Clear writing is clear thinking

Writing skill is a big asset as a 1099.

If you can clearly explain in an e-mail to your client what you're working on and what your plan of action is, you're better than 95% of the contractors she works with.

I find that most people who write terribly at work aren't writing terribly because they're bad writers per se.

Their writing is bad because they don't think clearly!

It's hard to write well when your thoughts are jumbled.

So if you are having a hard time writing an e-mail, take a few minutes to organize your thoughts in an outline.

For example, in a status update e-mail, organize your e-mail using an outline that includes

• What you're working on
• What you've done this week
• What your next steps are
• What you need the client to do

Liberally use bolded headers and bullet points.

Don't force the writing. Force the thinking. The writing will flow better afterwards.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.