What to do if… answers to FAQs about writing and freelancing
These are answers to the most frequently asked questions I’m asked about the writing and publishing industry in the UK (if you would like to volunteer information about the US, Canada or Australia, please contact us — the more, the merrier).
This page will be regularly updated, so do come back and visit. And if you’ve got a question about writing and the business of writing, just leave a comment or tweet us using #askabidemitv.
Here’s what to do if…
Someone claims to be an editor and you would like them to edit your work
- You ask for references from previous clients
- You ask for examples of their work and editing history
- You make a distinction between a copyeditor and a general editor
You need a professional editor to edit your book
Check out the Society of Editors and Proofreaders directory.
You would like someone to professionally critique your manuscript
Try the Literary Consultancy.
Someone asks you to do some writing work for them and you don’t know what to charge
Go to London Freelance for a comprehensive fee guide for everything going.
You’ve done some work for someone and they’re refusing to pay you
Here’s how to get your money from scumbag clients.
You want to set up as a freelance writer, editor, journalist and you don’t know what to do
The freelancers toolkit has everything you need, from:
- email scripts (to help pitch your services to corporates/celebrities/editors)
- to copywriting agreements that secure your deposit
- to invoice trackers,
- and even, email scripts to help you fire your clients nicely (and yes, sometimes this is necessary), get testimonials from clients, and sign-off projects (which can be notoriously hard to do).
Even better, the templates have all been tested (I used them in my freelancing/content agency days to get five-figure projects from the world’s leading brands), so you know they are the real deal.
You don’t know the difference between a copy-editor and a proofreader.
You’re not the only one, but you can go here for answers.
You would like to write a book
That’s easy. Enrol on our course, How to write your first book :)
You would like to work in publishing but don’t know where to start
Try the Publishing Training Centre.
You want to be updated on the latest writing, editing and publishing scams
You can’t go wrong with this website.
You have an idea for a literary project and you need sponsorship
NB: The Arts Council is supported by the National Lottery and the Government. However, if you let them know you would rather your sponsorship money not come from lottery winnings they’ll find alternative sources for you
You need advice on copyright and patent issues
Go to the UK Intellectual Property Office.
You may also like this: How to monetise your author brand.
Got a What to do… situation? #askabidemitv
Originally published at Writing website for budding authors, business writers and freelancers.
