The WMF Archives

By Alyssa Ast

Keeping a Good Relationship With Your Editor

By Angela Atkinson


Are you looking for ways to support your writing habit (i.e. make money with it)? Are you finding it difficult to get published or just want to make extra cash?


If you answered yes to any of these questions, business writing may be the answer. Often times, businesses (especially small businesses) can use the services of a freelance writer.


Since they don't always have the cash to pay a marketing company or even a regular employee to handle these things, a freelance writer may be the perfect fit.


So what types of services can you offer your business clients?

Blogging or Ghost Blogging

It seems like "everybody's doing it" these days. Companies are no exception--and while a blog can provide considerable interest in a company, many don't have the time or the inclination to create and maintain a blog.


Consider offering blogging packages at various price and service levels. This way, your client knows up front what to expect from you and how often. If you also offer blog design, charge an additional fee.


Brochures, Fliers and Other Advertisements

Use your writing gift to help your business clients sell themselves, their products and/or their services. Offer to create advertisements, including sales letters, brochures, coupons and special projects.


Web Content

Companies need relevant articles and tips for their websites. Learn and use SEO writing skills to offer your clients the highest quality and most effective articles to boost their business. Some writers even offer pre-written articles on their websites at a lower cost.


Forum Posts

Some companies will hire freelance writers to post about them in forums and the like. I will be honest with you, I tried this once and found it very frustrating. Still, there are plenty of opportunities out there--just be careful not to be labeled a spammer as it can ruin your credibility.


Special Projects

Some companies have newsletters that go to their clients. Others may offer their clients books or need to provide instructions for their products. These and other special projects are perfect for the freelance writer.


How do you find companies who need your services?


Website

One effective way to get the word out about your services is to create a dedicated website. You can make this as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here's mine, for example, and here's Alyssa's. Each is different, showcasing our individual talents and areas of expertise, but each gets the point across: Writer for Hire--What I Can Do For You/Your Company.


Advertise

Craigslist and other similar sites allow you to place free ads on them. Many freelancers advertise via these sites. Plus, in the "writing gigs" section, you'll find ads from companies and individuals who are looking for freelance writing services. I've found a few jobs this way.


A word of caution, though: don't put yourself in a position to be in danger. Most freelance work can be done with only telephone and/or email contact. However, if you have to meet your client in person, do so in a public place until you're comfortable with him or her.


Social Networking

Everybody's Twittering, you know. Even Oprah and Obama. And Facebooking, MySpacing, and Digging. Get out there and market yourself. Join forums and groups (especially those which focus on one or more of your areas of expertise) and get involved in the writing community. Learn more about social networking and use it to your advantage.


Word of Mouth

Yep, the old fashioned word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get yourself noticed. So, have some business cards made up and carry them with you at all times. Hand them out whenever it's appropriate to do so.


Then, be sure to let business contacts, family and friends know what you're doing. I've personally had several referrals from previous clients, as well as from friends and family.


When you do get jobs, remember that your clients will discuss you--so be sure to exceed their expectations. This way, when they do talk about you, it will only be positive.


Build a Niche

If you have a particular area of interest or expertise, begin writing and publishing articles around that topic. You can do this very easily on various websites, like Associated Content or Ezine Articles, for example. Then, as you approach companies who work within your area of expertise, you can direct them to your articles to get a feel for your writing and understanding of the topic.


Ask for the Job

This can be a tough one, especially for new freelancers. When you deal with a prospective client and find that you're interested in a project, ask for the job. If you don't, someone else will--and by asking, you're letting your client know in no uncertain terms that you're interested.


So, do we have any business writers out there? What other tips could you offer to writers looking to break into the business writing arena?

Freelance Opportunities: Business Writing

By Alyssa Ast

I was recently told by one of my editors that I was a boring person to read. Although I was told in a rude manner, I took the information as a sign that there was room for improvement.


This meant I had to do some research on the difference between writing in a passive voice and switching to an active voice. The switch from writing in a passive voice to an active voice is actually quiet simple. By making the switch, you can keep your audience more engaged with your writing.


So What is a Passive Voice?

Well, after researching it a bit, I learned that the definition of a passive voice is "refers to sentences in which the subject in the recipient on an action of the verb, not the do-er of the action as in active voice."


"The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage" Pg 318, 2004



If you are like me, this definition may have well have been written upside down and backwards for all the sense it makes. But, here's an example of a passive sentence:

Keep your Audience with an Active Voice

By Angela Atkinson


I can't tell you how many times I've heard writers complain that there isn't enough time in the day to actually write. This is especially true for new writers and for those who are trying to work more than one job (even if the second job "only" involves being Mom or Dad.)


Day to day responsibilities and habits often overshadow one's passion for writing. While we all have time-consuming responsibilities, there are some things that can be re-prioritized. Even so, certain things just can't be ignored, so how do you overcome this little obstacle?


Personally, I'm very grateful that my "other" job is being Mom. And, for me, it's all a matter of working around the kids' schedule. I write at nap time, bedtime and any other time in between when there are moments of quiet. Plus, when I'm on a deadline, my husband helps out with the kids.


