Articles written by Dawn Allcot

Do you find some writers “just lucky?” Do you look at colleagues who earn all the best gigs, find clients who always pay on time, write for your dream markets – and wonder what they’re doing that you’re not?

I hold the opinion that there is no such thing as luck. We all make our own luck (if you want to call it that). I hope that doesn’t sound elitist or unsympathetic. If you think you’re doing everything you can to build a career, but still see others achieving greater success, you may be missing an important element.

Do you believe you can be a successful freelance writer? Do you expect success?

Many people have never heard of the Law of Attraction. For others, their only exposure is through the movie or Rhonda Byrne’s bestselling book, The Secret. While the book is a quality introduction to the Law of Attraction, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

I can’t describe the whole process of manifesting what you want by believing you have it in one short article. But I’ve been using the Law of Attraction in my freelance writing career and I can share a few tips.

What is the Law of Attraction?

The Law of Attraction is simple. It’s a universal law, as constant as gravity, which states: Like attracts like.

Good or bad, whatever you are getting now, you are bound to get more of. Unless you change your thoughts and actions.

Freelance writers sometimes use the term “feast or famine” to describe this universal truth. When we have work, we have lots of work. We’ll get up early, stay up late, miss meals, and work around the clock. This, of course, attracts more work. We hate to turn down writing gigs, because we expect there will be lean times, as well. People consider it a rule of the freelance business, but it’s actually the Law of Attraction in action.

Similarly, when we struggle with writing, that feeling can go on for days and days, until we take action to change it.

Use the Law of Attraction to Keep Business Rolling

When things are going well, how do you maintain momentum?

Simply believe you deserve it, and expect more of it.

Don’t focus on, “What will I do if this streak of work ends? What if I lose this client?” Instead, focus on writing, getting your job done, and expecting more work. It will come – if you believe it.

The act of showing up for work everyday, or on the days that you have set as workdays, is very important. It keeps your mind focused on work. It’s not always easy to stay disciplined when we don’t have a boss forcing us to punch a time clock. But you owe it to yourself to keep whatever office hours you’ve decided upon, however flexible they might be. Keep producing, keep expecting, and work will keep coming.

Make Room for Good Clients

Work attracts more work, and good clients attract more good clients. Do you have deadbeat clients? Jobs you hate? People who are difficult to work with? Cut them loose.

It’s not always easy to find the nerve to do this, but only by getting rid of what you don’t want are you free to focus on what you do want, such as clients who:

• Pay on time
• Pay well
• Are easy to work with
• May be generous with their praise (if this is important to you)
• Will  refer you to colleagues

Focus on the Work You Want

Many writers want to write for glossy consumer magazines, but instead, answer ads for content writers. They get the work. They do it well. Soon, they are known as top-class Web content writers. But they haven’t sent out a query letter to a magazine in months.

Other writers get regular monthly magazine assignments, but they really want to write a book. Still, assignments keep coming in, leaving them no time to focus on their book.

I understand the necessity of having to pay the bills. But don’t expect what you’re not focusing on. Expect to get more of what you have.

Knowing this, you can make the choice: Do you want to take the chance and branch out to meet your true goals? Or are you content making a living as a writer, even if it’s not the writer you dream of being?

And if you’re settling: Why would you want to settle, if what you really want is there, just waiting for you to claim it? You’re worth more than that!

Visualize the Jobs You Want

One step toward making the jump to the writing work you really want is to visualize yourself doing it.

If you want to be in a consumer magazine, buy a copy of that magazine. Scan in the masthead and use a basic graphics program to insert your name into the masthead of your dream publication. Hang it in your workspace. Don’t have a scanner or graphics program? Write your name with pen. It’s your intention that matters.

If you want to write a book, create the cover (it doesn’t have to be fancy), with your name in big, bold print as the author. Put this near your desk where you’ll see it when you work.

To meet financial goals, place photos of money, along with a number that represents your goal, in a visible place. You can also print out a blank check from the “Secret” website and write it out to yourself, for whatever amount you’d like.

