Freelance Writing Tip #15: Play

When you’re frustrated with a project, or you can’t quite think of what to do next, schedule some “play” time. Play allows you to be creative and free–whether it’s playing with kids, playing a game, playing with art supplies, etc.–to recharge your creativity. Play is especially important if you’re doing editing work; flipping out of “editor” mode for an hour or two will give you the chance to “reboot” so when you do get back into it, you can “see” the big picture a lot better. The trick, of course, is to play, relax, recharge, and then motivate yourself quickly to get back to the task at hand. Too much play will work against you; not enough will burn you out.

Freelance Writing Tip #14: Don’t Deviate from Writer’s Guidelines

Most publications know what they’re looking for and offer writer’s guidelines either posted on their website or will mail them to you upon request. These guidelines are specifically put there to weed out what the publication doesn’t want; they have also been written to provide formatting guides so that if you’re work does get chosen it can be published with little to no difficulty. Any deviation from these guidelines will be at your own risk; most editors will simply ignore your submission but if you repeatedly ignore their guidelines you’ll quickly earn a bad reputation.

Freelance Writing Tip #13: Markets Pay Different Rates

Depending upon what market you’re involved in, markets pay different rates based on their distribution and sales. Writing for one magazine could earn you up to $2.50 a word; publishing the same piece in another, lesser-known magazine could pay you anywhere from 5 to 15 cents a word. Higher rates usually mean higher competition, so make sure you do your homework through places like Writer’s Market Online or check out submission guidelines and payment terms on other places like Ralan’s List before you waste your time submitting to something you don’t feel is worth the effort.

Freelance Writing Tip #12: Exercise Diplomacy with Editors

If you exchange angry words with one editor, you run the risk of tarnishing your reputation with other editors. (Just like writers befriend other writers; editors talk to other editors.) That’s not to say you shouldn’t stand up for yourself if you feel you are in the right about something. Speak up carefully, politely, and succinctly. Back up what you say, especially if you’re arguing about payment or copyrights. Eventually you’ll ferret out misunderstandings and, by remaining calm, you’ll eventually come out on top.

Guest Blogger Writing Tip #1: Planning

No matter what you are writing, or how many words you have, you always need to plan. Outlining, pre-writing, even brainstorming is a key to making the writing process easier. You would not plan a driving trip without looking at a map. You should not starting writing, without knowing not only what you are writing, but where your writing is going to go.

About Richard Iorio: Since 1996, Richard has been a freelance writer and designer and has written for Atlas Games, Guardians of Order, Hogshead Publishing, and Zeitgeist Games (just to name a few). Currently, Richard is the Operations Manager for Goodman Games, as well as the co-owner and co-founder of Rogue Games, Inc.

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