Have you ever thought of selling fillers, such as jokes, brief instructions, little sayings, etc? What about writing greeting card messages or slogans for bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets or buttons?
The idea of writing fillers used to intrigue me and, years ago, I sent some to magazines from time to time—I actually got paid for some of them. My friend and former SPAWN newsletter editor for many years, Wendy Dager, has gotten even more deeply involved with writing slogans and verses for greeting cards. Yesterday, I noticed her article on this subject in Angela Hoy’s Writer’s Weekly Newsletter. Check it out at http://writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article/005457-070
This morning, a gentleman from Arkansas contacted me. He said his wife has decided to become a freelance writer and he is conducting some research in order to help her get started. He found some articles that he thought would be useful to her as well as other writers. And he is creating a pamphlet for members of her writers’ group. As a result of his research, he stumbled across my article on how to make money writing fiction and emailed me asking to use it in his pamphlet. I agreed, as long as he uses my bio at the end of the piece.
Today, I have a woman coming over to show me her first attempt ever at writing. She wants to know if it is ready to publish. She claims, however, that she didn’t compose the material—it is all channeled. She also wants to know how to go about getting this published. She has few options since she has no money and lives on a very small income. As I do occasionally, I am donating my time in an attempt to help her get on the right track with her project.
I think that if I kept some sort of a record, I would discover that I donate many hours over time through email responses to questions from SPAWN members and others. I also do some free manuscript evaluations and I get involved in phone consultations sometimes that I decide not to charge for. I have 3 letters sitting on my desk from prisoners seeking information about publishing. The time I spend responding to them will, of course, be gratis.
But how I appreciate the author or freelance writer who truly understands the value in a professional’s expertise and is willing to pay for it.
One gentleman told me recently that I was an absolute God-send to him—that I taught him so much in one quick session of manuscript evaluation and he wondered how in the world I was able to do this sort of thing for FREE. What I guess he doesn’t understand is that when I give a freeby (offer my articles at my website, give advice, do a quick evaluation, teach a concept and even spend time writing this blog practically every day), I do so with the idea of possibly getting some business. Think of my “freeby” as a sample chocolate. And I am counting on you coming back to purchase a whole box of them to enjoy.
Do you offer something free to your potential clients or customers/readers? Tell me about it. How’s it working for you?
When is the last time you checked out my array of books? You’ll find a sampling at my Matilija Press Website. http://www.matilijapress.com
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book
A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles
Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book
The Successful Writer’s Handbook (This one is getting a lot of interest, lately.)
The Author’s Repair Kit
Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats
How to Write a Successful Book Proposal
Quest for Truth, A Journey of the Soul (Yes, Metaphysical/spiritual—woo woo stuff)