I’m about to reintroduce you to the greatest money making tool a freelance writer has. It’s been neglected a bit lately because of this new Internet fad that all the kids are talking about, but it’s still the easiest, greatest way to find work. The best part is that you’re probably carrying that tool with you right now. If not, I’ll bet one is nearby. It’s called a phone. Know it. Love it. Use it.

1 versus 100

Do you know why telemarketers are constantly interrupting your dinner with sales calls? Because it works. They don’t make a sale every time, and they don’t have to. If one out of twenty calls is successful, a telemarketer is ahead of the curve. Now, think about this for yourself. If you’re sitting at home with no work, in eight hours you can certainly make twenty calls. Heck, rejections take no time at all. With enough rejections you can easily make one hundred calls in eight hours. If just one of those calls nets you an assignment, you’re back in the game. That’s power.

Who you gonna call?

Phone numbers are easy to come by. I must get half a dozen phone books delivered to my door every year. I keep at least one of them even though I never use it. Why? Because that Internet thingy is so darned convenient! I can look up just about any business online. Want a list of publishers in your city? Type the name of your city and the word publishers into Google. It will not only give you a list of publishers, it will point them out to you on a map. If the publisher has a web site, you can visit it and find out who to call. Calling is a lot easier if you have a name, but don’t let names stop you. Just call up the main number and ask for the editor, publisher, marketing department or even the owner. Not sure how to move forward? Here you go!

1. Call your local newspapers and magazines. Almost all newspapers have a web presence so it should be especially easy to find out who the editors are. Ask for the appropriate editor and explain that you are a freelance writer and that you want to find out what their policy on freelancing is and if they have any needs at this time.
2. After you finish with the locals, you should look to expand your search to the entire region. Call up any newspaper and magazine within a 200 mile radius. This goes for any search. Start locally and move outward as you make more calls.
3. Call your local publishing companies and print shops. Ask for the editor, owner or manager. Ask them if they use freelancers for copywriting, editing or proofreading work. Let them know that you are in the area and available.
4. Make a list of local non-profit organizations, schools and colleges. Call them and explain that you are a local writer. Ask if they are in need of any copywriting or grant writing.
5. Move on to local businesses, especially locally-owned retail businesses. Ask for the owner or manager and explain that you are a local copywriter and ask if they are in need of brochures, fliers, radio copy or other advertising materials.

Friendly neighborhood writer

The important thing to remember is to be friendly and willing to listen. The chances of you landing a sale are about one in twenty, so don’t get discouraged by rejection. Rejection will happen most of the time. That’s why you keep dialing more numbers. If you are friendly and straightforward, all sorts of good things can happen. Some people may ask you to send samples. Others may take your number and promise to call if they have any work. Others may recommend another editor or business. Sometimes, you’ll get the gig right then and there. For any businesses that show interest but don’t commit to a sale, send them your business card, postcard or brochure so that you can be sure they received your information.

I won’t lie to you. Cold calling takes effort and guts. It isn’t for the lazy or the timid. That’s why it works, because so few people are willing to do it.