This may sound like “magic,” but it’s really about believing you can achieve your goals, visualizing yourself achieving them, and doing the work it takes to make it happen. Some people work with a Life Coach specializing in the Law of Attraction to help them. I personally recommend J. Sewell Perkins of the Success Coaches Institute and the Secret Abundance Files.

Note: I am a student of the Secret Abundant Files program, an advisory board member of its International Mastermind Group, and part of its affiliate program. The money I receive when you buy the course is a mere fraction of what YOU will receive when you master its principles.

Have you felt the Law of Attraction influencing your writing career? What will you do today to manifest the future success you deserve?

Anyone who’s worked in retail knows the adage, “The customer is always right.” That credo often makes retail workers cringe. I’ve worked in several bookstores and most people wouldn’t believe the customers we had to accept as being “right.”

I can cite hundreds of examples of abused return policies, mis-read signage where the customer received a discount anyway, and complaints where the customer was clearly wrong, but the manager made right. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

The policy is not an excuse to act as a doormat, but it provides a good guideline for knowing when to cut your losses. In other words, is the bad PR worth the money we’ll save by not making the customer happy?

The words “bad PR” make me think of the recent Southwest / Kevin Smith debacle. Director Kevin Smith was kicked off a plane for being “too heavy”, and escorted out of a seat he clearly fit in. He was right; Southwest was wrong. But even if it was a close call — even if he had to struggle to get that armrest down — Southwest would have been smart to let it pass. Smith had been a passenger on the airlines countless times previously, flying with no danger to himself, the other passengers, or the plane as a whole. Southwest, known as the friendly airlines, has spent years and millions of marketing dollars building a good reputation for itself. Was it really worth it not to let Kevin Smith — a customer with a powerful voice and a lot of social networking cache — just be right?

For Freelancers, Clients = Customers

When you are a freelance writer, your clients are your customers. What are some instances in which the client is “right”, even if it may not seem like it?

• When the editor changes your work in a way you may not approve of, but it is still factually and grammatically correct. Every editor has his own style, and publications typically fit the editor’s style. If the editor changes something, and it’s not how you would have written it, leave it alone. If you want to know the rationale, ask politely. But don’t argue.
• When the client changes his mind about what he wants, and expects you to do more work as a result. Unless it’s specifically written into your contract (and you should have one for this reason) that you charge for re-writes, you should do the work. The client will appreciate that you went the extra mile, and you’ll get return work. If the client makes a habit of changing his mind after the fact, you may want to consider ending the relationship.
• When you write to the client’s specifications, but the client just isn’t happy. I know a lot of writers disagree with me on this point, but I like to use this analogy: If I go to a hairdresser and I leave looking like Ronald McDonald, the hairdresser better fix it — for free. If I take my car to a mechanic and it’s not running well when I leave, I want him to make it right — at no charge. Doctors are probably the only professionals who can get away with not doing their job correctly the first time and then charge for repeat visits… but writers don’t have to live in fear of malpractice lawsuits, either.

Contracts Make it Clear
Again, the policy that the customer is always right isn’t designed to force professionals to act like doormats. Having a contract that clearly outlines what you will and won’t do for the given fee prevents misunderstandings, endless re-writes and wasted time. A contract helps ensure the client receives exactly what he paid for.

I don’t charge for rewrites and, in rare cases when a client is not happy, I will re-visit my work until it meets their specifications. I have many repeat clients, including editors I’ve worked with for more than 15 years.

If endless rewrites or complaints become a problem, I simply stop working for the client or publication. .. and I can count on one hand the number of times that has happened. In some cases, because clients know I will rewrite with a smile, whatever the circumstances, they offer to pay me for the additional work. Again, everyone is happy.

As writers, we are service professionals. The number one goal of a service professional is to provide good customer service. That’s at the heart of the “client is always right” philosophy.

What are some instances in which you’ve accepted a client being “right” because it wasn’t going to hurt you, even if you didn’t agree? When have you had to put your foot down?

I may be overly sensitive to “hard topics”. I remember getting scolded by my high school newspaper advisor for using the headline “Death of a Writer”, when a bestselling author died. “You always use the person’s name, his age, and the verb ‘dies.’ That’s it. Don’t be clever. Someone died, it’s solemn and serious.”

