web site dedicated to help writers master the business and creative sides of freelance writing.

An Interview with JENNIE S. BEV, author of "Write Industry Reports"
by Brian Konradt

JENNIE S. BEV is a successful industry researcher, author, publicist, management consultant and instructional designer with several published book-length manuscripts and reports, three books and 800 articles under her belt. Her bylines have appeared in tens of regional, national and international publications in the United States, Canada and Southeast Asia. She is the author of the highly praised FabJob.com Guide to Become a Management Consultant. She also manages an online book review club, BookReviewClub.com, to advocate the love of reading to all ages.

[ BK ]: You've written two e-books so far. Tell us the process of writing an e-book, and why you decided to write your material in e-book format? What have been the advantages?

JENNIE S. BEV: Writing an e-book is just like writing any other books. Tenacity, ability to focus and stamina to convey compelling messages from start to finish determine the quality of the finished book (or e-book).

I personally don't have any preference over the format of books, because it is not as important as the value of information contained therein. Since the writing process is the same in both formats, e-books should receive increased acceptance in the literary world, which, fortunately, is already happening.

My forthcoming book, which is an industry report, will be paper-based. As soon as I complete it in a few more weeks, I'll be writing another e-book and a paper-based book. You can see how varied the formats of my books are.

Both electronic and print formats have their own advantages and disadvantages, of course. And one is better than the other.

E-books, for instance, allow the author to include direct hyperlinks to the referencing sources, which can be extremely valuable for books that "teach," such as how-to books. This way, the readers will be directly referred to Web sites for more in-depth information without having to spend countless hours searching for additional information that support the information contained in the e-book.

However, since e-books must be viewed on a computer screen (or other e-book reader device), it is less handy than print books. Unless the reader uses a handheld e-book device, it would be impossible to read in a bathtub, for instance.

[ BK ]: You recently were named a finalist in the Non-Fiction How-To Category of the 2003 Eppie Awards for excellence in electronic publishing. Did you know your e-book, "Guide Become a Management Consultant" was going to become a big success? What do you think contributed to this e-book's success? Is it the writing, publishing, or marketing?

JENNIE S. BEV: You made me blush. Honestly, I was not expecting any award or official recognition for "FabJob.com Guide to Become a Management Consultant." I simply tried my best to write the most comprehensive reference for people who are looking for ways to break into and succeed in management consultant.

In that e-book, I also interviewed 15 experienced management consultants, some of whom are best-selling authors and renowned well-respected professionals. This effort alone demonstrates my passion, which is very important in birthing a valuable book.

I honestly think no writer should write for an award because it would distract him or her from the ultimate goal: writing a book of distinctive quality. As a Zen master said, "live for the moment." When you're eating, eat. When you're sleeping, sleep. When you are writing, write.

Ah, I've been talking as if I had won already. The winners will be announced in March 2003, so I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. (Updates will be posted on www.WritingGigs.com.)

All the three factors (the writing, publishing and marketing) play important roles in creating a successful book (or e-book). An author can write the best book in the world, but without proper publishing package (the formatting and final touches) and publicity/marketing efforts, nobody would buy it.

[ BK ]: Can you describe your typical workday?

JENNIE S. BEV: In my ideal day, I read one book and write at least 1,000 words. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I wake up at around 7 and go to bed at midnight. I go to my neighborhood gym every other day or at anytime when writer's block strikes.

[ BK ]: You have over 800 articles published. How do you stay so prolific?

JENNIE S. BEV: As a full-time writer, I write for at least 4 hours per day. I use the other half working day to perform some research (if needed) and to take care of my balance with exercising and having a social life. Mental and physical balance are very important to keep my writing flows. When I'm stressed out, I usually cannot perform well.

[ BK ]: Can you share some of your strategies on how you successfully sell your writing to editors and publishers? Any secrets?

JENNIE S. BEV: No secrets. Just keep persisting and be prepared for rejections. A professional writer handles rejections professionally. It's never about you; it's about different needs. Make it a part of life, don't sweat it.

[ BK ]: Your newest e-book, "Write Industry Reports" helps writers write industry reports for research firms and earn big bucks. How did you first hear about this type of writing? What are the advantages to writing for research firms?

JENNIE S. BEV: As a business writer, I often search for specific data, such as statistics or other business intelligence information. One day I "bumped" into industry reports and was astonished by the ridiculously high price. Many of them are more than $3,000 a piece. "That's way too expensive for my research," I thought.

This incident sparked my curiosity about writing industry reports. I wanted to know more about this high-priced publications: what they really are, who writes them and, of course, if I can write one. My search revealed that many research firms do hire freelance writers to write such reports, although most likely they also employ full-time researchers.

The advantages to writing for research firms?

First, you will learn as you go along. You will find new methodologies to search for specific information. You will become more proficient in the research and writing vocations.

Second, the PAY is incredibly high. From my experience, research firms pay up to 25 percent of the retail price in royalties. If your report is priced at $3,000, it translates to $750 in royalties PER SALE for you.

More importantly, since the payment is in residual income, you'll keep getting paid without putting forth extra work as long as your report is still being sold. Naturally $5,000 in royalties per month is highly feasible.

[ BK ]: How did you first get started as a writer? What keeps you motivated and disciplined?

JENNIE S. BEV: I started writing when I was in college. The more I was proficient with research skills, the more articles I wrote. When I graduated with my Bachelor's, I already had a strong passion to write.

Motivated? Disciplined? That's a tough question. Perhaps my love for writing more than anything else keeps me positive despite all of the ups and downs of the profession. Other than that, I have voices to be heard, bills to pay, and bylines to show.

[ BK ]: How has the Internet contributed to the success of your career?

JENNIE S. BEV: During the dot-com explosion years, I wrote for many Web sites and served as managing editor, contributor and channel manager, which gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to publish over 700 articles within a short period of time. Today, my e-books are my babies. Whenever a copy is sold (on the Internet), I feel reinforced to write even better and more e-books!

[ BK ]: What's the best advice you ever received from another writer? What advice would you give a writer who wants to be successful?

JENNIE S. BEV: The best advice? "Everybody has a story tell, so tell yours in a compelling way and be proud of it."

Advice for other writers? "Set your mind and heart for success, you deserve it. If some skeptics say you can't write and you can't make a living out of it, don't let their opinions get in the way of your success."

[ BK ]: What's one piece of advice you can give to help a writer boost his/her sales this year?

JENNIE S. BEV: The best way to earn a living as a writer is by earning residual income (royalties). This way, as long as your writing -- most likely in the form of a book or an e-book -- is still being sold, you can still earn without having to put forth extra work. Use your time to write for more royalty-earning books (or e-books) to create a snowballing effect.

My latest e-book entitled "Write Industry Reports: Work at Home and Start Earning $5,000 in Royalties per Month" clearly shows how to earn thousands of dollars from one book alone. Unlike in publishing other types of books, which only pay a few dollars per sold book, industry report authors enjoy much higher royalties per book. Why? Because the books help companies to see a clearer picture of their industry.

"Write Industry Reports: Work at Home and Start Earning $5,000 in Royalties per Month" covers everything from the A to Z of industry report writing so you can start earning more this year. I've included access to over 450 research firms for you to begin with.

Have more questions? Ask me directly via industrywriter@writinggigs.com.
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Jennie's latest ebook, "Write Industry Reports: Work at Home and Start Earning $5,000 in Royalties per Month" reveals her quietly-whispered secrets to earn residual income from your writing and research skills.

Jennie's ebook is sold online at WritingCareer.com (http://www.writingcareer.com/bev001.shtml), an online ebook store.
© 2003 BRIAN S. KONRADT