A bookseller’s education, concluded
Ten years after the iconic bookstore chain Borders closed its doors for good, one bookseller looks back at how his time spent there ultimately helped his career – and his self-worth.
Pete Croatto
Freelance Success: Got a book idea? Treat it like a pitch
Any freelance writer can get a book published if they think of it like landing a pitch.
Freelance Success: Rules to keep freelancers grounded in times of crisis
How do we work and stay sane? By sticking to what got us here.
Freelance Success: An ode to the glue gigs
The bylines in high-profile pubs are nice, but savvy freelance writers owe their careers to sturdy, dependable work that may escape the masses.
Freelance Success: Fighting for freelancing
The battle against legislation that would jeopardize freelance writers’ careers is not over.
Shut the hell up: A beginner’s guide to interviewing
Ready to nail your first interview? Here are pro tips to get you started.
Writing with kids, part IV: Pandemic edition
Tips from freelancers making it work.
The freelancer’s guide to helping each other
It’s easy and inexpensive, plus it will make you feel good. What’s not to love?
Freelance Success: Remembering the reason you started freelancing
Freelance writing is frequently stressful and enervating. When that happens, you have to remember why you’re here.
Freelance Success: Writing a book while maintaining a freelance career
It’s all about learning from your mistakes – repeatedly.
Freelance Success: How to become a risk-free freelancer
Becoming a successful freelance writer means mastering both emotional and financial components.
Freelance Success: What editors want freelance writers to know
Taking a trip behind enemy lines reveals an ally in a crazy professional world.
Freelance Success: What the hell is ‘freelance success,’ anyway?
You’re doing OK. Really.
Writing with Kids, Part III: Submit to the chaos
Preserve your writing career and your sanity with this advice.
Writing with Kids, Part II: Tips for juggling writing and parenting
Writing while parenting is no easy feat. Here’s what new parents need to know.
Freelance Success: How to write a successful follow-up email
The follow-up email is a staple of freelance writing life. A big part of mastering it? Knowing when to stop.
Lessons for freelance writers
Here’s what this veteran freelancer learned after offering to help other writers with their careers.
An interview with Pat Jordan
The legendary magazine writer and A False Spring author has written for himself since 1970 – and he’s having more fun than ever.
The benefits of calling sources
Add to FavoritesJeff Pearlman, the best-selling sports author, has a mantra I have made my own: Make the extra phone call. A story is only … Read More “The benefits of calling sources”
Why freelancers should ask for more money
Money matters. Make sure you’re getting paid what you deserve.
Freelance Writing 101
New to writing for hire? Take this hard-earned advice and run with it.
How to respond to unsolicited advice from non-writers
Here’s what a writer should do, when they hear “You know what you should do…” advice.
Focus on your own writing career
Ditching your career timetable and ignoring others’ accomplishments is hard – but absolutely essential to your sanity.
How to cope with making mistakes
Every writer’s worst nightmare is finding an error in print…but it happens, often, and to the very best of us. Here’s how to cope.
From college graduation to freelance writing
For the new college graduate, freelancing is a wonderful option to start writing. But you’ve got to think beyond the classroom.
7 tell-tale signs of toxic freelance clients
Here are the warning signs you should be looking for if you think it may be time to let go of one of your freelance clients.
Choose passion: A new take on the generalist vs. specialist debate
As a freelance writer should you be a generalist or a specialist? Here is a new take on the debate.
Parallel work: What to do when the words won’t come
You can’t write all day, every day. Here are 11 activities to help you shake things up without losing any momentum.
Lessons learned in the dating game also apply to freelance writing
Learn how to apply the rules of dating to your freelance writing career.
Five steps to increase your freelancing profits
Save time and make money with these tips.
Eight tips for snagging an editor’s attention
Learn how to stand out from the crowd with these 8 tips to get an editor’s attention.
Introducing yourself as a writer
“What do you do?” How to answer this deceptively difficult question.
Beware of “writers wanted” ads online
The Internet is full of classifieds calling for writers. How many are too good to be true?
Finding a support system for your writing career
It takes more than talent to keep you writing.
Writing with Kids, Part I: Readying your freelance career for a new baby
What to expect when you’re expecting – and you’re juggling a busy freelance career.
What to do when freelance writing assignments run dry
What can a freelancer do when there’s no work to be had?
Can politeness increase your success as a writer?
The writing community is shockingly gracious and helpful. Don’t test its limits.