Got that? As a timid tenth grader looking to absorb every bit of news writing knowledge I could, I sure did.

Most writers face a circumstance where they have to write a difficult piece. Whether it’s coverage of a national or international disaster, an obituary for a loved one, or a local tragedy for your hometown paper, these assignments are never easy. But they are only as hard as we decide they have to be.

I recently covered a fire that ravaged one of the elementary schools where my husband works, burning the school to the ground. This made me think about the editorial I wrote for a school music education publication shortly after 9-11. The obituaries I’ve written. My story featuring the Columbine High School band director after the shooting.

How did I handle all of these? I don’t think the stories were particularly challenging, but they required tact and grace and, perhaps even more so than other topics, the right words. What else should you keep in mind when you write about tragic topics?

Reach for the heart with storytelling and details. Facts are fine, but tragic stories give us rich opportunities to really reach our readers’ hearts. If you can find the perfect anecdote, share it. Don’t be afraid to get personal, as long as you do so with tact, grace and sensitivity.

Use humor tactfully. One anecdote from the weeks following September 11, 2001, stands out in my mind. I went to the local Starbucks with my editorial assistant a few days after the towers fell, and we got in line behind a woman who was complaining loudly that she wanted a refund. She was giving the barrista a hard time and — being regulars there — our hearts went out to him. Her problem? Her latte didn’t have enough foam. For those who know coffee, cappuccino has plentiful foam. A latte does not. The story struck me and my friend as so funny, I used it as the basis for my editorial, to segue into talking about what is really important in life.

Get the facts right. People are hypersensitive in times of tragedy (just think about latte lady). They will notice if you write a beautiful story but get a fact or two wrong. Additionally, rumors and misinformation fly during disasters. Check to make sure names are spelled correctly and take nothing for granted. Fact check everything.

Make sure you have something to say. After the hurricanes in Haiti, a lot of bloggers capitalized on the popularity of the keyword with articles that loosely tied into the hurricanes. If you have something significant and unique to say about a global or local tragedy, write about it. But don’t look for a tie-in just to capitalize on keyword searches. It’s the cyber-equivalent of going to a funeral to pick up girls.

Use the opportunity to do good. When I covered the fire at South Bay Elementary School for Long Island Exchange, I wanted to spotlight local businesses who were helping. I also wanted to do what I could myself by spreading the word but, as the business and technology columnist, I had to find the right angle. Long Island Exchange is a locally-targeted website, and the fire has been big news for more than a week here on Long Island. I wanted to make sure the story had relevance for my readers and I felt it was important to include a call to action. The school is collecting donations of books, school supplies and, most importantly, cash or gift cards, to help their re-building efforts and to continue teaching in the interim. That was the point I wanted to make.

All the “hard” stories I’ve written have had a specific purpose — a statement that aimed to change people’s perspectives or to help them in a similar situation. When I wrote about September 11, I wanted people to slow down and appreciate what they had (even if all they had was a latte with no foam). When I wrote about Columbine, I did so with the clear intention of showing music teachers their role in helping students get through difficult times. When I write obituaries, I aim to evoke good memories about the deceased.

Knowing why you’re covering a topic is the key. When your intentions are pure, your passion and sincerity shows. As the Bible notes, our words can move mountains. Use them –and choose them — with care.

I’ll leave you with two quotes that are good to remember when you tackle tough topics.

South Bay Elementary School fire photograph by T.J. Allcot
Visiting Grave photograph by Marcus Lindström

Feng Shui consultants, sleep experts and probably many psychologists advise against working in the same place you sleep. It’s not a good idea, they say, to bring workday stress  into your sanctuary.

Until this year, I agreed. No computers in the bedroom. No television. No exercise equipment. (Experts say these highly-charged items also inhibit relaxation.) Not even a reference book. I did keep a pen and notepad near the bed for jotting down story ideas or recording dreams, but that was as far as I went.

Until this year. Some minor health problems that led to intense exhaustion by about 7 PM, a toddler who doesn’t sleep through the night, and a cold winter convinced me that the coziest place to work might just be in bed.

