Ask other Freelance Writers for Help
Are you afraid to ask other freelance writers for help? If so, you are missing out on a great resource for high quality information and leads. Early in my career I spent a lot of time sending emails to other freelance writers, and of course, talking to them on the phone. This is not to say that you should rely on others for every step and detail, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help from time to time.
What do I do when asked for help by a fellow freelance writer? This all depends on what I am being asked, and how much I feel I can assist. Just last week I spent an hour on the phone with a new freelance writer who I had never met before. She sent me an email asking for help, and I answered as many questions as I could while also letting her know that I would be glad to speak by phone if she would like. Within a couple of minutes we were having a conversation, and I hope that I was able to help in more ways than one.
Many freelance writers do not ask others for help because they have no idea how to go about doing this. If you are stuck in this situation, keep the following tips and details in mind.
1. Do not feel like you are bothering a freelance writer by sending an email. The worst that could happen would be that you do not hear back. From my experience, most freelance writers will do what they can to help others. With that being said, you want to make sure that you ask precise and direct questions. Not only will this help to ensure that you get the answers that you are looking for, but it will allow the recipient to help you out without having to read too much into your inquiry.
2. If you are friendly and respectful you have a much better chance of receiving a reply. As I have mentioned in the past, many “freelance writers” send me emails telling me that my income is nothing compared to theirs. But guess what? Two lines later they are saying, “By the way, can you tell me how you earn so much?” If you want a response, make sure that you are friendly; it will go a long way.
You never know what type of relationship you are going to strike up by sending emails to other freelance writers asking for help. I have met many people this way, and have sent plenty of work to those who have contacted me.
Remember, if you never ask for help you are never going to receive it!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Expect a mail from me at some point in the future so! Are there any ways to broaden contacts with other freelance writers. I now subscribe to absolutewrite, and of course subscribe to this and other blogs.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I never really did this, but I’ve noticed that people do contact me. I used to post in forums a lot but I never contacted writers directly.
My method is to direct them to an article, blog post, or lens I’ve written and then I tell them they can ask me questions after they read. It works out for both of us! I get someone to read my article, blog, or lens and they get an answer to their question! Or, I may write an article, blog, or lens based on their questions so that more people can be helped.
I’ve heard of some writers out there being nasty to people who come to them with questions. Why? It doesn’t make any sense. I find the books and blogs of others to be helpful. This is my way of adding to the knowledge pool.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Eamon, to broaden contact you can start reading and commenting on people’s blogs. Also, LinkedIn is a good resource to help you build your network.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Thanks Katherine, excellent advice.