www.inkthinkerblog.com — Over in the AboutFreelanceWriting.com forum, Alicia shared this fun link with three tips for handling rejections and a run-down of several famous writers’ and works’ rejection histories.
My favorite part was an excerpt of a rejection from an economic journal in China:
“We have read your manuscript with boundless delight. If we were to publish your paper, it would be impossible for us to publish any work of lower standard. And as it is unthinkable that in the next thousand years we shall see its equal, we are, to our regret, compelled to return your divine composition, and to beg you a thousand times to overlook our short sight and timidity.”
Reminds me of that great rejection I kinda, sorta, didn’t really get from The New Yorker.
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
www.inkthinkerblog.com — …but it still made me feel great. A person I’ve never met sent me the nicest e-mail after finding and reading my blog, ending with the coolest. comment. ever.
“Best wishes for being more productive than Isaac Asimov, author of 500 books.”
This message is right up there with the one in which the writer referred to me as an “inspiration” and thanked me for giving her the courage to follow her dream and start freelancing. (I’ve gotten a couple of those. Go fig.) What do you say to that? “You’re welcome” doesn’t quite seem adequate. These are messages that make me tear up because I’m so touched that (a) people have had these awesome experiences and (b) they take the time to tell me about my role in them or (c) just tell me they like the blog. It’s awesome.
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
www.inkthinkerblog.com — I’m going to eat crabs tomorrow AND Monday. I love living in Virginia.
But that’s not what this post is about. I just sent off the final edited manuscript to a client I adore on a project that I’ve been positively overjoyed about for the last 6 weeks. I can’t wait until I get the go-ahead to brag about it in detail. The book is going to be fantastic, and the author is just totally awesome. I want to fly out to the publisher and personally start the printing press myself, I’m so eager to see the finished product. I am going to sleep well tonight, that’s for sure!
Next up this weekend:
– query and confirmation for two parenting articles (which is hilarious because I have no children, but this is mitigated by the fact that I’m quickly turning into my mother)
– finish PowerPoint presentation, website, and brochure for one client
– edit four articles for another client
– draft a trade journal article for yet another client
It sounds like a lot, but I’ve actually done all of the prelim already and am ready to dig right in, so I’m feeling good about it and am hopeful that it won’t take too long.
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
www.inkthinkerblog.com — In my three-fold quests to extend my sidebar, expand my professional network, and get more traffic to my site, I’m adding links to member blogs for my various professional organizations. First up, my beloved Washington Independent Writers colleagues. If you’re a WIW member, check your e-mail inbox for submission instructions.
Everyone else, enjoy!
Kristen
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
www.inkthinkerblog.com — I frequently get questions from blog readers and forum colleagues. This one came today via e-mail. Remember, I’m neither a lawyer nor an accountant, just a girl who’s got a system that works for her. You’re responsible for the success or failure of your own business. This is only my perspective.
QUESTION
I read your article on www.aboutfreelancewriting.com about finding writing projects using resources like Craigslist. Based on your experiences, I’m hoping you can answer a question for me. What is the best way to receive payment from customers with whom you have had limited contact and don’t really know. I was recently asked to complete a Form W-9 for tax purposes. I’m a bit hesitant to hand out my Social Security Number to people I’ve never met in person and have corresponded with just a few times via email. Is there a way I can get around this?
ANSWER
I accept PayPal, but most of the time people mail me a check and I start work once it clears at the bank. There’s info about my up-front payment policy on my website’s payment page. As far as Form W-9 goes, there’s not a whole lot you can do about that. You and they are legally required to file it for income above a certain amount (I think it’s $600, but I’m really not sure).
If you’re really weirded out about giving your SSN to strangers, request an EIN/TIN from the IRS. It’s free, and you can use it in place of your SSN. Follow the directions, and when you call, they’ll actually give you one over the phone in many cases.
If you have a question, please send it my way.
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King
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