Michelle Rafter

The Future of Freelancing

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Sometimes all it takes to get a writing gig is saying 'I can do that'

Sometimes all it takes to get a writing gig is saying ‘I can do that.’ That’s what New Jersey freelancer Jen Miller discovered when she pitched a World Series story to the sports section of the New York Times – and then another, and another. Miller doesn’t normally cover sports. But she’s a Phillies fan […]

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Reposting – The secret to my LinkedIn success

I originally wrote this in September as a guest post for on The Renegade Writer blog. I’m reposting it here at the request of some freelance acquaintances. Last September I was getting ready to start writing again after spending most of the previous seven years at home with my kids. I was totally out of […]

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US News, CSM join parade of pubs going online only

Add US News & World Report and the Christian Science Monitor to the list of publications that are dropping their print editions and going online only. According to this report from the Washington Post, US News will continue to publish a print once a month, but the issues will be consumer guides, like its popular […]

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4 ways to bring good karma to your freelance writing business

I’m a strong believer in good karma. Blame it on the nuns who taught me in elementary school. It may sound mushy, but I believe you can do well by doing good. So I’m happy to throw a little good karma into the universe and share if it helps other writers. Don’t get me wrong. […]

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Come tomorrow, stop what you're doing and vote

Tomorrow is Election Day. In honor of the occasion, I’m interrupting my regularly scheduled posts to encourage everyone to take a few minutes out of your normal routine and vote. Here in Oregon, we vote by mail. I sent in my ballot last week, so I’ll be spending tomorrow with one eye on work and […]

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How to write queries that sell

The need to market my writing business just got more urgent – a relatively new client that I’ve loved working with just announced drastic cuts that will effectively doom the relationship. As a result, I’ve got a couple works in progress that now need new homes and openings on my calendar that I need to […]