If you want to write but can't seem to find the time, there may be a simple solution.


Do you really want it?

Often times, we SAY we want something because we think we should or that it will please someone else--and in some cases, we believe that we actually DO want it.


So ask yourself, do you truly want to write? Are you passionate about it? Will it make you happy? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you're on the right track. If not, maybe you should re-evaluate your reasons for choosing this career path. The ability to write functionally does not a writer make, in my experience.


When are you most productive?

My freshman year in college, I had this English class that started at two o'clock in the afternoon. Inevitably, I found myself propping up my eyelids with toothpicks to stay awake in this class. For whatever reason, two o'clock was not a good time of day for me back then. (Maybe it was all those late "study" nights?)


So take a few minutes and think about your day. What time are you more likely to be productive? If you're not sure, carry a notebook with you for a week or so and take notes. When you feel especially energized, note the time. When you're tired, write it down. This will give you a general guideline to your "productive time," which you can use to help schedule your days more
effectively.


Time Is Money, So Quit Wasting It

Once you've chosen your writing times, get focused. I have a certain little "ritual" I do before I begin an article. I set up my Word document and get all of my research materials together in a very specific fashion and get to work. Even when I don't feel like working, sometimes just setting myself up to do so makes all the difference.


Your writing time is valuable, so don't waste it surfing the net or playing pointless games. If you can stand it, close your email program and put your phone on vibrate. Time is money, so spend it wisely--especially the time you carve out for writing.


Are you beating yourself up?

Writers are notorious perfectionists. Cut it out. As Joel Salzman, author of one of my favorite "writing" books says, "Progress, not perfection."


When you write, try to avoid editing yourself as you go. Instead, get it all out and then don't be afraid to cut. If you're not comfortable with this, try adding ten minutes of stream of consciousness journaling to your writing schedule. By doing so, you'll realize that sometimes just "getting it out" can be a good thing. And, you can always go back and edit later.


Are you shooting for the moon?

Many writers set lofty daily goals, and while it's important to challenge yourself, you should consider breaking your longer-term goals into bite-sized chunks. That is, if you're writing a book, then the completion and publication of the project would be the ultimate goal. Instead of just "writing it," consider setting smaller daily goals. Doing so will increase your productivity and make the project more likely to come to fruition.


For example, for that book, you might start with writing character sketches, say one each day or week. Then, you might progress to outlining story ideas, to filling in details, to writing chapters (or a certain number of pages or words per "mini-goal".)


When Inspiration Strikes...

No matter how much scheduling you do, your muse doesn't always cooperate. So, carry around a small notebook or tape recorder. This way, when you are at the grocery store and a great idea for an article or sentence or character pops into your head, you can jot yourself a note for later use. Many cellphones also offer "notepad" type functions, which can be a great writer's tool.


What are your priorities?

For me, family always comes first, and I work around them. However, I'm not afraid to send the kids out to play or into a different room with their dad for awhile while I get my writing groove on. Truth be told, though, most often I'm writing with them all around me, being their loud little selves. It's a talent, really. :)


Take a look at the commitments in your life. Are you over-extended? If so, for the sake of your health and the sake of your writing, slim down your schedule a little. You are allowed to say no sometimes. Enforce that right when you can.


Bottom line: if you want to be a writer, you must make time to write. Take it seriously. Make it your job (or second), even if you're not getting paid just yet. Commitment and focus are major keys to your freelance writing success.


What kinds of tips would you offer other writers struggling with this issue?

Finding Time to Write

By Alyssa Ast

An important aspect of freelance writing involves networking. Networking's very important to do, especially for internet writing, because it increases your PPV's (pay per views) and your overall income. There are numerous ways you can network to increase your PPV's. Making the most of networking sites, such as Twitter, can really build up traffic to your publications and blog sites.


Networking can be difficult for people who aren't very social, but it really does take little effort. Besides increasing your PPV's, networking can allow you to learn new information and meet interesting people.


One way to build up a network is to start commenting on other peoples work, such as publications and blogs. After, you comment on some one's work, chances are they will return the favor and comment on something you have done. It's kind of like a "you scratch my back and I will scratch yours" type of thing.


The same goes for "following" people. Most sites allow you to do this with the simple push of a button. This is a great idea because it often gives you automatic updates of some one's work so you don't have to keep checking to see what's new. Participating in forums (like Cafemom) is a great way to network and learn helpful information.


Another way to network is to use the numerous networking sites. If you're on sites like Myspace or Facebook, simply join writing groups. Remaining active in these groups will increase the chance of people following your work. You can search for other writers on social networking sites as well. This is a great way to meet new people, learn new tips, and gain advice.


Using networking sites, like Twitter and Digg, are a good way to build up traffic. All you have to do for these sites is sign up and create a profile. Every time you update one of your sites or have work published, copy the link and paste it on a networking site. People will begin to follow you and you can do the same.


