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Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 3

March 4, 2020 Post a comment

Wednesday’s writing challenge: Words can be expressed out loud or silently within us or through our crafts. What are some words best expressed silently?

Interested in participating in the NAIWE writing challenge? Each day we will post a question. Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WordsMatterWeek in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog). At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win free access to a NAIWE webinar, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter!

Post in the comments below with a link to your response to today’s question.

Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 2

March 3, 2020 1 Comment

Tuesday’s writing challenge: Words unite the most powerful person to a lay person. What are some words that have connected you with powerful people?

Post in the comments below with a link to your response to today’s question.

Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 1

March 2, 2020 1 Comment

Monday’s writing challenge: What word makes you laugh when you say it? Why?

Post in the comments below with a link to your response to today’s question.

Words Matter Week Set for March 1–7

March 1, 2020 Post a comment

Words Matter Week, which is in its 12th year, is a holiday that is celebrated annually the first full week in March by the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.

Words are the basis for communication, no matter the language spoken. Babies make sounds, which eventually are formed into words. Here at NAIWE, we know the importance of words, and we want to celebrate it!

Join us in promoting Words Matter Week! You have NAIWE’s permission to reproduce the poster on your website, with a link back to the Words Matter Week website, and you may also print and display it. Please invite your friends to participate in this year’s event and show your support for Words Matter Week by placing the poster in your newsletter, on your blog, or in your social media. Words really do matter, so let’s spread the reminders!

Days to Celebrate in March

February 28, 2020 Post a comment

March: Small Press Month. Shine the light on many of the great authors, and publishing houses, around the world.

March 2: National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day). This day is a motivational and awareness day, calling all children and youth in every community across the United States to celebrate reading.

March 1-7: Words Matter Week. Words are the basis for communication, no matter the language spoken. Even babies make sounds, which eventually are formed into words. Here at NAIWE, we know the importance of words, and we want to celebrate it!

March 1-7: Read an E-book Week. This is an opportunity for book lovers and writers alike to share their passion in digital form.

March 4: National Grammar Day. Some people might suggest that grammar is a set of rules for language, but it is a system for understanding language.

March 8: National Proofreading Day. This day was created to bring awareness to the importance of proofreading.

March 14: National Write Down Your Story Day. This day challenges you to tell your story in written form.

March 30: National Pencil Day. Hymen Lipman received the first patent for attaching an eraser to the end of a pencil on this day in 1858.

Kajli Prince, The Tax Expert

February 21, 2020 Post a comment

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.

What do you feel is one of the most beneficial pieces of tax advice you have given? Why?

Have multiple streams of income. Often, having one stream of income is not sufficient to meet both current and future financial needs. Future needs include retirement, i.e., how much you think you may need to retire and how you plan on getting to that number.

Are marketing expenses deductible?

Yes. Generally speaking, the government allows freelancers to deduct marketing expenses that help bring in new customers and keep existing clientele.

Is there a checklist to help freelancers avoid overlooking tax credits?

Yes, there are checklists. However, I find that the best guide to use is a Schedule C (Form 1040). Part II of the Schedule C lists the expenses that a self-employed individual (freelancer, etc.) typically claims.

__________

It’s tax time! Are you ready? Learn about relevant credits and deductions that apply to independent writers and freelance editors, with a focus on the new deduction: Qualified Business Income Deduction. It is a new provision from the most recent changes in the tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) that allows small business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business expenses.

You can join in this conversation on February 27, at 7 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on identifying and managing difficult freelance clients. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Member Benefit: Discount on The Chicago Manual of Style

February 14, 2020 Post a comment

The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the undisputed authority for style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Completely searchable and easy to use, CMS Online is available to individuals and small user groups, as well as academic, private, and public libraries, through annual, IP-based subscriptions. Subscribers receive full access to the 17th and 16th editions of CMS, as well as access to the online CMS Users Forum.

Log in and visit the Member Area of the NAIWE website to get the discount code for 20% off the book or online subscription!

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Jake Poinier, The Freelance Expert

February 7, 2020 Post a comment

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.

Can you share some ways to market to potential clients of the caliber that you would like to work with?

