Ever have one of those days where you just want to rip someone a new one?

Me too. Regularly.

Yesterday I was happily browsing along, applying to gigs. I sent an email to a potential client, (showcasing my rockstar writing skills) and moved on to the next job application.

Later in the day, I checked my email, to be greeted with a nasty reply about sending unsolicited email, the consequences thereof, and potential legal action.

HUH?

I fired off a quick but hateful response, pointing out that I paid for access to a list of jobs, had applied to one of them, and this was not my fault in any way. I believe the word asshole was used.

Ok, the word asshole WAS used – several times.

Then I thought better of myself, saved the email as a draft, and went to make a pot of herbal tea.

Later, feeling a bit calmer, I returned to the email.

I redrafted a polite reply <the word asshole was NOT included> explaining that I was feeling pretty upset by the situation myself. After all, I pay a yearly fee for access to writing jobs, and I had assumed that those jobs were all…um….people looking for writers.

My mistake.

List owner’s fault – not mine.

So, that was the gist of the email.

I recieved a response at the speed of lighting from the client who’s email had been on the list, apologizing for his  grumpiness. Apparently nasty news in the mail and a flooded email inbox had made him a bit snarky.  Again, the word asshole was used. As in, “Sorry, I was an…”

Crisis Averted.

Today, I got an email from the same gentleman, offering me work.

The moral of the story?

Don’t call people assholes. Even if they’re behaving that way – could just be a bad day.

The real moral?

Be professional in all your business communications, or it’ll bite you in the….

I spend a lot of time lurking on WAHM and parenting forums, and I often see people asking the same question – where do I begin to get paid for my writing?

For me, it was a lot easier than I expected it to be. I’ll explain the process to you, and maybe you can get started working at home, as well.

First, you’ll need to work up some writing samples. A sample article, at the very least. A good way to do this, and earn some money at the same time, is to sign up with Associated Content, and then refer potential clients to your Content Producer Page.

Next, decide what your rates will be. Set up a free blog with blogger or wordpress, explaining the business you’re started, your rates, and showing samples of your work.

Then, post on forums such as www.warriorforum.com, explaining that you’re a writer wanting to get started. If necessary, offer your work for free or very cheaply. This will allow people to try you out. Ask them for testimonials, which you can then add t o your site. Overdeliver to these clients, and they’ll continue to come back to you for their writing needs.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat!