Publishers who need to do more with less—that’s just about everyone nowadays—can get help from an unlikely source, writers. Many of today’s most competitive freelancers survive hard times by delivering more value than the competition.
Washington, DC-based American Independent Writers (formerly Washington Independent Writers) recently gave successful writers an opportunity to share how it’s done.
First and foremost, Michael Causey, publisher of Edata Integrity Report, advises writers not to take rejection personally. “Your priority isn’t theirs,” he tells them.
So, publishers, help freelancers make your priorities their own:
- Respond quickly to queries, whether you’re accepting or rejecting them. Turning down a pitch lets the writer direct it elsewhere, and a quick response shows that you respect the effort spent courting you.
- Pay quickly; don’t use freelancers to help your cash flow. Making small efforts—and using regular contributors—builds loyalty, especially if you can’t compete with publications paying higher rates.
And, of course, the more loyal writers you can call upon, the better. This is why smart publishers collect writers’ names at conferences, meetings, associations, and online communities, even when they’re not desperate for help. That way, they have a rich Rolodex when the need arises.
Note that geographic location barely matters any longer. Seek authoritative writers in your fields of interest wherever you can find them. If you maintain a blog, look for people who combine opinions and articulate/entertaining writing with substantiated assertions.
Independent writer Phil Piemonte, managing editor of Federal Employees News Digest, gets copy free. A law firm contributes content to his newsletter in exchange for public relations visibility.
That sort of barter works well for both parties, so long as the content targets readers and doesn’t simply tout the contributor. But don’t expect serious freelancers to provide their work in exchange for “exposure”—people can die of exposure. Similarly, avoid asking for sample articles to be written. Instead, evaluate applicants by pitch letters, clippings, and references. Scarce freelancer time is usually not available for speculative work.
Expect serious writers to stay in touch with you by sending you occasional updates and items of interest not directly related to article pitches. Or reach out to them—for example, let them know when you announce a Web site redesign or new content area coverage. Such communication encourages writers’ continued interest in your work and motivates them to propose relevant articles.