I’d put my daughter to sleep by 9, pull on my cozy, warm, fuzzy pajamas, and climb under the covers with my laptop. Now, my health problems are gone. But my daughter still wakes up every 3 to 6 hours and, to be frank, it’s February and still damn cold. On certain nights, the weight of my down comforter just looks too appealing to pass up. At this moment, for instance, I’m writing this from the comfort of my bed.

“Every Day is Casual Friday”

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t lounge around all day, and I don’t recommend that for any freelance writer. A few years ago, I was a big proponent of “looking the part.” I’d shower and dress for work everyday, the same as I would in an office. Granted, I’ve always worked in casual industries where daily attire consists of blue jeans, sneakers and a free t-shirt from a trade show. Seriously, the bosses couldn’t institute casual Friday because we’d all wear bathing suits to work. Or towels. Or worse. “Dressing up” meant a t-shirt without an advertiser’s logo on it.

So I basically continued dressing the part of “hip young magazine editor” when I became a full-time freelance writer and work-at-home mom. I still feel more productive when both me and my daughter are showered and dressed (complete with shoes) before lunchtime. If I’m doing a phone interview, I put on make-up. Really. Looking “together” makes me feel “together.”

I feel the same way about my workspace. I like my desk clean. I can ignore the three-week old toast crumbs under the couch and the fruit punch spilled on the DVD remote, as long as my desk is organized. It’s almost as if I can block the rest of my environment out when I’m at my work space.

Business Owner by Day, Writer by Night

Knowing this, you’d think I’d be the type of person who found it anathema to work in pajamas in my bed. But I don’t. I’m not sure why, but without my task list, calendar, and reference books in front of me, I feel more focused. I can write as if the only thing I have to do is the article I’m writing at this moment.

Like the cozy exclusivity of the bedroom, itself, which shuts out the rest of the world, writing in bed makes me forget about everything except what I’m doing at that moment. I don’t concern myself with social networking, chatting, or phone calls. By this time of night, business hours are long done, and I get to (ironically) work on my favorite aspect of freelance writing: the writing.

I couldn’t imagine conducting an interview from my bed (or even in my pajamas). Freelance writing is a business, and when I’m dealing with the business aspects, I act and dress like a businessperson. But I’m glad I can carve out this quiet time to pursue the part I love most about being a writer.

Your Thoughts?

Readers, where do you stand on this debate? Do you “get dressed” for work? Does it make you more productive? Do you ever write in bed, or some other place that people might find strange?

In my post “Breaking Up (With Clients) Doesn’t Have To Be Hard” I talked about ways to end a client relationship on good terms. But how do you know when it’s time to say good-bye?

Often, as I alluded to in that post, we let fear keep us in relationships – professional and otherwise – that we’d be better off without.

First, know this: To get the writing jobs you truly desire, you must “make room” for them. This means letting go of jobs that no longer benefit you in some way or another.

Trust Your Gut

Esther and Jerry Hicks, in their book The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham cite an Emotional Guidance System every human being possesses. If we can get in touch with our emotions, they will guide us to the right decision. We can get in better touch with our emotions through:

• meditation
• journalling
• prayer
• quiet contemplation
• music…
• or whatever method works best for you

When a writing job is not in line with our greater purpose and goals, our Emotional Guidance System sends out warning signs. If a writing job doesn’t “feel” right, it is probably not a good fit anymore. Ask yourself the following questions to decide:

1. Do I look forward to working on this project?
2. Do I push it to the bottom of my to-do list so it doesn’t get done until deadline time?
3. How do emails and phone calls from the editor or client make me feel: filled with dread, or oozing excitement and anticipation?

Procrastination could also be a result of fear that you won’t do a good job or the feeling that you’re “out of your league” with a project. Listen to your emotions and make sure this isn’t the case.

If you’ve been doing a job with proficiency for a long time, chances are you’re burnt out and it’s time to let go. On the other hand, if it’s a new project, larger or more high-profile than anything you’ve done before, your emotions probably stem from fear of doing the job correctly.

