Got a question about becoming a writer – freelance or otherwise? Ask me here!
I’ll answer any writing, publishing, editing, or book marketing question below — but don’t ask me if you’ll ever get published, because I just can’t reveal what I know 
Seriously, whether your focus is fiction, magazine writing, blogging, or earning money as a freelance or other type of writer – here’s your chance!
Ask your question, and I’ll answer within two days.
April | Jul 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi Laurie,
I am a newbie writer – right now fiction, but that could easily shift into something else given time and a maturing into the field. The problem I’m having is this:
I have all these interesting story ideas… but when it comes to actually creating a storyline, I lose steam. It’s almost like I don’t want to know the ending… I’m so used to wanting to be surprised as a reader (or movie watcher) that sitting down and plotting a story feels anticlimactic.
It’s like I’m peeking behind the curtain, seeing the Wizard, and not liking him very much. I don’t know how to get beyond the (I hate to say this) boredom factor of the detail work: creating character bios and background, world building/ setting, and as I mentioned the story arc itself. I feel so STUPID… a writer is supposed to love the details, isn’t she?
It makes me question whether I actually should be a writer… except that I love to write. I just wonder if it’s fiction? I’d really like to at least try to write a book or novella or SOMETHING before I throw in the towel. There’s definitely a push inside me to do this… an indefinable, energetic pull that has nothing to do with logic or the barriers created by my mind.
So essentially, to sum it up – how do I get past my dislike of being the wizard, controlling all the strings (and special effects?). Have you even heard of this kind of barrier in writers before? This is basically one reason “The Secret” and other “manifest your reality” paradigms make me feel nauseous, lol. I don’t want to know my future… I guess I like going with the flow way too much to manipulate my reality. Unfortunately, this leads to being stymied in my literary attempts.
Any insight would be appreciated… this may be too weird to comment on, so I understand if you don’t know where to go with it…
Thanks,
April
(p.s. I am having no problem writing my blog… but that doesn’t involve foreshadowing, creating echoes and mirrors, inventing scintillating characters, etc…. lol).
Laurie PK | Jul 4, 2009 | Reply
Great question, April — and welcome to the hard part of the writing world!
One thing’s for sure: all writers are different. Don’t fall into the “if I want to be a successful writer, I should…” — because there are few single definitions of how writers should be or what they should love about the craft! We’re all different, we’re all on different journeys, and different things are difficult for each of us.
Most writers struggle with SOME aspect of writing, whether it’s the boring detail work, keeping up with invoices for freelancers, writing dialogue, or writing strong query letters to agents.
So just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing it!
To get past your reluctance, struggle, or dislike you need the dreaded D-word: discipline. Here are two articles I’ve written about that:
5 Tips for Increasing Your Writing Discipline
http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/quoted-writers/5-tips-for-increasing-your-writing-discipline/
Top 10 Tips for Lazy Writes
http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/quoted-writers/top-10-tips-for-lazy-writers-how-to-increase-your-writing-discipline/
I’ve also written articles on achieving your writing goals and tips for staying motivated to write — because discipline and motivation are key to being a successful writer! And, many writers (even published authors) struggle with SOMETHING.
Don’t give up yet. Just because you’re drawn to or passionate about writing, doesn’t mean it’ll be a walk in the park!
And — maybe writing isn’t for you at this point in your life. It’s hard to say whether you need the self-discipline to just break through the boring parts, or if you’re meant to love writing as a reader. I have a friend who loves listening to writers, reading about writing, talking about writing…but she’s not writing. Maybe she will someday, maybe not.
I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing what you think here — or one of those articles
Laurie
Angela | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
Hi Laurie,
Can you offer some advice on a writerly issue?
A big US magazine bought an article from me last August but I have not been paid yet. They emailed in November to ask for my bank details for the cheque but since then, nothing. I know it’s not unusual to wait a LONG time to get magazine payments, but what troubles me is that my emails to the editor with follow ups have not had any response.
Do you think I should call, or just wait it out? I have heard of a lot of writers just being told ‘I know we said we would use the article, but sorry, we can’t afford it anymore’. No kill fee, or anything.
