How to use this Page

If you’re a freelance writer who does editing and promotes your services online, it’s no doubt you get queries from strangers. Dealing with potential clients who you don’t know is not a problem if all contact and work is done online. But, what if the client doesn’t have internet access and asks to mail his manuscript to you?

You might be shaking your head, thinking that everyone has internet access. Well, let me assure you that there are some people who don’t have internet access. So, if you’re contacted by this type of client, the question arises: Should you give your home address to someone you don’t know, even if it’s to earn money? 

The answer is NO.

Okay, so what do you do?

As a freelance writer, you need to have at least three strategies in place to handle the unexpected:

1. Have a post office box for your freelance writing business. Don’t give your home address to someone you don’t know.

2. You might prepare a questionnaire for potential clients to fill out. This will help you determine if you want to work with this individual. You might include the individual’s experience level, genre, a synopsis of the manuscript, writing affiliations/groups, and so on.

Why might having this information be important before accepting a gig?

There are a lot of people out there with a lot of ideas for books. I’ve been contacted to edit a nonfiction manuscript that explained how to commit crimes without getting caught.

Enough said on that.

In an article by Allena Tapia at About.com, she suggests leaving the questionnaire “soft” because down the road you may have a client who gives you lots of trouble and you’ll want to avoid that situation again. Being able to revise or add to your questions makes for a more effective questionnaire.

3. Have a note (some text) on your business website that explains you may not be able to accept all queries due to work load. This lets the individual know it’s possible you’re not available and is an easy out when asked to work with someone you’re not comfortable with.

You might also add your questionnaire to your website, giving visitors and potential clients an idea of what’s involved in working with you. If you decide to do this, you can create a separate page for it. Have the link to that page on your Services page. This will make it convenient for anyone thinking of using your services.

These are three simple freelance writing steps to help keep you safe.


~~~~~



RECOMMENDED TOOL:
How to be a Five Minute Writer

Five minutes is all you need! Mke Money Writing Fillers, Readers Letters, Mini Articles, Jokes, Anecdotes, Competition Slogans, And More.


CLICK HERE to learn more!


~~~~~
MORE ON FREELANCE WRITING

Writing for Money – Breaking Into Freelance Writing
Freelance Writing Work: The Possibilities
Setting Your Freelance Writing Rates

~~~~~
To keep up with writing and marketing information, along with Free webinars, join us in The Writing World (top right top sidebar).

Karen Cioffi
Award-Winning Author, Freelance/Ghostwriter, Author Online Presence Instructor
Writer’s Digest Website of the Week, June 25, 2012

Online Marketing Ebooks and Ecourses:
http://karencioffi.com

Karen Cioffi Professional Writing Services
http://karencioffifreelancewriter.com/karen-cioffi-writing-services/

Add a Comment