Physical Symptoms of “Burn Out”

I’m using the phrase “trust your gut” literally. Negative emotions can manifest in physical symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• “Butterflies in the tummy”
• Exhaustion
• An overall sense of dread
• Mild depression

“But I Need the Money”

As business people, we must weigh the practical aspects against our feelings. I would never recommend giving up a $1/word column that pays the better part of your bills each month with no way to replace your income.

Instead, continue the work and set aside part of the day to look for other assignments you’ll enjoy. Consider subcontracting parts of your current assignment so you can collect partial income and keep the door open to come back if you choose.

Of course, sometimes a situation becomes untenable and you have to jump ship and expect a life boat to be waiting. I’ve left magazine editing jobs under those circumstances. Leaving yourself with “No Plan B” can work, if you have absolute faith that you will succeed. Because if you believe you will – you will.

If you stick around in situations where you simply can’t stand it anymore, the harder it will be to leave on good terms. Your work will suffer and the client will see it. The client may even make the decision for you, and since freelancers don’t get unemployment, this strategy isn’t the best. Instead, get out while the getting is good.

Your emotional guidance system is the most effective way to determine if a freelance writing job is still a good fit for you. But there are other ways, too. Writers, what signs tell you that you’ve outgrown a writing gig?

In my last post, I talked about how to break up with clients that weren’t meeting your needs or didn’t fit into your business plan.

If that went well, you’re now left with clients you love working for. Shouldn’t you let them know?

I often struggle with this question. Of course, you want to let your clients know you appreciate them, but you don’t want to come across as a brown-noser either. I’m very interested in hearing how other writers show their appreciation.

Of course, there’s the obvious:

• Meet your deadlines.
• Accommodate re-write requests with a smile.
• Fact-check your work.
• Make sure you understand their needs and deliver what they want.
• Follow writers’ guidelines.
• Be polite in all correspondence.

But these are the basic things a freelance writer needs to do in order to get hired again and again. What can we do beyond that, to really let our clients know that they enhance our lives?

Here are my suggestions. Please share your own in the comments section.

Say thank you.

Perhaps this belongs in the “obvious tips” category, but too many people just don’t do it. Say thank you for assignments and for timely payments. If you particularly like the layout of a specific magazine story, thank the editor and ask him to pass your words on to the graphic designers. Look for any opportunity to say thanks.

It’s also nice, every so often, to send a handwritten thank you note on a pretty note card. I have one client who sends a thank you card with every check she sends. It always makes me smile and reminds me that she appreciates me. Thank you notes can work both ways.

Remember special occasions.

Many networking experts recommend asking someone’s birthday when you first meet, and recording the date in your Blackberry (or wherever you track such things). Send a birthday card to your editor or client on that special day.

Many people disagree on the value of e-greeting cards. Some view them as “just more spam.” I think some of them, especially the ones that play music and use animations, are exceptionally cute. Use your judgment.

A note on Facebook is nice, but, chances are, it will just get lost in the shuffle of birthday wishes. Send an e-card or, better yet, a real card. You can buy cute cards at your grocery store for 99 cents. It takes five minutes to sign it and mail it. But it means a lot. A handwritten note inside the card, letting them know you value their business (and friendship, if applicable) is a great idea, too.

Promote the magazines and blogs you work for
– even if you don’t earn bonuses and even if it’s not required.

This is one way to show clients you appreciate them – and it also benefits you. I make it a point to Tweet and promote on Facebook most of the new posts I write, and many posts from other bloggers who write for the same websites I do. I also share when a new magazine (digital or print) comes out. Your client gets more traffic, your articles get more readers – everyone wins.

Look for other ways to help your clients.

Maybe you’ve just spoken with a company representative whose products would be a perfect fit for advertising in the magazine you write for. Pass on the information to the editor.

Would one of your clients make a perfect interview resource for another writer? Share her name with the writer. Maybe you know someone who needs your client’s services… Your client will appreciate the referral.

These small things cement the writer / client relationship and send the message that you consider your client or editor not just “another paycheck,” but that you consider yourself “part of her team.”

How have you shown your clients appreciation recently? I’m excited to hear your ideas!