Warm regards,
Angela
Laurie PK | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
Angela,
Yes, magazines often take a long time to pay (what a pain) — but 7 months is way, way too long! That’s outrageous.
Yes, I’d call. When I’m serious about getting paid because I’ve been waiting for months, I also copy my requests for payment to everyone I know at the magazine: the accounting department, the senior editor, the publisher, other editors at the magazine. You may not have all those options — sometimes you only have one contact at the magazine — but I’ve found it to be an effective way to get a response.
I also suggest making contact every 2-3 days until you get a response. Be a squeaky wheel. One of my slow-paying magazines always, always pays up….but I have to nag them to death to do it. I’ve stopped writing for them — despite the editor’s request for pitches! It’s not worth it to write for them. They pay well and I love the magazine, but the aggravation is not worth it.
Good luck — and let me know how it goes!
Laurie
Amber | Aug 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi Laurie – I’m wondering what the best way is to respond to a rejection of your query letter?
Should you just write back and say, “OK, thanks for getting back to me”. Or is there a professional way to remind them that you’re open to writing other articles for them?
Thanks,
Amber
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Aug 27, 2009 | Reply
Hi Amber,
Acknowleding a rejection of your query letter is fine….but I don’t usually do it.
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to respond when editors send rejection e-mails (except to blast the editor for not recognizing a brilliant article idea!). But, I try to send editors as few “extra” emails as possible.
That said, a quick “thanks for considering my article idea” can be a nice way to build a relationship with an editor!
Here’s my favorite way to go about it: do a combination thank you/new article idea. So, I’ll send a different pitch within 3-5 days of receiving the rejection, and I’ll lead with something like “thanks for considering X idea, sorry it didn’t meet your needs. How about this instead?”
This way, you get your “thank you” and your reminder in without emailing too often, and you get another pitch out there.
Ultimately, I encourage you to go with your gut feeling. If acknowledging an editor’s rejection feels right to you, then do it! Follow your instincts, my friend.
Great question — thanks for asking it, Amber!
Laurie
jedidiah | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
please how can i get a link to joining a writing group?
Laurie PK | Sep 14, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jedidiah,
Here’s a link to an article about joining on online writing group:
3 Tips for Joining an Online Writing Group
I hope it helps! If not, let me know…and I’ll see what I can dig up…
Laurie
Dale Louise Odom | Oct 18, 2009 | Reply
I began as a newspaper journalist and bylined columnist at age 15. Later I became the director and writer for my husband’s 2 hour daily, five days a week TV show, at age 21.
While I also wrote many of the questions for the TV interviews my husband asked of celebrities, I never studied how to do it.
For the past eight plus years I’ve been dooing background research and writing questions for radio and TV interviews, pro bono for a friend who is the host and executive producer.
I am frequently complimented on the work I do by both the producers and the guests.
My questions are these: I would like to know what resources there are for formal training for writing questions for radio and TV interviews? And what would the pay range be for this type of work.
This is my first time visiting your website and it appears to be quite helpful.
Thank you,
Dale
Laurie PK | Oct 20, 2009 | Reply
Hi Dale,
With your extensive experience, it sounds like you should be teaching journalists how to ask radio and TV interview questions — not the other way around! On the job experience can be more valuable than formal training.
Regarding training for interview questions: I suggest looking at the universities, colleges, and community colleges in your area. Some may have a journalism program, and offer classes in radio, print, and TV questions for reporters. Other may offer the interviewing portion of a larger class — it depends on the size of the journalism program at the university or college.
Rather than taking a formal course, I suggest marketing yourself as an expert. You’ve already put in the time and earned your stripes! I don’t know offhand who hires people to write interview questions, but I suspect the busier reporters, TV anchors, journalists, etc don’t have time to write their own. And that’s where you come in. You’d need to dig around to learn how to find those jobs — I think networking would be extremely helpful in landing a job like that.
Regarding pay: a professional writer can earn more than $50 per hour, depending on experience.
