THE WELL-FED E-PUB - April 2007

Welcome to THE WELL-FED E-PUB!

Serving up food for thought and tasty tips for the prospering writer. Come

on in, sit anywhere and bring your appetite!

*****************************************

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 – APRIL 2007: OUR 60^TH ISSUE!!

HAPPY FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! (& That’s NO April Fool’s!)

*****************************************

WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE 2008 EDITION OF “THE WELL-FED WRITER”?

Details in Dessert and at http://www.wellfedwriter.com/helpwanted.shtml.

****************************************

“THE WELL-FED SELF-PUBLISHER”: www.wellfedsp.com

****************************************

ATTN: ATLANTA! NO-COST “WELL-FED SELF-PUBLISHER” MINI-SEMINAR!

Barnes & Noble (Cumberland), April 21, 2:00 p.m.

Details in Dessert and at http://www.wellfedsp.com/TWFSPevents.html

****************************************

MISSED JANUARY’S TELECLASS? “Thriving as a Freelance Commercial Writer”

Score the full 38-PAGE e-Transcript of EVERY word! Just $12 as an instant download! Details at www.wellfedwriter.com/jan07tstranscript.shtml.

****************************************

COMING SOON – “THE WELL-FED WRITER BLOG”! Stay Tuned.

****************************************

I. APPETIZER: NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE (OF SORTS) BRINGS FOCUS

Almost-Car Wreck Unleashes Gratitude and Philosophical Food for Thought

II. CRISP “FIELD” GREENS: DRILLING FOR CLIENTS?

Budding MI FLCW Talks Up New Writing Biz at the Dentist, Lands First Job!

III. MAIN COURSE: FLCW GETS TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE

LA FLCW Sees Mistakes Writers Make When Seeking Work, Offers Tips

IV. DESSERT: Sweet Success Stories and Tips

Ohio FLCW Gets the “Raise-Your-Rates” Message, Listens, and Makes a Chunk More!

TIP: Last Month’s Contact Manager Tip Spawns Another

V. COFFEE, MINTS AND TOOTHPICKS

- Want to Be Featured in the 2008 Edition of “The Well-Fed Writer”?

- ATTN: ATLANTA! No-Cost “Well-Fed Self-Publisher” Mini-Seminar!

- MISSED JANUARY’S TELECLASS? Full 38-PAGE e-Transcript – Just $12!

- AWAI Copywriting (& Other) Courses: Register Here, Get 2 Bonuses (no charge!)

- Well-Fed E-Pub Needs All Courses!

- How Can My Mentoring Service Serve You?

****************************************

I. APPETIZER: NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE (OF SORTS) BRINGS FOCUS

Almost-Car Wreck Unleashes Gratitude and Philosophical Food for Thought

I almost bought the farm a few weeks back. I was driving home late on a Saturday night, making my way through downtown. I had the green light as I entered an intersection, when to my left, out of nowhere, shoots this car going sixty. It comes barreling in front of me, straight through the red light. I slam on my brakes with both feet as the car clears my front bumper by maybe 12 inches. It happened AND was over so fast, that, for a moment, I could almost wonder if I’d imagined it. Almost. What I didn’t have to wonder about was the likely outcome if I’d arrived at that intersection a mere half-second earlier: T-boned at sixty right on the driver’s side door.

I’m not going to get all pious here, declaring that someone’s watching out for me (but not apparently for the others who, out of no fault of their own, weren’t so lucky on the roads that night). That said, it does make one a bit philosophical, as you “get,” not just intellectually, but viscerally, like no kidding, the old cliché about life truly being fleeting and that things really can change in an instant.

The next week or so was really good. A bounce in my step, an “attitude of gratitude” (as Zig would say), and life was full, fun, and promising. I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing, and I’m deeply grateful that I decided, 13 years ago, to carve out a life doing something I really enjoyed. What a wild, gratifying ride it’s been.

So. If you’re already writing and loving it, you probably know what I’m talking about. If not, are you happy where you are? Perhaps, you’re working on “finding your passion”? Great. Let me tell you something (and digress a bit). A whole lot of people spend their lives doing something they hate with a passion, while they hunt for the thing they love with a passion, and, because most jobs just aren’t passion-inducing, little changes.

I mean, I really like what I do, but am I passionate about writing marketing brochures, ads, and direct mail? Not really. It’s a great gig, it’s usually fun, but once you get used to the freedom (and you can get used to anything), you’re not walking around in a blissful state all the time. Most of the time, it’s still a job. That’s life. How about finding something you PRETTY much like to do MOST of the time? I’d wager that’d be about a 100% improvement for 95% of people out there. Then, from there, you can fine-tune it, move more and more in the direction of what truly lights you up, and one day you wake up and realize you have a pretty great life. I’m just sayin’. Let’s eat!

