Barrett, thank you so much. The tone of the examples that you included is something that my letter does not have also. It's mature.
Your last message was excellent.
I only have one more question, please.
I've been freelance writing for about two months now; I made about $800 last month. I've only had a handful of clients thus far. I mean some of them I've written 10+ articles for already, but I only have so many. My resume is taking from my past life. I was a computer technician. When I was 19 I was getting paid like $15 per hour to fix computers at a theme park down the street from my home. After that job ended, I was a contracted computer tech who made $100 dollars per hour for just one or two hours of work a few times a month for the same company (and the owners' auto-shop nearby). So my resume details my life from Subway all the way to the mailing-store which was the last job that I had before I started writing as a profession. I've looked up query letters on Google before (but honestly I could tell that you were the man to talk to for additional information regarding the craigslist field), but looking-up a writer's resume is a little more difficult.
My original resume is formatted like you would expect a computer tech's to look, so do I send a revised version of my actual work history or do I list clients that I've worked for?
If it's clients that I've worked for. Then I have no clue as to what the headings my resume should look like. Should the names be first initial and last name? Just the company name? Do I write the date and service I provided, their contact information? That would mean that I have to get in contact with all of my old writing employers, no?
--Yeah, that's one question Barrett.
Please respond whenever you get an available opportunity. Do not let me hinder your work or plans for play.
Thank you.
You are kind and helpful, a truly good-hearted individual, as am II'll pay it forward.
Respectfully,
JlB
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:01 AM
To: Jordan l Brooks
Subject: Re: Freelance Writers Needed
Also, I should add that the query letter I just described is just for contacting editors who post ads on craigslist or something like that. Of course, if you're sending out articles, you would include a brief summary of the article, your relevant background, and perhaps some clips, depending on the editorial guidelines of the target. You might look up sample query letters on Google, too, because I actually don't have any particular insight into that particular practice.
On Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 12:56 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi, Jordan-
I got your other e-mail first and didn't know what it was about, so disregard that last message.
Regarding your query letter, you should tone down some of the more creative language and also shorten it quite a bit. Basically, the format I use goes something like this, with bold words replaced with specific items:
"I understand that you're looking for a writer to handle such-and-such-job, and I'd like to be considered. My work has appeared in this publication, this other publication, and this literary journal, as well as other outlets. I've also won several awards, including this award and this other award.
Along with my resume, I've pasted a relevant sample below; please take a look and let me know if you'd like to discuss this further."
Basically, it's a big mistake to send a long query letter that makes use of any flowery language or terminology whatsoever. Also, be sure you've got a well-formatted resume to go along with it.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Barrett Brown
Brooklyn, NY
512-560-2302On Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 12:49 PM, Jordan l Brooks <jb.killa.poe@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Barrett,
My name is Jordan; I'm simply a young writer. Since the first instance of this email, however, (yesterday) I recognized your voice as the conscious of Craigslist. That's admirable. I'm sure you're probably just as busy as I am (or busier) so I'll be brief. I wanted to know if you could provide me with some (small) assistance in the growth of my writing career. This could be as brief as you desire. I'm only requesting the help but one time; if you could maybe critique what the world calls my 'query letter' or my blog or anything that my potential clients have to look at and then let me know how it strikes you or whatever strikes you as wrong, I could evolve 10fold.
Personally, I'm all about growth. Although some people will not be able to tell, I've edited my query letter on a daily basis from my early days writing when I had no messages in my inbox to today when I get 10 -14 per hour. Not all of the jobs that return to my inbox are worthy, however, (so it's 1 3 per day, maybe 5 on good days). I am observant of the jobs that I am capable of effectively completing efficientlyjobs that I seem to get passed-up for continuously. I see your skill, patience, dedication, expertise and intelligence as things that I strive to achieve. If you decided to give this message no-time of day: I would simply continue to strive without any assistance from you. If you have whatever amount of time that it took you to type any one of those messages to Mr. Rich Preisig, to assist a young writer, your words will not fail or fall on deaf ears. I assure you.