I hope this helps a little! Good luck…
Laurie
Ali | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi Lori,
I am having a sleepless night because my ideas will not stop brewing. As a senior in college worrying about my future and my failed job applications in the finance sector, it’s not hard to imagine why. I have an idea for a book, but am wondering about the pitching process. How do I ensure that my idea will not be stolen? Is it a gamble? or is there some sort of protection process?
Side note: I go to Colgate University in upstate New York and am wavering on my decision on whether to work in the US next year (many visa complications for long-term employment). I find it ironic that I stumbled upon your blog through random google chance since I am from Vancouver Island. I feel as though I have had a real-life epiphany and have finally realized the solution to my cross-border dilemma: writers know no bounds.
Ali | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply
Just realized I forgot to say thank you! (maybe the lack of sleep is starting to kick in). Any advice about the pitching process would be much appreciated!
Ali
Laurie PK | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Hi Ali,
I hope you’re all caught up on your sleep!
The short answer to your question about editors stealing writers’ book ideas: no, they don’t! When you submit a query letter or book proposal, the chances are .01% that the editor will steal it (or thereabouts — though I’m sure it has happened. It’s just not likely).
I’ve written a couple articles on that very topic — here are the links:
Should You Talk About Your Article or Book Ideas?
and
Do Writers or Editors Steal Article Ideas?
I hope these articles reassure you.
And, I think it’s exciting that your book idea is keeping you up at night, and I encourage you to write up a proposal, polish it, and start sending it to agents or publshers!
Good luck and happy writing — and stay in touch!
Laurie
Rhys | Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Hey there Laurie,
I’m currently in high school and need a good idea for a feature article (between 1000 and 2000 words)
Thanks ^_^
Laurie PK | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
Hi Rhys,
That’s one of the most difficult parts of being a writer — finding great ideas for feature articles!
I can’t tell you what to write about, but here’s an article about recognizing a great idea. You’ll need to brainstorm your own ideas, based on your interests, resources, available experts, sources, lifestyle, environment, etc.
10 Tips for Recognizing Great Article Ideas
Good luck with your article!
Laurie
Jana | Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi Lori
I just discovered your site and would like to recommend it to my students. Could you do a ‘hot link’ to mine, please? I think you’d enjoy it!!
Cheers – Jana
Laurie PK | Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jana,
Thanks for your comment! I’m not sure what a “hot link” is…but if you mean a link exchange, then I’d be happy to check out your site and possibly include it in my Writing Blogs & Websites page.
All best,
Laurie
Jennifer Wagaman | Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
Hi! I enjoy gleaning little bits of information from your site and others, but I feel like I’m missing something. I was wondering if you could take pity on a struggling free-lance writer and review my sites and make some suggestions?
I have three sites – my main site is http://www.321learn.net I have built it up fairly well and get more than 50% google traffic, with 10 subscribers. Topping just over 100 visits a day.
My second site gets about the same traffic even though it is much smaller and newer and I have 3 subscribers: http://www.myclssroommanagement.com
My third site is just starting to pick up traffic, and is very new with no subscribers yet: http://www.myhomeschoolguide.com
I am almost to the point of reaching google ads payout each month and have failed miserably at affiliate links and have all but removed them from my sites. And I get few to no comments (probably due to the lack of subscribers).
I have tested and retested google ad placement and color schemes, and have tested layout until I found one that seemed to boost income and increase pageviews. Seems like you and many others I read are so successful and while I try to emulate as much as I can, I feel like I am spinning my wheels.
Thanks for taking pity on me, any suggestions are welcome!
HowDidYouGetThere | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi Laurie,
Congratulations on closing in on your book deal – that’s very exciting.
Great tip on what to write back to a rejection, I’d pop a “thanks for the reply” e-mail, but a “sorry that didn’t work, what about this” is a far superior idea.
My book(s) have taken a back seat to my blog, which has a life, voice, personality and wardrobe of its own now. It seems to be a new genre as far as I can tell, so I’m tagging it The Internet’s 1st Blog-Com, part blog, part sitcom.
Have you seen anything out there like this? I write humorous interviews with ordinary people, in out of the ordinary lives–and believe me, after I dig around, they’re all out of the ordinary!
