Granted, those people probably aren't reading this blog, but feel free to share this blog with the people in your life who don't get what you're doing.
To the parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, significant others, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who think you do nothing all day long (so therefore you must be available to whatever task or errand they need done at any hour of the day).
To the people who think writing is easy, and anyone can do it. Well, sure, anyone can write... the hard part is to have the courage to put your words out there for all to see.
Do you have that courage? Do you have the gumption to stick it out, even in the tough times? The times when clients or readers aren't banging down your door and your mailbox isn't overflowing with paychecks.
Do you?
Since making the decision to "be a writer" full-time, I've had many up and down moments. Finding your way as a writer isn't always easy.
There are so many different types and styles of writing.
Fiction, non-fiction, business (large or small), websites, brochures, ads, letters... the list is practically endless.
Update:
Today I had a phone conversation with a potential client (XYZ, as I referred to them in previous posts). It was my first time talking directly to a client. And this has the potential to be a rather big client too (at least for me).
The convo went quite well. I think I came across professional and like I know what I'm talking about. We ended it with the client saying he will send me a list of the specific projects he'd like me to tackle first.
Upon receiving the list, I will then draw up a more formal contract, detailing the fees.
To date I've just quoted him ballpark estimates. He didn't balk at them, and wanted to keep talking, so that's a good sign. Though today he did bring it up and asked if the numbers I gave earlier were a "general" number, and would they be tailored to fit his specific project?
Yes, I assured him they would. However, it got me wondering... is he expecting the rates to be lower?
They might be... I will be starting with product descriptions. Literally about a paragraph's worth of text (though it'll likely be in bulleted form).
I now have the voices swirling in my head, talking about value pricing... versus pricing based on the time it will take you or the length of the project. But what is the value of a product description? I'd say pretty high... it's what a buyer reads to determine to make a purchase or not.
Then there's the other voice... I need the money. I don't want to turn this client off by quoting too high.
Ah, the ever-famous tightrope walk us freelance writers face.
Since this will be my first go at it, I'm trying to be gentle with myself. I'll do my best.
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