Monica Valentinelli: Author, Game Designer and Consultant

Posted on March 31, 2008 - by Monica Valentinelli

Writers, Help your Financial Outlook and Say Hello to your State and U.S. Agencies

After Friday’s Amazon fiasco, where myself and several other writers, publishers, and editors called out to the blogosphere, I realized that many folk probably are feeling a little devastated right now. Just asking Dear Amazon, What are you Thinking? isn’t enough; when things like this happen, getting upset and angry is justified, but in the end we need a plan to move forward.

On my way into work this morning, I was reminded of a few resources that are easily accessible to everyone, like the U.S. Small Business Association. It all started when I heard yet another radio ad for businesses advocating “Free Credit Reports.” Not well known to many people, you may already have one available to you under a state statute. In Madison, Wisconsin Residents are eligible for a free credit report.

To find out whether or not you qualify, most states have something similar to Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institution that you can reference. The purpose of this state agency is to help consumers with different aspects of their money; they are available as the go-between for all kinds of disputes ranging from credit repair schemes to services like setting up your LLC. The Wisconsin agency is also providing free seminars and classes to the public, which is vital information for freelancers who haven’t experienced the ebb and flow of payments yet.

When you’re a freelancer, tracking your income and expenses may be a “must,” but there are other business techniques that come into play as well–especially when you’re finding work or have to change your book-selling tactics on-the-fly.

For example, I mentioned there are risks behind freelancer auction sites, but have you considered if the business that’s hired you is legitimate or if you’re getting paid a fair amount for what you do? Many of these agencies have data on their websites so you can research everything from the economic health of your locale to studies about topical points of interest. Other agencies, like our Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance have places where you can file complaints and have them act as a third party if you’re not satisfied with a claim.

State agencies can offer you a range of services that lawyers and other folk may charge for. I’ve had to use one or two of them in times past and I have to tell you, these folks are “on the ball” and businesses appear to respond faster when they get an official-looking envelope from your State. Remember, too, that your taxes pay for these services, so why not take advantage of them?

Recent events with Amazon versus small press and POD publishers are just one reason why agencies like these can help. Places like the National Business Association and the U.S. Small Business Association are there to help you, the small business owner, and I strongly encourage you to utilize these resources to give yourself some options.

Regardless of what does happen with Amazon, I think that there is no better time than the present to assess what resources you have available at your disposal. It can’t hurt.

Related posts:

1. Resume Writing and the Resume Book Essential for Writers
2. Freelance Writing Tip #4: Money Flows to the Writer