When you write for an online publication it is fairly typical to never meet the person you are working with. Most contact is established via e-mail and subsequent information/instructions usually follow in the same manner. With print, this is not necessarily the case–especially if you start local as so many print writers do.

Getting clips usually means working for smaller publications in the beginning–such as newspapers, local magazines and possibly even writing PR or marketing collateral for area businesses. While this may not mean you meet the editor in person, they are often close by–giving you an opportunity to reach out and sit down with them face-to-face. Whenever you are able to do this; do it.

In the greater publishing world, editors bounce from one magazine to another with astonishing speed. You can get an article accepted by a newsstand publication and not have the same editor by the time you are done writing the piece. Sometimes you may even get a query accepted, only to find out that the new editor has decided they don’t want to publish it after all. It’s tough to keep up!

Local publications tend to retain their personnel a bit better. Sometimes the editor at a local magazine is also the publisher or owner. Those who work at a newspaper may leave to go to another, but not at the pace of people who work for larger magazines. It can be well worth your time to cultivate these relationships a bit so that you become the “go to” gal or guy.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to take the editor out for a fancy lunch, but I would encourage you to try for a cup of coffee. Don’t just drop by their office with a last-minute invite either–feel them out about their schedule and see if they have interest before going for “the ask”. Keep it casual and close to where they work if at all possible, and by all means, pick up the check. After all, if the time spent results in regular work, it will be well worth it.

Here are a few solid ways to build a relationship with a local editor without being too pushy–and yes, I’ve done them all:

• Send a quick e-mail every month or two just saying hello and reminding the editor you are available for assignments. Include a little banter, such as asking them how they are doing and commenting on the weather. In other words, be polite–don’t just ask for work.
• Remember them during the holidays and on or around their birthday if you know when it is. If you don’t know their birthday, put that on your “to do” list.
• Send a brief note regarding something you wrote for the publication. For example, “I picked up the latest issue of My Local Magazine and was really pleased with the way my article on local shopping looked. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to write it for you.” Keep it simple and sincere.
• Send pitches on a regular basis so that your name stays fresh in the editor’s mind.

Do you have any tips for establishing or maintaining a good relationship with the editors at your local publications? Feel free to share!

Today we’re going to talk about setting some goals that relate directly to a career in writing for print. Starting the NY off right can set the tone for the entire year, so it pays off to do a little “leg work” on the front end of things. Here are five great goals to pencil into January that will help you get set up:

1. Re-tool your resume(s).

Freshen up all of your resumes and include any print writing credits you haven’t yet added from last year. In print writing, staying current is important. Most editors will ask you for recent samples, so be sure you have them handy to send out. This also means checking in on your LinkedIn content, Facebook presence and any other online “resume-type” sites you belong to so that you can update them.

2. Reach out to editors.

This time of year most editors are just settling back into their routine, so it can be a good time to touch base. Shoot a quick e-mail to those you have already worked with and wish them a wonderful New Year. Then let them know you are available for assignments. You can also contact editors at publications you would like to write for–this works especially well for trade magazines.

3. Brainstorm and start a “tickler” file for the year.

A “tickler” file is a big list of possible article topics that you can flush out when you have the chance–or check for ideas when you are thinking about queries. Brainstorm a big list of ideas and keep them in one spot for times when you need some creative inspiration. Add to it as the year goes–when you have an idea, just pop it in there for future reference. It’s a very helpful tool!

4. Set a few goals and order subscriptions.

Choose a few publications you would like to land an assignment in for 2012 and order a subscription to them. Begin to get a feel for what types of articles they run, what their unique “voice” is like and what you might be able to contribute. Reading a publication on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get ready to pitch a query. You won’t duplicate what they’ve already run, and you will come across as having a thorough understanding of the magazine. Believe me when I tell you–editors really love that.

