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Kristen Fischer, The Journalism Expert

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We wanted to get to know Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here is what she shared with us.

 

What types of questions add to the story?

Personally, I approach every story as if another outlet is covering it, because that’s likely happening. I’m always on the lookout for a different quote or a different angle to explore in addition to that main news. For me, questions that add to a story go beyond the who-what-when-where-why. Depending on the story, the type of story (say, feature versus exclusive breaking news), and the audience, questions that add to the story always dig a little deeper. And you have to do so in a way that doesn’t cause the source to clam up, so you have to build that objectivity and trust, and avoid being accusatory. That’s why I often go beyond the “why do” to “why don’t” types of questions. That prompts the source to give you more information and really explain it in a way that gives the reader the whole picture. It’s hard to give a specific question, but I believe that by being aware of the different kinds of questions we can ask, it will give reporters an edge.

 

What are some types of open-ended questions?

I like to ask “what does that look like” to get the source defining what we can expect–other than “we’ll see” or “it’ll be good or bad.” It forces them to give more detail. Then if they do, you can go from there with any additional questions. I also like to ask sources to explain something to me like a layperson if something is confusing, so they explain things and both I and the reader understand the point they are trying to convey. I like to ask “what’s next” in certain cases so the source may speculate on the implications of a news development–that’s the kind of digging that takes my story a step further and sets it apart from the competition. I rarely ask a yes/no question.

 

Is there a situation when a yes-or-no question works best?

Yes, definitely. Though I rarely ask them (or rarely only ask a yes-or-no question), these questions are great when you want a source’s stance on something and they are not being clear. Make your question clear and you may get that yes-or-no answer that in many cases gets a source to go on the record with their stance on something. Otherwise, yes-or-no questions don’t lead into much of a response. There’s definitely a type of story that they are imperative, and in other stories, they’re not as relevant. You have to know when to ask a yes-or-no question, in terms of thinking of the primary objective of your article. If it’s to get a lawmaker to state their stance on something, it certainly fits. But I think we owe it to readers to go beyond that and understand the sources reasoning for that response as well.

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Journalists have to guide an interview, and how they do it can make or break a story. In this webinar, we’ll explore different tactics for asking questions that receive more open responses, and produce better sound bites. Come prepared with one example of a great question you’ve asked in the past, and one that you thought was great yet fell flat.

You can join in this conversation on April 14, at 10 am eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on asking better interview questions. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Jake Poinier, The Freelance Expert

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We wanted to get to know Jake Poinier (NAIWE’s Freelance Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here is what he shared with us.

 

Are there standards to setting the fee structure?

Setting a freelance fee structure is a taste of the Wild West. The simplest calculation is to know your hourly rate and accurately assess how long the tasks will take, but there are countless factors that can influence what you charge. It’s also important to consider fee structure from the client’s perspective; what makes sense for one might not appeal to another. If a client wants a firm project estimate, you shouldn’t suggest an hourly rate or per-word rate, and vice versa.

 

What information on an industry rate sheet is helpful?

Industry rate sheets give basic, broad guidance on what others are charging, so they’re arguably most helpful for freelancers who are new and have absolutely no idea where to start. The challenge is that you don’t know what the inputs were: What types of industries, projects, and clients? What part of the country? How many years has someone been freelancing, and how skilled are they? A successful, experienced freelancer will often have rates above the upper range shown in industry charts.

 

What are some tips for how to properly use an association survey?

An association survey can be one of the components to create your rates, but should not be the only one. Do the math on what you would like to earn annually, and break it down to an hourly rate or range. Networking with other freelancers is an easy way to check your math.

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As a freelancer, pricing and estimating your services properly is the foundation of your long-term financial prosperity and day-to-day psychological well-being. In this webinar, Jake “Dr. Freelance” Poinier offers a strategic, value-focused approach to setting your fee structure, taking into account the numerous factors that can’t be found on an industry rate sheet or association survey. Topics include formulating your basic pricing, creating persuasive estimates, dealing with challenging negotiations, raising your prices, and much more.

You can join in this conversation on March 30, at 3 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on figurative language. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Kajli Prince, The Tax Expert

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We wanted to get to know Kajli Prince (NAIWE’s Tax Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here is what he shared with us.

