Creative, Freelance and Ghost Writer

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. My advice is to look at a freelance writer's website and portfolio. Take the time to read samples of writing. Make sure the writer is a good fit for you, your needs, and business.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I would like to know how a freelance writer can help me rank in search engines. It's all about providing quality content, SEO, social media, and solving a problem that customers have. I would want to have a clear understanding of the scope of work. I would want to understand 'why' someone became a freelance writer.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. A consumer could ask the following questions when looking for the 'right' service professional:

1. How long have you been (fill in the blank)?
2. What do you like about (fill in the blank)?
3. What's your least favorite aspect about what you do?
4. How can you help me?
5. How long have you've been (fill in the blank)?
6. Is there a contract?
7. What is the price?
8. Do you give discounts?
9. Do you give discounts if a customer refers business to you?
10. What other questions could I have asked but did not?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. It's helpful to a freelance writer if you know what type of writing you want. It's important to understand the reason for a contract. It's important to understand that photos can't be used without permission. It's important to understand there could be a 'rush fee' if deadlines are increased. Freelance writing is a business just like any other business.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My writing stands out from others because I provide quality writing and take time to research projects carefully. I also understand SEO practices and will optimize a blog, article, and website with a client's keywords and phrases. I'll help clients discover their keywords and phrases if they don't know how to.

I take customer service very seriously because I'm a customer as well. I know what it's like to receive mediocre service. I always thank my clients for choosing me as their freelance writer.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy the creativity and research that's involved with each project. No two projects are alike! I enjoy interviewing people for articles because it's a great way for me to learn about someone, what they do, and how they help others. The bonus is I make business connections that could develop into business relationships.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Most customers ask the following:

1) What is a blog?
2) What is SEO?
3) Do you know SEO & SEM?
4) How many words is a blog?
5) What are keywords and phrases? Can you research those for us?

My answer is Yes and a blog is between 350-700 words (sometimes shorter).

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. My favorite story is working with an interior designer. I love design and watch HGTV and TLC. Interior design shows like Trading Spaces don't show you everything about interior design. You may think you know but you probably don't.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish customers knew how dedicated I am. I have a business background and understand how to meet deadlines and build relationships with people.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. My favorite classes in high school were art, English, literature, and marketing. I fell back into writing when I moved to Arizona. I answered an ad for two positions, one was a writing position and the other was a marketing position. It was decided that I was better suited for the writing position.

Q. What are your most common types of jobs?

A. Most common types of jobs are blog copy writing, article writing, web content writing, newsletter writing, bios, and social media management.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I'm currently writing for a television production company located in the South. This particular company helps people be the change they want to see in the world by offering them uplifting and educational content. As a writer, I'm offered a diverse selection of article ideas to expand upon. I've had the opportunity to connect with new people through interviews. I learn something new each time I interview someone.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I listen to teleseminars and webinars and take writing classes.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Being a freelance writers means knowing all you can about the internet. Everyone wants to be on Page 1 of Google. This means writer's must know SEO, SEM, and SMO. Writer's are usually asked if they have graphic and or web design experience. I have a graphic design certification and am learning web design. You may want to brush up on interviewing skills because you may have to interview people.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most current writing project including contributing writing for an eBook being published by a script consultant I connected with a year ago. I chose the chapters I wanted to write and provided content for those chapters. I wanted to provide valuable information and add value to this person's target audience.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing system is $.50 to $x.xx word but every project is different. Some projects require a flat fee. My minimum contract is $500/month.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would suggest they think about creative, freelance and ghost writing from a business standpoint. If you have no desire to be a full-time business owner then freelance writing may not be for you or it may be something you do part-time.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. My greatest strength is leadership. I can take the lead on almost anything. I'm great in a crisis situation because I don't panic; I remain calm, cool and collective. This is very useful in business. Sometimes, clients become overwhelmed with details. I know how to take a '30,000 foot' view and 'weed' out the details in order to see a clear picture.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What are some of your personal projects?

I finished a non-fiction book for teens on how to break the cycle of family alcoholism. I'm developing YA novels. I wrote two short films and a teleplay. My teleplay was reviewed by someone from Hollywood! Look for my television series on a local or cable station near you.