Recently, we celebrated The Kingdom of Paidalot’s 1st Birthday! What an awesome first year it has been. The citizens have laughed, cried, and encouraged one another through so many challenges and obstacles. We have slain freelance blogging dragons, conquered quests, and jousted our way to victory.
The Kingdom of Paidalot desires to help aspiring writers break from low-paying gigs and launch to new heights in their freelance writing career. This is a kingdom where freelancers rule, and we earn what we’re worth. A kingdom where we join forces to drive out the evil of low-paying, high-hassle clients.
A place where you can throw off the shackles of peasant wages and earn more than the cost of a nightly meal.
We believe that writing is a profession at which we can all succeed and we go out of our way to help other writers.
What Do Citizens Receive In Our Membership Community?
Quests and Member Only Trainings
How to Balance Your Work and Family Life
Working from home does have its advantages: frequent breaks, choice of music to write to, your favorite foods nearby readily available, and little daycare costs. You are able to work when and where you want. However, having the ability to set your own schedule can be a major disadvantage as well.
Well-meaning friends and family members sometimes have different ideas than you on what freedom of schedule actually means. Because you work at home, they may assume you have more free time to talk or go out on social activities. Your significant other may assign you a list of tasks to complete because you are at home and he or she is restrained from getting them done by a typical 9-5 type job. Kids are notorious for constant demands and can wreak havoc when it comes to calls with clients.
Upon completion of this quest, you’ll be well on your way towards taking charge of the chaos.
Business Startup Basics
You feel you are ready to launch out on your own to become a successful writer. That means running your own business. So, how do you begin your new journey? In this quest, we are going to cover all the necessary steps needed to help get you up and running.
Your first steps will be developing a business plan, deciding on how much to charge, and getting the word out about your new book or writing service through the process of sales and marketing.
Upon completion of this quest, you will know exactly the steps you need to take in order to make your business successful.
How to Proactively Manage Your Priorities
In order for your business to be successful, you need to take charge of your business. That means you need to be able to prioritize what you do with your time effectively. Notice I did not say anything about time management. No one can “manage” time. You and I are given the same 24 hours in a day. How we use those hours determines how successful we are. The best way to be successful is to focus all of our attention on what truly matters and spend less time on those things that don’t truly matter.
So in this quest, we are going to focus on figuring out what our priorities really are and making the most out of the time we have been given. I’ll show you the method I personally use to get things done using a combination of strategies I’ve uncovered over the years.
How to Conduct Interviews to Write Profile Pieces
Newspapers and magazines (both online and in print) often publish profile pieces, which basically consist of material gathered through an interview of the person being profiled. Sometimes, you might have an opportunity to profile someone who has never been interviewed or profiled before. Learn tips on how you can make the most of this opportunity.
Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love
When you write a story, it’s important to include strong characters that will keep your readers engaged and turning the pages. Readers most enjoy realistic characters who remind them of themselves or someone they know. Your portrayal of your characters is the only view of them your readers will get, so attention to detail is critical. Your ultimate goal is for your characters to come to life in the minds and hearts of your readers; but first, they must come to life within you. When you are able to view them as real people, your readers will view them that way as well.
How to Land a Client in 10 Days
One June afternoon in 2013, as I was looking at my spreadsheets and making sure I was on track with my revenue goals, it hit me. I was on a plateau. My income that month was roughly the same as my income the month before, and the one before that, and yes, the one before that.
I realized I was becoming a little too comfortable with my freelance writing business, and it was time to step it up. I decided to stir things up. I dared myself to find a fabulous new client in 10 days, not just because I wanted to increase my revenue, but also because I knew I needed to grow as a writer, a marketer and an entrepreneur. (As a freelance writer, you have to be all three.)
So I spent the next week and a half putting myself in front of my target audience. I scoured the job boards, approached potential clients, networked on social media and pretty much applied all my tried-and-tested, client-hunting strategies along with some lessons I picked up from other writing and marketing blogs.
