How To Contact Prospective Clients

Beth Ann Erickson

http://3Chix.com

http://BethAnnErickson.com

So. You’re surfing the Internet and stumble upon a website that looks like a promising source for writing assignments. How do you go about contacting the appropriate person who will hire you?

I think the golden rule should apply. “Do unto your potential clients as you’d have them do unto you.”

First, it’s not wise to run in, guns blazing, yelling, “Your copy/article resources/websites/pay rate/whatever sucks!”

This has actually happened to me more than once. A potential writer will sometimes inform me that one of our web pages are a “waste of bandwidth” or perhaps tells me that a particular issue of Writing Etc. was a “disappointment… then turns around and asks if I’ll publish something they’ve written.

I don’t hire those people, nor do I sign them to a publishing contract.

I only work with people I thoroughly enjoy. Life is far too short to work with people who make your life uncomfortable in any way shape or form.

I know a fellow publisher who actually has a clause in her contract stating that they “don’t work with jerks.”

I used to think that sounded harsh until I found myself hip deep in the publishing/writing biz.

I’ve come to believe that the anonymity of the Internet has stripped away an element of common courtesy.

That’s too bad.

Especially when in a flash of anger, a writer shoots an e-mail to a publisher who may wind up considering hiring them someday.

I write fat checks to various writers every week; every one of them solid professionals who wouldn’t dream of offending a potential client.

So, the million dollar question is this: how do you go about contacting and/or corresponding with potential clients without offending them?

Easy.

If a potential writer comes in saying they have a new angle, a fresh idea, an interesting way to tweak our audience’s imagination… I’m all for taking a peek at what they have to offer.

I won’t go into a writing relationship with a writer… whether we’re publishing their book (while assuming all financial risk to do so), distributing their article, or hiring them as a copywriter… assuming the worst on either side of the table.

Publishers, writers… we’re all human.

It’s something to remember when you draft your queries, letters, and e-mail correspondence. I know I sure remember this every time I contact someone who may publish my work.

I’m flexible and I like working with flexible writers.

After all, this writing gig is a blast.

Next, make sure you know the name of the person you need to contact. "Dear Editor," and "Hey Website Owner," won't cut it. Write to a real person.

Also, make sure you get your recipient's name correct. If I had a dollar for every time someone called me "Bart" I'd be fairly rich. Get the name right.

Write with your recipient's needs in mind. For example, I don't care how long you've been writing. I want to know how many grandchildren you have. Get to the point and let your reader know what's in it for them. Copywriters learn this skill, but sadly they don't often include it in their own solicitation letters.

Finally, allow your personality to shine in your correspondence. Forget stuffy. Forget anything you learned in a business class. When you're applying for a freelance job, you're essentially selling your expertise, your writing skills, yourself. The best way to do this is to let your personality shine.

Just a few thoughts from the other side of the desk. Gotta get back to work!