At one of our recent chapter meetings someone requested more information about Professional Development (PD) opportunities. Personally, I find that there’s a lot out there but you just can’t drive all over North America to attend PD sessions. However, there’s also a number of great websites and blogs and some include notices about free to low-cost webinars.

Here are some of the industry – freelance writing/copywriting – gurus and blogs I follow. Hopefully you’ll find some that inspire you here too:

Writing for Dollars by Dan Case – http://www.writingfordollars.com/

• Writers’ Guidelines Database
• Markets
• Articles to “help guide you through earning more dollars
• Sign up for the E-zine: http://www.writingfordollars.com/subscribe.cfm

Steve Slaunwhite – http://www.steveslaunwhite.com/

• Sign up for his Marketing Memo e-newsletter for copywriting tips from this Canadian, six-figure freelance writer
• He also offers one-on-one mentoring/coaching, webinars and has written several books including co-author of The Wealthy Freelancer.

International Freelancers Academy – http://internationalfreelancersacademy.com/

• Online courses to boost your income from two other well-known Freelancers – Ed Gandia (I met him last year at Magnet and he’s a great guy) and Pete Savage

Freelance Folder (BLOG) – http://freelancefolder.com

• Lots of great information on freelancing

There are so many more out there. This is truly just the tip of the iceberg.

One other suggestion:

If you’ haven’t been engaged in social media, I suggest you get to it now. I grumbled about Twitter constantly until I got a request for information about my services from a prospective client in the UK.

LinkedIn has really stepped up its game. Set up a (free) profile. Ask clients and other professionals in your industry for testimonials for your profile. Join Groups (e.g. LinkedIn for Journalists, local networking groups, and other areas you’re interested in connecting with). Many post information about free to low-cost webinars.  Post regularly to LinkedIn and the groups you join, sharing your knowledge about writing and answering questions. Who knows? Your next client may be reading your last post there!

Do you have any favorite PD or valuable websites for freelance writers that you would recommend? Please let us know.