ProBlogger ran a “Top 5 List” group writing project and published a compilation of links to 893 entries. Wow. Here are the ones I thought were most relevant or interesting for freelance writers.

Top Five Signs You’ve Graduated to the Copywriting Big Leagues

Top Five Free Ways to Promote Your Writing Business

Top Five Reasons to Freelance

Top 5 Reasons Freelancing is a Bad Idea

Five Hard Truths about Freelance Writing

Five Things to Do When Your Paper Laughs at You

Toddler Holding on Tight? Five Tips for Working at Home

Using the Web to Find Writing Jobs – The First Five Steps

Top Five Reasons Why Information Products Is the Ultimate Business

Freelancers, Start Winning More Proposals Now

Top Five Reasons You Should Stop Calling Yourself a Writer, Right Now

When It’s Time to Stop Writing

Many freelancers assume that writing for nonprofits means nothing but grantwriting. That’s a big myth. Here are ten other publications that most nonprofits need — which means they may need you as a freelance writer to produce them.

1. Case Statements. Before many funders will accept a grant application, they want to see a case statement. The document outlines the need for the nonprofit and its programs and makes the preliminary case for funding. Grant applications spell out all the details.

2. Newsletters. Nonprofits need to communicate with their supporters and most do that via print newsletters, email newsletters or both. Get more info here.

3. Brochures and Flyers. These short marketing pieces help nonprofits explain who they are and what they do.

4. Web Content. If you understand the difference between print and online communications, you can help a nonprofit produce a website that works.

5. Press Releases. Nonprofits rarely have advertising budgets. They need publicity to get the word out and well-written press releases go a long way in getting that coverage.

6. Event Marketing Materials. Most nonprofits host events, whether they are fundraisers, workshops, or celebrations.

7. Internal Management Guides. Nonprofits have policies and procedures just like any other organization. It’s important to get all those processes in writing so work can continue despite staff turn-over.

8. Funder and Board Reports. A nonprofits must report to its board of directors and to its funders (e.g. foundations, government agencies). You can help spice up these reports.

9. Speeches. Nonprofit leaders are often asked to speak before other community groups and to make presentations before funders and at conferences.

10. Annual Reports. Though not legally required, producing an annual report is considered a best practice in nonprofit management. Learn more here.

One definition of success is doing the right things frequently and the wrong things rarely. Here are ten mistakes that can sabotage the success of your freelance writing career.

1. Taking requests for changes personally. Your clients are the ultimate decisionmakers and it’s your job to rewrite drafts until you get it right. Don’t get offended or hurt when they ask for changes. Focus on understanding what the client wants.

2. Getting sloppy with style and grammar. Mistakes happen, but you are being paid for your professional services in these areas, so take the time to get it right.

3. Insisting on being a Grammar Nazi with clients. At the same time, don’t go nuts on clients who disagree with your style advice. If, after explaining your position, your client still insists on a questionable grammar decision or a style faux pas, accept it. Incorrectly capitalizing titles (e.g., He is the Director of the project) is one case where I often give in.

4. Treating your career like a hobby. If you think of freelance writing as a hobby, you will present yourself as an amateur. People pay professionals, so think of yourself that way.

5. Charging too little. You can always spot the newbies because they don’t charge enough.

6. Ignoring technology. I know a couple of writers who fought getting an email address and only did so a couple of years ago. Needless to say, they don’t make much money freelancing. Keeping up with various computer programs also expands your options for the kind of work you can get paid for.

7. Failing to describe what it is you actually do. When I first started freelancing, I told people I was a writer for nonprofits and I got a lot of blank stares, even from nonprofits. Now I say that I write newsletters, web content, annual reports and other marketing materials for nonprofits. If people don’t understand what you do, they can’t hire you or recommend you to others.

8. Spending too much time on a job. Time is money. At some point, you have to let go of your quest for the perfect lead and go with the one that’s really good instead.

9. Not caring why you were hired. Serving your client is about more than writing. If you understand why you were hired in the first place, you’ll provide better support to the client. Are they too busy to meet deadlines and need you to work quickly? Or do they simply hate writing the newsletter and want someone who likes to write to tackle it?

10. Thinking you’ll fail as a freelance writer. A little confidence in your decision to become a freelancer will go a long way. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself!

I’ll elaborate on many of these points in upcoming posts.This is also my reply to the meme sent to me by Laura at Writing Thoughts.