5. Set up your system for keeping track of queries.

No time like the NY to do this, and it really is necessary. Web writing typically does not have the kind of lead time that print writing does. You can send a query and the follow-up time can be as long as a whole year. If you have something that is already working for you…great! If not, think about what might help you stay on top of this organizational challenge and set it up. Outlook has a calendar feature that might work for some people, smartphones do as well. I use a big desk calendar so I can see the whole month at one time. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but having a plan is crucial.

Do you have any suggestions for print writers who are going into the New Year? Drop a comment below!

On a personal note–I really believe in taking the time in January to do some extra legwork and log the long hours. Getting things off to a good start has been one of the keys to my success as a print writer. I can’t emphasize enough how important I think it is to swing into the NY strong. And I wish you all the very best!

That said, you can use that time to get your foot in the door if you are smart.

This time of year editors tend to work ahead or put things off until there is more time. Queries move to the bottom of the “important” list, and your chances are not great in terms of getting attention for your brilliant writing ideas. So what’s a poor writer to do?

Introduce yourself.

I use the holiday season as a marketing period. Instead of trying to sell articles, I work on selling myself. Here’s how:

• Update all of your online pages. Freshen up your website. Check out the bio on your blog and make sure it’s current. Add to your LinkedIn profile. Go into the next year with all your info up-to-date and fresh.
• Send out holiday cards. This is a great way to maintain relationships with editors, other writers and those in related industries. They don’t have to be fancy, but take a little time to write a note inside and be sure to get them out early.
• Do a letter of introduction. This can be especially fruitful when it comes to trade magazines. If you are qualified to write for one, whip up a letter or e-mail that gives the editor a quick peek at your skills and credentials. Keep it brief, and let them know you are interested in being considered for work at their publication in the coming year. Be sure to include all your contact information.
• Be active on the web. This time of year is a good one to join writing forums, make comments on blogs and generally get your name out there a bit more. Visible is always a good thing, and since it’s hard to find time during the regular year to squeeze this sort of thing in, now’s a good time. And if you aren’t on Twitter yet–jump right on that bandwagon.
• Be a scout. You may not want to send out queries now, but you can do some research on publications and see which ones you are interested in approaching in 2012. It’s the perfect time to leaf through magazines, get a feel for the style and voice of different publications and choose the ones you want to target when things pick up.

The holiday season doesn’t have to result in a big slump. Use it to jump-start the next year in terms of business so you are ready to hit the ground running. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself a bit too!

Any tips for using this time wisely from those who have been around the block? Leave them below!

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Glossies and trade mags are all well and good, but there are other things you can do if you want to get published in the print industry. Here is a list of some of them to help inspire you:

Greeting Cards

Got a knack for delivering a message? You may want to try your luck at greeting cards. Although this won’t line your pockets with the big bucks, it can be a great way to make some extra dough. Birthday cards are always in demand, but there are also markets for holiday cards, anniversary cards and others. Why not try it out? Brainstorm some ideas and jot them down to smooth out and work through. It can be a fun change of pace.

Calendars

Some calendars have text instead of photos–or in addition to them. Again, this may not make your car payment, but it can round out your monthly bottom line.

Newsletters

Some businesses hire professional writers to author a newsletter for one reason or another. Sometimes it is an in-house deal, while other times it is more promotional.

Brochures

Marketing copy is another area you may want to consider. Brochures, press kits and other “collateral” as it is referred to in the industry is always in demand.

Custom Publications

Not quite a trade mag, custom publications are usually those written by a particular organization. Sometimes they are produced by the group itself, but they are just as often outsourced to a custom publisher to handle. Prove yourself here and you could make some nice money.

So how do you get into this stuff? Per usual, Google is your best friend here. Google “writers guidelines, greeting cards” or a similar phrase and dig in. It really is that easy–and that difficult. You’ll find you have to really target your pitch and make sure you position yourself properly to get a response. But if you do–you can really find yourself in a nice spot. These markets are generally not as competitive as the magazine industry, precisely because:

A. People don’t think to try them, and

B. They aren’t as prestigious

I have actually done all of the above in my career and have found some really rewarding jobs in the process. And made some pretty good money too.

