If you read my post from earlier this week, you know that I’ve finally taken the leap and quit my backup job in hopes of becoming a full time writer. And while it didn’t come at a time I expected, mainly when I felt secure with enough money, it was necessary.
I have to make room for new opportunities, which I hope will appear before I do my taxes. I’ve lost a few clients in the last year but am also working on a few new ones. This post serves as my annual goal setting for my career. If you want to know more, see the posts from 2014 and 2015.
Sending Pitches Regularly
One of my goals for the year is to send more pitches. Most of my work up to this point has been from referrals or existing clients. And while that’s great, I’m missing out on more work by not sending out ideas to publications. I’ll admit that many get rejected, or don’t respond at all, but it’s all a part of the job.
I feel like I come up with ideas often, but the hardest part is finding a publication that is a good fit and sending them an idea at an appropriate time. The goal is to send at least three posts per month and to follow up with them.
Seeking New Clients
Speaking of pitches, I’m looking for new clients for regular work. I’ve got a potential new position for a travel client but am still working out the details. I’m also seeking out projects on websites like Upwork. I’m no longer writing for free, so when companies contact me about writing a post for their blog, I’m now telling them that you get what you pay for.
I’ve also set minimums for work and pay. This means that I don’t want to spend time on dozens of small projects that only pay $15-20 each. I need longer form, higher pay work.
Continuing Regular Work
I have three clients that are consistent, two every month and one every few months. I’m happy to have the regular money, especially the AFAR updates every quarter, but I could use about three more of these gigs. I’ll still be working for Her Packing List for the foreseeable future as well.
Honing My Craft
I think it’s important to continue learning and working on your craft. I’ve completed Travel Blog Success and will soon be working my way through Don George’s Travel Writing book, which I’ve owned for many years but never completed.
The legendary writer and editor also leads a six week course in San Francisco every year that I’ve put on my calendar for 2017. I’d also like to join one of the many writers groups here in Atlanta and read my work in front of an audience. It makes me anxious to think of accepting critiques, but necessary for becoming a writer.
Diversifying Income
As you can see, I will be eliminating two of the largest chunks of income. This means that I should increase the other amounts, substitute teaching more and working on more blog-related projects. This includes social media consultation, sponsored posts and affiliate payments.
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