Questions to ask as you start a freelance business
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Questions to ask as you start a freelance business

My friend Merlina McGovern — the smartest copy editor I’ve ever worked with — got laid off from my old company last month. After 16 years working for Forrester, she’s starting a business as a freelancer. She had questions, so we talked. Since any freelancer starting a business might have similar questions, let’s walk through…

When hiring freelancers, beware of hidden assumptions

When hiring freelancers, beware of hidden assumptions

I recently got a call from a woman I’d presented to years ago, since then a senior executive in several technology companies. She wanted me to edit her book. “What’s the book about?” I asked. “It’s about web3; you know, NFTs, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and all that stuff,” she explained. “I can’t help you,” I responded….

How to price and bill for writing and editing projects

How to price and bill for writing and editing projects

After eight years as a freelance writer and editor, I’ve figured out what works and doesn’t work for my business — and for clients. This post includes everything I’ve learned about pricing and billing. One principle drives everything you are about to read: all freelance arrangements should create value for the client and be rewarding…

Tom Brady isn’t retiring

Tom Brady isn’t retiring

Tom Brady, the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, announced yesterday that he was retiring, “for good.” Bullshit. Oh, sure, there were a thousand headlines about it and unlike last year at this time, it appears Tom actually won’t be playing in the National Football League any more. But he’s not retiring. Is he going…

What tasks should authors outsource?
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What tasks should authors outsource?

Authors can’t do everything. What should they hire others to do for them? Assuming you’re working with a publisher rather than self-publishing, here’s a list, ranging from tasks you really shouldn’t outsource to those you probably ought to. Do this yourself. Here’s what you can’t or shouldn’t delegate. You could outsource these tasks, but don’t…

Be specific. It’s the best way to retain readers’ interest

Be specific. It’s the best way to retain readers’ interest

People think profound advice demands sweeping generalizations. “Think before speaking.” “Build habits systematically.” “Avoid passive voice.” These are fine. But generalizations piled upon generalizations rapidly become tedious. Specifics are what keep your reader reading and relating. So be specific. People think it’s mundane to cite details. The opposite is true: the more grounded your prose…

Love of learning

Love of learning

When I first moved to Boston as a graduate student, I joined the local science fiction fan group. After each meeting, we would all go to a Chinese restaurant and order a bunch of dishes, family style. And there was one rule: you had to eat with chopsticks. Which was a skill I’d never learned….