A few last words on the topic…

For newsletters and marketing materials, you’ll have to work a little harder than just using Google. Think local. See what companies and marketing/pr pros you have in your area and either call or drop an e-mail. (I’d actually suggest doing both.) Make sure you have a solid pitch ready, and some work to show them should they ask.

Has anyone else out there made some money in one of these arenas? I’d love to hear about it!

We’ve already looked at why freelance job boards aren’t the best places to find gigs and how you can make it easier for clients to find you through your writer platform. But what can you do in between client projects, as you wait for responses to your pitches or while you’re still growing your platform?

You can build additional non-client income streams (and some of these are actually a part of your writer platform, meaning they can attract clients in addition to direct income). Let’s look at some revenue stream options for writers and then I’ll point you to some further information we’ve covered in the past about two of the most popular options.

Additional Revenue Streams for Freelance Writers

Here are ten potential new revenue streams you can develop as a writer:

1. Books
2. E-books
3. Blogs
4. Niche content / resource websites (free)
5. Paid membership sites
6. E-courses
7. Email newsletters
8. Industry reports (based on original research like surveys)
9. Website flipping (create small well-optimized sites and sell them to webmasters)
10. PLR articles or e-books (content sold at very low prices for re-use or resale, but the same content can be sold to multiple people)

Not all of these income streams will be right for you. For example, if you tend to charge $50 or more per blog post (or want to), selling cheap PLR content can tarnish the image you want to create even if it might be more profitable at times. On the other hand, not all writers want to devote the time that goes into writing, editing and selling a book to bring in additional income.

Now let’s look at two of the most common additional income streams for writers: blogs and e-books. I’m not going to say a lot about them directly in this post as they’ve been discussed extensively in the past. Instead I’m going to link you to further reading, so you can pick and choose the information you really want or need to know.

Blogging

Here are some articles from our archives about getting started as a blogger and using blogs as an additional income stream:

• Make Money Blogging — An Additional Income Stream for Freelance Writers
• Blog Launch Checklist
• Coming Up With Blog Post Ideas
• 101 Niches to Write About
• Score Points for Better Blogging
• Are You a Slave to Your Blog Sponsors?
• How We Increased Blog Traffic by 80% in Less Than a Year (and How You Can Too!)

E-books

Writing and selling e-books can be another way for freelance writers to earn income between gigs. Better yet, these e-books can sell for a long time after the initial launch. If you’re thinking about writing e-books, here are some resources you might be interested in. (Note: Some of these posts are located on my indie publishing blog rather than All Freelance Writing.)

• How to Write an E-book in Just 14 Days (a free e-book)
• How Writing E-books Can Save You From a Low Pay Rut
• Planning and Outlining an E-book
• E-books and Reports — An Additional Income Stream for Freelance Writers
• Using Testimonials to Sell an E-book
• 5 Factors to Consider in Pricing Your E-book
• Zoe Winters on E-book Pricing: Does Low-Balling Attract the Wrong Kind of Reader?
• Why Most of My E-books Won’t be Sold on Amazon
• How to Market an E-book

No freelance writer must create additional income streams. You can spend that extra time on more pitches. This is just one way to diversify your writing business, and products or services that bring in regular income can alleviate some concerns when freelance work dries up.

Choose income streams based on your own target market. PLR articles have no place in some niches. Print books might not make sense for fast-moving industries where books would quickly be outdated. Not all markets will happily pay for access to a new membership site.

Identify your market and figure out how to solve problems for them — in the end, that’s how you make better money, whether through freelance contracts or your own projects.

If you’ve enjoyed this series, come back next week when I’ll share tips and advice with five freelancers about their situations and goals for moving past Demand Media. You might find some of those suggestions useful in improving your own freelance writing career.

In the meantime, if you’d like to read more, you can check out the following articles from our archives:

What?

