Today’s lesson — are you asking the right questions?

Get more writing gigs with this one simple tactic [The Writer’ s Life]( February 20, 2023 "Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers." – Tony Robbins Happy Monday, {NAME}! "Just one more thing …" That was the sentence Detective Columbo would casually utter, right before asking a tricky, vital question to catch a perpetrator off guard. In the classic show Columbo, airing on television once again, actor Peter Falk would ask question after question in his pursuit of the truth. He would take viewers along for the ride as he sifted through answers and clues to come up with the right solution. Asking questions is a good thing. In fact, our Chief Success Officer Ted Capshaw says questions are everything. Slowing down and asking questions shows a curiosity for other people and the world around you. Most Master Copywriters say curiosity is a key trait for an effective copywriter. And it's one of the main things I look for when hiring a writer or marketer! But too often, people don't ask the most important question of all. Discover what it is from Ted when you watch today's Monday Morning Jumpstart. You'll also discover how asking better questions can help you connect with new writing clients and enhance and deepen your relationships with current clients. Plus, Jade Trueblood reveals a surprising place you can learn how to be a better conversationalist. (You won't see this answer coming! 😁) [Monday Morning Jumpstart cover]( Because if you are naturally curious and often want to learn more and go further "below the surface," you'll dig deeper with your research … ask better questions … and paint a more detailed picture for your readers. There are several writing projects where curiosity will serve you well, and there's one in particular I want to highlight for you … This project is all about finding the most interesting aspects of a product and writing about them in an informative, friendly, and completely un-salesy tone. In fact, there's no real selling at all. The call-to-action is simply to move the potential buyer forward to the next piece of content in the long string of marketing efforts. What project am I talking about? [White papers.]( Today, the demand for white papers is higher than ever. In fact, a recent study by Content Marketing Institute revealed that six out of 10 marketers use white papers as a critical part of their content marketing strategy. But too often, they can't find good white paper writers to help them get these projects done! That's why they're willing to pay good fees to a trained white paper writer — up to $1,000 for every page you write! And since most white papers range from 5-10 pages, that means you could easily find yourself earning $5,000, $8,000, or $10,000 for one project. This could be the "perfect" gig for you. All you need to get started is the proper training … and we've got the answer for you today. [>> Go here]( to find out how you can become certified in writing these lucrative projects in just a few short weeks. Then be sure to check out [today's Monday Morning Jumpstart here](, and see what Ted and Jade have to say about being curious and digging deeper with the right questions. Here's to a great week! [Rebecca Matter’ s signature] Rebecca TODAY: Freelance Writing Is HOT According to the most comprehensive survey of the US independent workforce, "Freelancing in America" study: "60% of freelancers who left their full-time job now make more money as a freelancer. And get this: of those who earn more, 78% indicated they earned more freelancing within a year or less." Becoming a well-paid freelance writer can happen FAST if you follow the right steps. All you need are basic skills to charge professional fees as a writer in a matter of hours. [We'll do it together — here!]( What's Hot at AWAI … 👀 Did you watch today's Monday's Morning Jumpstart? [Catch it here!]( 🤔 The perfect writing gig?! [Check this out!]( 🤔 [5 copy experts talk ChatGPT and the future for writers.]( 🤩 [Big risk pays off for Nebraska copywriter.]( 👉 [ICYMI … Meet your new favorite B2B Content writing project!]( To Parent and Pivot, Engineer Finds Flexibility in Copywriting [Copywriter Kristen Stelzer] Kristen Stelzer Thanks to AWAI, Kristen Stelzer's built a sustainable, in-demand writing career. Most important, however, are the ability to control her time and the flexibility to shift at a moment's notice. She shared with us that as a copywriter, 'I can take on as much work as I want — or take less when I have to parent or rearrange my schedule. Managing my own time in my own way, and what that means in terms of less stress — it's just huge.' After beginning with basic blog posts for clients, Kristen recognized her preference for longer pieces like white papers and articles — but she had no samples or "proof" she could do them to offer potential clients, so she opted to get [AWAI Certification as a White Paper Specialist](. For Kristen, Certification communicates "I can." Her two decades in engineering taught her that credentials matter. So now, if a moment of uncertainty about her capabilities pops up, she turns to her Certification. "Yes, I can!" she tells herself. "I've got proof I can do it." The White Paper Certification opened the door for inquiries and projects, and now her niche is types of writing — technology-related white papers, case studies, and long articles — rather than a specific industry. Congratulations, Kristen! Can't wait to hear more about your writing journey! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! Your ALL-ACCESS Key — Just $1! Get instant access to this exclusive B2B writing community and ALL their private resources, including … All the success roadmaps … All the writing templates … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All 150+ training webinars … The Forum, the Job Board, the tutorials, the tools … And much more! [Go Here For More Details]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Investment Content Writer — Fidelity Investments Full-time, Boston, MA As an Investment Content Writer, you will take the lead in crafting high-impact content about Fidelity's investment products, most often in a B2B context for professional audiences. Create short white papers, compelling case studies, and engaging infographics. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Content Writer — SmartRent Full-time, Hybrid – Scottsdale, AZ As a Senior Content Writer, you will craft effective, compelling content for websites, blogs, email campaigns, case studies, white papers, e-books, paid advertising, social media, video, print materials, and more that shares the SmartRent story, promotes our brand, and makes a positive impact across many different digital platforms. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter — TeamPeople Full-time, Remote Work in a team environment to craft compelling, client-centric and brand-aligned messaging and creative concepts for our Global Banking business. Marketing channels include website, email, social media, video, online ads, and white papers requiring both long-form and short-form B2B corporate finance experience. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2023 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? Simply direct them [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- American Writers & Artists Institute 220 George Bush Blvd, Suite D Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 278-5557 or (866) 879-2924 Ensure your subscription delivery. AWAI Whitelisting info available [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are subscribed to this newsletter as {EMAIL}. 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