Last Updated on: October 9th, 2017
Today’s post marks the beginning of the F.I.T.S. (Freelancer In The Spotlight) Series on Wording Well, and the “Freelancer In The Spotlight” today is William Ballard.
Now please welcome William to center stage. 😉
Take it away, William!
My Story – The Birth of My Freelance Writing and Author Life
My name is William Ballard, some of you may have heard of me, but many of you, I’m sure, have not. And rightfully so, because I have just recently began to have a breakthrough in this industry.
I am a freelance writer, copywriter, blogger, and author currently based out of Ontario Canada (originally from Dallas Texas). As long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being a self-employed writer and living the writer’s life, but just as for any dream or goal, knowing where to begin is one of the most difficult areas to deal with.
From as far back as I can remember I wanted to be a writer, however, what kind of writer was still left up in the air. I considered becoming a poet, and from time to time still write poetry. Then I considered being a fiction author and began going to work on my first fiction novel, but then another problem arose. I had no idea how to even develop a novel or fiction book. So, then I began searching for writers and authors that would mentor me. That was when I came across K.M. Weiland, who is the founder of Helping Writers Become Authors.
I joined her mailing list and begin absorbing as much information about crafting a novel from her as I could, and I am still learning from her to this day.
Moreover, it was during this season of learning, training, and being mentored that I came across the term freelance writer. So, I began doing research as to, what a freelance writer was. In other words, what stuff does a freelance writer write? Well…needless to say, that was when I came across Carol Tice and the Freelance Writer’s Den, which I am sure many of you are familiar with.
I spent three valuable months as a member of the Den and absorbed extreme amounts of wisdom and insight from Carol. I remain a faithful subscriber to Carol’s newsletter and I am still absorbing invaluable wisdom from her.
The Greatest Freelance Writing Advice I’ve Ever Got
The greatest advice that was ever given to me in regards to freelance writing came to me on my first day in the Freelance Writer’s Den with Carol Tice. She asked me, “Since you have opened yourself up for business, so to speak, how many articles ideas have you pitched to different pubs?” Wow! What a question. Carol never beats around the bush with her Den members. She always tells it like it is.
Therefore, in a nutshell, you can’t have a freelance writing business if you aren’t pitching article ideas to pubs. Speaking of pubs, the lingo of freelancers baffled me at the beginning. So, in addition to what I was learning during my time in the Den, I went to my local book store and began searching for as many books as I could get my hands on about the subjects of writing, business, and the business of freelance writing.
That was when I came across a book entitled, “Get a Freelance Life: mediabistro.com’s Insider Guide to Freelance Writing”, as well as several other books such as, “The Wealthy Freelancer” and “The Well Fed Writer”. These books educated in the language of freelancers. However, now my personal library has grown to an incredible amount as of today.
I’m a firm believer that books are a wise investment because they are resources of investment in yourself.
“A formal education can help you to make a living, but an informal or self-education will help you to make a fortune.” ~Jim Rohn
To me, those are some of the most wisest words I have ever heard and I would encourage everyone reading this to start investing in yourself. Get your hands on as many books, CDs, and DVDs that you can get your hands on that will help you to be more positive, motivated, and inspired.
There is a Time to Learn and a Time to Put to Practice What is Learned
Just about everything in life goes through seasons. During my season of learning I made it a priority of mine to absorb as much information about the writers life that I wanted. But after that season of my life was over, it was time to put to practice what I learned. So, I took all the advice, tips, suggestions that I got from Carol and all the other guest mentors that you partners with in the Den as well as the information I learned from the books I invested in and began to start pitching article ides to different pubs.
Now, doing this is more easier said than done. Especially for those that fear rejection. For me it was a bit different though. I didn’t so much fear rejection as I feared acceptance. In other words, if a pub was to accept my idea what frightened me was that I would have to deliver on what I promised to deliver and if I didn’t the consequences of that is what scared me to death. However, the only way to overcome fear is to face it head on.
The Article that Started it All
When I graduated high school I went straight into the military, and more specifically the Marine Corps, where I learned several principles that I believe many business owners and entrepreneurs need to be aware of and practice.
