25 Ways PR Can Make A Freelance Writer’s Job Easier

When a freelance writer works with an editor for the first time, they ask a lot of questions. That might include things such as the preferred method of delivery (Word doc? Google doc? Email?), whether they need to collect images, contracts, payment terms, style guides, preferred affiliates… the list goes on.

By asking more questions up front, a freelance writer can deliver an assignment perfectly to their editor’s liking — and ideally, earn the opportunity to do more work with that editor in the future.

As a freelancer, I always ended my list of questions with one more statement: “If there is anything else I can do to help make your job easier, please let me know.”

My thinking here was that the more an editor enjoys working with me (i.e., the more I make their job easier), the better my chances of building a positive relationship with them that will get me more assignments later.

This simple concept had me thinking about the publicists I enjoy working with the most. Beyond being smart, kind, respectful people, my favorite people in

The best PR professionals also take extra steps to help make freelance writers’ jobs easier, and earn more opportunities to work with them by doing so.

Take note of these 25 small gestures that can deliver big payoff in terms of relationship building. The little things are big things.

1.  Research what they cover ahead of pitching them.

2. Develop thoughtful pitches they would reasonably cover.

3. Write to-the-point, clear, informative subject lines.

4. Limit pitches to a few short paragraphs.

5.  Personalize pitches.

6.  Don’t send massive attachments.

7.  Start fresh email chains with appropriate subject lines for new ideas.

8.  Respond promptly, even to confirm receipt.

9.  Read their emails thoroughly.

10. Answer all questions they ask.

11. Respect their deadlines.

12. Be transparent if you can’t deliver something.

13. Avoid unnecessary emails (such as asking if they need anything else).

14. Ask what interview format they prefer and arrange them accordingly.

15. Send prompt calendar invites for interviews and events.

16. Don’t respond to emails with a phone call.

17. Offer to record phone/video interviews and send a link afterward.

18. Confirm exactly how a source should be attributed and linked.

19. Share photos via links that don’t expire.

20. Label photos.

21. Include photographer credits when sending photos.

22. Send only one or two follow-ups.

23. Don’t repeatedly ask when a story will run.

24. Show your appreciation by thanking them when a story comes out.

25. Follow through on what you promise. 

You might be surprised how much you stand out by sticking to #25. Which one of these points resonates most with you?

Tell us: What’s another little thing do you do to make freelance writers’ jobs easier?