In the beginning of our writing careers, most freelance writers shamelessly accept any assignments we can get. The title of my blog as I was building my career was “Anything that Pays.” Of course, it was tongue-in-cheek. Pretty much.

Now, I’m able to turn down assignments, or even break away from clients I feel I’ve outgrown.
Or ones that don’t pay well enough.
Or when they say they will.

It’s nothing against them, personally, but I deserve better and I’m finally in a position to expect it.  I know that even if I turn down a job, something else will come along.
And that has happened.

Every time that I’ve turned down a new client or cut someone loose, I received a new offer or assignment within hours, for equal or greater pay. Often, it’s more interesting work than what I left behind. That gives me the confidence to continue being more careful about the work I accept.

In some cases, the client “break-up” didn’t end well. In others, I feel very good about how we left off.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m going to continue the relationship analogy with four ways to “break up” with a client. Some will work for romantic relationships, too. Others? Not so much.

1. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

This line isn’t condescending  if you explain it properly. I flubbed this one big-time with one client. I started to use this tactic, explaining I had outgrown the blog and am moving on to better paying jobs. But, I took it too far.

I insulted the content. I implied the blog wasn’t worth my time. I boasted about the “better work” I  had. I may have said it was “me,” not them… but they heard, “It’s not you, it’s me. I’m too good to work for your blog.” Ouch. You can learn from my mistake. When you use this line, truly accept the responsibility, and leave it at that.

2. “I just don’t have the time to devote to this relationship to make it the best it can be. If I can’t give my best, it’s time I step down.”

When you’re overworked, you can’t produce your best. Most clients will understand and respect that.

3. “I want to pursue other opportunities.”

This could mean better paying or more interesting gigs. It could also mean “opportunities to work for someone who’s not a psychopath.” The clients doesn’t need to know that. This exit line is polite, to the point, and leaves little room for questions.

4. “I can’t, but I recommend…”

This one might not work for a relationship break-up. “Hey, this isn’t working out, but I know you always said my friend Jane was cute…”  No.

Most times, though, clients appreciate the referral. If they liked your work, they will trust your recommendation. Passing a job that isn’t right for you to another writer brings good karma. Truly, everyone wins.

It takes guts and confidence to turn down work that isn’t right for you or to walk away from an unsatisfying relationship, romantic, professional or otherwise.

But remember, when you let go of something you don’t want in your life, you are sending a powerful message to the Universe that you are ready to accept more of what you do want.

I’ve been in danger lately of getting overwhelmed with blogging work. I have all my ideas on my editorial calendar, but with so many topics in so many niches, I often sit down to write and still don’t know where to start.

Which blog? They’re all priority. Which idea? Each one tugs at my attention, begging to be released onto the page. Which client? They all pay well and on time — no favoritism here.

I decided to take a unique approach last evening, almost like freewriting with purpose. I couldn’t find paper or pen so I grabbed my calendar and a blue, fine point Sharpie. (So blame any grammatical errors on the fumes please… and the fact that I often have trouble reading my handwriting the next day.)

I started writing. I had no topics or even a particular blog in mind. I let the words come, in the messy, haphazard way I write hand-written first drafts on the rare occasions I choose to.

First,  I wrote a post about types of blog posts for business owners. One Long Island Exchange column done.

Then I decided to blog about the entire experience here at WRA. In an odd way, the juxtaposition of the Sharpie, the calendar, sitting in my daughter’s room as she played for a bit before bed, took all pressure off me as a “professional writer with too much work.” (Is there such a thing as too much work?)

I completed my first post in record time. It is only now that I stop to think about what I’m writing, and, at this point the magic, the flurry, begins to vanish. The moment is gone.

Now I’m wondering about word count, graphics, linkback opportunities. (I know Rebecca and some of WRA’s other contributors have written about freewriting in the past.) I’m no longer writing. I’m “working” again.

And that’s not a bad thing. After all, those of us who love what we do everyday hesitate to even call it work. I am grateful every day to be blessed with this career path.

But for a brief time, it was nice to immerse myself in that “zone” — a writer, a pen (of sorts), paper… it’s cozy. It reminded me of a time when I thought of all writing as a hobby, not a vocation.

