One of the difficulties of being a freelance writer is establishing a pace. In all of my 30+ years as a freelance writer, I’ve never found that perfect balance—that ideal rhythm that keeps one sane—at least not for long. A writer’s life consists of long lean periods followed by insanely hectic ones.
I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with both scenarios. I still struggle to truly appreciate everything that the writing life brings. When things are slow—when there isn’t a client in sight and magazine editors seem to have vanished from the face of the earth, I panic. Rather than enjoying the quiet and taking advantage of the extra time, I spend too much of that time entertaining dismal thoughts. “Am I washed up as a writer?†“Will I have to get a job as a Wal-Mart greeter or a short-order cook?â€
Of course, I also spend that time frantically promoting myself and my skills while sending out dozens of query letters and reprints each day. This is also an opportunity to promote my books and I do that, as well.
And then something happens. I receive an assignment letter from an editor and then another. A potential client contacts me and then another and another. I get a call from the director of a writers’ organization asking me to speak at their upcoming conference. Soon I am too busy to sit down and write my blog and I start complaining that I have no free time.
Is there no satisfying this freelance writer? Is there no balance in this profession? It’s a crazy life. Last month I had few professional prospects. I was in total promotion mode—reaching out in every direction, grasping at even the smallest thread in hopes that it would lead to work—any work, as long as it was paying work.
This month, I’m auditioning with 5 potential clients, I’ve been hard-pressed to keep up with the article requests and I’ve had 2 new invitations to speak on my favorite subject—writing/publishing.
I just finished editing a great horror novel. That was a spooky treat and it earned me a nice paycheck. I’m hoping to close a deal on a ghosting job today over lunch. It’s a memoir that has been requested by a major publisher. And Monday, I get to edit a self-help book for a world-known spiritualist.
In the meantime, book sales are up. I just received a check from Amazon.com for over $200. And reviews are beginning to appear in all sorts of venues for my latest and greatest book: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Order yours now at
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
I’ve started to personally recommend this book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book to everyone who contacts me about their manuscript. Yesterday, for example, an old friend and the editor of one of my first books, called and began asking questions about today’s publishing climate. I started responding to her when it occurred to me that everything she was asking me was clearly presented in The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. People who purchase this book AND read it, discover that it definitely contains a treasure trove of information.
I get more voluntary comments and testimonials related to this book than any of my others. It’s a must have for anyone who is contemplating entering the publishing field. I also recommend it for struggling authors who may still feel a bit out of place within the publishing industry.
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html