By the end of it all, I didn’t just meet my goal. I exceeded it. Instead of finding one client, I ended up getting five new ones AND some additional assignments from existing clients–all from 10 days of marketing. Ready to find out how you can do it too? Let’s get started!
Making the Most of Writer’s Conferences
One of the best ways to network as a writer is to attend a writer’s conference – and, to get the most out of your experience, you should prepare ahead of time. You’re probably asking what exactly it means to prepare yourself effectively for a writer’s conference, and that’s just what this quest will help you to do.
Crafting Points of View Effectively
When you write a short story or novel, it’s important that you use the most effective point of view possible for the story in question. What works well for one story may not work as well for another, so experimentation can be quite useful.
Developing Your Personal Tactical Strategy in Order to Achieve Success
Young Knight, it is time for you to prepare your battle plans. What shall you conquer this year? What riches will you gain in order to build your own kingdom? Without even the most basic map to direct you, it will be all too easy to get lost wandering from land to land and nothing to show for it. We must not let that happen.
Writing a Manifesto
It’s time to Stop Dreaming, and Start Writing. Do you have a brilliant message to share, but you’re not quite sure how to get started? The content you create is more than your “marketing strategy”. It’s a conversation with the people who believe in and love your message. This mini guide will take you step-by-step through the process of planning an ebook to share your message with the *right* people — and begin to build a thriving community around your Big Ideas!
Client Hunting
Hunting for clients is a basic skill for any freelancer. It’s easy once you know how. But if you don’t know how, you’re screwed:
• You waste time looking in all the wrong places
• You send email after email but you don’t know if anybody reads them
• You chicken out in negotiations and wind up working for low pay
• In short, you’re left wondering WTF you have to do to get a well-paid blogging gig
In this quest, you will get all the information and resources you need to be a master of the hunt. Once you are finished with the course, you will have everything you need to earn what you truly deserve!
Researching, Writing, and Reviewing
Did you ever want to write a biography? Learn the ins-and-outs of doing research and finding credible sources for your next writing project.
WordPress Wizardry
The arcane arts have a very strong influence in the Kingdom of Paidalot. If you’re to make a name for yourself, it helps to wield the magic known as WordPress. Learning this simple bit of sorcery can make the difference between a plain old castle, and the palace of your dreams.
Perfecting Your Pitch
Nobles are social climbers by nature. They wouldn’t be where they are otherwise. We must be no different. We have to keep introducing ourselves to people who are in a position to pay us what we deserve. In this quest, you’ll learn how to pitch a client, and how to write an effective Letter of Introduction.
Writer/Editor Relationships
Learning how to navigate the conversational waters can be a bit tricky. In this quest, you will learn key strategies in developing friendly and professional relationships with editors.
Google Analytics 101
Special Guest Jeff Mann is a professional web analytics specialist who has done work for numerous clients, including Fortune 500 companies, and who can explain the trickiest aspects of analytics in a clear and helpful way. He is currently employed by NAS Specialists.
Juggling Writing, Marketing and More
This is a member only training for the Kingdom of Paidalot. Special guest is Robert Moore, Vice President of the International Writers Association and host of the weekly podcast, “The International Writers Association Podcast”
Make a Name For Yourself
Every Knight has a family crest, drawn on their patents of nobility and usually displayed in their castle. For a writer, that crest is our brand. This quest will teach you how to effectively build a brand that you can be proud of.
Plus a whole lot more… A new quest is added each and every month.