Writers, what do you do when you want to get back to basics — either to beat writer’s block, jumpstart a project or to simply begin enjoying the act of writing again and forget that you do it for a living?

In the first part of our two-part interview with Maine-based author Jennifer Greenleaf, we talked about her Virtual Book Signing Tour, taking place this entire weekend.

A master marketer, prolific author, mixed media artist, and mother, Jenny Greenleaf doesn’t believe in getting locked into one niche in her writing – or in her life. Her current titles include:

• 101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To’s & Ideas: A Beginner’s Guide to Messy Art With No Rules
• Maine Living: One Writer’s Perspective
• While We’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book
• While We’re Still Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book

Her goal for 2010 is 12 publications in 12 months. In the second part of this interview, Jenny shares her extensive knowledge of the publishing industry.

You have five books already published, and three coming out soon … how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing professionally since 1999, but my book writing experience started in 2006 (with The WonderDads Handbook for Raising a Girl Ages 0-10: A Month-by-Month Look at What to Expect, Developmental Tips, & Ideas for Activities: releasing spring 2010).  Prior to that, you could say I’ve been a writer ever since I could hold a crayon – it’s been an active part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Do you have an agent?
I don’t have an agent, though I did have an agent interested in my work in 2002.  I found him when I was researching how to sell some gift books I had drawn, then life got in the way and the project was put on hold.  The process of writing the book proposal and querying the agent was far more difficult than working on the books, which I found quite interesting.  I sent out 40 queries, and received one positive response out of all that work.

Who is publishing your titles?
WonderDads is currently publishing The WonderDads Handbook For Raising a Girl Ages 0-10, and I believe I found them through freelancewritinggigs.com. I sent them a query with clips, we did a phone interview, and then we sealed the deal with a contract.  It was a very simple process, and one I wish would repeat itself over and over!  I didn’t have to shop around the idea because they were looking for authors to write specific titles.  The rest of my titles are published through CreateSpace.com.

Why did you opt to go the self-publishing route?
I ran into a lot of “issues” with traditional publishers.  I’m the type of person who needs control over the book’s content, as well as how it is presented on the page… I found myself butting heads a lot over these issues and desires, so I decided to forego it all and self-publish.

I’ve noticed that, while publishing houses do offer support in many ways there’s still a lot the authors have to do. So, there’s a lot of marketing and promotional efforts put on to the author’s shoulders that mirrors the efforts made by the self-published author.

Do you feel there’s still a stigma attached to self-publishing, or is that gone/nearly gone?
For some there is, but I’ve seen a greater acceptance for self-publishing compared to when I first heard of it in 2002.  Back then, those who self-published were often referred to as “slush pile writers” who couldn’t make the grade.  Now, self-publishing is viewed more as a business model is better understood.  When I learned that many authors, like Julia Cameron, started out as self-published authors I realized that those who turn their nose up at it might not know the true history of the matter and how beneficial it could be.

Would you recommend this route to most writers?
If you have the background, why not?  I’ve been writing professionally for ten years, so I feel like I have a lot under my belt in terms of quality and proven ability.  I wouldn’t recommend it to a novice writer because, after all, learning the ropes about the craft and business of writing is daunting for many without throwing in how to successfully market and publicize the book(s).

Is it your ultimate goal to have these titles picked up by a publisher, or is that not a consideration with your business model?
My goal, really, is to get the work into people’s hands.  I would love to see these books enjoyed and used by many.  If that means the work will be noticed and picked up by a publisher, that would be something to consider.

Thank you for being so generous with your time Jennifer. We want to wish you the greatest success with your writing goals and hope your books reach the many people whose lives you want to touch.

If you’d like to experience one or more of Jennifer’s books these four are available from Amazon right now and remember, this weekend Jennifer is also doing a virtual book signing, if you email her a copy of your receipt she’ll ship you out a custom bookplate designed and signed by Jennifer Greenleaf.

Jennifer Greenleaf visits WRA!

You might have known her before as Jenn Hollowell, a talented a Maine-based freelance writer and author who married in 2009 and became Jennifer Greenleaf. This weekend she’s promoting four titles through a virtual book-tour and signing.