What I mean by that is this–you have to promote yourself and your work if you expect to make a dent in the print publication market. These days, a big part of this has to do with social media.

Social media may seem like a strange thing to think of in terms of self-promotion–especially if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet. Even if you have–using it to your full advantage can take time and effort.

Let me ask you this…do you know how to get more work in print by using social media?

That’s what we are going to deal with today.

First of all–and this is huge–social media isn’t just about you and your agenda. It’s about doing for others and developing relationships with people. In other words, if you are constantly just promoting yourself and your work, you might as well pass on using it at all as a tool. People will tune you out.

Take an interest in the conversations going on out there in the field. What are some of the “hot” issues? It pays off to do a little bit of listening before you jump in with both feet. See who’s talking, what they are talking about and why. When you have a feel for things, then start to connect a bit.

Here are some social media tips for promoting yourself on the web–without annoying others:

Do  feel free to talk about what you are working on now. Just keep it professional and brief. This can be a great way for people on social media to get a feel for what you write about and the types of projects you take on.

Do build relationships with people who are influential. Magazine editors and other people in print have Twitter accounts and nearly everyone has a Facebook presence of some sort these days. Add some people and pages each week and do a little legwork to make sure your network is reaching out to those who could give you an assignment or help you find work. It pays off.

Do post helpful information, such as links to great websites, videos or podcasts that you have found interesting or useful. It’s a great way to build goodwill.

Do your best to be polite. Thank those that follow you, re-tweet you or comment on your Facebook page or blog.

Do try to have conversations with others on social media when you have time. Let them get to know you a bit. The personal touch makes such a big difference.

Do post things regularly and keep up on your account.

Now, here are some things you will want to avoid doing:

Don’t be overly self-promotional. Think about how you feel when others are constantly Tweeting or posting about themselves. It’s irritating. Some promotional posts are fine–just make sure you mix them in with other things.

Don’t ask for work. Think of it this way–you wouldn’t just walk up to some editor that you never met before on the street and ask him/her for an assignment, right? The same guidelines apply here.

Don’t underestimate the power of commenting on things you like on Facebook or re-tweeting content you enjoy on Twitter. (Commenting on blogs counts too.) It might not get you a job immediately, but it can get you on the radar for a particular editor/publication.

Don’t mix business with pleasure. If you want to use social media to promote yourself and your work–don’t get too personal on the account. Finding the right balance is key. Think of it this way–when you tweet, imagine the editor for your dream assignment is reading it. If you wouldn’t say it to them directly, don’t post it.

This isn’t an all-in-one primer on social media, but I’m here to tell you that I’ve gotten work – paying work in print – from having social media accounts and being active on them. Yes, it takes time, but you have to promote yourself anyway, and this is a great way to do it. I would suggest the following “big three” for those who are looking to break into print, or get more assignments from magazines:

Twitter.

Twitter is powerful. You can directly connect with magazine editors and those in the print field in a way you never were able to before. Build your network slowly and listen before you jump in. Include a web address so people can find you if they want to get in touch.

Facebook.

You’ll need to decide how to handle this–if you want to use your “personal” page for business, or create a page for your writing presence. It’s up to you…just make sure to keep it professional. Make sure you include some information about your background and experience, as well as a way for people to contact you.

LinkedIn.

Many people consider this a “resume” site. It’s a great professional resource, and you can also join related industry groups on this site. Make sure you complete your profile, and try to gather some professional recommendations so you can showcase yourself in the best light possible.

Have you gotten work through social media? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

What are some examples of business writing work that pays well? Here are three examples, and links to articles and an e-book I’ve written on how you can write these documents for clients.

• How to Write a White Paper 
• How to Write a Case Study
• Press Releases Made Easy

How well do these projects pay? One page press releases can go from mid three figures up to four figures. Report-style documents and interview-heavy ones like white papers and case studies can pay several dollars per word. What’s not to love?

Are you a business writer? What are your favorite types of projects? Which have led to the best pay in your experience? Share your own examples in the comments below.

