IN TODAY’S ISSUE:
- Change your energy first
- Questions to ask before accepting an assignment
- Creating a consistent income
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Hiya writer friends,
The worst decisions I made in my career have been when I was:
- Fearful
- Burned out
- In scarcity
- Lacking confidence
- Lacking courage
Basically, feeling depleted either financially, emotionally or energetically.
The best decisions I’ve made in my business?
Came from a place of trust, knowing, and belief.
Which is why every time I now need to make important decisions in my life and business, I align my energy first.
The rest becomes easier almost as a byproduct, and nearly always leads to better results.
Enjoy the issue!
Natasha Khullar Relph
Editor, The Wordling
ASK THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU
ACCEPT AN ASSIGNMENT
When I first started writing, my criteria for taking on an assignment were simple: is it work, and does it pay? If both answers were yes, I was in. I wrote about anything and everything—how designers create cellphones, startup business costs, Internet scams, coping with failure, and wedding dresses in movies. I reviewed books, cameras, and computers. If it paid, I did it.
It wasn’t necessarily the best career strategy, but it worked for me. It paid the bills, honed my writing skills, taught me the editorial process, and helped me discover my true interests.
Now, with more experience, my approach to assignments has evolved. I often get asked, “Should I take this assignment?” While I can’t decide for you, I can share my method: the assignment triangle.
I ask myself three key questions about each opportunity. Unless two out of three boxes are checked, I turn it down.
1. Does it pay well (and on time)?
This one’s obvious, so let’s tackle it first. “Well” varies for everyone, depending on lifestyle, career stage, circumstances, and location. Set a minimum rate that you won’t go below, no matter what.
2. Does it boost my profile?
Will this publication make my portfolio shine? Can it help me land higher-paying gigs in the future? Is it well known and respected in the industry? Has it won any awards?
3. Does it add value to my work?
Some assignments offer more than just money. Opportunities to interview a favorite author or attend a high-profile event can be invaluable. Consider assignments that align with causes you believe in or that can bring attention to your book. Ask yourself if this work is something you’d enjoy doing more of or if it’s just a paycheck.
Ideally, I aim for all three criteria, but I’ll settle for two. If an assignment pays well, enhances my profile, or adds value, I’m in—even if it doesn’t tick all the boxes.
BUILD A CONSISTENT INCOME FROM FREELANCING
Are you buying into the feast or famine syndrome when it comes to your freelance writing career?
I want you to stop that.
There’s another way, and I really want to show it to you. I’m offering a free masterclass on how to create consistency in your journalism career and end that feast-or-famine cycle once and for all.
Let’s get you to the next stage of your writing business. The part where you actually experience the money and freedom you were promised.
We’ve been having fun dreaming up new ideas here at Wordling HQ that we can’t wait to share with you soon. In the meantime, pass The Wordling on to a writer friend who’s working on their own next steps.