Rather than keeping  this series continuing forever, I’ve narrowed down the list to the 10 best posts designed to generate traffic, and, I admit, many of these are my personal favorites to write.

6. Motivational posts - Most people need a little kick in the pants sometimes. Motivational blog posts are designed to spark your readers into action, remind them why they love their industry or hobby, or just make them feel good.

7. Fun stuff - A cartoon. A funny photo. A quick joke, quote or one-liner. These are the fun things you can put up in a hurry, when you don’t have time to write a full-length post. It gives your readers something new to see when they visit your blog and takes you only a few minutes to find and share. These posts, usually culled from other sources, have a great chance of going viral. (Who doesn’t love to share a good joke or funny picture?) You’ll also get the benefits of spreading the link love when you share the original source (which you should, of course).

8. Controversial posts – My post “Is Ghostwriting Ethical?” was designed to spark debate. It did, but perhaps not as much as I would have liked. Part of the secret to writing successful controversial posts is knowing what really sparks strong feelings in your readers.

In the freelance writing world, posts about money and rates generate controversy. It’s the same argument over and over again, but people never tire of it. When you post about a controversial topic, add a new perspective or a fresh viewpoint. Don’t generate controversy just for the sake of argument (so to speak). But if a situation has really gotten your hackles up, post away! You’ll get to share your views and generate traffic to your website. It’s a win-win, as long as you monitor the comments and make sure no one gets nasty about it.

9. News posts - When the FCC introduced fair disclosure standards for bloggers, this was big news for the industry. Many writers shared their views, tips and advice on the subject. The trick to writing a successful news post is either to break the story or to come up with an original perspective — to share insight you haven’t read anywhere else. (If you can’t be first, be the best!) You can also take a news topic not directly related to your industry and think about how it affects your blogs readers.

10. Videos - Like cartoons and photos, videos have a great chance of going viral. Since this is a writer’s blog, I won’t offer too many tips about posting videos on your blog. There are nearly as many types of video blogs as there are written blogs. I will say this: Even if you think of yourself as a writer, be open to posting a video on your blog now and then. You may find a whole new audience for your work.

Why types of posts have you had the greatest response with on your own blog?

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Is the true art in online writing in the heart or in writing technique?

In the last two decades, media has grown, transformed, and been reborn. Journalism emerged, centuries before the Web, as a career built on a solid foundation of higher learning. Students trained in the craft, the technique, the rules of writing for the early paper and newsprint medium. The news was about informing the people and over time journalism developed a sense of detachment.

Sometimes, newspapers and magazines shared story. Anecdotal tales with emotion and heart were included and these too were written with an integrity to the true craft of writing. Most of the world’s news came in concise, just-the-facts, reverse pyramid journalism format.

That was before the move to online media. Now Joe Blogs journalism has altered the balance of heart and technique in writing. These days, some believe all it takes to engage and inform readers is the ability to string one word to the next. Opening discussion, sharing news, informing readers, and gaining an audience has become open platform with a very low exclusionary threshold. If you have access to a computer and internet connection you can use modern media to communicate, inform, and educate. But does being free to share your own knowledge and experience make you a writer?

Is the title of writer open to anyone with a basic literacy skill?

You don’t need an English degree to build a successful freelance writing career. Heart will take you a long way. But to truly excel as a writer one must close the gap between heart and technique.

An equal balance of technique and heart can make all the difference between good content and great content. A compelling post mixes these two vital elements. A reader can be drawn into the story of your post or article with their heart through yours but keeping your reader on the page requires a well-structured use of language.

Very few stories riddled with spelling errors, grammar faux pas, and incorrectly formatted sentence or paragraph structure become widely popular. But even these complex technical considerations are just brushing the surface when it comes to really knowing how to write.

When was the last time you learned more about the craft, technique, and rules of quality writing? Do you continue to hone your understanding of the technical aspects involved? Where do you go to learn more as your writing continues to grow up?

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“Several years ago I worked for a direct sales cosmetics company. One main rule for that company was that you could not make a single phone call in the morning unless you were totally dressed, and I mean really dressed! All the way to dress shoes. The reason behind this duty was that you act different when you have clothes and shoes on. You are more professional. The customer can tell when you don’t feel good about the way you look. Even when you think you do. So if getting dressed makes that big of an impression on someone that can’t even see you, then what is going to happen to those that can see you. Mainly yourself.” ~ FlyLady

I recently sent a question out to a few social media networks – I was curious about just how many freelancers actually dress up from head-to-toe, as Flylady recommends.  While I can’t imagine dressing up “really fancy” just to stay at home and freelance (although I’m not trying to make it sound like freelancing isn’t hard work – it is!) I do understand what FlyLady is saying.

