freelancing Archives | Philippa Writes

09Dec 2020 by Philippa Willitts

A bit of background: an interview with… me

Last week, I was approached by Rebecca Wren, an aspiring writer. She was writing a university assignment about the career she wants to enter - writing - and wanted to ask me some questions to help to guide her in both her uni work and her path to her future career. I answered her questions and it turned out to be quite an extensive piece of work! So Rebecca agreed that I could reproduce my answers here. I'm all about repurposing content, especially when it's 1500 words long. What inspired you to become a freelancer in different fields of writing? I had a blog, which I started in the days when you still had to explain what a blog was! I then joined a feminist group blog, where my writing…

20Dec 2016 by Philippa Willitts

Fixing the Mistakes Made by Hiring Cheap Writers

About Writing

I've lost count of the number of times somebody has approached me about my writing services. They complain that they hired somebody to do this work already but, well, it was awful and now they need someone to fix it or to start again from scratch. Invariably, they paid that person around $5 for 500 - 1,000 words and the content they show me is an unmitigated disaster. So, they hire me. I do the work they need, and they pay me. They've paid out twice for writers when, if they'd only bitten the bullet and paid fair fees in the first place, they would have saved themselves both money and time, all the while reducing their stress levels as an added bonus. Those of us who charge higher rates…

22Dec 2014 by Philippa Willitts

Escape from Content Mills: Tell Me What YOU Need to Know!

About Writing, Freelancing

So many freelance writers feel trapped in the under-paying, soul-destroying 'race to the bottom' freelancing sites and content mills. I have escaped from that depressing hole, and I want to help other writers to do the same! But to do so really effectively, I need to know what the barriers are that you face so that I can guide you to smash them and thrive with your own, private clients! [tweetherder]What are the obstacles that trip you up when you try to escape from the content mill trap?[/tweetherder] Do me a favour and fill out this survey. You can also use it to sign up to the email list that I have set up for this purpose, specifically. And, if you have friends or colleagues in a similar situation, please…

06Sep 2014 by Philippa Willitts

I was interviewed on the @CherishedIdeas podcast: freelancing, pricing and marketing yourself

Freelance Self-Promotion, Freelancing, Podcast

[caption id="attachment_1703" align="aligncenter" width="492"] "Often, I find, my most creative thinking has to come in my work that involves the most boring topics" - Philippa Willitts[/caption] [tweetherder]Listen to @PhilippaWrites talk to @CherishedIdeas about freelancing: [/tweetherder] A couple of months ago, I was really excited to get an interview request from the then-new Cherished Ideas podcast. It is a podcast for freelancers of all stripes and I chatted to Simon Knapp all about freelancing, how to make it work, how to stay up to date, and plenty more. [tweetherder]"Often, I find, my most creative thinking has to come in my work that involves the most boring topics"[/tweetherder] Have a listen below, enjoy, and let me know what you think! [tweetherder]"Guest blogging doesn't have to be for free. I guest blog and…

18Aug 2014 by Philippa Willitts

Freelancing while offline: can we work without the web?

Freelancing

I currently have no broadband access at home. Just take a moment to absorb that: No. Broadband. Access. I know, it's a practically mediaeval state of affairs but, until Thursday, it's how it is. In a bid to be mature and not completely freak out, I spent the days before the outage gathering together apps, software, websites and tips on managing without WiFi while still trying to run a business. And stay sane(ish). So, in this post I will go through some of the best ideas and tools available for coping without a regular broadband connection. Preparation I was in the fortunate position of having a few days' notice of my impending broadband outage. This meant that I had the chance to do a degree of preparation for as many eventualities…

18Feb 2014 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 68: Working for free and the myth of ‘exposure’

Podcast

[tweetherder]Writers, stop working for free, and certainly never pay for the privilege![/tweetherder] We see it all the time, and it seems to be getting worse: business owners and media outlets put pressure on writers to work for free. Is there any benefit to this, or is the fabled 'exposure' they promise not worth a thing? In this episode, Lorrie and I look at the facts and share some rather strong opinions on the topic! Show Notes Episode 4: Is writing for free ever ok? The Center for Architecture and Urban Design Los Angeles (CALA) logo design competition 99 designs Absolute Write: $5 for 500 word articles Carol Tice on Freelance Writing Scams Philip Hensher stirs debate among authors after refusing to write for free Paying bills with a drawing of…

19Jan 2014 by Philippa Willitts

Big Yourself Up! How giving stuff away will have new clients flocking in your direction, make you look awesome, and give you a nice happy feeling inside. Or, self-promotion for freelancers.

Freelance Self-Promotion

There is a lot to be said for providing valuable content, skills or expertise online for free. Offering useful information demonstrates that you know what you are talking about, it helps to show people you can be trusted, and it gives you an opportunity to get your name 'out there'. It's one of the reasons I make a freelance writing podcast - it helps to establish in potential clients' minds that I'm knowledgeable and skilled in my field. Similarly, the writing I have volunteered for non-profit websites shows editors and clients my writing style and the topics I specialise in writing about. It has also increased my profile, all of which contributes to me getting work on a daily and weekly basis. [tweetherder]Giving stuff away for free is usually good; working…

05Nov 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 61: How To Start Freelancing In 2014

Podcast

Sometimes the hardest thing is to just get started, so if you are really committed to making freelance writing your full-time business, in this solo episode Lorrie outlines her freelance business planning blueprint. Follow her suggestions to be up and running as a freelance writer in just six weeks. Show Notes ALBTM 17 - How To Create An Editorial Calendar ALBTM 18 - How To Network Like A Ninja ALBTM 20 - Goalplanning: your freelance writing aims for 2013 ALBTM 23 - How to decide what to charge for your freelance writing services ALBTM 24 - The art of getting paid ALBTM 25 - why and How to Charge More For Your Freelance Writing Monthly budget template http://www.copyblogger.com/create-content-infographic/ Akismet Limit login attempts There are several ways to make sure that…

22Aug 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 51: Essential Android Apps for Freelance Writers

Podcast

I don't know about you, but I find myself doing more and more work on my mobile phone when I'm out and about. Thankfully, there are plenty of apps designed to improve productivity, aid organisation and help you to take notes and produce work on the go. In this solo episode, I discuss the top apps for Android-using freelance writers, and most of them are available on iOS too! Show Notes CamScanner Google Drive Mobile Apps Google Calendar for Mobile eduPort Voice Recorder by Mamoru Tokashiki Mindjet Maps Feedly Mobile Apps Mobile Dropbox Worldometers There are several ways to make sure that you don't miss out on A Little Bird Told Me. Subscribe via RSS Subscribe via iTunes Find us on Stitcher Smart Radio And finally, please 'like' us on Facebook to be…

24Apr 2013 by Philippa Willitts

Podcast Episode 35: No portfolio? No problem. Get writing work without published clips.

Podcast

We ran out of storage space for our earliest episodes. But fear not, we have made these many, many hours of freelance writing goodness available for just £10. If you want access to them all, please click Add to Cart and buy through our e-junkie account for instant access. Lots of new freelance writers fear that they will never get any work because they don't have published articles or novels already. However, when you remember that every successful freelancer started out in the same way, it becomes clear that it is definitely possible to get hired as a writer even if you have no clips to show. But how, exactly? In this podcast episode, I go through lots of different ways to get yourself some clips, build up your portfolio,…

Tag: freelancing