As a freelance writer, you have likely noticed that some of your writing and marketing activities bring outsized results, while other activities give you a very small return on the investment of your time and energy. There's a reason for … [Continue reading]
I'm a strong advocate of freelance writers specializing in one or more niches as a key way to boost their income. That's why I created the short self-guided course "Find Your Freelance Writing Niches: Make More Money for Less Work."I just … [Continue reading]
I think goal setting is important, especially for my freelance writing business. I've written several posts about goal setting and the best ways to achieve goals, but this time I'm focusing on what other freelancers have to say.I've perused many … [Continue reading]
Is it a good idea for a freelance writer to go to all the trouble to blog regularly, even if hardly anyone reads the posts?This is actually a complex question and the answer is different for everyone.I've said many times in the and elsewhere … [Continue reading]
The other day, a guy I know who just started a digital-marketing agency told me he’d like to broaden his income stream with freelance writing. It’s a great idea because freelance writing can be lucrative if you know where to look — that’s why so many … [Continue reading]
Carol Tice's Freelance Writers Den is a membership site dedicated to helping people serious about freelance writing increase their chances of success. The site opened in July 2011, and as a charter member and then as a moderator, I've watched closely … [Continue reading]
To be a successful freelancer or self-employed businessperson, you need to maximize your productivity.Now think back to the last time you had the flu: How did you feel? Like crap? And how much quality work did you get done? Like none?You … [Continue reading]
Look above at my tagline: Work Less ~ Earn More ~ Live More.I'm fortunate to have a freelance writing niche that pays me well, and my many years of study and application of productivity and time management techniques give me a lot more free … [Continue reading]
It's not so hard to set good goals. What's hard is actually following through on what you need to do to make those goals reality.But there are important techniques to keep you on track so you can achieve your goals... 1. Review Your Goals … [Continue reading]
The next time you have writer's block, do a little self-psychoanalysis. Relax, ask yourself "Why do I have writer's block?" and then see what your mind tells you.Often you’ll find that there are one or more reasons that hinder you from getting … [Continue reading]
Should you leave freelance writing for a full-time job? This is a dilemma many freelance writers face, including some who have been freelancing for a long time and have had significant success.There are many ways to approach the question, and the … [Continue reading]
We all want to write faster, as long as we can still write well. This infographic lays out eight steps for quickly creating articles and blog posts, but the process also applies to many other types of writing.I have a more detailed post on how to … [Continue reading]
Freelance writers’ lives are usually quite busy. But busy with what?Often we are busy doing things that don’t matter, or actually detract from our lives. And that’s why we should practice simplicity. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, … [Continue reading]
I recently took a six-week blogging break while I was on vacation in Costa Rica. Since many of you reading this are bloggers, you know there's a general consensus that you should should post consistently.However, you also need to carefully … [Continue reading]
If you want to be a successful freelance writer, you must write well.You don’t have to be a perfectionist, but you do need to write clearly and with very few punctuation, grammar, and spelling errors. You can learn to do this through studying the … [Continue reading]
I recently returned from a five-week vacation in Costa Rica. I can happily report that I’m tanned, rested, and ready to get back to freelance writing and blogging.Why Costa Rica? For starters, it has a great combination of natural beauty, … [Continue reading]
I'm going to Costa Rica for 5 weeks. That's why!And it's going to be a true vacation: no work and very little time on the Internet.My only connection to the wider world will be through my Kindle Fire HD 7, and that's only when I'm around a … [Continue reading]
Writing supplemental materials for college textbooks has been my main freelance writing niche for over twenty years. I love the intellectual stimulation, plus I've made a decent income that has allowed me to live wherever I want, including three … [Continue reading]
Collaborating with a coauthor on a book or other writing project is often an excellent idea; however, it can also lead to major problems.I’ll examine the benefits of coauthoring first before moving on to point out the potential perils. 3 Reasons … [Continue reading]
Effective time management and high productivity are very important to me and most readers here at Productive Writers. That's why I put together this list of the most important relevant hashtags for Twitter and Google+. Using Twitter Hashtags You … [Continue reading]
How strong is your willpower? Do you do what you should, when you should, whether you feel like it or not -- whether it’s for your writing or any other task large or small in your life?Do you have strong self-control?Perhaps the most … [Continue reading]
I've frequently stressed the importance of good health to your career as a productive freelance writer.Sleep is especially crucial, not only to your ability to concentrate on your writing projects, but also so you have enough energy to get them … [Continue reading]
Why would a freelance writer or any other home-based worker want a post office box? Well, as a freelancer who has a home address and can easily get home delivery, I've chosen to have all my mail go to my post office box. Here's why... The Advantages … [Continue reading]
I spend a lot of time on the computer completing my freelance writing projects, and I also spend significant time on the Internet dealing with my multiple blogs, promoting my services on LinkedIn, and networking with other writers and entrepreneurial … [Continue reading]
When you become successful enough as a freelance writer, you'll need to consider when and how to hire people so that you can become even more successful and make even more money. When Should You Hire Help? Here's the simple Hiring-Outside-Help … [Continue reading]