Free Downloadable Ebooks and Materials
A Writers Bucket List from Dana Sitar of DIY Writing
The-Ultimate-List-of-Better-Paid-Blogging-Gigs from Sophie Lizard at Be a Freelance Blogger
Releasing the Words: Writers on Writing by Rhonda Kronyk and Friends
Client Hunting Handbook from Sophie Lizard at Be a Freelance Blogger
Sell-Your-Services-With-Style
Be A Freelance Blogger Rate Guide
How to Land a Client in 10 Days from Francesca Nicasio at Be a Freelance Writer
Top Deal Makers For Debut Authors from Kathy VerEecke at Get a Book Deal 101
Access to Every One of Our Podcasts and Freelance Round Tables
We reach out to successful writers and entrepreneurs and interview them to glean the best tips and strategies in order to learn how to be masters of our craft. As a member of the Kingdom of Paidalot, you get a free invitation to attend these events and ask your questions live. You get access to the best minds in the industry and the chance to pick their brains on your specific situation and get the help you need. Some of our past guests have included:
Lauren Tharp of LittleZotz.com
Francesca Nicasio of Be A Freelance Writer
C. Hope Clark of Funds For Writers
Carrie Smith of Careful Cents
Joel Runyon of ImpossibleHQ
Peter Bowerman of The Well Fed Writer
Kelly James-Enger of Dollars and Deadlines
Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt, and David W. Wright of Sterling and Stone
Kathy VerEecke of Get a Book Deal 101
Tommy Walker- Online Marketing Strategist and Host of Inside the Mind Podcast
24/7 Access to Our Royal Court Experts
Meet Queen Sophie Lizard:
Sophie is a freelance writer, editor and content marketing specialist whose blog Be a Freelance Blogger shows writers how to make money blogging for hire. She also mentors bloggers one-on-one and in small groups to provide the kind of personalised guidance you can’t get from reading alone.
Her writing has been published on Problogger, Brazen Careerist, Alternet, Lifehack and more than 100 other blogs. She’s often called up to revive limp copywriting, ghostwrite corporate blog posts or edit non-fiction books on topics ranging from archaeology to productivity.
Sophie’s obsessed with neuroscience, prehistory, human nature and getting shit done. She crash tests life at every opportunity and travels the world to meet up with friends and clients, usually with her family along for the ride. To get started on your own freelance writing journey, download her free resource The Ultimate List of Better-paid Blogging Gigs: 45 Blogs That Will Pay You $50 or More.
Sophie generously gives Kingdom of Paidalot citizens access to her Client Hunting Handbook materials ($97 value) absolutely free.
Meet Queen Kelly Boyer-Sagert:
Kelly has over 24 years experience as a freelance writer AND editor.
For four years, Kelly served as managing editor of Northern Ohio’s Over the Back Fence. This magazine, which profiled the art, history, intriguing people and fascinating places along Lake Erie’s shores, was nominated by Writer’s Digest for their “Top 100 Award” in 1998 and 1999. She served as the contributing editor for the Southern Ohio edition of Over the Back Fence as well, and she also edited five trade magazines and numerous business directories, community guides and travel planners for the company.
Kelly is a playwright, with several of her plays being performed in the Cleveland area. She speaks regularly at writer’s conferences and workshops, including at the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference in New York City, and at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. She also appeared on an ESPN2 program called “The Top Five Reasons You Can’t Blame the Black Sox.”
Meet King Robert Jennings:
Freelance writing is not an easy career choice. I know from experience. Since becoming a freelancer, I’ve hit just about every possible roadblock out there, from lack of clients to lack of motivation. I’ve gotten some good advice, and some no-so-good advice. I’ve been everywhere from Cloud 9 to inches away from File 13, and I like to think I’ve picked up a thing or two along the way.
One of the things I’ve learned is that there’s about a million people out there willing to tell you how great you are and that you’re doing things just fine. But, if you’re like me, that’s not what you need. If you’re going to improve, you need to know what you’re doing wrong.
Don’t get me wrong. I think you’re kick-awesome. But I also believe in tough love, and I’m willing to be the person who delivers it. Praise is wonderful, and it’s great for self-esteem, but it does not foster improvement.
I have had the pleasure of working as a ghostwriter for the novel Rogue’s Phoenix: Thieves and Kings, which is an epic fantasy story — the first in a trilogy of which I’ll be ghostwriting all three books.
My experience as a copy editor transcends employment and spills over into my personal life. I’m “that guy” who gets frustrated when he finds typos in books or on websites. I’ve always had the desire to clean up copy. Now, I have the opportunity.
