2021 Conference Topics and Presenters
The annual Communication Central Be a Better Freelancer® conference, held every autumn since 2006 and now co-hosted with the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) and the An American Editor (AAE) blog, offers a wealth of information and resources for colleagues seeking to launch or improve their editorial businesses. Presentations by experts in various aspects of the field range from the practical, such as using key tools of the trade, to the conceptual, such as developing marketing and networking systems. This year’s conference was held October 8–10, 2021, as an all-virtual event.
The 16th annual Communication Central-NAIWE-AAE Be a Better Freelancer® conference provided a strong emphasis on opportunities in visual aspects of freelancing, for both business offerings and marketing techniques, as well as resources for overall business success, productivity and expansion.
If you missed this exciting event, you can purchase recordings of the sessions from NAIWE (www.naiwe.com).
For speaker bios, go to https://www.communication-central.com/speakers.
Here’s what you missed!
Launching Your Freelance Business/Getting Started, Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, long-time freelancer and owner/founder of Communication Central/Be a Better Freelancer®
No matter what kind of freelance, consulting, entrepreneurial or other business you’d like to have (or enhance), achieving success will involve many of the same techniques and processes. Find out what you need to know and do to get your business off to a strong start, and keep it rolling.
Getting Self-Publishing Authors to a Finished Book, Dick Margulis, book production guru
Self-publishing or independent authors have become one of the biggest, and often best, potential clients for freelancers, especially editors, proofreaders, indexers, illustrators, photographers, and book designers. Working with these clients often means shepherding them through the publishing process. Here’s how to manage this potentially profitable side of freelancing.
Generating a Generous Income, Laura Briggs, Six-figure Freelance Income author
Making a good living as a freelancer is a challenge, especially nowadays. Discover what today’s six-figure freelancers have in common and earn how to search, negotiate and maximize your revenue and profits as you build a successful business as a freelancer.
Looking to the Future: Financial and Retirement Planning, Bennie M. Currie, financial planning professional
For colleagues already established or approaching retirement age, it’s vital to have a strong financial plan and retirement options in mind before we need them. Find out how to build a more-secure future for yourself and your freelance business in this practical session.
Building Diversity and Sensitivity into Your Business and Your Clients’ Projects, Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, author and editor of material for diverse audiences
As publishing and the reading public become more aware of the value of including diverse voices or characters in all types of editorial work, freelancers must respond by becoming inclusive in their own work and helping their clients ensure that projects are both inclusive and sensitive. These tips will strengthen any freelancer’s business by providing ways to make their and their clients’ work diverse, inclusive, equitable and sensitive.
The Visual Edge — Using Video and Podcasting to Enhance the Visibility of Your Business, Bradley Rayford, Jr., videographer and documentarian
Using visual tools to present, promote and enhance a freelance business is becoming more and more important. Learn how to create videos and podcasts that will go beyond the traditional ways to promote your freelance business — and can increase your profits by adding to the services you provide to clients as well.
Getting the Rates You Want and Deserve, Jake “Dr. Freelance” Poinier
No matter how little or how long a freelancer has been in business, setting or negotiating rates is a constant challenge. Get the lowdown on this elemental aspect of freelancing from the author of a popular book on setting rates and of the equally popular “Dr. Freelance” blog to keep from undervaluing your business, skills and experience!
Everyone Has a Book in Them: How to Know if Your Book Idea Will Sell in Today’s Marketplace, Nicole Evelina
Learn how to know if your book idea is likely to appeal to traditional publishers and whether your self-published book is likely to reach readers from an author who has published in both ways. Topics will include gatekeepers in traditional publishing, genre trends, perennial bestselling topics, the importance of platform and how to find an idea that not only appeals to you but fills a gap in the marketplace. For those who write, this session will provide insights into getting published, whether traditionally or independently. For those who work with independent authors as coaches, editors, proofreaders, etc., the session will help you guide your clients in their publishing decisions.
Making the Most of Your Website through Better Usability, Kathie York, website usability expert, and Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Communication Central/Be a Better Freelancer® owner
It’s become common wisdom that every freelancer or business owner needs a website to be found, vetted and hired, but there’s more to it than throwing a site together and hoping for the best — you need a site that’s easy to use and makes the most of your skills and experience. Get the basics of why and how to create (or improve) a site, content and design essentials, and do/don’t-do examples, and then find out why websites aren’t just about bots and search engines.
A freelancer’s website should be a user-friendly space for human visitors to explore. Website guests are busy people, so freelancers have to grab their attention before they click away, and your website only works for you if it works. Learn how to make your website functional and usable. If your website is easy for prospective clients to use, it will do your freelance business proud. No more confusing navigation or vital-but-hidden information!
Star Power — Why and How to Create Your Own TV Show, Pat Nogar, host of “Living Well with Pat Nogar” and “Saturday Morning with Pat” TV programs
We all want to be stars of our own lives and businesses — and it can be done. Find out how to craft a broadcast version of your freelance business that engages potential clients and expands the visibility of your skills and services. Note: Ms. Nogar was unable to make her presentation and there were technical difficulties with the video version she made for her session. We hope to make the video available. Attendees will receive a handout shortly.
Getting the Hang of Laying Out a Book in InDesign, Dick Margulis, typography and book production guru
Independent authors often expect freelance communications professionals to design and lay out their books. Get the basics of using InDesign to provide effective, attractive, readable typography and layout. If time allows, learn how to respond as more and more clients expect editors or proofreaders to work on projects created in InDesign.
Marketing Magic — Positioning Your Business for Visibility and Success, Laura Briggs
It isn’t enough to launch your freelance business and do good work; you also have to let the world know that you exist, what you offer and how to find you — and keep those messages going. Nowadays, that often means having a strong presence on LinkedIn, which is retaining its position as the lead platform for business networking, visibility and connections. Figure out how to create an effective profile and claim your status as a thought leader in your profession or industry.
Business Planning Basics, April Michelle Davis, executive director, NAIWE; co-host, Be a Better Freelancer®
Go beyond “Freelancing 101” start-up essentials to learn about ways to structure a freelance business, track income and project status, organize files and versions of projects, and much more.