Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with freelancewriter

Can I grow my writing indoors?

miniminimarket — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:06:34 -0800

I'm a freelance writer who mostly does entertainment writing, but I want to branch out into copywriting. What's the best direction for me and what are the next steps? I'm a writer and editor in my late twenties. Currently I write for websites and consumer print magazines about entertainment (music, mostly). I've always been interested in online stuff that a lot of work friends weren't keen on -- maintaining an online presence, social media, finding out CTRs on email newsletters and Twitters...

I've written a few press releases and artist bios, and I've done a little content writing. I think I could be great at writing web copy, with my interest in and knowledge of social media as an added value for clients. But if I were to do this, I would want to as a freelancer, since I'm already a full-time freelance writer.

For fun and learning I've read The Copywriter's Handbook, Hey Whipple, and many marketing books, both theory and practice, and a few new books on social media marketing.

So, next steps: What's the best way to build a portfolio? Do I really need to go intern somewhere or get a staff job before I can go freelance? What should my list of services include? And how could I use my experience as a freelance writer?

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice.

How to be a True Professional

PinkButterfly — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:27:11 -0800

What are the marks of a true professional? I am 22 and trying to make my way in the professional world after graduating from college last spring. I am a freelance writer, but I'd really like general advice on what distinguishes someone as a professional.

I want to be taken seriously and have been told, because of my age, I really must come across as professional and with everything together to avoid being taken advantage of. It also doesn't help that people constantly tell me that I look like I'm in high school (I guess I have a baby face).

I've read some past threads about business card dos and don'ts and one about professional mistakes.

What makes someone in a true professional, in terms of character and attitude, but also the practical things like business cards, etc.?

Thanks!

What is Equitable in a Book Deal?

Anonymous — Sat, 26 May 2007 06:20:03 -0800

I've been asked to co-author a nonfiction book with a woman who is an expert in her field, but not a writer. I have some questions about contracts and rights to the material. She will be providing the book's content, based on experiences from her well established professional practice. But she has no professional writing experience. And after several failed collaboration attempts, she has brought me in to finally help her finish her book proposal, so her agent can shop it, at which point we will write the book together. I have six-plus years experience as a fulltime freelance writer and editor. My question is what should I expect from our contract? We have discussed a 60-40 or 70-30 split, with her getting the larger share because it is essentially her book. But I'm wondering if there is a standard for this type of collaboration. Also, am I entitled to a share of the royalties, or just the advance and a fee for my work? Thanks!