As a a freelance writer you’ll be receiving replies to your applications along with getting queries about your work from prospective clients. Sounds cool huh? Getting work queries without having to apply. Trust me, it doesn’t happen that often.

When it does happen though, chances are they’re not gonna get back to you after you reply. Try not to take it to heart though. It’s not you, it’s them.

Actually, it’s the other freelancer. The one who got the job.

Now do you do?

Do you mourn and move on? Yes, you mourn. You caught the client’s eye but couldn’t keep them interested. But no, you don’t move on. Not yet.

Send a Follow up Email

Wait 5 working days, and then send them a follow up email. Simply remind them they contacted you about the position, and you’d like to know if they’ve come to a decision. Finish by asking them to let you know what their decision was.

Sample Copy Of Follow-Up Email

This is a very simple email template that I use for my follow up emails. I simply modify them according to each client and situation.

Dear _______,

We exchanged emails on [Date] about a [writing/blogging/whatever] position for [company/website name].

Since I haven’t heard back from you after our initial contact I was wondering if you’re still interested in hiring me as your [insert position] or if you’ve decided to hire someone else.

Please let me know in either case.

Regards,

[Name]

[Email Signature]

That’s it. Now you can move on. If they reply, you’ve accomplished your goal. If they don’t, you’ve already made your peace.

But wait! Why is it so important to follow up? Because they’re going to need another freelancer some day and you’re going to apply again.

You know how everyone says blogging requires passion? Well that’s not the only thing blogging requires. I’ll be expanding on this thought sometime later. For now, here are the links for your reading pleasure for this week.

The Writing Journey came back around the end of March writing about blogging. Bob tells us The Number One Rule of Blogging  and then went to takes on Copy Blogger. Nah – nothing that scandlous. Don’t Blog If You Suck At Writing disagrees with a guest post on copy blogger about how to be a successful blogger if you can’t write. Both sides raise valid points. Whichever side you agree with will largely depend on your experience of blogging

Daily Blogging Tips answered a question about blog commenting. Daniel responded with a detailed answer. Interesting read: When Do You Stop Commenting on Other Blogs?

Blogging without the blog went Smashing The Myths About Blogging for its two year anniversary. Barbara got it right on all counts. If there are other myths that you discoevered, do tell!

Blogopolis BluePrint is my new favourite blog. Apart from the usual content, Eric and Sean do videos – which is nothing new. But their videos are conversations. They’re two guys talking business and having a ball discussing their favourite topics. Doesn’t get better than that. In this video, they’re talking about The Highs and Lows of Blogging.