Writer’s Roundabout contributor, Dawn Allcot, had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer who has been writing for 10 years, and has much to share with both aspiring writers and professionals about organization, discipline, marketing and more. You can read more about her books on her blog, 12 Publications in 12 Months.

You’ve got a virtual book-signing going on this weekend. Can you tell us what that is and how you got the idea to do it?

I’ve decided to create a virtual book signing for a couple of reasons… Touring around to do face-to-face book signings just isn’t in the cards right now.  The next reason is because I wanted to open this opportunity to those who are living in other states, and even foreign countries.  For those who purchase any one of my books before or during the designated dates, they will receive a custom-made signed bookplate.

I heard of another author doing this years ago, but their name escapes me.  I remember participating in the signing, which was coupled with a message board discussion, and thinking it was a great idea.  Not only was this author able to reach their audience in real time, but they were also able to do it from the comfort of their own home.  This is a win-win situation for everyone, as far as I’m concerned.

Any other unique marketing ideas to promote the sales of your newest titles?

For the “While we’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book” series, I plan to send messages to Head Start and Advocates for Parents (and other related groups and organizations) about these titles. I used to serve on the policy council for the Head Start program when my children were pre-school aged, so I’m able to tap into that marketing avenue with a “familiar name.”

For all the titles as a whole, I’m going to schedule once per month virtual book signings (because several more titles are releasing throughout 2010). That way, each title can have its own custom bookplate and customers who missed out on previous signings will have the opportunity to participate again.

What are some of your most effective marketing strategies?

Social networking has been playing a huge roll in my marketing strategies. I’ve been able to use the “fan pages” on Facebook.com quite effectively in terms of creating events, sharing photos, sharing information about book progress, as well as links.  I’ve also found benefit in using Twitter.com to get the word out about my books, and book related events.  There are dozens more networks I plan to tap into as the year progresses.

Many experts tell writers they need a niche to build a platform, etc. Each of your books is in a different niche. Was that a conscious decision?

It was because I don’t want to lock myself into one particular topic. I enjoy flexibility, and I want to continue having the opportunity to write about whatever interests me.  I agree building a platform is important, and I’ll do that by building my name, rather than just one book.  I’m hoping that, when people hear the name Jennifer Greenleaf they’ll correlate that with “life” topics, rather than just one niche.

Has it been easier to market four very diverse titles at once, or has that been a challenge?

At first I felt challenged because I didn’t know which direction to take first.  It wasn’t until I was invited on to the 92 Moose Morning Show, and then Elemental Musings BlogTalk Radio Show that I decided to keep the titles in a group for the time being.  Then, I’ll branch out into segmented marketing efforts geared specifically to art, parenting, and travel.

Your goal is 12 publications in 12 months, and you’re well on your way. How do you stay so prolific?

I don’t believe in locking myself into one specific niche because I feel I’m missing out on opportunities for expanded success.  If the topic interests me, you can be sure I’ll be writing about it in the form of articles, blog posts, or books.  I’m an avid learner, and I’m also looking for more ways to educate my children; so writing has helped me achieve that in a very gratifying way.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I’m a mixed-media artist, and am frequently looking for opportunities to add creativity to my daily routine.  I love painting, using photographs in art, and working on collages.  This is another aspect of my life my children also enjoy doing with me, again further inspiring me!

Jennifer Greenleaf is visiting us this weekend and is happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to know more about Jennifer’s books, her experiences in publishing, or her years as a writer leave your comments below. Dawn continues with Jennifer tomorrow but in the meantime, check out her books:

• While We’re Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book (Volume 1)
• While We’re Still Apart: A Fill in the Blank Book (Volume 2)
• Maine Living: One Writer’s Perspective (Volume 1)
• 101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-To’s and Ideas: A Beginner’s Guide

“Each book has its own custom bookplate designed and signed by Jennifer Greenleaf. All customers have to do is forward their receipt to Jennifer once the purchase has been made, and then they will receive their signed bookplate. The email you need to use in order to receive your custom bookplate is jgbooksigning@aol.com“. So get yourself the book or books of your choice and get in touch with Jennifer.