But apparently, quite a few freelancers are not dressing up these days…

Casual Corner

Meet some freelancers who live for comfort:

• “I only dress up if I know I’m going to meet with a client that day. Otherwise, it’s casual and comfortable for me.” –  Lorna Doone Brewer

• “Casual all the way. I only “dress up” if I go to the library to get away from the “home office.” – Reesy Floyd-Thompson

• “Casual clothes. Or, um, pj’s.” — Janna Leadbetter Qualman

Dare to Dress

I think as much as we’d enjoy lounging around in our jammies or “slouch clothes” all day while we write articles or do other necessary tasks, we know deep in our hearts that looking frumpy (sometimes) leads to feeling frumpy – and God forbid an unexpected business opportunity shows up at the door! Just ask Jenny Greenleaf, who says:  “After a horrifying “drop-in” last week, I *now* get dressed for work every day! No more jammies and chip clips in the hair for this writer!!”

Confession

I’ll admit, I’m a casual gal myself. While I definitely don’t wear pajamas all day, I do throw on the most faded, comfy clothes I can find. I mean, I’ve even referred to myself as the gal who “prefers quiet days, bare feet, herbal tea and raw juices and smoothies to high-end shoes and lattes in the city.”

I can’t imagine trying to write while being super dressed up and uncomfortable. Seriously!

What about you? Do you dress up? Dress down? Stay in your jammies and robe? Do you frequent a local coffee shop or never leave the house? Do you fix your hair and spruce up? Do you even brush your hair? Chime in and let us know! It’s fun to learn how different we all are, even though we’re all at home freelancing.

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

References:

Photo Source: Graur Razvan Ionut

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“Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.” – Quote Garden – Joe Paterno

In my last post about reviewing (Becoming a Reviewer: Where to Begin), I shared 5 tips with you on how to get started.

Today, I’d like to share with you…

5 Strategies for Reviewing Success

1. Honesty is the best policy. Always, always tell the truth – even if you find a negative aspect (or several!) in the product or system you’re reviewing. This is most important, especially if you’re a blogger or the author of a review column, etc. Your audience needs to know they can trust your judgment. Your reputation is of value. Your readers’ experiences are of value. Don’t be the cause of them spending their hard-earned money on products you highly recommend, but aren’t in keeping with your rave review. Keep it real.
2. Be thorough. Highlight details and clue readers in on everything you can think of to share – including fun facts or solid information about the company’s history, team and/or owner(s). Saying something like “oh, I loved the product… it was great” is not enough to provide a solid foundation for someone who is truly interested in purchasing the item you’re mentioning.
3. Follow up with readers. If comments are allowed where you posted your review, try to answer readers’ questions or at least direct them to someone who can. Sometimes we forget to include something they may want to know. (We can’t think of everything!)
4. Don’t forget the pros and the cons. Readers want to know both the good and the bad. If it’s a food or beverage, be sure to include how it tastes and/or smells, how appetizing it may be, how much it costs, and even list a few ways they might introduce this product to their usual meals or snacks, etc.
5. Openly thank the company/individual who sent you the product(s) to review. They not only deserve the recognition for their generosity, they deserve a thank you for taking the time to acknowledge you as a reviewer and give you the opportunity to sample their product, free of cost.

And, yes, I absolutely try to adhere to these strategies when I write reviews. I’ve grown and learned along the way, so I have written reviews in the past that were short and sweet. Each time I’ve written a new review, though, I’ve built upon what I learned from writing the previous one. And, so writing reviews is not only becoming easier for me, they’ve become so much more enjoyable as I pass on to the reader not only my thoughts, but valuable, honest information, with integrity and a genuine heart.

Do you write reviews? Are you thorough? Will you try to be more thorough from now on? Do you think it’s wrong to be paid for reviews? Do you think it’s wrong to receive free products for review? And what do you think about the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling for bloggers? Has it kept you from writing reviews? Or, are you just more cautious? I’ve always been upfront and openly thanked the sponsoring company who sent me products to review – I’m glad!

And stay tuned… more tips are on the way! Is there anything in particular you’d like to know? Share in the comments!

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Image credit: lockstockb

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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?

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“A bad review is like baking a cake with all the best ingredients and having someone sit on it.” — Danielle Steele

So, you want to be a reviewer. You see bloggers and writers reviewing your favorite books, products you’re drooling over, and expensive stuff you only dream of holding in your hands. But you don’t know where to begin. You can’t figure out how to attract the attention of the sponsoring companies, right?

