Today I am hosting Kelly James-Enger, who was a mentor to me through her books and eventually in real life as a friend and colleague. I ‘m so glad to know Kelly because is a great role model for any writer, freelance or otherwise. Please help me welcome Kelly!
Introducing Kelly James-Enger
Kelly James-Enger “escaped from the law” in 1997 but she’s no fugitive. Since then, the former attorney has written more 800 articles for more than 60 national magazines and more than a dozen books, including Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets, Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition, and Writer For Hire, 101 Secrets To Freelance Success.
Kelly is also a popular public speaker covering topics including stress management, time management, and healthy habits. An ACE-certified personal trainer, she loves helping people make positive changes in their lives. She lives outside Chicago with one husband, one son, one daughter, and one maniac golden retriever. Visit www.dollarsanddeadlines.blogspot.com for more information about Kelly.
Learn about Kelly’s Latest Books
Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets
Love to write? Why not get paid to do so? Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets shows you how to launch a freelance article writing career from scratch. Whether you want to freelance full-time or simply want to make extra money from home, you’ll learn how to:
- Come up with article ideas
- Identify potential markets for your work
- Pitch ideas to print and online markets
- Locate, contact, and interview expert and anecdotal sources
- Write different types of articles, including shorts, quizzes, profiles, and features
- Decipher and negotiate freelance contracts
- Operate as a business, not a hobby (and take legitimate tax deductions)
- Create your own writing templates
- Develop regular clients
- Take your writing career to the next level
Dollars and Deadlines takes you through a dozen of the author’s published articles, describing how they were originated, researched, and written. You’ll find dozens of templates and examples along with real-world advice to take you from an unpublished newbie to a published-and paid-freelance writer.
Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition
Forget writing for the thrill of seeing your name in print, or worse yet, for the “exposure.” Freelancers should be paid-and paid well-for their work. If you dream of making a good full-time living or a second income as a freelancer, you need more than writing ability. You need a businesslike mindset, the ability to locate and pitch lucrative markets, efficient work habits, and solid relationships with people in your industry. During the author’s first year of full-time freelancing, she only made $17,000. But by her sixth year, she cracked the six-figure mark.
After interviewing dozens of other six-figure freelancers, the author first published Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money in 2005. Now the book’s been revised and updated for its second edition. Six-Figure Freelancing will show you how to:
- Take a business-like approach to your freelance career
- Negotiate more writer-friendly contracts with editors and clients
- Identify lucrative freelance markets
- Pursue book projects
- Create your own writing templates
- Work more efficiently
- Create and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues
- Set short- and long-term goals
- Use social media to enhance your business and attract clients
- Branch into lucrative new freelance areas
- Sustain a successful long-term career
Even while the publishing world has undergone dramatic change, there are plenty of promising opportunities for freelancers. This updated, expanded version of Six-Figure Freelancing includes an entirely new section on markets; advice about using social media and blogging to build your career: more sample queries and templates: and the latest advice from successful six-figure freelancers you can use to sustain a long-term freelance career. Both new and experienced writers will benefit from the practical strategies it includes.
Writer For Hire: 101 Secrets To Freelance Success
There’s no shortage of books on crafting book proposals, writing novels, overcoming writer’s block, and getting in touch with one’s muse. But what about a book for writers who simply want to earn a regular paycheck? Writer for Hire is just the wisdom full- and part-time freelancers need. Author Kelly James-Enger details:
- 101 secrets to success, organized into five overarching strategies. You’ll be able to implement what you learn immediately.
- Invaluable advice on managing deadlines, querying effectively, working with clients, handling taxes, invoices, and more.
- Strategies for getting more writing gigs, including networking (in-person and online), establishing yourself as an expert, working more efficiently under tight deadlines, and handling rejection with confidence
I asked Kelly three questions about our giveaway’s theme topic, self-expression:
1. Is self-expression an important part of your life today, why or why not?
I think self-expression is an important part of any writer’s life, but as a freelancer who writes for a living, self-expression often takes second place to my client’s or editor’s needs. For example, I may be writing to match a market’s unique tone or ghostwriting for a client and writing in a voice that is his, not my own. That’s why I make time to write my “own” pieces, whether it’s an essay (I just had a piece published in the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul Inspiration for Writers) or a novel. That’s when I can express what I want to say—not what I’m being paid to say—as a writer.
2. What does self-expression mean to you and how do you do it in the world?
As a writer, self-expression means letting your own voice shine through. As a person, I think it means being honest about how you are and being “authentic” (though I hate that word) in your day-to-day life. I am not advocating brutal honesty—most of the time, anyway—but being yourself instead of who think someone else (your partner, your parents, your kids, your peers, your friends, whoever) want you to be. For me, that means being goofy and loud and exuberant and positive, most of the time.
3. How does your self-expression impact the world—your family, your friends, your readers, and everyone else?
With my own books (as opposed to those I ghostwrite or coauthor), I am able to share information that will benefit readers. I tell the truth, especially when I’m writing about freelancing, which has become a platform for me. I tell readers how much money I make, how much markets pay, whether I’ve been able to negotiate contracts. I also admit my mistakes and failures, which makes me relatable (I hope!) and helps readers avoid doing the same things. I think I’ve helped hundreds (hopefully thousands) of writers launch freelance careers and make more money from their words and that’s inspiring and motivating to me—I really enjoy helping people whether as a writer, a trainer, a friend, or just a fellow human living here on earth.
And Now, Your Turn…
You remember how this works right?
Please read the complete rules at least once!
I ask you a question.
You answer in the comments for your chance to win a book each day.
Please just respond once, even if you make a typo. 
Answer in the comments in 50-200 words (no less and no more to qualify to win one of today’s books).
Do you have a lucky or a favorite number? What is it and why is do you consider it lucky or your favorite?
Ready, set, comment! I will hold the drawing tomorrow and post the results here in my blog.
Thanks for participating in the Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway!
And thanks for spreading the word. We will be giving away great books by wonderful women authors all month.
View the complete list of authors and books.
View the giveaway Pinterest board.
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