Last July I was interviewed by Carol Tice of the Freelance Writers Den about my main freelance specialty — writing college textbook supplements and other educational materials — and also about my best productivity techniques for writers.
I wrote back then that I’d eventually provide you with the audio interview, and now I’m fulfilling that promise. Click below to listen on your computer or download it as an mp3 for later listening.
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What Carol and I Discuss…
The interview is nearly 45 minutes long. In the first half I talk about how I’ve succeeded at freelancing for college textbook publishers and give advice on how other writers can do it too, primarily building on the guest post I’d written for Carol and the many questions I answered in the comments section of that post. Specifically I discuss:
- How writers can break into the field if they haven’t taught college or don’t have an advanced degree
- Working in the high-school market
- How to find editors and get jobs
- Typical pay rates and how to negotiate higher pay
- And much more
Then Carol and I did some fun and informative back-and-forth on how writers can be more productive, which translates into getting more work done in less time:
- Determining priorities and sticking to them
- How to handle e-mail and other potential distractions
- Why freelance writers need to exercise and stay healthy
Carol is an excellent resource for freelance writers at all levels of success. Read her blog and read my review of her Freelance Writers Den membership site.
Your Take
I had a lot of fun chatting with Carol. Let me know what you think of the interview in the comments below.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: @rzive
I work in a different niche market, but it’s always interesting to hear about parallel pursuits in freelance writing. A lot of the same principles apply in the tech sector. And productivity tips are always helpful! Thanks John for posting.
Ruth – The Freelance Writing Blog recently posted…The Lady Gaga Guide To Epic Freelance Writing
Thanks Ruth!
The marketing principles are quite similar for most freelance niches, and, of course, we can all benefit from increasing our productivity.
John Soares recently posted…My Review of Carol Tice’s Freelance Writers Den Membership Site
Twitter: @harleenas
Sure an insightful interview John!
It would help a lot of new freelance writers as well as others- and coming from a seasoned writer like Carol, adds more meaning to it. Lots of important things covered as well.
Thanks for sharing
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer recently posted…5 Tips to Develop Your Inner Strength and Power
Thanks Harleena. Between us, Carol and I discussed a lot of productivity tips. Like me, she’s also a walker/hiker; frequent exercise boosts energy and overall health, which both boost productivity.
John Soares recently posted…On Freelance Writers Who Write For Free or Low Fees
Twitter: @harleenas
That sure is nice to know- and that is something that must’ve connected both of you together as well. I do agree that walking, hiking, or for that matter any form of physical exercise does boost the energy levels and is good for overall health- something that I need to get started on- on a regular basis (walking only- hiking would come much later! Lol)
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer recently posted…Welcome to the New Updated Blog!
Even walking 15-20 minutes a day can make a big difference in your health over the long run. It’s also a good way to clear out the brain and come up with new ideas for your writing.
John Soares recently posted…How to Capture, Save, and Review Your Freelance Writing Ideas
Well college education for me, is not really required for writing BUT it is definitely a huge plus. Not saying that it isn’t important because it is, but there are some people that have made it through and became successful without a college degree. Also I think that most of good writing comes from talent and experience, both of which you do not get from college.