My biggest and best resource is referrals, which is obviously a long-term play rather than a quick fix. Even so, you can definitely plant the seeds in clients’ heads that you welcome introductions to their peers who might benefit from your services. Research shows that most people have to be asked; it’s not automatic. Second, and related to referrals, is networking with local businesses. I’m part of a group of business owners that meets once a month and it’s been a great source for projects over the years, since I’m the only writer/editor. Third, cold-calling gets a bad rap, but I’m a fan of simply contacting local businesses that I know could use my services, such as graphic designers/web designers.

How important is it to have a website?

Incredibly important! The most marketing/advertising money I’ve spent over the years has been on my websites. For my biz, it’s not as much about attracting out-of-the-blue clients from web searches as it is presenting a professional image for people who’ve been referred. It’s also a convenient way to display a portfolio of work, rather than sending a bunch of links or files to someone. Big picture: I believe writers often make the mistake of thinking that our words alone will be enough to persuade people, but I have always spent the money on graphic designers to make my sites visually appealing and functional–and it’s been worth every penny.

Does it help to be a member of an association?

I definitely think being the member of a few associations lends credibility with prospective clients. More important, though, is what you do with that membership. Are you speaking at conferences, presenting webinars, writing blogs, volunteering, etc.? When you can mention those types of activities in casual conversation, it will make you stand out far more as an expert in your field.

__________

You don’t have to be a freelancer for long before you learn that not every client is what they first seem, and not every project goes according to plan. In this webinar, Jake Poinier outlines a real-world approach to screening prospects as well as bringing challenging clients back into line. Topics include

Red flags to watch for
Questions to distinguish tire-kickers from serious prospects
Why contracts, deposits, and budgets aren’t just about the money
How to decide when it’s time to part ways and professional ways to do it.

You can join in this conversation on February 18, at 7 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on identifying and managing difficult freelance clients. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Non-members can join for $30. Register today!

Days to Celebrate in February

January 17, 2020 Post a comment

February: National Self-Check Month. Take charge of your health, and increase your odds of avoiding chronic diseases or other preventable diseases.

February: Free and Open Source Software Month. Recognize the cooperative approach to computer programming, open licensing, and free distribution of software.

February: National Library Lover’s Month. Enjoy your library, but also consider volunteering your time this month in a library.

February 10-16: National Freelance Writers Appreciation Week. Celebrate these hardworking writers by showing some gratitude, highlighting a fun behind-the-scenes moment.

February 1: National Get Up Day. This is a day to persevere, to pick ourselves up when we’ve fallen. We never know when our efforts to seek a goal or overcome an obstacle will encourage another person.

February 4: National Thank a Mail Carrier Day. As a small business, you likely work your mail carrier a little harder. Let’s take time out of our day to thank the mail person who is responsible for getting your mail in your mailbox six days a week.

February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day. Send a note to a colleague or client to let them know you are thinking about them.

February 10: National Clean out Your Computer Day. Over time, files and programs that are unused clog the memory of your computer. This is a day to take some time to do the needed care on your computers. Organize your files and folders. Delete junk files. Delete duplicate files. Delete old files and programs that are not being used.

February 11: National Don’t Cry over Spilled Milk Day. Think positive. Don’t worry and don’t stress over the little things. Life is too short.

February 11: National Make a Friend Day. Get to know one of your clients a little better. Meeting new people can help sharpen our social skills and keep us from becoming lonely.

February 13: National Giving Hearts Day. Let your business give to a charity that you love.

February 17: National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Write a note or do something nice for one of your clients today.

February 26: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Share a favorite fairy tale with friends or family.

Member Benefit: Webinars

January 10, 2020 Post a comment

Each month, we feature a member of the NAIWE Board of Experts on a topic that is designed to help you grow in your field. Our experts are successful full-time writers and editors, and they impart a lot of wisdom in an hour (or sometimes more).

Members attend at a discounted rate of $10 for each webinar. Nonmembers may register for individual webinars at $30 each. Just attending the classes without joining the association would add up to $348 for a year, so this is a benefit of great value.

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

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Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 3

Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 2

Words Matter Week: Writing Challenge Day 1

Words Matter Week Set for March 1–7

Days to Celebrate in March

Kajli Prince, The Tax Expert

Member Benefit: Discount on The Chicago Manual of Style

Jake Poinier, The Freelance Expert

Days to Celebrate in February

Member Benefit: Webinars

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