If you’ve been writing and selling for more than three years, make a list of all your clients in an Excel sheet. Delete the ones you no longer want to work with. Of the remaining, next to each, write down the number of assignments you’ve done for them, and categorize them as:

* fewer than 3
* 3-5
* 5-10
* 10+

The “fewer than three” clients are either one-offs or people you should be pitching again. The 10+ are your regular clients, and you likely already have good relationships with them. But look closely at the 3-10 range, and figure out how to turn these into editors who’ll give you work regularly.

One way to do this is to simply pitch an idea: “Hey, it’s been a while since we communicated. Here’s an idea I thought might be perfect for you.”

You could also send a polite e-mail to remind them that you’re there, what you’re up to (any recent accomplishments?), and let them know you’re open to assignments and willing to send some queries their way.

If you have a free schedule, you can also tell your clients that you’re available for quick-deadline work in case someone’s run out on them. This can be a brilliant way to get work, especially if the editor is actually on a deadline and needs help, you’ve already worked with them before and they trust your skill.