The week started slowly, but thanks to Wednesday and Thursday, my brain is now smoking and needing a rest. That’s why today is my mental health day and no one beyond my family will be able to locate me quickly. That I’m considering hiding from the homeward-bound college kids is proof I’m toasted.
It’s that time again – time to bare our journalistic souls and share how our month went in terms of earnings, work, and marketing. Here’s my report:
Earnings –
A quick glance at the totals shows I’ve sent out $5K in invoices. Why did it feel like I did nothing? I sat idle for I’d guess about 5 or 6 days this month, but the numbers are saying I was busy.
Work –
Like I said, I sat idle a few times. I didn’t work as hard (that’s a good thing) except for a few odd days with back-to-back deadlines, but I still met my earnings target. And here’s another odd thing – I never thought I’d ever type the words “earnings target” in relation to me. Goes to show even we math-averse people can get it eventually.
Marketing –
I didn’t go crazy on marketing this month, but I sent out a few queries to new markets. My targets have been publications right now as they seem to be the only ones still needing material and still paying. I sent out a few responses to ads (and was disappointed twice), and I contacted three or four existing clients and pitched some new ideas. One idea I plan to develop into a mock project and present it to the reluctant client, hoping to sway favor in my direction.
Bottom line –
I could’ve marketed more in January and filled those idle days. I could’ve put more time into marketing this month, too. Both areas of improvement.
That’s my report. How did you do?
February kind of sucked on the work front. There was a lot of bait-and-switch stuff.
On the positive side, I had the opportunity to create a new prospect list and work on targeting them, but I won’t see the results for awhile.
Add in my being sick and now Elsa being sick, and it was a tough month.
You know it’s weird when the fiction brings in more than the business writing.
What can I say? “Buy My Book, Help My Cat”, right? 😉
I’m actually scared to do invoicing this month. January was way off the mark for me and February is destined to be as well. It couldn’t be helped, though, and I guess I should feel fortunate that, so far, it’s personal matters, not recession-related ones, that are to blame.
Didn’t do too hot with writing goals for Feb. on the manuscript, but did great on smaller goals dealing with poetry and other submissions/writing. Glad it’s a new month!
Boy, February was so-so… But MArch here i come!!
Thanks, Lori, for being so open. In return, I’ll do the same.
My Feb. was just like yours, about $5,000. However, Jan. was blockbuster, and March is crazy blockbuster (both nearly double Feb.), so I haven’t freaked out.
However, you’re doing way better than I in marketing. I haven’t seen anything that’s worth my time responding to, and I’ve become so busy I haven’t had a chance to send out any new queries to pubs.
Thanks for reminding me that I can’t be lax.
Must make new contacts.
Gabriella, that’s fantastic! It feels so good to have a lucrative start to the year. Makes those July/August droughts bearable.