Jen has been a freelancer writer for nearly two decades, and shares insights and advice about how to build a successful freelance career through Notes from a Hired Pen, which is both a newsletter, and ebook series. She also offers freelance consultations and coaching.
Notes from a Hired Pen: What’s the vibe right now?
Readers! As you are probably aware, I have been doing some freelancing coaching. One recent client (who is OK with me sharing this) suggested...
Notes from a Hired Pen: Update on topics I’ve covered in the last year
Readers! How about an update on some things I've written about? Well, you don't get a say about what I cover (unless you...
Notes from a Hired Pen: Reader mailbag – Do you worry about more competition after media layoffs?
Readers! Mailbag time! A reader writes: My company just laid off a lot of people. As a freelancer, do you worry when this happens...
Notes from a Hired Pen: How I handled email while away
Readers! I am back from my two-week vacation/road trip to Western Montana and back. I had a lovely time — so lovely that...
Notes from a Hired Pen: Mailbag time! What would you be writing if money were no object?
Readers! A reader asks: "What would you be writing if money were no object?" This is an interesting question with a boring answer. If money...
Notes from a Hired Pen: How to answer a pitch call
Readers! Sometimes publications put out calls for pitches, where they are looking for writers and there ideas. These can come from a client you...
Notes from a Hired Pen: I printed out my 21-year-old pitch spreadsheet. Here’s what I learned
Readers! As part of my early August mini marketing sprint, I scrolled back through my marketing spreadsheet and looked at outlets I approached...
Notes from a Hired Pen: Mailbag time! How do I break into feature writing?
Readers! Time to dust off the mail bag (sorry to the letter writer, who sent this last summer. But hey I got to it!)...
Notes from a Hired Pen: How I use LinkedIn (yes really)
Readers! Did you roll your eyes at the subject line of this newsletter? That's fine. LinkedIn is a hot mess most days, but it...
Notes from a Hired Pen: 5 things to do during the summer doldrums
Readers! I've finally from my stomach virus I was gifted for my birthday, and despite not being able to work at full speed for most...