Writers put words on paper for public consumption

ساخت وبلاگ

Writers put words on paper for public consumption, and it isn't
always easy. Why? Isn't that what we are supposed do? What kind
of courage does it take to write something - a piece of news, a
brochure, a PR release, or an article - and let someone else read
it? How scary could that be? The answers to those questions are:
Yes, that is what writers do. In reality, it takes a great deal
of courage to do it time after time; day after day; sometimes,
year after year. In fact, there are few aspects of freelance
writing that don't require just plain chutzpah. Think about what
it takes to make a living this way.

* Finding work: To get an assignment in the first place writers
have to make cold calls, send out query letters, show our work,
and prove again and again that we have the experience, ability,
and wherewithal to do the job. In short, we are constantly trying
out for the part.

* Proving ourselves: Once we've gotten over that hurdle, no
matter how many years we may have been doing this type of thing,
we have to convince the client, or editor, that we are capable of
leaing their particular business, product, audience, or unique
perspective. And then we have to prove it.

* Pricing our work: Clients usually want to know what the project
is going to cost before we have any idea how much of the
information is supplied, how much will have to be researched, how
many interviews are required, how long it will take to write a
first draft, and how many revisions there are likely to be, for
starters. Sometimes, we aren't exactly sure of what the client
wants because he or she can't quite articulate it. ("I'll know it
when I see it," should be a bright red flag!) Yet, even without
this basic information, we are expected to come up with an
estimate - and live with it - even if it tus out to be
ridiculous.

* Standing our ground: When we finally arrive at an hourly or
project fee that reflects our experience and expertise, we not
only have to say it out loud, we have to mean it and insist on
it, even when the client or editor says, "What makes you worth
that much? I could hire someone for half that amount!" If we
submit a contract or letter of agreement with such terms as, "I
will begin this project upon receipt of this agreement and 50
percent of the agreed-upon fee," it takes inordinate self-
confidence to sit tight until the agreement is signed and the
check is in hand.

* Leaing to leave: And, finally, when the client or editor
tus out to be impossible to work with, satisfy, or respect (but
you need the money), think of how gutsy it is to say, "This
relationship doesn't seem to be working out to our mutual
satisfaction. I believe that you should seek another writer."

These are not unusual scenarios; they come with the territory. To
face such challenges to one's self-esteem requires a special
brand of confidence - one that is solid and assured, but never
arrogant or defensive. If you're good, you're good. If you've
proved it 10,000 times in every conceivable circumstance, you
know it. In fact, you radiate it - or, at least, you should.

An experienced writer I once knew was asked by an editor for a
sample of his work. He haughtily replied, "My dear young woman, I
do not audition." Not so. As freelance writers, we are constantly
auditioning. The trick is to do so with confidence and class. The
question then becomes, how does one achieve that attitude?

Obviously, no single article can provide all the answers. But
since this is an issue that particularly plagues writers, here
are some techniques I have found helpful over the years.

* Give every project your all. Then, you'll always know you did
the best job you could possibly do. That is one of the most
powerful confidence builders you can employ.

* Maintain your professionalism in every situation. Expect to be
treated as a professional. Among other things, that means that
you do not have to accept inappropriate or abusive behavior. It
takes a strong feeling of self-worth to put a stop to such
treatment, even if it means leaving the room or leaving the
client; but it's very important to your self-respect to do it.

* If you're not getting feedback, ask for it. Writers often feel
as if we are throwing our work into a bottomless, black hole. A
lack of criticism in not the same as a compliment or positive
reinforcement. It's just a lack of feedback.

* Take criticism graciously. Lea from it. Get your ego out of
the way, and concentrate on finding the best solution to a
communication problem, not on being a star. Consider constructive
criticism a way to improve your work.

* Accept praise. If you receive a well-deserved pat on the back
for a job well done, accept it with appreciation. Often, the best
response is a simple, "Thank you."

* Keep a portfolio of your best work. That has two purposes:
first, it is a powerful marketing tool; and, second, it reminds
you of how good you are.

* Keep a file of any "fan letters" you receive. Reread them on
bad days. They provide spontaneous, sincere positive
reinforcement, which is worth its weight in gold.

Remember that self-confidence in a creative field does not always
come naturally. Even if you were bo with it, it is subject to
rough treatment in this business. That's why it's important to
keep it from eroding by reinforcing it after each perceived
assault. If you consistently do your best work, you will know it
and so will those who hire you. Excellence has a way of shining
its own light.

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