AvantGuild Member of the Week: Gilda Carle, PhD
Age: Baby-Boomer
Location: New York
What are you working on now?
I write the weekly Suddenly Single advice column for MSN/Match.com. I also write the relationship books for American Media’s Mini Mags, distributed in WalMarts and supermarkets, on the impulse-buy magazine racks at checkouts. My latest Mini Mag is called “Dr. Gilda’s Marriage Makeover.” I am also the 5-Minute Therapist for For Me Magazine. In addition, I am interviewed for print, and I appear on radio and TV up to 15 times each week. I also just began writing another book. Also, I just completed a series of video segments for iVillage’s new venture that interviews men on the street regarding their relationships.
What’s the most helpful thing you’ve learned about freelancing?
The most helpful thing for me is NEVER to describe myself as a “freelancer” because it has tones of being a dilettante. I prefer more serious and powerful words to describe what I do, such as, “writer,” “author,” “columnist,” and “relationship expert.”
What’s been the worst career advice you’ve ever received?
Various literary agents, media agents, and entertainment attorneys have often suggested projects I should do-which I knew were wrong for me. I have learned to trust my own gut and make decisions based on what I believe after I do all the necessary research. That’s why I called my first book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” Bet on yourself for your best advice!
Based on your experience, how can freelancers break into the advice writing arena?
Never determine your next assignment solely on the meager money offered-and it usually is meager. To break into any writing field, write for free if need be, just to get your name out there. Once you brand your name, you can get paid anything!
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