31 July 2008 341 views 3 Comments

Learning the basic commands, Come, Sit, Stay, and Heal are only the beginning when training your dog. In the same fashion, writing is only a part of the process for a writer. Each day we must dedicate time to put words on the page but being a freelance writer involves more than the time we spend writing. This is where learning to beg, fetch, and shake becomes a vital lesson when you dog train your writing skills.

Beg

Dog have this adorable look when they’re leaning on their hind legs with that pleading look upon their faces. Writer’s mightn’t look half so cute begging but it’s an important part of a freelancers routine. Ok, well, begging might be an extreme term but in a way that is exactly what it is.

Writer’s must go out into the world with their tin cup a-rattling. We need to actively seek out work. We need to become visable to potential clients and show them our talents and skills. If you sit back, waiting for work to come to you there is an almost 100% chance your career will never get off the ground. You’ve got to get out there, make eye contact, raise your paws, and truly show people why it is important they give you money for the services you can offer them.

Fetch

In the same way we must be proactive about fetching when an opportunity comes our way. Potential clients might post an opportunity on a job board, or a listing in the local newspaper. To a writer, these are sticks to chase down. There are a multitude of jobs requiring freelance writers that you don’t need to beg for. You need to fetch, grab the opportunity in your jaws and bring it home.

Other opportunities you should fetch are those that come by word of mouth. Anyone who has come to you, showing an interest, mightn’t be sold simply by the initial contact. They’ve thrown the stick, and it’s important that you do what you can to ensure their needs are met. Fetch their stick by maintaining contact and the relationship you develop may lead to jobs in the future.

Shake

Finally, with all these deals you’ve begged for or fetched you must learn to shake. Put your writer’s paw into the hand of your potential client and make a firm pact with expectations clearly marked. Freelancers should design a contract and make sure the terms are spelt out clearly for all parties. Get signatures on these documents. It might seem unappealing to you at first, as if you’re lacking trust, but the truth is, our freelancing career is a business and your clients will respect this business-like approach.

Some clients may have a contract of their own they would like you to sign. Read these carefully before shaking on their deal. Their contracts are usually straight forward and if a client has a contract they would usually prefer to use your own. It still makes sense to have your own contract outlines available if needed as not all clients will have one.

Stay tuned for next week when I’ll wrap up the Dog Train Your Writing Series!