Most clients realize that the writing process can take a long time. This is particularly true if the project is complex and full of details. On the other hand, there will always be clients that expect you to work at the speed of sound. Dealing with a short turnaround time is never the easiest thing to do. That being said, it is far from impossible.
Here are three tips that can make your life easier if a client requests a rush job:
1. Negotiate as much time as possible. Even if you “steal†yourself another day it is better than nothing. You know better than the client how long it will take to complete the project. If you can negotiate extra time you should most definitely do so.
2. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. As I have said in the past, customer service is a big part of becoming a successful freelance writer. Although you want to be accommodating, you are only one person. You never want to take on a project that you have no chance of completing on time. Rather than do this, tell the client upfront that their timeline is unreasonable. You may be surprised to find that they are willing to change things around for you.
3. Get all the details before you agree to anything. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is getting caught up in the timeline, thus forgetting about all the other details of the project. Although deadlines are important, if you don’t complete the task to the exact specs the end result is a lot of wasted time for both parties.
It is never easy to take on a rush job, but this is something you will eventually have to become familiar with. To best deal with this situation, use the three tips above.
Are you the type of freelance writer that enjoys sending cold emails? If you are like most people, you agree that this is easier than making a cold call. Although you may not achieve the same level of success, it is definitely a marketing method that you want to consider.
When sending out a cold email you need to include all the right information. After all, you want to give yourself the best chance of receiving a response. Here are three things you definitely need to include in the body (never include attachments) of your email:
1. Short introduction. Time and time again I receive emails from people that are pages long. While I do not mind reading them, I find myself skimming from time to time. If you want your recipient to read your email in its entirety, use a short, catchy introduction.
2. Experience. This is not the place to write about every one of your accomplishments. That being said, make sure you include some details on your experience. For example, if you are emailing an editor for a sports publication you may want to mention sports related websites/magazines that you have worked for in the past.
3. Your contact information. Believe it or not, after sending a batch of cold emails I almost always receive a few phone calls. Not everybody will want to respond via email, so make sure you include your phone number.
By following these three tips you will be forced to customize every email. By doing so, you are improving your chance of a response.
If you enjoy cold emailing and hope to increase your efficiency and response rate, follow these tips.
Earlier in the year, I offered my popular freelance writing course at a discount. After hearing from a few people who are a bit strapped for cash, I wanted to do so again. Instead of the normal rate of $100/month, if you sign up at this time it will only cost $75.
Of course, there is a catch: I only have three available spots. I try to maintain low numbers to ensure that every member gets my full, undivided attention.
If you are interested in grabbing one of these spots at a discounted rate, contact me as soon as possible. As always, and especially with the lower rate, I expect the course to be full within 24 hours.
I hope this price reduction gives more of you a chance to get started!
