Freelancewritingtips.com

Can you support a family as a freelance writer?

Thanks to Huw for this question.

Here's my answer.

Yes you can. I'm basing that on my experience as someone who has built up writing work over several years and the experience of other parents who work as freelance writers. But, guess what, it's not easy. (Already I feel like I'm stating the obvious - sorry.) Rates have hit a downward spiral for one thing and publications or sections that used to welcome freelance contributions are no longer so accommodating. More seem to be springing up, asking you to write for free. Many freelance journalists and writers, whether they are parents or not, will tell you how much of a struggle they are finding things.

My own situation is that at times I have been the sole earner due to my husband being made redundant and at present he can't work. We have twins aged 13.

Welcome back: Book, blog and events news

Hello there, thanks for dropping by. I'm now back here in the run-up to my new book, Freelance Writing, coming out in April.

I'm also due to speak at the Chipping Norton literary festival in April and at the Cybher conference on May 12. 

Upcoming posts requested so far are:

• Can you make a living (enough to support a family) from freelance writing?
• Focus on pitching a literary agent or publisher
• How to invoice and keep track of income/expenditure

Had a lovely time in beautiful Britain? Family travel writing contest call for submissions

The Have a Lovely Time family travel and activities website is calling for submissions in a travel writing competition celebrating Beautiful Britain.

The family travel writing contest has a top prize of £200, a second prize of a weekend stay at the Park Inn in historic York and 10 English Heritage family passes for everyone finishing in the top ten, as well as a copy of Travelling with Children, by Catherine Cooper, one of the competition’s judges.

There’s also a mystery prize on offer for the entry voted readers’ favourite after the competition closes on October 1, 2011.

We want to celebrate all that’s great about family tourism in our stunning land. That might include breathtaking  adventures in the Lakes, laughing til your sides ache at a family-friendly Edinburgh festival, savouring the splendour of the West Wales coastline, a Devon cream tea or a knees up at a holiday park…or of course plenty more.

Case study request: Did you fail to lose weight because of liquid calorie intake?

I'M looking for men or women who have launched a weight loss/healthy eating regime/diet (whatever you are comfortable calling it...) but it suffered because they drank too many calorie-laden drinks such as sugary pop or milky coffees.

Please get in touch by email (linda[at]passionatemedia.co.uk) if you think this could apply to you. My deadline is Thursday July 7 and there is a thank you of £100 in vouchers for those chosen to be included in a resulting national media article.

Thank you so much to anyone who can help.

 

 

Case study request: Did you mix drink and medication on holiday abroad?

IF so, a national newspaper is interested in featuring your experience.

You need to be photographed and named to appear in a piece warning of the dangers or complications of taking regular medication while on holiday and ending up mixing this with alcohol while in the holiday spirit.

Anyone featured will receive £100 worth of vouchers from their favourite store as a thank you. My deadline is Tuesday, May 17 at midday.

Please email me, Lindajonespassionatemedia[at]gmail.com if you can help. This request applies to men and women and I haven't been given an age range.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

Women's fiction bloggers and moderator wanted

AUTHOR Kate Allan has posted the following on JournoBiz:

She says:

Looking 2-3 writers with an existing interest in romantic/women's fiction to blog about it as part of a new social media website, and also 1 forum moderator.

Please email me with an brief introduction, what kinds of topics you would blog about and your availability and rates.

Also looking for a forum moderator - passion about women's fiction more important than previous experience in moderating.

You can reach Kate on kate.allan[at]gmail.com

Digital agency Made by Many seeks copywriter

THE following opportunity comes from Sara Williams at Made by Many.

You can read Sara's original post here:

We're hiring:middleweight writer

Please direct any requests for more information to the email address included at the end of this post.

We’re on the hunt for a thoughtful, articulate copywriter to join us at the Wharf. 

Background-wise, we’re looking for someone who has been writing and editing for three to five years: this is a job for a professional writer, not an aspiring wordsmith. Digital copywriting experience is critical.

Authors for Japan update

THE total raised in the Authors for Japan auction launched by Keris Stainton topped £13,000 (including Gift Aid.)

Out of that, I'm delighted to say that donations sent for training sessions or mentoring I was offering, added to money I pledged for two lots came to around £650.

Thank you to the kind people who paid money to the Red Cross for some of my services. I snapped up coffee and cake with literary agent turned author Alison Bond and all four Skate School books signed by Kay Woodward.

What a fantastic achievement by Keris. It was an honour to be part of it.  

My writing day

IT'S ten past eight and my daughter informs me there's a pair of socks down the toilet.

I'm at the computer, dealing with emails in connection with my role as editor of the parenting website, Ready for Ten. Most days I receive pitches from writers who would like to contribute. I try my best to respond to everyone. Some of the ideas -- and the writers behind them -- are fabulous. They may be commissioned and join our team with a first post, or depending on circumstances beyond my control, told there are no current opportunities.

Case study request: Getting into difficulties abroad with no insurance

I'M looking for the following to help with some reports in the media designed to help readers avoid a similar experience. I need two British case studies which fit the following criteria. There is a fee of £100 for each.

The more recent the experience, the better.

Details: British nationals who have got into difficulty abroad while staying with a friend or family member. Very often people travelling to stay with a friend/family abroad don’t prepare in the same way they would if they were staying in a hotel. Often the mind-set is that “it’s a different type of holiday” and they consider steps like taking out a travel insurance policy or researching the destination not to be necessary, especially if the traveller is really familiar with their destination (i.e. if they travel to Spain a couple of times a year to visit their parents). The ideal case study here would be someone who has been handed a large medical bill because they got ill/were injured abroad and were not covered by a travel insurance policy.

 

Please email me linda[at]passionatemedia.co.uk if you can help as it applies to you.

In your email, please:

• Tell me your full name and confirm you are happy to be named and pictured

• Tell me your age, where you live and provide a contact email address and phone number, plus an indication of when's best to get in touch

• Give me a brief outline of why you feel your story fits - the aim of these pieces will be to help others avoid similar difficulties

 

Thanks very much to anyone who can help, should more people than are needed get in touch, forgive me but I can only use two and please bear with me in getting back to you.

Discounted places: Kick start your freelance writing career workshop, July 2, Birmingham

WITH the date of this workshop fast approaching, we have reduced the price to fill the last few places. Places are limited to ensure individual feedback and value for money.

Usual price was £154 inc VAT All remaining places are now discounted to £118.80 inc VAT .

We have some brilliant testimonials from journalists who have attended our training and can answer any questions you may have.

Please also note payments can be split into two parts, with 50 per cent paid on booking and 50 per cent two weeks before the workshop. We don't currently have any other dates planned.

Kick start your freelance writing career workshop Saturday, July 2, 2011

Friends House, Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6AF