About.com

You MUST Backup Your Computer- I Recommend Mozy

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:03:20 +0000

Dearest, dearest writers,

You must backup your computer. You just have to. I cannot tell you how important it is that you not put this task off.

I've been with Mozy.com for a couple years now, after I almost lost hundreds of family photos from my family computer. It was scary. I had insomnia for 3 nights while my tech guy worked on recovering the photos from the hard drive. I lost everything else- a whole year and a half of freelancing files- but he got me the photos of my babies back!!

...

Read Full Post

One Last Invite for Pinterest for Writers

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:58:29 +0000

I just added three very funny graphics on what it means to be a writer at my Pinterest account. I invite you to "follow me" (or whatever the Pinterest vernacular is) at http://pinterest.com/allenacat/ to see them. Very funny stuff- good way to start a Monday.

Are These Dismal Freelance Writing Job Numbers? 2% of Jobs?

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:25:23 +0000

Dearest readers,

Brace yourselves.

Following is my report on freelance writing job searching January 1-February 11 (today). It's not pretty.

I have three regular customers right now: a regional magazine for which I'm the managing editor, this site, and a nonprofit communications agency that sends me a couple hours of media work and translation per week.

...

Read Full Post

Do You Want to Know About Shady Clients or Shady Practices?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:50:05 +0000

How about clients who are just plain rude and condescending? Clients who make you jump through hoops and waste your work hours, then reveal that they pay pennies? How about clients who put you through free samples and tests, but don't send feedback, or answer with a form letter?

...

Read Full Post

Where Did You Find Your Best Client?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:16:37 +0000

I was just poking around on Idealist, and remembered that's where I found one of my best clients.

This nonprofit was hiring for a (full time) media position that spoke to me, specifically looking for someone in my freelance writing niche (Latino interests/Immigration Reform). The application deadline was one day past, but my excitement was overwhelming. So I wrote to the director and asked if he'd take my credentials into consideration, despite the deadline.

...

Read Full Post

Solution to "Free Samples"?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:45:32 +0000

We've talked about freelance writing job clients asking for free samples several times. There are several annoyances to this, but I want to talk about something new here.

I recently did a free sample of translation (another service my company offers). I don't know why I did. I should not have. But it was a big name client, and I wanted the job.

...

Read Full Post

Pinterest: What Small Businesses Must Know

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:17:03 +0000

Last week, I wrote Secrets Writers Should Know About Pinterest, and I realized there are slightly different uses of the platform for freelancers. So, please, check out my second article on Pinterest: What Small Businesses and Freelancers Should Know About Pinterest.

Pinterest Secrets for Writers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:04:16 +0000

Have you discovered Pinterest? All my friends are suddenly addicted. Check out my new article Pinterest Secrets for Writers. Oh, and if you managed to snag an invite at Pinterest, be sure to follow my writing boards here.

Are You a Writer Or a Salesman?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:30:02 +0000

I say you're both (and so am I). See why here: Writing as Sales.

What Are These 1099 Things I Keep Getting?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:15:01 +0000

If you're wondering what all those 1099s in your mailbox are, be sure to check out this article: Freelance Tax By the Numbers