Desk Calendar

There’s nothing quite like a big desk calendar to keep things front and center in terms of queries out, contracts due and deadlines. Although you can use your computer to keep track of these things as well, I find that for magazine writing it is helpful to have everything right in front of me. Since you often work way ahead of holidays (6 months to a year for many print publications) it can be good to jot down notes or query ideas in the appropriate month. For example, my June month has ideas for the New Year written in the margin.

Standing File For Desk

I keep hard copies of my contracts in a standing file on my desk. That way I have an easy reference when it comes to  the terms of a contract, and if my hard drive crashes, I have a backup copy as well. Why is this suited to writing for print? Many times you will sign a contract that has specific rights information, and you’ll want to have that handy in case you can re-sell a piece down the line. I find this to be true more with magazines than things I write for the web, although it doesn’t hurt to keep that information on file either.

Clip File/Folder

When you write for print publications you wind up with hard copies of the pieces you get published. I keep a “clip file” of the best ones and scan them into the computer when I have time. They are in a folder on my desktop called “clips”. This is handy since many times an editor will ask you for samples of your writing before granting you an assignment. Instead of frantically looking for related pieces, simply check your clip file and attach. (Just remember not to send attachments without permission.)

Receipt Box

Call me old-fashioned, but I keep a small box on my desk for receipts. When you write for magazines, you will need to keep up on the industry and read publications before you pitch them. You can go to the library and flip through publications, get a subscription, or buy individual copies. If you purchase periodicals that are related to a pitch you are putting together, you should be able to deduct them as a write off at tax time. (Be sure to consult your tax professional for the guidelines and requirements for doing this so you are sure the purchases qualify.) For me, the box is a simple way to make sure I have the receipts when I go to pull tax information together.

Razor Blade/Utility Knife

Although I hesitate to recommend anything this sharp, it simply is the neatest way to remove pages from a magazine without ripping them. (Do so at your own risk–and please be careful!) Don’t press too hard, and don’t go to close to the binding of the publication. I also remove the cover of the magazine to scan and file, so I have a reference of what issue the piece appeared in. You can also do this with scissors, but it typically doesn’t come out as easy.

Writing Group

Again, this could apply to all freelance writers, but I have found it especially useful for magazine writing. Joining a group of writers not only gives you some support, but the networking opportunities are excellent. I have landed a few great jobs simply by letting other writers know that I am looking for additional work in the print field. It works.

Do you have any “tools of the trade” that have helped you stay organized or get more work in the world of print? If so, please share here!

Do you wish you could rake in six figures writing for businesses? If you’ve ever considered a freelance writing career as a copywriter and you want to learn how make some serious dough, AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting might be the kick you need.

I’ve been promising these nice folks a review for months now. What’s taken so long? I just couldn’t find the time to get through everything included. There’s that much information. Even if everything isn’t for you, you’re bound to find something here that moves you in the right direction. Look how much this program has to offer!

What’s Included?

First and foremost, you get access to a 13-installment copywriting program designed to take you from the very beginning to your future as a successful direct-response copywriter. The program is set up in digital book format for easy reading or you can download a .pdf copy of each section if you prefer.

Here’s what each installment covers:

1. Getting Started as a Copywriter: The Opportunity & Lifestyle
2. Taking the First Step Towards Copywriting Success
3. Copywriting Myths and Realities
4. The Secret Structure of Direct-Response Letters
5. Communicating with Your Prospect
6. Building Your Offer One brick at a Time
7. Making and Closing the Deal
8. Why We Need Guarantees
9. Ready… Set… Write!
10. Backing Up Your Claims
11. Putting it All Together
12. Becoming a Master Storyteller
13. You’re a Copywriter!