Meet Queen Valerie Bordeau:
Valerie is a professional freelance writer who has written for a diverse clientele on a wide range of topics. Her areas of expertise include such areas as physical and emotional health issues, home based business startups, social media, music, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and personal development.
She personally knows the frustration that beginning writers have when trying to launch their freelancing careers. Her goal is to help writers reach their goals faster and live the life they have always dreamed of. Please feel free to contact her and let her know what specific help you may need.
24/7 Support Through Our Private Facebook Group
Our citizens often tell us that this is the best part of membership in the Kingdom of Paidalot. This is a group that helps, encourages, supports, critiques, laughs, cries and collaborates together. Citizens create powerful bonds and friendships with one another and help each other grow and develop.
Access To Current Freelance Opportunities To Start Earning Right Away
Plus, we post opportunities in our Facebook group as soon as they occur. Plus, our citizens learn how to create their own popular blog/website. In addition, they have landed guest posts on these popular sites:
Make a Living Writing
Be a Freelance Blogger
Life Hack
Fire Pole Marketing
Free Personalized Battle Plan
If you need help developing your action plan for success, we can help! We will work closely with you to help you develop your writing skills, enhance your website marketing, and take a look at your portfolio in order to map out a specific plan that is right for you.
You will get a one-hour session with Queen Valerie Bordeau as soon as you join. During this time, we will discuss your goals, your obstacles/struggles, and mindset issues that are holding you back. Afterwards, you will get a personalized plan with 10 steps you can take right away in the next 30 days to fast-track your writing career.
We will also work with you to fine-tune your plan as you work through it to ensure that you earn what you truly deserve!
The Opportunity to Become Royalty
We believe in recognizing people for their hard work. When you become a citizen, you start out as a Knight. As you move through the quests, you will move up in the rankings all the way to Prince/Princess. You will discover that your writing pay will reflect the rank you achieve.
Low Cost Business Training
Access to everything we provide can easily cost $1000- $10,000 or more elsewhere. We provide everything you need to get started as a writer for only $25 a month ($300 per year).
Why such a low price?
Because we know you don’t have $1000 or more to spend on business training when you are first starting out as a writer. We want to keep your costs for training as low as we possibly can so you can concentrate on building your career, not fretting over your bank account balance.
What Our Citizens Have To Say About The Kingdom of Paidalot
Here is just a small collection of thoughts that our citizens have about what we offer:
Huzzah! for the Kingdom by Kerry Congdon
Kerry also says: “Well, KOP is just plain awesome. The members are amazing people who support each other in their work and also have a blast together. We are a true community. The nobility are fair and generous rulers, offering so much insight and guidance to their people.”
Come Slay Your Freelance Blogging Dragons in the Kingdom of Paidalot by Lynn Silva
Lynn also says: “There is a saying that I’ve clung to my entire life. “If your heart is not in something, you simply cannot do it.” Valerie, your heart and soul are clearly in helping writers. Those of us that receive your help will be blessed over and over. : ) With KOP I can get help with ANYTHING immediately. There is always someone willing to help answer any question or help work through any problem. The group members are true friends.”
Kingdom of Paidalot Member Spotlight by Nell Curley
Christy Mossburg says: Well worth the very reasonable investment!! She also named us as one of the 14 Best Websites for Writers.
Gina Baksa says: “My strategy session with Valerie exceeded all my expectations. She is warm, empathetic and extremely astute. As a writer who can literally write about anything, I was delighted she helped me to identify the niche where my passion truly lies. Valerie’s empathy and insight helped me gain complete clarity over my new direction and as a result, I am putting the strategy plan she created for me into action with daily tasks. Thank you so much for your fabulously motivating guidance Valerie!”
Want to write for big name companies and websites? We can help.
Want to become a professional blogger? We have the tools to help you do just that.
Want to write your own books? Our Royal Court can show you how it’s done.
No matter what your writing goals are, all are welcome in the Kingdom of Paidalot.
Time to get Medieval!