****************************************

II. CRISP “FIELD” GREENS: DRILLING FOR CLIENTS?

Budding MI FLCW Talks Up New Writing Biz at the Dentist, Lands First Job!

Got this fun “first-writing-gig” story from new Grand Rapids, MI FLCW Joseph Wright (joe@just-wright.com, www.just-wright.com), and he hadn’t even started his business. All he did was tell someone what he was up to and look where it led. It’s a great lesson in keeping the radar up AND that there's work everywhere! Enjoy.

****************************************

For the last two years (or is it three or four?), I’ve been “starting” my writing business, mainly not doing much of anything. I read your books and Bob Bly's, I’ve read your newsletter for a long time and been part of the well-fed writers Yahoo group, too. But I've always been too chicken to jump in and do the prospecting. That'll change this year.

Last week I went to the dentist to get some work done. Normally I take some light reading for the inevitable waiting time, and my dentist always likes to see what I'm reading and discuss it with me. For the last few years my choice of light reading has been Japanese textbooks, but last week I took “TWFW: Back for Seconds."

When the dentist came in, he took a look at the book and I told him that I do writing, editing and speaking/training. During the first break from drilling, he took another look at the book and commented that it must be difficult to make a decent living at writing. I was happy to set him straight.

During the second break, he mentioned that he was thinking about starting a newsletter to send to his patients. Bingo. That gave me a chance to mention that I'd been thinking about that very thing and told him the ideas I'd had for his newsletter. He finished up his work and left, but when I was making my follow-up appointment, he came back to ask me when I could meet with him to discuss his newsletter.

It turns out that he'd made a New Year's resolution to make a marketing push for his clinic, and a newsletter is part of his plan. By planning ahead, bringing the right book and Just Being There, I'm now part of his marketing push. It won't bring in big bucks, but it's a start. AND it didn't take a single marketing cold call or email.

Update: I'm officially in business now, since I received my first real payment last week. Now I just need to crank up the marketing to bring in a lot more of it!

****************************************

III. MAIN COURSE: FLCW GETS TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE

LA FLCW Sees Mistakes Writers Make When Seeking Work, Offers Tips

Got this cool and insightful piece on what it’s like from the client side of things from LA FLCW Andrew Hindes (andrew@theinhousewriter.com,
www.theinhousewriter.com). Andrew subcontracts some of his work to other writers, and he’s seen some good and some sloppy. Good advice and reminders for anyone at any level.

****************************************

Like most full-time FLCWs, I spend a lot of time pitching my services to prospective clients. But because I frequently subcontract work to other freelancers (who I usually find by placing online ads), I also find myself on the receiving end of hundreds of resumes and writing samples.

Sifting through this mountain of submissions has given me a new appreciation for what my prospective clients go through when they look for freelance writers. Although most of the responses I receive are from people who appear to be experienced professional writers, many are marked by careless errors, incomplete information and decidedly unprofessional attitudes. The most painful part is realizing that I’ve been guilty as well of committing all of these crimes at one point or another in the past.

In an effort to spare other writers – and employers – a similar fate, I’ve come up with a few simple Dos and Don’ts.

DO TRIPLE-CHECK EVERYTHING YOU SUBMIT TO A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT. This may seem obvious, but I regularly receive cover letters and writing samples with glaring errors. (A recent sample company profile began “Since it’s founding in 1993…”) Hey, we all make typos, but when your worth as a writer is being judged based on the quality of a few paragraphs, it pays to be extra careful. Even better, get a nit-picky friend to read everything over before you send it.

DO LEARN WHAT MATERIAL THE PROSPECT WANTS TO SEE AND SUBMIT EXACTLY THAT. In one recent ad I requested two writing samples and – to dispel any possible ambiguity – included the admonition “Queries without writing samples will not be considered.” Nonetheless I received numerous submissions sans clips, which I proceeded to delete immediately. Sure, one of these applicants may have been the next David Ogilvy, but I figure someone who doesn’t follow instructions when he’s SEEKING an assignment can’t be counted on to do so once he gets one.

DON’T GET IMPATIENT. Well, at least don’t convey your impatience to your potential client. If you don’t hear back from a prospect within a week or so, resist the urge to send a testy follow-up email. I’ve received several and I can tell you that even a mildly passive-aggressive remark like “A reply would be appreciated” won’t win you any friends. Instead, try saying something positive like “Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional samples” or “Just checking in to see if you have any questions about my résumé.”

DON’T SEND BORING WRITING SAMPLES. Although my ad clearly states that my firm (The In-House Writer) specializes in marketing and PR copywriting, I’ve received eye-glazing examples of legal briefs, job descriptions and technical white papers. If you don’t have samples of the kind of copywriting the prospect is looking for, either write something to order or submit a killer piece that really shows off your abilities. I hired one of my best freelancers on the strength of her hilarious first-person account of being a contestant on “Jeopardy!”