In addition to the program itself, you’ll get loads of extra resources. For example, you’ll also receive:

1. PDF versions of the exercises found in each installment
2. Access to the AWAI Hall of Fame (Learn from copy that really works!)
3. Glossary of Direct Marketing Terms (.pdf)
4. Materials for Writing Your First Direct-Response Package (.pdf)
5. 24 Companies to Start Building Your Seed Library (.pdf)
6. Webinar Access: Use Your Copywriting Skills to Write for the Web (with Nick Usborne)
7. Webinar Access: The World of B2B Copywriting (with Steve Slaunwhite)
8. Bonus Report: How to Safely and Quickly Change Careers (.pdf)
9. Understanding the 4-Legged Stool (.pdf)
10. The AWAI Peer Review System (.pdf)
11. Access to the AWAI Member Forum for lifetime support (talk to other copywriters in all stages of their careers)
12. Access to AWAI’s exclusive job board – DirectResponseJobs.com

Why I Recommend This Program

Let me be clear. I’m not being paid to review this service (although I was given access to review the materials). This isn’t a paid placement and I haven’t joined any kind of affiliate program for this copywriting program.

I’m recommending this to our readers because it’s one of the most comprehensive online resources I’ve ever seen for new writers, and I think it’s incredibly well-targeted.

You won’t find a lot of general advice here. This is for copywriters. More specifically it’s for direct response copywriters. And if that’s what you want to do, and you want to make a great living at it, this is one of the best resources around and it will arm you with the information you really need.

That doesn’t mean it will make you rich overnight. Just like I tell you in reference to my own products, what you do with the information falls on you. But if you’re ready and willing to work your butt off and master this specialty, you’ll want this resource on your side.

What is “Direct-Response” Copywriting?

I’m not a big fan of long sales letters (from a buyer’s perspective). So I don’t write them for clients as a part of my business model. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them. They can work for clients. And they can bring in big bucks for you as a writer. Sometimes when writers hear the term “direct-response” these sales letters are all they think of. But direct-response copywriting is more than that.

Don’t write off the program if you don’t want to write sales letters. The skills you’ll learn and the tools you’ll have access to can help you with other types of copywriting as well. For example, when you see an ad or sign-up form designed to get you to do anything from clicking a link to registering for a site, that’s direct-response copy. So is a lot of PR copy. For example, I used to work for a major international nonprofit organization before going out on my own. Even they use a lot of direct response copy — fundraiser letters and volunteer requests as just two examples.

Direct-response copy is any copy that’s designed to get the reader to take a specific action. That’s all there is to it. And because those actions are directly measurable, they give companies numbers to measure results.

Let’s face it. Businesses love numbers. They love stats. They certainly love results. That’s one reason direct-response copywriting gigs can bring in so much money.

How much are you making right now? Would you like to increase that to $100,000, $200,000 or even more each year? If so, direct-response copywriting might be what gets you there.

What Does it Cost?

The price tag for AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting is $397.

Okay. So I can already hear a few of you gasping. But think about this for a minute:

1. Using the skills you learn through this program, you’ll earn several times its cost before you know it.
2. This isn’t a simple e-book. It’s an all-out course, plus an ongoing community, plus access to exclusive leads, plus access to webinars and bonus reports for even more specialized knowledge from the pros.
3. Compare its cost to that of a limited time course at a local community college. Here you get input from more than one professional, access to a community and email newsletters with new information long after you’ve completed the initial course material. And it probably still costs less. Plus, you get to keep this stuff forever — no note-taking required!

Is it worth it? In my honest opinion, yes. It is. And you can’t really go wrong. If the program doesn’t work for you or you realize that direct-response copy just isn’t for you, they’ll refund your money for a full year. Yes. A year.

If you’re ready to start a new copywriting career today, or grow your existing writing business, AWAI ‘s Accelerated Program for Six Figure Copywriting is a great place to start. There’s plenty in here even for existing copywriters — expand your network, find new leads, or improve your craft!

Sign Up Today!

Interested in other independent careers? Check out all AWAI has to offer — programs on self publishing, Web marketing, resume writing, design, and more! Visit AWAIonline.com today to learn more.