Half the world these days seems to be writing a book or a memoir or a blog. They’re a communications strategist, a professional storyteller, or a social media smartie. They’re working on a novel (for it is National Novel Writing Month) or writing marketing material for a new website (every month is launch on the web month). And yes, they’re a writer or illustrator or photographer.

So how do they turn their preoccupation with words, writing and pictures into a profession and a paycheck? What tools and techniques work? Last week, I heard two groups discuss this – the first a panel of professionals  (including me) at the Arts Alliance Convergence conference and the second a group of freelance writers in my living room.

You’ve already heard from childen’s author Shutta Crum and her marvelous advice in Part 1  LINK. Jannie Ho, children’s book illustrator and former associate art director for Time magazine for Kids had three great suggestions:

1. Develop a portfolio of your best work – and make sure you show some variety. About 10 to 15 pieces is a good number.
2. Send postcards to art directors three or four times a year – and feature a new pice of your art on each one. Make sure they list your website and phone number so they can reach you.
3. Try to match your pieces to the subject of the magazine or publication. Don’t send violent or sexy visuals to the art director of a children’s magazine. “Subject matter is really important,” Ho said.

And I offered some getting started suggestions for writers:

1. Develop a niche or subject expertise.  Become the go-to writer or illustrator in your state or region on your subject. You can concentrate on two or three subjects — mine are careers, workplace and business — but you’ll be more valuable if you avoid the “jill of all trades” freelancer role.
2. You need much more than a good idea.  You must have an idea that feels timely and relevant and fits the media outlet’s areas of coverage and main readership.  And you must execute the idea well, and meet the editor’s expectations for your piece.
3. Build your talents and your network.  It really is who you know and what you know. So spend some time each week on adding new people and new knowledge to your life and career.
4. Set clear goals for yourself. One or two at a time and very specific ones are best. Write them down. Share them with a few friends. Hold yourself accountable for achieving them. Celebrate when you achieve one.

The writers in my freelancers group were asked to share a tool or resource they found especially useful to their craft. Among them were chocolate, a walk and a smoke or a cup of coffee or other short break to re-engage your creativity and energy and these books or magazines:

• Poets & Writers, a monthly magazine and website
• Writers Market, and especially the six or so pages in front that give good pay ranges for an array of specialized writing projects
• Speaking of Writing, edited by Nicolas Delbanco, an author and University of Michigan professor
• The Wealthy Freelancer a book by Steve Slaunwhite, Pete Savage and Ed Gandia
• The Pocket Muse By Monica Wood
• The Internet as an encyclopedia and fount of ideas
• The daily e-letter from Gorkana – which gives names and email of writers and editors in new positions (so you can pitch them stories)

And here’s three resources from Shutta Crum’s amazing handout:

• Writer’s Digest 101 Best websites for Writers, annual list:
• The Children’s Writing Supersite, sponsored by the Children’s Book Insider  www.write4kids.com
• The Business of Writing for Children” An Award Winning Author’s Tips on Writing and Publishing Children’s Books, or How to Write, Publish and Promoate a Book for Kids by Aaron Shepard, Shepard Publishing, 2000,