As a long-time freelance editor, here’s how I suffer LinkedIn:

Create a “job” and a “company” called Freelance Writer. In that big space underneath it (maybe it says Responsibilities?) say something like “Selected Clients/Projects/Whatever. And list them. Maybe even describe them a bit. You want to be clear, but you don’t want to overwhelm Cher Reader.

Also: I don’t list the dates of a freelance project unless it’s a long-term assignment.

Finer points: You can categorize your freelance work thusly:
One big list as mentioned above- or-
Categories: Freelance 2006-2009; Previous work 1999-2006 -or-
Categories of your own making: Nonfiction vs fiction. Print vs web. Long-term freelance vs Short-term freelance.

Still finer points: Lastly, of course you simply list your projects/clients. Or you might want to explain them in a few words. If you have had big clients, no explanation needed. For small ones you can say Pequot Press (regional travel guides). Or if you have writing projs, maybe you want to describe them a bit with your usual flair. Get the reader/hirer interested in reading your stuff and eager to see more.

Also use LinkedIn to LINK to your sites etc.

I think LinkedIn is not designed for the eccentric or the peripatetic but you *can* make it work for you. ALSO, do keep in mind that the landscape of some employers’ minds is shifting from “You must have years in one job” to “Bring me all your experience, your wisdom, your depth and breadth.” If you think they want X, and you don’t have X but try to add a leg to a Y to make it look like an X, it shows.

Take Linked’s blank squares and spaces and write what you need to make your work appealing and useful to the people who may want to talk to you further. Your work history is normal. Treat it as such. As a former resume writer, I see countless talented people NOT be granted an interview b/c they do not know how to present themselves in a way that is truthful and engaging to their audience. You can be honest and authentic and interesting. Make your writing history clear and easy to read and you will be in a much better place for this kind of writing-for-hire life.

RECO MAN: When you want someone to write you a rec, remind them of who you are, tell them what you’ve been up to since they last laid eyes on you, and tell them what you need and why. “I need a paragraph explaining I meet deadlines and I write articles about gastrointestinal disorders because I am now applying for/wishing for/bored with…” And “Since you may have only known me in the context of Your Silly Magazine, here’s what I’ve been up to lately.”

Seldom do I hear of LinkedIn people contacting others b/c they have a job that needs to be filled. BUT it seems lots of people use it to say Hey List, here’s what I am looking for and then the List says Oh yeah. Meant to get A Round Tuit thanks for asking. Here’s something I can do for you.

Hope this didn’t waste your eyes. : )

You are hilarious. I wish I had some power in the world where I could buy your work. But I am unemployed. Oh, and without health insurance soon, too.

Now, I must click over and find out more about Simon!

In those little things we can do for people, those little bits of responsibility to other people–some will, some won’t and the people who don’t are just bastards, pure and simple.

I wish I had a better way to put this but I’m sick as a dog right now. I know this type of person and really, this type of person just makes the world a suckier place.

I realize that it was a generic invite to all and sundry. I become intimidated by the new social network and generally paralyzed. Miscellaneous acquaintances want to link with me, and I realize that all of them think that I think that I’m something professional. Continued paralysis.

I’m sorry that that guy was such a jerk, but your page looks great. Glad that someone linked to it–I’m afraid to log in.

I like BigButtMag and I cannot lie
That Editor-in-Chief might deny
When a girl walks in with an EM-EF-EH
And a lotta smart things to say:
I get LinkedIn!!

Anyway, I wouldn’t sweat it about this guy not giving you the recommendation. Actually, I would be totally freaking out just like you, but there is a part of me saying that isn’t really the right reaction. And I admit that part would be absolutely silent if it really was me rather than you, but maybe something in you would be saying it instead.

No, really, there are some people who are uncomfortable giving recommendations because they feel completely inadequate and at a loss for words. Yes, even writers. I have been happy to write letters of recommendation for friends and former students, but I do feel overwhelmed by it. You’re being asked to summarize someone’s qualifications and attributes and it could mean the difference between them being considered for a job or not. For me it would be even more overwhelming if I was asked to just give one or two short sentences. It’s the same pressure I feel when writing titles or captions or a quick note in a greeting card. Assign me an essay or a research paper over a greeting card any day.

What I’m saying is, maybe it really is him and not you. Either way, you are a fantastic writer. You know it and your readers know it. I’m sure if you actually did write for Big Butt Magazine you made even that interesting.

(I really do)