We hear that freelancers may be eligible for the Payment Protection Program (PPP). What are the qualifications that freelancers need to meet?

The main qualification for PPP is that the business has less than 500 employees (i.e., small businesses). These loans can be forgiven if the borrower spends a minimum percentage of proceeds on payroll costs within a specified time frame called the “covered period.”

 

Regarding a PPP loan, how do freelancers determine if we should use 8 weeks or 24 weeks for calculating loan forgiveness?

The covered period is either 8 or 24 weeks, depending on when the loan was assigned a loan number. Before June 5th, 2020, the covered period was 8 weeks. After June 5th the covered period was extended to 24 weeks. Borrowers who received their loan before June 5th may keep their original 8-week covered period or apply the new 24-week covered period. Generally, the 24-week covered period is a better option.

 

What is the rule of thumb for how much a freelancer should/can save for retirement?

My simple Rule of Thumb for retirement is: save as much as you can. So, you AsQ, “What small business retirement instruments are available to me and how much can I save with them?” Great question. Here are the big ones:

• 401(k)/403(b): $19,500 (under 50 years of age) and $26,000 (50 years of age and over)
• SIMPLE: $13,500 (under 50 years of age) and $16,500 (50 years of age and over)
• IRA, Traditional and Roth: $6,000 (under 50 years of age) and $7,000 (50 years of age and over)

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2020 was a year full of dramatic stimulus efforts intended to relieve huge financial stresses felt by most Americans. It seems that everyone is hopeful for 2021, but huge questions still loom large as to what happens next, especially with a new administration on the horizon. Kajli Prince will share the 21 questions he is asked most frequently about what to expect in 2021. The topics range from small business loans (and loan forgiveness) to retirement contributions/distributions/deductions, child & dependent care expenses, working virtually, etc. These 21 answers are intended to enlighten viewers as well as provoke further Q&A.

You can join in this conversation on February 25, at 7 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on figurative language. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Stephen Colwell, The Branding and Marketing Expert

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We wanted to get to know Stephen Colwell (NAIWE’s Branding and Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.

When a freelancer is working in a team environment, i.e., with authors and publishers, and trying to meet the deadlines of both, what suggestions do you have?

As freelancers, too often we give in to our natural desire to please others. Our very human impulse is to leap into action and dive into a project, often at the hair-on-fire whims of our clients. Too often, we end-up over committing ourselves, rushing the work, and delivering sub-optimal results, all at a cost that takes a toll. Instead of operating under an Idea>>Action mindset, a simple shift to an Idea>>Plan>>Action mindset can make a world of difference. It’s the Plan part that often gets overlooked or lacks a thorough process. At its most fundamental level, planning is about achieving clarity and alignment with the stakeholders charged with deciding, then reaffirming a complete, shared understanding before work begins. By adopting a plan-first approach and guiding clients through a well thought-out process, clients are more likely to see us as professionals who know our craft and who care deeply about the outcome. In turn, they’re more willing to accept and engage. By deploying the right planning exercise upfront, then affirming alignment before jumping in, you’ll be better positioned to meet or exceed expectations while preserving your sanity. Bottom line: by resisting the very normal impulse to quickly agree and move into action, I’ve found it’s best to pause and guide clients toward a plan-first mindset. That way, you’ve got a better shot at saving yourself from the fire drills and project fatigue that besets so many creators.

 

A freelancer is working with a client who suddenly becomes distant and unavailable, what should the freelancer do?

The first step is to resist jumping to conclusions, spending precious energy guessing at a client’s state of mind. It’s likely a fruitless exercise. More often than not, life’s events get in the way and a client’s lack of communication is entirely innocent. If a client goes dark and you need a response, my rule of thumb is to reach-out 3x over a logical period of time depending on context. I’ve found clients appreciate when I am direct and to the point, skipping the formalities. Example: “Mr./Mrs. Client, I need your feedback today to the question below. Otherwise, the deadline may be at risk. Please advise.” What’s relevant here is to speak to clients directly as the professional and expert you are. Remember, they’ve hired you for a reason. They trust your skills and ability to deliver. If the silence continues, move on to other work. Don’t ruminate. If they value the relationship, they’ll eventually emerge and you can have an honest conversation about communication and the importance of maintaining a responsive two-way street.