Question: what community would you suggest I become involved with? I’m active in the writing community nearby and via twitter, but blogging seems to be ‘informational’ –which this is, the guts of it is real– but the flow is all comedic dialog.
Help! Writing is about being involved in a community, but I sense I’m missing out on either the comedic or interviewing side. What’s your thought?
Thanks, Kristi
Don Montgomery | Dec 16, 2009 | Reply
12-16-09
Dea Laurie:
Interesting info, but I’m a hard nut to crack. I’m over 75-years-old, a Korea War Veteran, 56 years married, father of eight, grandfather of 11, and currently an award-winning writer.
For the past several years I’ve won first place ribbons for entries in local “Veterans Creative Arts” competitions, including gold medals in the nationals.
My writing consists of short, approximately 500-word, mostly humorous stuff, such as the national gold medal winner at this year’s ceremony entitled, “How To Avoid Waiting In Lines.”
Presently I have a dozen award-winning, never-before-published, 100% original articles, and am seeking a way to get paid for them.
In addition, I have a recent, urgent, serious feature (777 words), that I believe is relevant, timely, and newsworthy. It’s entitled, “AMERICA’S MONETARY REALITY.”
Question is, how do I get my stuff to market? Should I get an agent? Where? Who? Any ideas?
Bless you for your help!
–Don M.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Dear Don,
I apologize for not responding sooner; the Christmas holidays have eaten up all my time and energy!
Regarding your questions — you don’t need an agent to sell your articles to magazines. If, however, you want to put all your articles into a book, then you’d need a literary agent.
I suggest pitching your articles to magazines that focus on retired people and baby boomers. AARP has a magazine, I think — and Eldr.com was open to pitches some time ago. You might also try Reader’s Digest, or any publication that you enjoy reading. If you like reading a magazine, you might be the perfect writer for it!
I hope this helps — let me know how it goes. And if you need info about pitching to magazines, let me know and I’ll post some links here.
All best,
Laurie
Angela Hodges | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Dear Laurie,
I am a ‘newbie’ webmaster and my niche is women’s health and fitness advice and motivation. Content writing hasn’t come easy (I have a day job,as well as some challenging life issues),but I actually LIKE it. I have a voice or a persona that I’ve been developing for the site, a ‘diva’ attitude, so to speak. The writing has been therapeutic at times, helping to block out the ’stuff’ going on in and around me. My question to you is: How do I go about having my writing (skills?????) evaluated. I want to investigate additional writing opportunities as my hearing impairment is hindering my ability to continue working in a noisey gym environment. And, at age 57 and a half, maybe I don’t want to spend as much time in the gym with the young’uns. I thank you for any comments and suggestions you have to offer.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Jan 28, 2010 | Reply
Hi Angela,
It sounds like you’ve found an interesting niche — especially with a “diva” attitude! Fun
I’m not quite sure I understand what you mean about having your writing skills evaluated. If you want to look into additional writing opportunities, you don’t need to undergo an evaluation — you need only apply for writing jobs or pitch to editors!
If you need sample pitch letters, I’d be happy to share some links here. THe freelance magazine writing market is a bit competitive, but I know there are editors assigning work to new writers.
I encourage you to focus on finding writing opportunities in your health and fitness niche, and don’t worry too much about your writing skills. That said, if your writing skills need work, then take a writing course or read books on writing — I listed several great ones in the middle column of this page.
I hope this helps — and wish you all the best in your writing career!
Laurie
Angela Hodges | Jan 30, 2010 | Reply
Thank you for your response, Laurie.
I think because almost all of my writing to date has been geared toward creating content for my website, and the only feedback I get is from friends and loved ones (they are so supportive and not critical), I’m a little unsure of the quality of my writing from an editors point of view. I’d be happy to have the links for some sample pitch letters! I appreciate your sharing.
Angela aka Fitness-Diva-Knows
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Feb 1, 2010 | Reply
Hi Angela,
Yes, there’s a difference between an editorial perspective of your writing versus the rose-colored glasses of friends of family! But, the more writing you do makes you a better writer, so blogging does sharpen your writing skills. You ARE improving with each post you write
Here are links to info about query letters:
How to Write Query Letters for Magazine Articles
Sample of a Successful Query Letter to Reader’s Digest
Example of a Query Letter for Unpublished Writers
And within each article are links to more articles, so you should find lots to work with!
