LinkedIn is one of several important networking sites for the Freelancer. It is a great place to showcase your resume, get endorsements and update your status to a group of like-minded professionals. If you don’t yet have an account, check out the new user starter guide that they offer to get going and set one up today!

It’s embarassing to get this one wrong, and it takes just a minute to find out ahead of time. Build that into your inquiry and you won’t get burned.

Just remember to keep them under 140 characters.

The short answer to that question is no, but in reality it is better for you if you can get one. Contracts spell out all of the terms, and give you a way to stand up for yourself if something should go awry. If you don’t have one, you won’t have much leverage if the publication decides they are going to do things differently than you discussed.

Better to protect yourself if you can.

If not, try a simple technique that works. Grab a jar, a shoebox or another container and set it on your desk or by the door. When you come home, empty your pockets, purse or wallet and put your business-related receipts in the container immediately.

You can sort through it each week and enter your writing-related expenses, but this keeps everything from getting lost along the way…

Try listening to a different radio station, reading different books, reading an alternative newspaper, and experiencing new things to help you diversify.