That was when I had the bright idea to pitch an article idea to Entrepreneur: Semper Fi! How the Marine Corps Prepared Me for Entrepreneurship.
The month was just before the month of Labor Day so it was a perfect piece to be pitched just in time for Labor Day weekend. What I did in this article was take some basic Marine Corps principles and related them to business and pitched the idea to Entrepreneur and low and behold they accepted, but then I had another idea to pitch a similar concept to Writer’s Digest.
The difference was I took the same principles from the Marine Corps and related them to writing rather than business. Low and behold, they accepted the idea as well (you can find the article here).
These open doors gave me a revelation of myself.
Another obstacle that most newbies encounter when they are trying to break into this industry is believing that they have nothing to offer and that the stuff they do know like the back of their hand is not something that others would be interested in. However, this mindset is negative and completely not true.
Aspiring freelance writers need to know that their background was and is not waste. Everyone who is reading this needs to know that you possess value. You have expertise that nobody else does. Once you accept this truth, and once you know the value you bring to the table and not just understand but believe your true worth with everything within you it becomes extremely difficult for pubs and clients to not recognize it either.
In fact, I wrote an article for Be a Freelance Writer entitled, “2 Keys to Unlocking the Door to Your Perfect Client” that talks about this very subject. That is where Lorraine found me and asked me to share my story with you.
I hope this article has helped and added value to your readers Lorraine. Thank you so much for this opportunity and I looked forward to continuing our relationship from here on out.
YOUR TURN:
Have you read any of the books suggested herein?
What is the biggest thing you are struggling with, as a freelance writer?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section.
And don’t forget to thank William on Twitter for sharing his experiences!
Check out the other freelancers in this series:
Some Life Updates and Info about Freelancing from #freelancewriter Lorraine Reguly
An Interview With “F.I.T.S.” Series #freelancewriter Elna Cain
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Candace Simonson
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter DD, an Addicted-to-Heroin #Freelancer
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Alicia Rades
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Corinne Kerston
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Ali Luke
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Joe Warnimont
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Brian Morris
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Janine Ripper
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Harleena Singh
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Crystal Nay
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Christy Birmingham
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Tom Bentley
“F.I.T.S.” SERIES: Featuring #freelancewriter Deevra Norling
Freelancing Tips From Kirsty Stuart #freelancingtips for #freelancers
7 Reasons for the FITS Series on Wording Well (with results!)
If you want to raise your freelancing rates, read How to Ask for a Raise (and Get One!) from your #Freelancing Client.
If you want to know why you should be gathering testimonials you can use on your website, read about The Power of Client Testimonials.
William Ballard, a freelance writer, blogger, and author, is chief executive of Freelance Writer and Author William Ballard (currently located in Barrie Ontario, Canada). He blogs about freelance writing, blogging, and business at his Freelance Writing and Business Blog. Follow him on Twitter @ApostolicAuthor.
The day I discovered this blog I knew that my writing woes are over. I have learned so much from you, Lorraine and I want to say that am very grateful.
Thanks William, for this inspiring article, it’s a gift for which ‘a million thanks’ is not enough to pay for. God bless you.
I have learned a lot reading this article but one thing that stands out is that ‘nothing beats self-education’. I have been doing my bits but I think I have to step up.
If I don’t find those books I will let you know.
Thanks, once again.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your kind words and I appreciate you taking the time to read this article.
You are absolutely right, self-education is one of the biggest make it or break it keys to success.
Jim Rohn once said, “You get a formal education to help you get a living, but you get an informal (self-taught) education to work on your fortune.”
Just some food for thought.
Thanks again for taking the time to read this article, and thanks for spending this time with me.
Hello William
This is very inspiring post with some very good suggestions. I also believe that best investment is in books from where you learn a lot. I was wondering though that anyone from Army is into blogging and writing. Otherwise we just see them running and doing exercise (as they are habitual of) after retirement.
It was nice reading your story and you are right to say that we must need a lot of ideas to have a start.
