The Renegade Writer Blog

If you’ve ever been single you know that the best way to attract a mate is to already be involved with someone. The same goes for writing. If you contact editors begging for work because the utilities company is about to turn off your lights, you’ll reek of desperation — and that’s a real turn-off to editors. Position yourself as a busy, successful, in-demand writer, and it will be so. When I write to editors to ask for work, I don’t say, “My bank account is dwindling and I’m looking for work.” I say, “I’m making up my assignment schedule for next month and am wondering if there’s anything I can do for you,” or “I just finished a huge project and have some time, so I’m wondering if you need any writing done.” Even if I’m sitting in the dark and drinking Folgers instead of Starbucks, my editors won’t hear it from me! [lf]

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