If you have any tips that you could direct towards me personally, I would appreciate it. Any kind words would also be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. If you would like to view my query letter I can send it to you if you reply.
I'll just send it anyway.
(Usually I can put myself in the position of the reader of my query letteras if I was putting myself in the position of a character in a book that I'm writing and then I can observe their opinions and reactions and ideas concerning my work. In this case I am too far from the target audience to effectively do this. I am biased here, I think.)
Thank you.
JlB
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:44 PM
To: Rich Preisig
Cc: Kyle Vonder Hulls; lerlanger@nyc.rr.com; ericnow@live.com; eman6704@yahoo.com; joseph.alexiou@gmail.com; writers@masterpiecewriter.com; doriamiyata@gmail.com; auguste319@yahoo.com; jb.killa.poe@gmail.com; joseph.leutz@earthlink.net; writer@well.com; newyorkcitywriter@earthlink.net; sharonmcelwee@yahoo.com; travlinguy@hotmail.com; johnriddle@sprintmail.com; maben14@hotmail.com; skietzman@embarqmail.com; gina_gallagher@msn.com; kentcurry@sbcglobal.net; poeticaesthete@aol.com; jschreier@gmail.com; markmy@earthlink.net; jessicamousseau@gmail.com; imrachella@gmail.com; aseybert@yahoo.com; annie@anniebkay.com; bailey.mccann@gmail.com; brian.oco1@verizon.net; michaelgavin2004@yahoo.com; aaronland@nyc.rr.com; dross.ross@yahoo.com; kerri.linden@gmail.com; v13christensen@yahoo.com; amarjerome@gmail.com; brian_benjamin@yahoo.com; evangelistpenny@aol.com; mingyang.liu@gmail.com; citizenck@gmail.com; mintzword4@aol.com; niceavila@yahoo.com; lirisaredins@yahoo.ca; harmon.katherine@gmail.com; whereisbrittneyj@gmail.com; hfmbears@aol.com; carlin.galietti@gmail.com; createworks@mindspring.com; prof@doctor.cnc.net; rv@charter.net; sfgators96@yahoo.com; apps@aspenmerchantcapital.com
Subject: Re: Freelance Writers Needed
Rich-
You just don't know when to quit, sir.
Here's the rest of the story for those of you who might actually still be considering working for a guy who's already begun lying to you before you've even signed a contract. Note that the following information is not covered by the NDA; this is all data that only need be pieced together from public records and five minutes on Google.
"Loan Saver," which will allegedly be in the business of performing a wonderful public service for the nation's homeowners by way of educational materials, is being represented by Mr. Preisig's friend Kyle Vonder Hulls, who also just happens to be involved with Aspen Merchant Capital, which is a parent company to New York Capital Funding, which is itself based in the same office as Aspen Merchant Capital. Hilariously enough, the "educational" firm that will be advising people on matters pertaining to unusually-structured loans will be run by the very same folks who also want to provide people with unusually-structured loans - and, of course, the guy who'll be in charge of all this swell, free, and spiritually-motivated civic altruism, Rich Preisig, also just happens to have been barred from brokering or even working with brokers by the SEC because he had an unfortunate tendency to trick people out of their money after first gaining their trust. But Rich Preisig wants you to ignore all of that because, you see, he's married now, and he wants to start a family, and plus he's managed to reach the ripe old age of 38 without having walked into traffic or blown himself up trying to reprogram his VCR.
So, there you have it, guys. That's the job you're being asked to sign up for.
Thanks,
Barrett BrownOn Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 4:25 PM, Rich Preisig <rich@loansaver.com> wrote:
Thank you for your thoughts Barrett. I wish you well and ask that you move on.
We also regret that, although you were the "first" to sign and send back the NDA, we're going to have to pass.
