Successful freelance writer and editor Nathan Segal, was kind enough to take the time and answer a few questions about his very practical and information packed book Secrets of Profitable Freelance Writing.
Nathan Segal describes his proven techniques for landing those choice magazine writing assignments, creating effective internet content, and for making a living as an independent freelance writer.
Thanks to Nathan Segal for his time, and for his very informative and comprehensive responses to the questions. They are greatly appreciated.
What was the background to writing this book Secrets of Profitable Freelance Writing?
Nathan Segal: It largely came about from hanging out on forums. What I kept hearing were complaints from writers about the content sites and the low rate of pay. I was appalled by what I heard and decided to do something about it. The result was my book.
So many freelance writers struggle with finding writing assignments. Why is this the case and what are they doing wrong?
Nathan Segal: The number one reason is they don’t know how to market themselves.
More often than not, they wind up on the writing sites where they get paid a pittance for their articles. Other times they wind up on job boards where they’re in a bidding competition with other writers for work. And in that case it’s about who can underbid who, so even if you get a contract, it’s only for a few dollars per article. It’s hard work and you don’t make any decent money.
How can freelance writers better research writing opportunities?
Nathan Segal: By understanding how to search for work. There are two major methods:
1. • Keyword research
2. • And using online directories.
The internet provides a wealth of research opportunities. How can freelancers find magazines seeking their writing?
Nathan Segal: By understanding how to search and what keywords to use. I offer an extensive list of search terms in my book. As above, here’s an example: paying American magazines. That will give you access to a huge number of resources.
With directories, the process is easier because you have access to a database with listings of many magazines. Two that I recommend are:
http://www.freelancewriting.com and the Gale’s directories. You can get free access to the directories here:
http://www.nypl.org/collections/articles-databases/gales-ready-reference-shelf
Nathan Segal (photo left)
Can a freelancer also use the same techniques to become a telecommuter for a company?
Nathan Segal: Yes and no. They still need to search, though they would be using different keywords to search. In this case, they would use keyword phrases like: writing jobs, technical writing jobs or writing gigs. Some sites to look at are SimplyHired.com, or Craigslist.
Can the many writing sites on the internet help to build a reputation as a writer?
Nathan Segal: Yes. You use those sites to write content. Then when it’s published, you refer to that content in your query letters. This helps to establish credibility.
Why should freelancers be familiar with technical concepts like screen captures and the various web photo formats?
Nathan Segal: Depending on who you write for, you need to know how to save files. As an example, if you write for a print publication, you’ll probably want to save those screen captures as a TIFF file. If you write for the web, you’ll want to save them as JPEG or GIF. Generally, I use JPEG for full color images and the GIF format for text, line art and dialog boxes. Also, for a print publication, the resolution would be around 300 dpi (dots per inch) for good quality. For the web, it’s different. A good resolution would be 96 ppi (pixels per inch) for the PC and 100 ppi for the Macintosh.
You are a strong proponent in creating content through interviews. Can interviews be used for revenue and re=purposed for other uses including reputation building?
Nathan Segal: Absolutely. This was one of my main tasks when I was a columnist at Streaming Media World. I used interviews all the time. Also, for a novice writer, interviews are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of breaking into freelance writing.
I did this in two different ways, telephone and email interviews. Telephone interviews offer a lot of spontaneity and can be quite a bit of fun. The down side is having to transcribe them later. In contrast, the email interview allows the interviewee to take time with their answers. It’s also great for me as a writer because I can edit one of those in about 15-20 minutes, then it’s ready to post.
Many freelance writers have expressed concerns about how to write a good query letter. What makes for a great query letter that gets assignments?
Nathan Segal: In my experience, there are a couple of really important things. First off, never write an article in advance of the query. If you do so and the editor doesn’t like it, you’ve wasted your time.
Secondly, when you write a letter list three article topics and write a short summary of what you have in mind – no more than a few sentences. The idea is to capture the editor’s attention. Also, by writing three topics, you stand a better chance of getting an assignment.
Why should writers get to know the editor and how can a great editor help a writer succeed?
Nathan Segal: The editor is ultimately your best friend, though many writers don’t know that. Many writers are afraid of the editor; other writers hate editors because the editor changes their copy .
The reality is that a good editor can show you how to write really well. The editor can also shape your writing career. In one case, I worked with an editor by the name of David Tanaka. David showed me that my greatest strength was as a “how-to” writer. The result is this interview and my book.
Despite often long experience with freelancing, many writers are still unsure how magazines pay for work. How does a magazine pay for writing?
Nathan Segal: In one of three ways: by the page, by the word and by assignment.
As for when you get paid, again, there are three ways: On acceptance, on submission and on publication. Of these two options, I recommend the first two. Unless you have a good cash flow, don't work for a magazine that pays on publication, because you could be waiting for a long time. In one case I wound up waiting for nine months and I still hadn't been paid.
How can a writer increase their income to make freelancing a full time business?
Nathan Segal: Develop a client base of several magazines that you write for, all at the same time, or in rotation. This is how I did it.
Coming up with story ideas is often a challenge for freelancers. How can a writer generate more story and article ideas?
Nathan Segal: Study back issues of the magazine for article ideas. That’s the easiest way. Also, read the author’s guidelines to see what their favorite topics are, then see if you can come up with a new approach. Contrary to what you might believe, similar topics come up and it’s in the way that you write them that determines a new approach and fresh content.
What is the first step a freelance writer take toward becoming a success?
Nathan Segal: Decide on what you want to write. Use a mind map.
What is next for Nathan Segal?
Nathan Segal: Transitioning into being a mentor and coach. I’m also taking my marketing knowledge and am creating a video series. Eventually I’d like to give some workshops, as well.
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My book review of Secrets of Profitable Freelance Writing by Nathan Segal.
My Blog Business Success internet radio interview with Nathan Segal. Blog Business Success hosted on BlogTalkRadio.
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