Expert tips from a nurse-turned-writer

Hello writers,

It was my birthday last Friday, and my youngest loves to tell everyone he sees in the world how old I am… 😅 Luckily, I don’t much care who knows: I’m 41 and proud! 👵🏻

In this newsletter, you’ll read about the “So What” test and my shiny new method for finding clients.

Talk soon,

WRITING TIP OF THE WEEK

So what?

After an editor rejected one of my first-ever story pitches, she gave me some valuable feedback:

“You didn’t tell me why I should care about this.”

Ouch.

But she was right. Whether you’re writing a news story, explainer article, or an op-ed, you want your reader to care enough to keep reading.

As a reader explores your first few sentences, they should quickly know what the piece is about, how you plan to support this claim, and why on earth it matters.

Enter: the “So What?” test.

After you write an intro, sentence, paragraph, or section, sit back, consider your overall point, and ask, “So what?” Why should my readers care?

To pass the So What test, make your story:

1. Significant: Instead of regurgitating well-known facts, make sure your piece/pitch has a fresh angle.

2. Arguable: Offer conflicting opinions on the topic, if possible. (For this, I love to find two subject matter experts who disagree on the topic.)

3. Focused: Steer clear of vague statements — get as specific as you can.

For example, look at this intro opener:

Gut health is important for overall well-being. Many people are looking for ways to improve their digestion and feel healthier, like taking probiotic supplements. Eating a balanced diet can help.

This is true, and some may find it interesting. But it’s missing detail and drama… Look at what this option offers instead:

If you keep this principle at the top of your mind when you write and edit, you’ll have a much better chance of crafting words that keep your readers engaged.

TRIVIA-PALOOZA

Best-selling winner

Your trivia question for the week is…

💡 A “tittle” describes which part of a letter?💡

(The answer’s at the bottom!)

FREELANCER/INDIE AUTHOR CORNER

The ideal client and how to find them

I’m hitting the point in my career where I want to choose my clients. I don’t know if you can relate, but when I started out, I would have happily written articles or ads for just about anyone (at pretty much any pay rate).

Three years later, I know the type of content I love writing, and I’ve identified my dream clients, who suddenly don’t feel so impossible to land.

Don’t get me wrong, I still deal with crazy amounts of self-doubt, but I’ve been hitting the digital freelance conference circuit hard this quarter, and the incredible speakers at each one have stung me with the inspiration bug.

In a recent Inkwell-hosted webinar, Rachel Meltzer, a business coach and freelance marketer, shared her system for keeping your new business pipeline open wide, and I have mine up and running!

In ClickUp, I have a space dedicated to warm leads. Here’s my process:

1. Pick a publication I’m dying to write for.

2. Follow them on LinkedIn and send connection requests to as many people as I can in their org.

3. When someone accepts a request, I send a brief, low-pressure note to say hey and “Great to meet you.”

4. I then go to their page and hit the little bell under their banner, setting it to notify me of all posts.

5. When they post, I comment, engage, and share — I want them to know my name and face.

The idea? When they need a writer, they’ll think of me. When I need to fill my schedule and reach out, they’ll recognize me and consider it.

I’m continually honing this process, and I’m sure it will change month to month. What’s your client-finding process?

‘Til next time

Thanks for reading and see you in a few weeks!

Share with friends and fellow writers so they can subscribe!

View my work on Authory or my website

MY AUTHOR BOOKSHELF

💡 Find the trivia answer HERE 💡