Ps. I'll be sure to work on my grammar and punctuation skills, but not now, there's a lot to do. J
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:58 PM
To: Rich Preisig
Cc: Kyle Vonder Hulls; lerlanger@nyc.rr.com; ericnow@live.com; eman6704@yahoo.com; joseph.alexiou@gmail.com; writers@masterpiecewriter.com; doriamiyata@gmail.com; auguste319@yahoo.com; jb.killa.poe@gmail.com; joseph.leutz@earthlink.net; writer@well.com; newyorkcitywriter@earthlink.net; sharonmcelwee@yahoo.com; travlinguy@hotmail.com; johnriddle@sprintmail.com; maben14@hotmail.com; skietzman@embarqmail.com; gina_gallagher@msn.com; kentcurry@sbcglobal.net; poeticaesthete@aol.com; jschreier@gmail.com; markmy@earthlink.net; jessicamousseau@gmail.com; imrachella@gmail.com; aseybert@yahoo.com; annie@anniebkay.com; bailey.mccann@gmail.com; brian.oco1@verizon.net; michaelgavin2004@yahoo.com; aaronland@nyc.rr.com; dross.ross@yahoo.com; kerri.linden@gmail.com; v13christensen@yahoo.com; amarjerome@gmail.com; brian_benjamin@yahoo.com; evangelistpenny@aol.com; mingyang.liu@gmail.com; citizenck@gmail.com; mintzword4@aol.com; niceavila@yahoo.com; lirisaredins@yahoo.ca; harmon.katherine@gmail.com; whereisbrittneyj@gmail.com; hfmbears@aol.com; carlin.galietti@gmail.com; createworks@mindspring.com; prof@doctor.cnc.net; rv@charter.net; sfgators96@yahoo.com; apps@aspenmerchantcapital.com
Subject: Re: Freelance Writers Needed
Comrade Preisig-
I sincerely apologize if I've hurt your feelings. I shouldn't have spoken out like that without having first gotten your side of the story. So, let's get that side of the story, shall we?
1. You note that you tried to take responsibility for your actions by "accepting a bar from the securities industry," and you seem to imply that this proves something about how you learned your lesson or reached a higher plane of spiritual understanding or something to that effect. Is that not a strange point to make, seeing as how a bar from the securities industry isn't something that you choose to "accept," but rather an utterly involuntary punishment that I suppose you could have tried to appeal were it not for the fact that the SEC had a pretty damned strong case against you?
2. In reference to the above point, why would anyone want to work with someone who was too dishonest for the securities industry?
3. In reference to your second paragraph, how does anyone reach the age of 38 in a developed country without knowing when it is appropriate to capitalize words and when it is not appropriate at all?
4. In reference to your assertion that "LoanSaver.com exemplifies [your] growing concern and immediate need to 'Educate and Protect' [sic] the 'Homeowners of America' [sic]," why do I get the impression that the education in question will involve educating people about what a great idea it is to do business with your other firm, Aspen Merchant Capital, or some other nifty little boiler room you've got set up in Florida or some such place? Is it because I'm not retarded?
5. Which part of my last e-mail was "drivel"?
6. How did you managed to get "humbled" by writing an e-mail that also accuses someone else of "vitriolic drivel"? Is it because you figured out towards the end that your e-mail is full of non-sequitors and dime-store New Age nonsense? Were you high when you wrote it?
7. Do you expect to actually make some good money off of this scam? If so, I take back everything I wrote. Let's do business!
8. Just kidding.
9. Congrats on the marriage.
With sincerest regards and visions of the dawning of the Age of Aquarius,
Barrett BrownOn Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 1:43 PM, Rich Preisig <rich@loansaver.com> wrote:
Dear Barrett, Dennis, et al
While my history is no secret, it is, however, truly history (the acts I took responsibility for occurred more than eleven years ago.) I do regret hurting people. So I did what I believed to be the right thing - I took responsibility for my actions by pleading guilty, accepting a bar from the securities industry, and paying into a fund to help the investors I harmed. I'm now 38, recently married (first for both of us) and look forward to having a family.