I realize few FLCWs count on want-ads for work, but I believe the basic principles outlined above apply equally well to anyone querying prospective clients or following up on cold calls.

****************************************

IV. DESSERT: Sweet Success Stories and Tips

Ohio FLCW Gets the “Raise-Your-Rates” Message, Listens, and Makes a Chunk More!

TIP: Last Month’s Contact Manager Tip Spawns Another

PB Note: I LOVE getting notes like the one below from Columbus, OH FLCW Jennifer Hodrodge (jennifer@jhcomm.net, www.jhcomm.net). MOST gratifying. I guess my rap to writers on shooting for higher rates is starting to land. Check it out.

Peter: I'm not sure how often you hear it, but I want to thank you for something you said in last month's e-pub. I recently did a direct mail postcard, as you suggested in your book, after calling some leads. It resulted in a nice 100-hour contract for me. When I was putting the proposal together, I debated on the hourly rate. You don't want to overprice it and lose the work, but you don't want to underprice either. As I was working, I got your e-mail and read about not being 'shy' to charge what you're worth. So, I quoted the higher rate, $15 more than what I had been charging and I won the contract. That resulted in a $1,500 increase, in just one project!

****************************************

Last month, in response to the tip we ran on Kurlo, a no-cost contact management program (www.wellfedwriter.com/ezine/march2007.htm), I got this note from Atlanta FLCW Mary McCauley-Stiff (maryms@5starwriting.com, www.5starwriting.com) about yet another one she raves about. It’s not a freebie, but it’s MOST reasonable.

Regarding contact management programs, I did some research and found a low-cost program called Contact Wolf (from Lone Wolf Software; www.lonewolf-software.com/contactwolf.htm). I like it so much that I wrote a guest blog on it at

http://www.marketingmixblog.com/blog/tools_we_like/index.html.

Your readers might want to check into it since it's only $29.95. I'm just inherently suspicious of free software. I've noticed a dearth of affordable software for micro-business owners like myself. Sometimes we don't need all the bells and whistles -- just enough to do the job. I was really pleased to find such a responsible and responsive vendor. I have emailed the vendor a few times with questions and they’ve always responded.

****************************************

V. COFFEE, MINTS AND TOOTHPICKS

- Want to Be Featured in the 2008 Edition of “The Well-Fed Writer”?

- ATTN: ATLANTA! No-Cost “Well-Fed Self-Publisher” Mini-Seminar!

- MISSED JANUARY’S TELECLASS? Full 38-PAGE e-Transcript – Just $12!

- AWAI Copywriting (& Other) Courses: Register Here, Get 2 Bonuses (no charge)!

- Well-Fed E-Pub Needs All Courses!

- How Can My Mentoring Service Serve You?

*****************************************

WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE 2008 EDITION OF “THE WELL-FED WRITER”?

Well, it’s past time to update TWFW, and I’m looking for submissions in a bunch of categories. If I select your story, it could appear in the upcoming edition of this industry “standard”! Check out the details at http://www.wellfedwriter.com/helpwanted.shtml.

*****************************************

ATTN: ATLANTA! NO-COST “WELL-FED SELF-PUBLISHER” MINI-SEMINAR!

Got a book in you? Wondering if self-publishing makes sense? I’ll be doing a

no-cost 90-minute seminar (and book signing) on self-publishing at the Barnes & Noble on Cobb Parkway (near Cumberland Mall) on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. For more details, check out http://www.wellfedsp.com/TWFSPevents.html.

*****************************************

MISSED JANUARY’S TELECLASS? “Thriving as a Freelance Commercial Writer”

Score the full 38-PAGE e-Transcript of EVERY word! Just $12 as an instant download! Details at www.wellfedwriter.com/jan07tstranscript.shtml.

*****************************************

AWAI COPYWRITING (& OTHER) COURSES: Register Here, Get 2 Extra Bonuses!

Six-Figure Copywriting, Graphic Design, Internet Writing, Fundraising, Health Market and more! TWO Bonus CDS: http://www.wellfedwriter.com/awai.shtml

*****************************************

WELL-FED E-PUB Needs ALL COURSES!

“GREENS” (200-300 words), MAIN COURSES (400-500; query first), TIPS (150-200) and SUCCESS STORIES (200-300) to peter@wellfedwriter.com.

*****************************************

HOW CAN MY MENTORING SERVICE SERVE YOU?

For details and testimonials, visit www.wellfedwriter.com/Mentoring.shtml.

*****************************************

NEW Subscribe/Unsubscribe feature. To Subscribe (YAY!), Unsubscribe (boo!) and/or update your address for the E-PUB, visit: http://www.wellfedwriter.com/ezine.shtml.

*****************************************

BIG THANKS!

THANKS again to Susan Cochran in Atlanta for her great editing/proofing prowess on the E-Pub. Need a good editor/proofreader? susan_cochran@mindspring.com, www.cochrancompany.com.