I’ve been in your shoes. I used to dream of receiving products in the mail like the bloggers I read all over the Web. I used to fantasize about reviewing food, books, and other products on my blog. I had no idea how those bloggers attracted the attention of companies. I couldn’t imagine myself being able to achieve my dream of being a reviewer.

Honestly, I finally got tired of waiting around and reading reviews – I was itching to write them myself!

Packages started arriving so fast, I couldn’t even review ‘em quickly enough.

What did I do, you ask?

Tips to Begin Reviewing

1. Decide what it is you want to review: books, food, health products, office products, a variety of products.
2. Once you’ve honed in on what it is that you want to review, consider where you’re going to write about it: your own blog, magazines, newspapers.
3. If you have a blog already, this is a great place to start. Of course, if you’re already working for a magazine or newspaper office, see if you can be their go-to reviewer.
4. If you don’t have a blog, start one. Keep in mind the type of products (or books) you want to review and name your blog and URL accordingly. Also choose a theme that is either neutral, or reflects your interests. For example, my raw food health blog has a fruit and veggie theme.
5. Start blogging about products/books you already own, that are similar to what you want to review. If the product is in nice condition, take a photo of it to upload in your review post. If it’s showing wear and tear, simply find one online somewhere (be sure to read the copyright agreement) and then write your post based on what you like (and dislike) about it. Go ahead and name the company or brand and give credit where credit is due.

Of course, we’d all love to start out as a reviewer for The New York Times but since that normally doesn’t happen, we need to begin somewhere. I hope my tips help you do just that.

Stay tuned for tips on how to approach potential sponsors…

Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.

Are you a reviewer? Did you start out blogging? Do you write reviews for newspapers or magazines? If so, do you have any tips to share with us? Don’t be shy, share your thoughts!

Photo Credit: xaila

Reference: Think Exist

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Have you wondered about writing a guest post for Writer’s Round-About? Have you been thinking about joining the collaborative blogging project but just don’t know if it’s right for you? Do you want to know some of the benefits of writing for Writer’s Round-About?

Everyone, from those just beginning to inspect their writing bug to the experienced explorers of the writing world, are invited to take part in our collaborative blogging project but read on now to find out 7 reasons why you might like to join us.

1. The biggest draw card is freedom. Unlike Demand Studios you aren’t given a title for which you have to research or scrimp for words. You have the freedom to follow what captures your interest, fires your passions, or intrigues your inspiration. As long as you can tie your topic to freelance or fiction writing you have free reign to explore anything that interests you. You’re also free to decide when you write and how often you contribute. You are not tied to any specific posting schedule and can contribute several posts when you’re visited by your muse or one or two as inspiration strikes. Even if you post sporadically your readership will continue to grow because Writer’s Round-About has a growing base of contributors allowing us to publish fresh content regularly.
2. Qualified contributors are given the opportunity to subscribe to the WRA-Writer’s Mailing List. This is a huge plus because around once a month I send out a short newsletter packed with ideas, keywords, sometimes a theme, and some gossip about what our readers have been wanting to read and what we’d love you to write about. You don’t have to write about those topics if you’re fired up about something else but if you’re ever feeling short on ideas you have a well of inspiration in these newsletters. And I’ve got thousands and thousands more where they came from so if you want even more all it takes is a quick email and I’ll brainstorm with you to come up with some great content.
3. WRA has a flexible word count. 400-800 words (longer if prior arranged) is the bottom line. This is because this is the ideal length for blog format and it’s what I know my readers prefer. Most of them are busy writers, like us. They need inspiration and education; they aren’t looking for an epic adventure. But they’re also readers in the true sense of the word. If a topic interests them they’ll read several posts as it goes into more detail so series work well.
4. WRA also has an awesome, professional, human editor who likes to pretty up posts, is happy to make edits if needed or requested, manages the posting schedule for you so you can write your posts whenever you want to rather than keeping to a strict schedule, is easy going, and is a firm believer in only doing it because you love it. She’s not pushy, she’s not about to demand several rewrites or delete your content without giving advance warning. Um… Ok, enough tooting my own horn.
5. WRA is growing in popularity and developing it’s brand as a writer resource and community. There are plans in the works for expanding the reach of the site and the services it offers. There is an opportunity to get involved in the creation of electronic products exclusive to WRA and your ideas regarding the site will always be heard and considered carefully. It also has a standing history having lasted the test of time for blogging. It’s not a fly by night and it’s not about to disappear off the web never to be heard or updated again. Writer’s Round-About is also 100% financed and maintained by my freelance business so I’ll never ask contributors to assist with costs associated with running the site such as hosting and domain name fees.
6. You maintain rights to your posts. While I do ask for first time electronic rights you can republish your posts after they’ve launched on WRA. That means the post you wrote for us could go on to make money when you pitch it as a reprint to other publications or post it as a guest post on other blogs. We’d love you to give WRA a nod as original publication but we don’t require that because what you write will always belong to you.
7. Finally, clips, experience, and full credits, are pretty strong draws in and of their own. Some of WRA’s writers write for that alone. And the knowledge that they’ve got a ready-made audience. Writing for WRA is more effective than writing a blog of your own because there is a team of people working to promote each post and an established readership already coming to look. You don’t have to do all the legwork to find readers. It is also a great way to practice writing online content and if you want any feedback or advice regarding your writing I’m happy to critique or copy-edit your posts. And, your byline, bio, photograph, and up to three external links go right there on the page with every single one of your posts.

