The last time I issued an invoice for a client was in 2006, when I did a press release for a small hotel in Manila. I don’t normally issue an invoice because (1) I’m too lazy to make one, and (2) I don’t keep a tracking sheet of all my writing projects. The signed contract is usually good enough for me and my client. But if the client asks for an invoice (big corporations usually do), I don’t hesitate to issue one.

If you haven’t made an invoice before and would like to make one, here’s a sample invoice:

===

INVOICE FOR SERVICES RENDERED

Date

From: Writer’s Name
Address
SS or TIN

To: Client’s Name
Address
Attn: Name of person to whom the invoice is addressed

For: Service/s rendered (e.g. Press Release for Balikbayan Hotel)

Reference: Purchase order #1234 (Note: Some writers keep a tracking sheet for all their services)

Amount:

Terms: Net 30 days

Thank You.

===

You have to sign the invoice if you’re going to send it personally or via fax. A signature is not necessary if you’re going to send it through email.

Issuing an invoice is generally quick and easy. However, keeping a record of all these transactions may be too much a task for the busy freelance writer. Not to mention the files that you have to store in your computer or printed sheets that you have to keep in your cabinet.

If you don’t have much time for all this invoice tracking, consider online invoicing instead. I searched the Web for the most popular and credible invoice tracking sites and found Blinksale and Freshbooks. I subscribed to both and poked inside to test their features. Blinksale’s free account allows you to issue only 3 invoices per month. You can use this if you have 3 big repeat clients that regularly require an invoice. If you wish to send more invoices through Blinksale, you can always upgrade to a paid account.

Freshbooks, on the other hand, allows free account users to issue unlimited invoice. You also get 2 free stamps which you can use for sending an invoice via snail mail. And, take note, Freshbooks will even do the mailing for you.

I’ve yet to try issuing an invoice from either Blinksale or Freshbooks. In case I discover more nifty features, I’ll definitely sweat some more details here in Write Life Guide.

If you’ve tried online invoicing before, I’d appreciate your feedback.

Leo Babauta of Write to Done lists the 7 Writing Habits of Amazing Writers. (I can somehow relate to Joyce Carol Oates.)

Yes, working from home is the best thing that can happen to you. But maybe not for your belly.  Lynn Bode gives 10 Tips For Staying Fit While Working From Home. 

And, before the high price of groceries totally kill the freelance writer’s pocket, learn strategic grocery shopping from WiseBread.

Happy weekend! 

Last week, a client emailed me and asked for a copy of my resume.  I replied and told him that I’d send it the following day.  I realized I didn’t have a copy of an updated resume in my laptop, and I haven’t really found it necessary to make one.  Maybe because I’ve been working for repeat clients and people referred by friends/colleagues in the last 3 years.  

So, I worked on it one night and came up with a three-page resume highlighting my work and experience as a writer and an editor.  Basically, it contains the following:

• Name & Designation (I wrote “Writing and Editing Professional”)
• Contact Information (Email, Instant Messaging IDs, Website, Contact Number)
• Summary (past and present experience as writer and copy editor)
• Publishing Credits (a bulleted list of magazines, newspapers, and websites where my articles appeared)
• Employment History
• Education 
• References (available upon request)

I have actually written a few scripts for television, but I’ve decided not to include them anymore, because it was a very short stint and writing for TV isn’t really my forte.  Some writers include workshops/conferences attended and a list of services they render.  Feel free to experiment.   

Moira Allen of Writing-World offers more tips on creating a writer’s resume.  

Love to write on alternative energy, eco design and green living?  You can apply as eco/green blog writer for Ecoble.com and do the green thang!  Rate is less than or equal to $20 for a 400-500 word post.

More details at iFreelance.com

In an attempt to satisfy my browsermania, I downloaded Google Chrome and ran the app on my laptop right away.  I’m likely to try anything Google, so when I got the Chrome tip I clickety-clicked on the download site in a matter of seconds.

The browser interface was perfect for me — clean, minimal and light.  But I found to my disappointment that the fonts do not appear as smooth as in Safari (my current browser). Also, the script running on Chrome had compatibility issues with Safari. :o/  You can download Chrome and install it in a minute or two (depending on your connection speed).   If your eyes don’t have a preference for font smoothing and if you like things-Google, you’ll enjoy this new browser. 