 

As assignments change due to lack of communication, how is this overcome to eliminate waste?

No question, this is one of those ubiquitous topics that cuts to the root of how organizations operate, right down to their core values. The answer is rarely a simple one. Clearly every situation is unique. With that, before every project and during the foundational planning stage, I make a point of addressing communication expectations upfront with a goal to reach “same-page” agreement between all participants before work begins. I’ve found early alignment around communication expectations, workflows, channels, and meeting cadence are all tremendously helpful when addressed at the beginning, then continually refined. Fundamentally, defining how you work together as a team is equally as important as the work itself. 

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As freelancers, we often find ourselves thrust into team environments that are unfamiliar, confusing and chaotic. Assignments often lack clear definition, details are scarce, feedback is vague, and deadlines are moving targets. Stephen Colwell will share the foundational methods and processes today’s top-performing teams are using to empower each other, eliminate waste, and accelerate progress…without all the overwhelm, chaos, and fatigue.

You can join in this conversation on January 26, at 2 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with a team and more! The cost for NAIWE members is $10 and $30 for non-members. Register today!

John McIntyre, The Grammar Expert

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We wanted to get to know John McIntyre (NAIWE’s Grammar Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here is what he shared with us.

Remind us why we should be interested in metaphors.

Because human beings are deeply motivated to seek out patterns, comparisons, and correspondences, we are awash in metaphors. Comparing one thing to another leaves us feeling that we have both a sharper and a broader understanding.

And this does not happen exclusively in poetry or more ornate prose. We are bathed in metaphors in our daily speech, some of them so deeply embedded that we no longer perceive them as metaphors.

For example, when we relinquish control of something to someone else, we say that we give that other party “free rein.” It evokes the era of horseback riding, when a rider would drop the reins, giving up control of the horse and going wherever the horse chose to go.

Of course, since most of us no longer ride horses, that image has faded, permitting the frequent, and misguided, substitution of the meaningless homonym, “free reign.”

 

How do metaphors enhance an author’s writing?

They make it interesting.

Infusions of a metaphor into prose can make it more vivid. Without a metaphor, or allied tropes from classical rhetoric, a text would inspire as much interest in the reader as the terms and conditions of your cellphone contract.

 

Can you give us an example?

Frank Roylance, a reporter at The Baltimore Sun, filed an article on physics that employed a simile to help the reader understand a technical point: “Capturing data on the most powerful and mysterious explosion in the universe is a bit like swatting flies. The blasts, called gamma ray bursts, are usually too quick.”

 

If a metaphor is such a good thing, why do we need your workshop?

With metaphors, as with everything else, we are not always the best judges of our own work. Writers can fall in love with a metaphor because they thought it up all by themselves and are not able to recognize that it may be strained or that it carries an unintended double meaning.

That’s why [cough] you need an editor.

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Everyone appreciates an apt simile or striking metaphor. Figurative language enlivens prose and aids the reader’s understanding. But it is easy to get entangled in mixed metaphors, comparisons that fizzle, or images that convey the opposite of what the writer intends. And writers are not always the best judges of their effects. John McIntyre, who has been a working newspaper editor for four decades, will take you on a tour of regrettable metaphors and explain how they fail to achieve their purpose. Some laughter may be involved.

You can join in this conversation on December 15, at 2 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on figurative language. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Brian Schwartz, The Self-Publishing Expert

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We wanted to get to know Brian Schwartz (NAIWE’s Self-Publishing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here is what he shared with us.

Can an author’s website be “one and done?” Or how can it be updated if there is nothing to update?

At a minimum, it should be updated at least once every 3-6 months. Google has a tendency to rank sites higher that contain fresh content. But it’s also a fatal flaw to include so much information that the visitor’s curiosity is piqued, losing out on a sale. Less is more. I’ll discuss strategies to reserve the bulk of your content for those who’ve already purchased your book.

 

What is the most common mistake you see on an author website?