Feel free to ask questions or make comments on any of the articles….let me know how things go…
Happy writing,
Laurie
Angela Hodges | Feb 1, 2010 | Reply
Thank you for the links, Laura. I’m on it!
I hereby dub you ‘The Writing Tips Diva’. I’ll stay in touch.
Angela aka Fitness-Diva-Knows
amy hartman | Feb 15, 2010 | Reply
Hi Laurie:
First of all, I am hoping this is the right place to submit a question rather than to respond to a previous post. If not, my apologies.
I have two questions:
1) What is your opinion on emailing query letters?
2) How do you approach sources for a story when you don’t yet have a magazine interested in your article? Do you just say I am a freelance writer and hope they don’t ask any questions? Is it OK to say (which would be true in my case) I am a new freelance writer and don’t yet have a magazine that has accepted the story, but I am planning on pitching it to XX…
Thank you,
Amy
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Feb 15, 2010 | Reply
Dear Amy,
Thanks for your great questions!
I think email query letters are THE way to go — unless, of course, the magazine or publisher only accepts mailed query letters. But most publications and publishers accept email, so yes…it’s fine.
Here’s an article that might help:
Example of a Query Letter for Unpublished Writers
And, it’s totally appropriate to tell a source exactly what you said: you’re pitching the article idea to magazines and you’re just gathering preliminary information. Tell them you’ll keep them posted. You don’t need a ton of information to write a successful query letter — just enough to whet the editor’s appetite and prove that you can write the article because you have access to sources.
Here’s an article about interviewing sources, for after you’ve won the assignment and are writing the article:
10 Tips for Interviewing Sources for Articles
I hope this helps, and that you let me know when you’ve sold your first few articles
Happy pitching,
Laurie
Morgan P. | Feb 18, 2010 | Reply
Hi Laurie,
First, thanks for sharing! I have learned so much in the few days since I discovered your site. Prior to discovering your site, I was wandering about scatter brained and utterly frustrated.
Thank you for shedding light on several hot-topics every writer should know about.
I have a few quick questions for you…
I recently left Corporate America to return to school full-time to get my masters degree and follow my dreams of becoming a full-time freelance writer. Things are moving along slowly. I do not have a clue what I am doing. I am a little nervous about not having a degree, posting my CV on my website etc. etc. Oh, the posting of my CV issue – I don’t haven’t finished my degree and it’s driving me insane to the point I don’t want to write….sigh.
Question: Do you think having a degree is necessary for a freelance writer to have.
I am told that I am a good writer; and I have had work published before….but…I do not feel like being ‘good’ is good enough, and I also question whether I am competitive ‘enough.’
It all goes back to me not having my degree yet. Moving along..
Question: I would like to pitch an article idea to a magazine. Their submission guidelines do not mention payment – what is the proper or standard way to go about finding this out?
Question: Is it typical for a freelance writer to negotiate their rates with magazines etc.?
Question: How do you determine what you should charge for your work?
Thanks so much. I absolutely love your site by the way!
Best Regards,
Morgan
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Feb 21, 2010 | Reply
Hi Morgan,
Glad you stopped in — and congratulations on leaving Corporate America! Very exciting
Your questions are invaluable and incredibly important for new writers, so I answered them in a blog post. Here’s the link – if this creates more questions, please ask away!
Starting a Magazine Writing Career – How to Earn Money as a Freelancer
I hope this answers your questions, and look forward to seeing you again here on Quips and Tips…
Regards — and thanks for asking these questions,
Laurie
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen | Feb 21, 2010 | Reply
Hi again Morgan,
If the link to the article didn’t work, please try it again — I made a mistake the first time I inserted it!
To try it again, go directly to the Ask a Question page (if you tried it from your email subscription).
L.
Morgan | Feb 22, 2010 | Reply
Thanks Laurie! I am starting to feel empowered already.
-Morgan