Stop Writing: Latest Advice to the Freelancer

Stop writing. That's what I need to do to succeed as a freelancer. No, this isn't someone's way of saying that I or any other freelancer isn't a good writer or should quit. I've read, and reread, from those who know the business of freelance writing that a big part of my job is resending, marketing, resending. It's been over a year now since I started, and my Word file of all articles I've sent out for publication (whether complete articles or the query letter positing the premise) numbers 61. I color-code them so I can tell at a glance where in the process they are. Blue is for published, black is for "waiting to hear," and red is for "take action--the first attempt got a no, so try again ASAP!" The list is overwhelmingly red. There are articles I should have resent 6 months ago. It's a shame really--every minute I spend writing new articles is delaying the time I might get another already-written one published and paid! And this is just in one category of things I write: print magazine articles.  I need to do this with devotionals that I write too.

So I just need to quit writing and get to my homework of resending. So today I accomplished 1.5 of a my list of perhaps 10 that I should have done yesterday. I rewrote my query letter for an article on simple back strengthening exercises that can be done in minutes a day, even while multi-tasking. I'd first pitched it to a local parenting magazine (one I've referred to in a previous post as "Fort Knox." Seriously, the national Parents magazine editor writes me back personally, but the tiny local parenting magazine never gave me any response to that query or the previous five...) I rewrote the query to market the article to a how-to magazine for women. The editor at that magazine wrote me back after my last query, but I never heard from her again, so this is my second try there.

Secondly, I edited a revamped article and was trying to get everything ready for a snail mail to American Baby--it's a lot of work to do it the old-fashioned way. But as I wrote in a previous post, it is really benefiicial to a writer to call the magazine and get direction on which editor is best to address the submission to, based on the topic. But both attempts today led to an answering machine at the editor's desk. I know she does answer her phone--I've talked with her before, and she helpfully furnished the information I needed. I guess I'll try again tomorrow...

Tomorrow I should do the same thing--not write. Maybe I should not write all week, but just do the business of readying submissions to resend...

Articles I've published online:
Power Your Electronics with Your Body's Own Movement? The NPower PEG, The First Kinetic Energy Recharger

Lyme Disease and Autism Patients Prescribed Diets Free of Genetically Modified Foods

What I've Learned After a Year Writing for Triond Sites

Waterbirth Lowers Group B Strep Risk Better Than Antibiotics?

How to Avoid Nutrient Depletion Caused by Your Prescription Drugs