Just in case you’re spending the weekend at home, here are some articles on writing and productivity:

Cyan of FreelanceSwitch offers 101 Ideas to Get More Freelance Work and Generate New Client Leads.  You’ll find this article helpful if you’re starting out as a freelance writer.  Jump to “Industry Specific Ideas” to see concrete tips for writers, bloggers and journalists.

Yuwanda Black of InkWellEditorial.com serves fresh Green Tips for Freelance Writers who wish to “go skinny on e-waste, recycle equipment and create a paperless office.” 

Lastly, Leo Babauta of Zen Habits lists 50 Amazing and Essential Novels to Enrich Your Library.  Browsing through this list is divine. I can never imagine a writer who doesn’t read. 

Enjoy your weekend!    

Editor’s Note: Pinoy Nomads is offering a weekend retreat with Tweet Sering as facilitator. Below is the official press release.

Have you always wanted to write a book? Improve your writing skills? Learn how to write for a specific audience, using the right medium?

Tap your creative force and encourage the muse in you.

Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee, writing coach, and ‘Wandergirl’ author Tweet Sering will be featured in Pinoy Nomads’ mentorship series for her WELCOME BACK TO YOUR CREATIVE LIFE: A WRITING RETREAT & A REINTRODUCTION TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS on 12-14 September 2008 in Tagaytay.

In addition to her Cosmopolitan book hit ‘Wandergirl’, Tweet Sering is a prolific writer and mentor who has conducted various writing workshops in Metro Manila. This time, join her in exploring your creative potential and learn how to use them in writing a magnificent piece as set in an inspiring venue.

This is a small group workshop, limited to 10 slots. First come, first served.

Inclusions:
- Workshop
- 3d/2n food and lodging in Tagaytay
- Roundtrip transportation

Fee: Php 5800

For registration and inquiries, contact Pinoy Nomads at:

E: pinoynomads@gmail.com
M: 0928 323 9450 (Yasmin)0927 993 5864 (Chin)0915 999 3624 (Lei)
W: http://pinoynomads.multiply.com

Editor’s Note: I had to redo this post because of some formatting problems. Once again, here’s the entire enchilada!

• You thought writing for the Web is just the same as in print? You better think twice. Learn to craft contents that serve their purpose effectively—targeting online audience. Join the Writing for the Worldwide Web 101 (a.k.a. `WWW workshop.’)

• Have you been itching to write something you are `passionate’ about and be `profitable’ at the same time? Take the step-by-step guide through Blog Your `Passion’ and Earn from it!

• Use WORDS that translate ACTION at first glance, attract your readers and help rank in search engines. How to Craft an Engaging SEO Copy offers the technical know-how and the sense in making keywords hook surfers and site visitors.

Workshop dates are September 13, 27 and October 4, 2-5PM, respectively @ Powerbooks-Megamall.

Fee is Php3,000 for three sessions (Php1,000 per workshop). Early Bird Fee: Php2,750 (Payment should be made at least seven days before the workshop.)

For inquiries, text-message or call +639235657378 or +639158233747. For reservations, call (632) 757-6428 to 29 or send an email to pinoywriters@yahoo.com.

Ezinearticles publisher Chris Knight was recently interviewed about article writing and marketing.  At the end of the session, he decided to make some notes and nail down key ideas from the discussion.  He came up with 7 pages of notes on article writing and marketing.  You can download Chris’ personal notes as a PDF file or listen to its audio version through his blog. Enjoy! 

Note: I might be in one of the two sessions.  If you’re signing up for this seminar, do let me know. Maybe we can meet up.  I’ll introduce you to the workshop facilitators. PinoyWriters, in cooperation with Powerbooks, 105.1 Crossover, Hallmark, Bic and All-About Scrapbooking, is holding a seminar to help writers achieve their creative goals. Here’s the official press release:Do you have a creative dream inside you that you know has the power to make you come alive—but you’ve never done anything about it because it was never the right time, or you didn’t have the right resources?`The Creative Dream Seminar: Overcome Your Fears, Achieve Your Creative Dream!’ can help you revive that dream!Aileen Santos will help you:• Identify the fears that are keeping you from achieving your dream• Understand, battle with, and overcome your fears and limitations• And, finally start living with passion and purpose again, as you take concrete steps towards the life you’ve always wanted—a life where you never have to wonder “What if …?”Seminar is on September 12 and 19, 7-9PM, Powerbooks-Greenbelt 4.Fee: Php2,000 for two sessions (includes complete self-discovery kit).Early Bird Fee: Php1,750 only when payment is made at least seven days before the workshop. For inquiries, please text-message or call +639209219312.