Are you excited? Do these fantastic benefits sound enticing? Do you have any questions?

WRA’s step-by-step getting started guide.

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I left a detailed comment expressing my thoughts in the moment, but there is so much more to this topic than surface opinion. James isn’t the first or the last to question “Free” as a business model. Let’s face it, as a statement toward the financial viability of a business it doesn’t seem particularly sound.

Why “Free” Works

Over hundreds of years, society has been opening the door to free thought. Now, more than ever before, every person is invited to express their opinion, to have their say, to participate in an expanding global community. This exchange of thought has always been free. Every man, woman, and child is allowed to share openly. The only bar to communication is an unwillingness to “give”.

Freelance writers, and professional bloggers, put a new slant on the freedom of self expression. The difference, primarily, is motive. Everyone could blog, that is hobby blogging. Professional writers/bloggers write with an intent to earn. They may still write because they love to write, in fact, it is almost a pre-requisite in this industry, but they don’t write to be heard.

Professional writers write for the dollar. Freelance writing is a business. (If you don’t acknowledge that you’re in for a hard haul toward profit just like in any other business.)

So, why does “free” still work for freelancers? Because…

Let me stress that again, blogs are a “platform“, NOT a product. Your blog is a showcase, a portfolio. It is your business card, the company logo on your car, the mass mail campaign fliers, the t.v. commercial, the full page newspaper ad, the press release, etc. Your blog is your advert, the quarter inch of niche you’ve carved out where you can say whatever you want.

How are you using your Ad space?

The real question is, “How are you using your ad space?” Choosing to blog is not the only way you could fill your ad space, but it is one of the most effective. Each post puts your ad into a fresh print run with a potential circulation in the millions. What is more, many of your readers WANT to read your ad. They’ve subscribed or searched specifically for you or the information you’re offering.

You have the opportunity to run as many ads as you have time to write, or funds to outsource. But you must make good use of your content. Remember, each post is an ad space; an opportunity to reach your target audience with an offer they truly want or need.

Consumers like to be informed, they like to be educated, they like to be entertained. Your readers also love to be engaged which is why blogs have grown to incorporate more interactivity.

Your content is free because it is not your product. Your blog is your commercial and blogging is one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise. The great thing about your blog, from a business perspective, is that it is a jumping off point for your products and services.

The Blog As A Marketing Funnel

Have you ever heard of the term upsell? It’s a marketing term. Let me describe it with a story.

One day, you decide to go to your local bedding store to buy a new quilt set for the master bedroom. The store has a broad range of products that seem daunting so you approach a salesman for assistance. The salesman is a friendly bloke (man to the non-Aussies), he is happy to help you find what you need, but to get there you have to walk past the king and queen bed frames. He ignores those, you asked about linens not frames and that need is his focus.

As you walk to a far wall where the bed linens are arrayed, this salesman, lets call him Bob, talks with you about the linens you’ve had in the past. Bob asks how you have been recently, he asks you about your favorite materials and fabrics, he asks you about the colors you love and the other decor in your home. He asks you about the bed, it’s size, etc.

When you reach the bed linens, Bob knows exactly which quilt sets to recommend, that you suffer heart-burn and back ache, that your mattress is sagging to the left, your queen-sized bed is several years old, you prefer 100% cotton sheets in shades of purple, your bedroom has apricot tones, twin bedside tables, a large recliner in one corner, and that your name is Jill. But, you came looking for linens so that is what he pitches you. He knows what to show you because he’s canvased your preferences so what he shows you on the shelf is exactly what you’re after. You’ve had a pleasant experience and found exactly what you wanted so you grab the quilt set and head for the counter.

Then comes the first upsell. “You know,” Bob says, “from time to time beautiful 100% cotton sheets in a range of purple colors and patterns are marked down. I could send you an email/letter or give you a call when we have something you’ll love if you leave your contact details with me.” Snag, ‘the list’, the right to contact you in the future.

