Live Rich As A Writer

“I’ve been trying for some time to develop
a lifestyle that doesn’t require my presence.”
– G. B. Trudeau

In Issue #184

Guest Essay: Live Rich As A Writer by Connie Werner Reichert

You don’t have to make a lot of money to be rich. You can simply live the rich and glamorous life through many experiences as a writer and make a little cash at the same time. As a freelance journalist, publicist and freelance travel writer, I’ve had several barter and trade agreements with my clients that greatly enhanced my lifestyle.

For my 12 year old daughter, I’ve arranged for three years of ballet lessons in exchange of publicity for the dance studio. My child has also benefited from a year of horseback riding lessons. I’ve also gone hot air ballooning and rode on a Jeep tour in the mountains I didn’t pay a cent, rather, charged each of these places a $300 initiation fee.

As for myself, I’m enjoying a full year of haircuts, facials, microdermabrasion, and massage from one of Northern California’s elite spas, all for the task of writing articles and press releases about their business. I have even joined a gym for a full year free of charge.

As a travel writer, I’ve been wined and dined in fabulous resorts, such as Sedona, Arizona and Ogden ,Utah, all with the power of my laptop.

In Sedona, I found myself in a luxurious four poster bed with a fireplace in my suite. Towel warmers were in the bathroom, and even the bathroom floors were heated. Outside, rich adobe walls surrounded a hot tub. In Ogden, I went on a five day trip that was stunning in its beauty I stayed in a different B&B or hotel every night and enjoyed their hospitality. Often, welcome gifts were found in my room such as chocolate, flowers and fresh fruit and locally made honey and jam.

It’s not as hard as you might think to create these kinds of opportunities for yourself as well.

To get your start in travel writing, simply comb through various Visitors & Convention Bureaus directories and hook up with travel related web sites for further details and pointers. They are always searching for viable journalists. You will need to send samples of your writing and possibly an assignment letter from a publication.

As a publicist, the fastest way to a trade agreement is to start with small businesses. They often don’t have the working capital to hire large PR firms, yet they desperately need the exposure so their business can succeed. Many of these small businesses are willing to work on trade of products and services. I charge a small initiation fee of $300 to begin my contracts to cover expenses such as copies, mileage, postage and fed exes. Your contractual agreement must spell out exactly what your trade is, i.e., 10 haircuts for one press release and article placement.

One word of caution: make certain that you really want what the business is offering and are willing to work hard to get it. Otherwise, it just wouldn’t be a good fit. I’ve established an excellent rapport with my clients who otherwise couldn’t afford to hire a public relations agency, and enjoy the services they offer immensely. Remember, you’re not taking advantage of them. Small business owners want and need your services and trading services makes good sense.

Jumpstart your writing life and strive to live rich. The rewards are worth it and will enrich your life, and your lifestyle, significantly.

Connie Werner Reichert is the owner of Write Side Up Copywriting & Publicity. With 21 years of experience as a writer, she may be reached at Connieis@pacbell.net or at (530) 277-4560. Visit her web site at www.conniewreichert.com

Resource Referral: Here’s How …

Because traveling is one of my passions, I strongly favor doing travel writing or photography to get the kinds of benefits Connie describes above. These two courses are all you need to get started:

There is AWAI’s course for travel writers, “The Ultimate Travel Writers Course.” The research and information included is exhaustive, the style is engaging, and the tips for getting much of your travel costs underwritten are worth the cost of the course.

And if you’d like a break from writing, but still want to get in on the goodies, try out “Turn Your Pictures Into Cash” - A Comprehensive Program in Taking and Selling Amazing Photographs.

It’s just silly to have this information in your back pocket … and not use it to get a little something fun! Check them out …

Quick Bartering Tip: Boundaries Are Everything

Bartering with clients is a lot like working for friends – it can be fraught with interpersonal challenges, and preserving the relationship is key.

Work-for-trade agreements need to be as clean and spelled out as possible so that everyone is on board with the exchange before anyone starts to do any work. There is always the temptation to be lax here, so as to not offend the other person or appear greedy. But you sow the seeds of discontent when you do this – and you can end up in those sometimes nasty, finger-pointing arguments and a lost relationship when you don’t take the time up front to spell out and agree to all the conditions of the barter.