by Rachel Smith
16 December 2015
It’s that time again – a round-up of our best questions for our Ask Us Wednesday column. This particular part of the blog has been going strong since July 2014 and we couldn’t do it without you all; your questions, your comments. So keep them coming!
And, in keeping with last year’s round-up tradition, here’s a selection of 2015’s best questions.
In January, we shared our thoughts on dealing with a bullying boss, what to do when you work for one editor and he or she moves on, and the importance of networking when you’re freelance.
February saw us cover the reusing of quotes, simultaneous story pitches, what to do when your copy is butchered, and how to make money blogging. In March, we looked at the curly issue of a mag backpeddling on a story they agreed to publish, helped a List member over some contract headaches and another over how to become a more organised freelancer. We also covered an issue many freelancers face: on how to be taken seriously.
April brought yet more interesting dilemmas from our freelance community, including a question on how to handle an editor who kept adding unpaid ‘extras’ onto a commission. We also revealed a list of good courses for freelancers, offered advice on dealing with late payments and suggestions for new writing markets. Plus, how to break into the very tricky patch of property writing.
In May, we looked at essentials for your freelance kit, how to find good case studies, offered tips on handling indecisive clients, and getting started in writing when you’re entry level. In June, we dealt with a case of List ‘loginitis’, suggested a few tips on making tax time less painful, and answered a question from a reader who wondered why her pitches weren’t hitting the mark.
July was the month we tackled questions on good SEO/blogging courses, the secrets to getting repeat business from clients, dealing with a slow patch and making a freelance business work the third time around. Plus, what to do when you’re burnt by an employer. In August, we talked about freelancing when you have a full-time job – and whether it was time your writing grew up. We also shared a glossary of publishing terms and debated whether you should have a logo or photo on social media.
As September rolled on, we answered questions on how to take a flattering profile pic, dealing with a client who changes your copy, the need for journalist checklists and the kind of expenses you can feasibly pass onto a client. In October, we covered recommending friends for gigs you can’t do yourself, saying no to a freelance gig and still landing the work, and what to consider before leaving an in-house role to go freelance.
And November saw us tackle questions on low fees plus exposure, naming and shaming bad clients and moving your freelance business overseas. This month, we’ve talked about whether employers look favourably on freelancers applying for full-time roles, and charging for radio work. Stay tuned for Friday when we do a round-up of all our posts from the year!
Hope you’ve all enjoyed AUW this year. If there’s anything you’d like to see us cover next year on the blog, or if you have a specific question for us to answer in the new year, please get in touch via our contact page.
AUW is one of my weekly essentials. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Thanks for some superb tips, and have a great Christmas
Oh Gabe, that’s so nice to hear. Thanks for the comment and have a lovely Christmas yourself!