Next month, you get an email, “Special deal, today only, purple 100% cotton bed sheets for your queen mattress. Buy two and get one free.” Upsell! Now you’re interested in paying for two bed linen sets to get one free.

A month later, “Did you know, aged mattresses can cause heartburn and backache?” (Remember, you mentioned suffering those symptoms to Bob.) “Improve your health and get a better night’s sleep with any of our wide range of circulation support queen-sized mattresses.” Upsell! Now, instead of linens you’re considering buying a new mattress.

This upsell action is one of the true powers of blogging. You’re blog is that first salesman. Blog Bob greets your potential customer, finds out why they came to you, and gives them exactly what they want, regardless of the depth of their pocket. That initial salesperson offers to give the customer more of what they want by leaving contact details (subscribing). It is then the platform for an upsell and can be combined with other promotional tools for maximum effect.

The most important thing is to provide the service that discovers what the customer initially wanted, delivers that, convinces them to subscribe, and continues to target their individual needs over time.

Is your blog your sweatshop or your sales representative? How could your blog more effectively showcase your products or services? Do you think this method is effective or could blogs be used in other ways to return a profit?

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“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” — e.e. cummings

As a survivor of domestic violence–and someone who has battled low self-esteem issues for years–I’m always amazed when I receive emails or comments (from readers, clients, and editors) on how confident I am. So, how have I built up my self-confidence? How have I found the courage to sell my writing services?

I haven’t really followed a specific recipe or any certain ritual for gaining confidence—it’s just kind of developed and flourished as I’ve moved forward on the freelance path. I put my thinking cap on, though, and have reflected on what has brought me to where I am today….

7 Keys to Building Confidence

1. Faith. Above all, my faith is what has brought me this far. It’s because of my beliefs, my prayer life, and my joy-filled heart that I’ve found the strength, the inspiration, the dedication, and the passion to keep going—even when I’ve felt like giving up or things didn’t look good.
2. Practice. Remember the old phrase “practice makes perfect”? It is so true. Write, write, write. The more you write, the more you’ll write. It’s a vicious cycle. Seriously. And as you continue writing and writing, you’ll end up building your confidence in the process.
3. Persistence. Maybe I should have said “dedication”. If you’re dedicated and persistent in what you do, you’ll eventually achieve your goals. I most certainly am persistent.I’ve often laughed while saying “I may be a turtle, but the tortoise won the race!” It may take a while, but if you’re consistent with your writing, your queries, your book proposals (whatever), you’ll get where you’re going. Just keep at it!
4. Blogging. If you’ve never started a blog, it can be terrifying but I’m convinced blogging has improved my confidence. Why? Because of the positive feedback, of course! The emails and comments I receive bring me to tears they’re so beautiful, heartfelt, and encouraging! On days I feel like caving and calling it quits, I dig through some of those positive notes and it doesn’t take long to feel the motivation kick in!
5. Social Media. Like blogging, social media has its place, in my opinion. Why? Because you have the amazing opportunity to carry on conversations with people from all over the world in real-time. It’s crazy and fascinating all at once! As you begin to open up to the world and show them who you are, and find that they are very accepting of your mishaps and very praising of your accomplishments, you’ll almost feel like you’re in Kindergarten again with a big ole smile on your face, so proud of yourself for making new friends. It works. Trust me.
6. Exercise. This really works too, folks. From walking to rebounding to my latest love affair with yoga, I find when I make the time to get in some exercise (especially when fresh air’s involved!) I think more clearly and feel more refreshed and confident.
7. Listen. This is where a lot of people fail—and not just freelancers. It’s hard to listen but taking instruction can carry you a lot farther down the path to success than if you ignore the wisdom of others and traipse along blindly. Case in point: Close your mouth, open your ears, and listen. The wisdom you’ll gain will not only help you build your confidence, it will help you build character.

Two Bonus Tips:

A retired school teacher/author once told me: “Michele, you’ll face a lot of rejection. Just accept it and move on.“ I have followed her advice and no matter how sad it made me and how bad my heart ached when my work has been turned down, I’ve accepted it as part of the freelance writing journey, and I have absolutely moved on.

Of course, I can’t leave out the fact that I have a strong support system. Not everyone has that. I realize I am truly blessed. But I still believe (with all my heart!) if you’ll apply the above steps to your freelance life, you’ll find confidence you never knew you had!

Photo Credit:
svilen001

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Simply pitch me an idea via email or go for it with a writing, editing, or web related topic. It would be fantastic to share the voices of a large range of writers and I’d love the opportunity to showcase your bio, blog, book, etc.

Drop me an email! I’d love to hear from you!

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