Not using a generic (untracked) URL. By just copying and pasting the URL from your browser, every visitor is ‘tagged’ as someone you sent to Amazon (and therefore who you have a personal relationship with) and one theory is that this is one of the tools Amazon is using to block reviews. Also, each page should have a single call-to-action. I will cover several examples during the webinar.

 

How much time should an author spend updating their website each week?

As little as possible! Authors should spend that time instead writing guest posts for other websites and doing whatever it takes to get their own site linked to from on other websites (blogs, podcasts, media, etc.). Links from other reputable sites are the fastest way to boost your Google ranking. Even if you can’t get another website owner to write about you, there are plenty of sites where you can publish yourself (and include a link back to your website), i.e., Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, Wikipedia, Quora, etc.

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The internet has impacted nearly every industry and books are no exception. In this webinar, Brian Schwartz showcases how bestselling authors are taking advantage of the web to increase value, grow sales, and connect with readers. He’ll also touch on the key elements of an effective author website and the common mistakes. You’ll hear the 5-figure tip Brian gave an author regarding a video that went viral.

If you feel like a deer in the headlights when you go online, Brian Schwartz will show you the simple steps you can take. From optimizing yourself on Amazon to more advanced tactics that can improve your search engine rankings, you will discover ways to webify your book to gain more reviews, grow readership, and ultimately increase profits. In a post-COVID world with the majority of your readers only a click away, you’ll see why timing has never been better to unlock your book’s full potential.

You can join in this conversation on November 19, at 6 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on elements of an effective author website. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Claudia Suzanne, The Ghostwriting Expert

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We wanted to get to know Claudia Suzanne (NAIWE’s Ghostwriting Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here is what she shared with us.

What is a certified ghostwriter?

There are two types of certified ghostwriters. The first is offered by Certified Professional Ghostwriter, which covers the “dedication, competency, and ethics of ghostwriters.” I know little about this course.

The second kind of certified ghostwriter has completed a rigorous, award-winning 13-month training program that covers the specific skills, industry knowledge, and ghostwriting psychology and mindset transitions necessary to command (not hunt for) high-end professional clients and fees. Their certification comes from California State University, Long Beach. They are industry insiders and solopreneurs, not freelancers.

 

What can a ghostwriter do that I as the author cannot do?

Honestly, nothing—if the author can disassociate from their own work; has the time to learn the realities of the book industry, its supply-chain needs, and standards; and can find a counterpoint who understands musical line editing. All that not only takes a lot of time, it runs counter to the author’s true purpose, which is to share their knowledge, insights, or story. Think of it this way: authors create art . . . ghostwriters massage, tweak, and polish it.

 

Are ghostwriters limited to certain genres?

Not at all. They can specialize if they want—I know a lot of ghosts who only do business books or memoirs or self-help titles or fiction—or they can do it all. Depends on the individual.

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Join Claudia Suzanne, the Ghostwriting Expert, as she reveals insider truths about the book industry, and how a Certified Ghostwriter can give your title a better chance in the marketplace. Learn:

  • How the history of publishing works both for and against you
  • How to position your book before you start writing it, not after you finish it
  • The top four fiction and nonfiction issues that turn off readers
  • The truth behind “platform”
  • Insider business tricks that really matter
  • … and much more.

You can join in this conversation on October 22, at 3 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on ghostwriters assisting in the publishing process. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Tina Glasneck, The Book Promotions Expert

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We wanted to get to know Tina Glasneck (NAIWE’s Book Promotions Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here is what she shared with us.

What is one thing that you learned about your craft the hard way, and what benefits have you received from it? Can these benefits be broadened to include book promotions?

The most important thing to recognize for one’s craft is that of identifying the target audience, as a book is not written for everyone. It must have a specific audience in mind. Genres, of course, are there to assist readers in locating books that they like. Often, there are specific tropes that are used in the genre.

For example, romance requires a happy for now or happily-ever-after ending. If it does not meet that standard, then it cannot be classified as a romance. If it will be advertised as a romance, the genre tropes and requirements are something to keep in mind when it comes to crafting the novel, as well as the later marketing of it.

 

What has been your most rewarding book promotions avenue, and how was it rewarding? Self? Monetary? Clients?

I believe that the best thing an author can do is grow their newsletter, and that growth is from where most of my success continues to come.