It is hard to be successful with out courage , determination and trust. I believe these are few qualities that are in blood of any one from military.
andleeb, I just wanted to let you know your name has been entered into the “well” to win free editing from me!
I’m sure William will reply to you soon, too. 🙂
Hi Andleeb,
Thank you for taking the time to read my story 🙂
You are absolutely right, the qualities you mentioned are the hallmark of any military servicemen, but they also are the hallmark of every freelance writer.
When it comes to freelance writing, ideas are your main currency, or your main capital. If there are no ideas you will forever be a poor freelance writer.
However, even having a stack of capital (ideas) won’t do you any good if you are not equipped with the qualities that mentioned.
Honor, courage, and commitment is what was drilled into me during my time in the Marine Corps. I’ve taken those qualities have put them towards my freelance writing business.
Thanks again for your comment 🙂
William, Thank you for your very inspiring article on being a freelance writer! I have not pitched any ideas to publications myself, so you are way ahead of me. I’m writing blog posts for others right now, but would like to write about what interests me most. Kudos on your success and facing your fears! -mgm
Hi Martha,
Thank you for your encouragement and support! 🙂
Keep up the good work that you are doing. Never lose the passion you have for writing and the nitche that you are involved in.
Sometimes the only way to success is to face your fears head on. We have to develop a mindset that rejection is a myth. The principle here states that you can’t lose what you never had. In other words, I was already not published by entrepreneur so if they told me NO to my article idea, I haven’t really lost anything because I already wasn’t published by them. Oh…but when a publication says yes. That is where you gain so much more!
I believe that once newbies take ownership of this type mindset the fear of rejection simply disappears never to show up again.
Hi Lorraine; Thanks for bringing us someone with such helpful advice and suggestions. And William I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Just like with everything else in life studying and thinking about it will only get you so far. Eventually you have to take action. I am big on encouraging people to take whatever steps are open to at them at the time. too many people let themselves get overwhelmed with everything they don’t know or don’t have and don’t take advantage of what they do. I’m actually now curious about the possibility of doing some free lance writing myself. Lorraine will probably tell you that I’m a good writer but not as good of an editor. the few times I have hired her to edit blog posts my readers have commented on how much better they are than usual. 🙂 Lorraine is good for sure. and she is good people. I look forward to getting to know you. I’m sure there is something Ic an learn from you. Thanks again and take care, Max the blind blogger
Max, you’re so sweet! I think you’re a great storyteller. Honest and forthright. Helful, too.
I’m sure William will respond to your comment at some point, too, but I wanted to jump in and say thanks again for the lovely testimonials. 🙂 What comes around, goes around, and you are being smiled upon my many for the wonderful person you are. It’s still so hard to believe you have no sight. You’re also one of the most active bloggers and social media users ever! Keep up the good work, Max!
As for freelancing, keep reading the FITS Series for more tips from Freelancers In The Spotlight! 😉
Hi Max!
Wow!
First and foremost, I want to give you a standing ovation! (Clapping) 🙂
This can, at times, be a die hard industry and it takes a lot of courage to make something of yourself in this profession. But for someone who is blind and seeking to learn and know about how to make something of themselves in this industry, I have to say that I have great admiration for you.
I am glad that my article here was helpful and I would be more than delighted to support you and any endeavor that you seek to go into.
By the way, I am not a very good editor myself, and I have to constantly go over my post 3 or 4 times before I hit the publish button. However, that doesn’t seem to stop me!
God Bless!
Thank you Lorraine for allowing me this opportunity to share my story. I hope that is inspires, motivates, encourages, and empowers your audience.
God Bless!
William, thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure some will find it helpful! I’d appreciate it if you would answer comments on this post, too. 🙂 Your replies will be visible after “approval.” Thanks again!
No Worries!
I look forward to reading the comments that your followers have. 🙂
Great! Since my posts often take a few days to “get read,” I will approve the comments as they come in. I also submitted a link to JustRetweet, so I expect more even in weeks to come. 😉 Now I just have to share this post on social media, and hope you do the same! Thanks again for your efforts! 😀