With this said, my company; LoanSaver.com exemplifies my growing concern and immediate need to "Educate & Protect" the "Homeowners of America." There is absolutely nothing to sell them; just educational content hence, we seek professional writers like yourselves. With this said, I encourage you all to see past Barrett's vitriolic drivel. I hope "our" time in Life is better spent than "trashing" others, while referring to incidents that occurred more than a decade ago. For what it's worth, Barrett's email was hurtful. I seek to hurt no one.
Ok, moving on. I have absolutely no experience in knowing what the "proper wages" are for professional writers such as yourselves. I would encourage any suggestion(s) that lends itself to accomplishing each other's goals, as the magnitude of this company will benefit 10's of millions, and we're just getting started.
Thank you all for your sincere consideration, as I am humbled writing this email.
Respectfully,
Rich
From: Barrett Brown [mailto:barriticus@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 1:00 PM
To: Kyle Vonder Hulls
Cc: lerlanger@nyc.rr.com; ericnow@live.com; eman6704@yahoo.com; joseph.alexiou@gmail.com; writers@masterpiecewriter.com; doriamiyata@gmail.com; auguste319@yahoo.com; jb.killa.poe@gmail.com; joseph.leutz@earthlink.net; writer@well.com; newyorkcitywriter@earthlink.net; sharonmcelwee@yahoo.com; travlinguy@hotmail.com; johnriddle@sprintmail.com; maben14@hotmail.com; skietzman@embarqmail.com; gina_gallagher@msn.com; kentcurry@sbcglobal.net; poeticaesthete@aol.com; jschreier@gmail.com; markmy@earthlink.net; jessicamousseau@gmail.com; imrachella@gmail.com; aseybert@yahoo.com; annie@anniebkay.com; bailey.mccann@gmail.com; brian.oco1@verizon.net; michaelgavin2004@yahoo.com; aaronland@nyc.rr.com; dross.ross@yahoo.com; kerri.linden@gmail.com; v13christensen@yahoo.com; amarjerome@gmail.com; brian_benjamin@yahoo.com; evangelistpenny@aol.com; mingyang.liu@gmail.com; citizenck@gmail.com; mintzword4@aol.com; niceavila@yahoo.com; lirisaredins@yahoo.ca; rich@loansaver.com; harmon.katherine@gmail.com; whereisbrittneyj@gmail.com; hfmbears@aol.com; carlin.galietti@gmail.com; createworks@mindspring.com; prof@doctor.cnc.net; rv@charter.net; sfgators96@yahoo.com; apps@aspenmerchantcapital.comSubject: Re: Freelance Writers Needed
I guess everything's been covered. I would just add that the guy who's running the show per the NDA form has been barred from going anywhere near a brokerage firm or even a share of stock:
http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/34-44266.htm
... and that he and his friends have a tendency to skip out on civil trials:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117758451.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1
... and also that their offices are located on that same shitty block where all the low-rent scam artists tend to congregate.
In fact, just Google "Rich Preisig" if you want to kill twenty minutes.
Word,
Barrett BrownOn Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 8:37 PM, Kyle Vonder Hulls <kvhulls@aspenmerchantcapital.com> wrote:
Hey Guys,
Thank you all for responding to our ad for freelance writers. We are looking forward to launching a huge project and could use the help from all of you in this. The exact nature of this project must remain confidential until its ready for release, so I must have all of you sign and return the attached non-disclosure agreements before topics can be assigned.
In an effort to save time, once you have returned the NDA we will schedule a conference call to disclose the nature of the project, discuss topics, discuss pay and to answer all your questions.
I know this may seem unusual, but given the scope of this project, this is how it must be done. We are looking to work with 50 - 100 writers on a continuous basis.
Please print, sign and fax this agreement to (866) 847 - 0478.
Once faxed back, please email me your contact information. I will verify you have sent the Non-Disclosure Agreement and forward you a schedule of conference calls along with instructions on how to join the calls.
I look forward to working with each of you.
Kyle Vonder Hulls
146 W. 29th StSuite 6E
New York, NY 10001
Office: (800) 796-0136 ex. 105Fax: (866) 847-0478
Email: kvhulls@aspenmerchantcapital.com