It is through my newsletter that I can create relationships with my readers, who frequently will then share news of my books with their circle of friends. All other promotion has its uses, but for long-term growth, the newsletter is the best way to continue to grow it.

 

What do you associate with book promotions?

Book promotion is when the goal is to promote or make an audience aware of a particular book. This can include, but is not limited to

  1. paid ads (like Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub ads)
  2. paid newsletter ads (These are ads in book newsletters. Note: some are genre-specific.)
  3. newsletter swaps (when authors share the news of a different author’s book to their audience)
  4. free or cost-efficient promo (posting in Facebook groups, blogging, guest blogging, multi-author book fairs, tweeting, using social media to push the book without paying, creating a perma-free book to drive sales to other books in a series, creating a lead magnet to get new readers to sign up for your newsletter, etc.).

Paying for expensive book promotion only makes sense if one has more than one book in a series, or other books available that a reader can purchase. Book promotion is to advertise and to make readers aware of a product. It is best to use cheaper options, all within one’s author budget before one launches the more advanced ad campaigns.

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Are you struggling with what you can do to make your books a success? Are you overwhelmed with what you need to do to get eyes on your latest book-baby? Join USA Today bestselling author Tina Glasneck as she gives practical advice on what you can apply to your writing career to find readers and gain success. This webinar will dig into the basics and provide practical tips that you can implement right away to start you on your successful author journey.

You can join in this conversation on September 24, at 8 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on finding readers to gain success. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Dana Sitar, The Headline Expert

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We wanted to get to know Dana Sitar (NAIWE’s Headline Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here is what she shared with us.

 

What has been your most effective headline, and what platform was it for?

I don’t have data to say for sure, but this example comes to mind right away: In 2014, I wrote an article for HuffPost titled “Your Toddler Might Be Gay,” which got a ton of a attention. The biggest factor, likely, was that both LGBTQ issues and children are subjects on their own that elicit a ton of emotion in people. The headline includes hooks that are valuable regardless of the topic, though: “Your” speaks directly to the reader and suggests something “might be” something which creates curiosity that makes them want to learn more. The article is about the danger of treating straight identities as the default, but I don’t give that away in the headline.

 

How often are headlines changed?

This depends on the publication, the content, and the publication’s goals. When I’ve written for sites that rely heavily on advertising to attract traffic, we frequently tested and changed out headlines to give an article new life without rewriting. On sites that rely on search traffic, headlines were often more stagnant.

 

How do you add personality to a headline?

Writing the headline as a statement (“Do These 6 Things Every Morning If You Want to Make More Money”) is a good place to start, because it mimics how we speak. Think about who your audience is—what are they like, where do they come from, and what do they know?—and who you are in relation to them—an expert, a teacher, a peer, an entertainer, for example. Write headlines as if you’re speaking to the audience from that position.

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A single headline is not sufficient for most content in digital publishing. Readers access your content in a variety of contexts, and the headline that’s effective in one context is often less effective in another. This training shows you how to craft headlines that catch readers’ attention across platforms, including websites, social media, email and search.

You can join in this conversation on August 27, at 4 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on writing headlines for a variety of platforms. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Kristen Fischer, The Journalism Expert

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We wanted to get to know Kristen Fischer (NAIWE’s Journalism Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here is what she shared with us.

 

What defines a source?

A source is a person with the credentials applicable to lend credibility to a story.

 

What are ways to verify a source?

My favorite way is to Google the source’s name. Also, visit the institution they are currently at to ensure that they are, in fact, employed there.

 

What are some of the credentials to look for in a source?

If you’re writing a story about cancer, you’d probably want to talk to an oncologist if you need a professional source. There are certain credentials you may want for different topics; for that cancer article, the oncologist should be an M.D., for example. You may also want to see if that source authored research or wrote a book on the topic. If they are a member of a related trade association, that looks good as well. You just want someone currently working in a related role or someone retired who was highly regarded in the field.

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Want to know how to quickly find reputable sources? We’ll go through tips and tricks from journalists to find the right sources for stories–in a pinch. This will include experts for quotes, as well as written research for articles.

You can join in this conversation on July 20, at 4 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on finding sources. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

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