I have been doing a freelance writing course this year. While the course itself seems to be going well, this week I feel I have sent out 700 article ideas to magazines, newspapers and websites (that may be a bit of an exaggeration) and have had zero replies. Not even an, 'OK, thanks, we'll think about it. Not a one. My tutor says, 'keep at it!' meanwhile I feel like picking up my computer and shaking it. Perhaps none of my emails are going anywhere - maybe they are lost in cyberspace, unable to find their destination. Only, I know that is not true. My computer is working fine.
I started out sending proposals for articles off one by one and waiting for a graceful period in anticipation of a reply. Then I realised that this tactic was futile and have switched to the scatter gun approach but with such shockingly poor results, I am now seriously beginning to wonder how freelance writers actually make ends meet? How do they? Are all freelance writers stuck in a rut, or only the 'trying to be one' me?
I must admit, it is very nice for me to hide myself away and tap away on my computer each morning, not having to go out and do a proper job - nothing more pressing than the school run to think about - but something by way of results would help. (I know I got something published in the Telegraph recently - but it already feels like YEARS ago!)
Perhaps I should go back to the idea of writing a book based on the vaguest, one in a million off chance that one day I might persuade a publisher to take an interest in printing it. Though maintaining any kind of impetus may be a problem for me after 10,000 words (inately lazy). No wonder writers are known for starving in their garrets. I could write quite expansively about what to do with yourself if you suddently find yourself not working (for those made redundant by the recession) - I am rather an expert on 'not working' but sadly can't help much on money making advice.
Thank goodness for the salary earning husband! - but in these days of credit crunch/global economic crisis - my intention was to have something to put in the pot myself. Tips, handy hints and practical ideas welcome!
The diary of a British expat living in Kenya. News, views, debate and a healthy dose of trivia.
Continue as you are! D & M
ReplyDeleteBut Frances there's a good two books' worth here. Take inspiration from Alexander McCall Smith (no1 ladies detective agency), you have it already!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel-I haven't been sending out article ideas, but I have been sending out resumes for the past 2-3 months and haven't gotten a single response. I am a college graduate applying at grocery stores and still not getting a call back....grrr! I'm finding that "there's always a need for teachers" simply isn't true in my neighborhood these days. I've got my fingers crossed that we both start getting responses soon. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your ideas on how to make the time go by more quickly while I'm not working; I'm starting to go stir crazy!
ReplyDeleteJust keep flogging that dead horse. Keep producing work. If they don't like THAT see if they like THIS. Keep sending, keep writing. Appreciate that you have picked one of the most competitive trades in the world then recognise that you are not at the epicentre of the publishing world, that no-one insisted you do this: it's all your own choice, and that luck is the residue of diligence. Keep on keeping on... Etc.
ReplyDeleteI have recently started reading your blog and am getting addicted. Write a book on your life. I will buy it.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing, tho' I'm sure it must be hard on 'down days'.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE being read.
I am a freelance writer here in Nairobi. Never easy, especially getting the cheques handed over. Keep at it, you break will soon come.
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