A few good networking sites to use are:

• MySpace
• Facebook
• Cafemom
• Twitter
• Digg
• Reddit
• StumbleUpon
• BuzzUp
• Xanga
• Linked In
• Friend Feed

If you have a blog, you can posts the links to your updates on these sites as well. A good idea for blogs is to add ShareThis to the site. This allows people that visit your blog to share it with people they know.


Networking doesn't have to be difficult and only takes a few extra minutes a day. The benefits of the increased traffic is definitely worth the time. Plus it is a great way to get your name out. I can be found on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and Digg. What are your networking techniques?


Image Credit: Clix/sxc.hu

Using Social Networking Sites to Promote Your Work

By Angela Atkinson


So, you're looking for an online writing gig. You have applied for (and/or sent queries for) several jobs, and even though you know you're qualified for them, other writers seem to be snatching them out from under you.


Instead of throwing in the towel (or pen, as the case may be), consider taking a step back from the situation for a moment to evaluate what's happening.


Assuming you're a capable writer, it may just be a matter of changing the way you present yourself and learning a few industry schmoozing skills.


Read the Ad

First, before responding to any advertisement for a freelance writer or writing job, read it thoroughly and understand what it says. Then, follow those directions exactly. So, if the ad says to paste your samples into an email, don't attach them instead.


Don't email if the ad wants you to send it via US mail, and only include what the ad specifically calls for--that is, if they want one paragraph related to the benefits of washing socks in vodka, that's what you send--not a five page dissertation on the subject. Editors are often annoyed by writers who try to stand out in this way--so skip the overkill method and go for quality instead.


Reach for the Stars

I think it's really important to step outside of your comfort zone in the writing world and ask for the jobs you want. I have found, as my freelance career goes on, that I'm not afraid to stand up and ask for a job.


In the past, though, I found myself feeling shy about applying for some jobs because I didn't feel like I had the credentials to back me up--but here's the thing. If you don't try, you'll never get anywhere.


That said, when you're applying for jobs that are above your current skill level (or at least documented/published proof of your skill level), don't be surprised if an editor rejects you without even looking at your work. Don't take it personally--just keep writing.


Be Ready for Rejection

Getting rejected is part of the life of a writer. We all know this. The key to success, though, is to get back up on your proverbial horse (desk chair) and get riding (writing) again. Stephen King talks about this in his book, On Writing.


You might be surprised to learn that Mr. King received more rejections by the time he was a young adult than most people do in their entire lives--but this is one determined man. He hung the rejection letters on his wall above his desk, almost as a challenge to himself, it seemed.

"By the time I was fourteen … the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and kept on writing," King said in the book.

So what's the bottom line?


Don't take it personally--any of it. If an editor doesn't like your work, maybe the next one will. It's not a personal attack on you--in fact, if an editor offers suggestions on improving your writing, it usually means they think you've got potential.


Do Like the Bunny

You know, that Energizer bunny. Keep going and going and going and...well, you get the idea. If you want to be a writer, you must write. If you want to sell your work, you must sell. Be passionate about it, feel it, do it, be it...have it.

Getting the Gig: Tips for Applying for Writing Jobs Online

By Angela Atkinson


Associated Content (AC) is a website that offers readers content on almost any subject you can imagine. The content is 100% freelance written and includes articles, stories, poetry, videos, photography and more.


AC offers writers and other content producers small up-front payments for accepted articles, as well as monthly PPV (per page view) payments. The payments for PPV's start at $1.50 per 1000 views, which doesn't add up to much per month (but, they continue to pay you as long as the site is up, so you continue to make money even if you don't continue to write.)


Up front payments are usually between 1.00 and 50.00 (although usually less than $15.00), but you can be chosen to write for AC's clients and receive higher up front payments.


AC was my first taste of paid web writing. I learned some valuable lessons and got great tips through the very active community of writers and creators, and I managed to put together a decent collection of articles where people could get a feel for my work.


Some writers shun AC because they will accept content from almost anyone--making the site seem less credible to those in the field. Others who have written there and have gone on to bigger and better things realize that it's a great place to start.


AC accepts your unique ideas for articles, but also offers an assignment desk if you need ideas. (The other good news about the assignment desk is that you're told upfront what sort of payment you'll receive--and that your assigned articles are reviewed by copy editors on a more timely basis.)


And, just for the record--while it's quite true that AC WILL accept almost any type of content (within reason), they don't offer up-front payments for low quality work. In fact, you can look around the site and see which contributors are "real" writers and which aren't--simply by reading their work. It's easy to guess who's getting paid, if you catch my drift.


So, here's the bottom line. AC is an ideal place to get started for new writers, or even writers who are just new to web writing. The active writer's community there is also a great resource for finding other online writing opportunities.


If you're expecting to make a ton of cash, you'll be disappointed. However, if you're looking to get your feet wet (or your foot in the proverbial door of web writing), it's a good place to start.


To join AC or learn more, click here.

Associated Content: A Good Starting Point

By Alyssa Ast


Most of the well paying online companies and clients require their writers to use SEO skills when creating web content. Using SEO (search engine optimization) skills for the first time can be a very confusing process, but it's definitely worth the extra work. Although big companies generally require the use of these keyword skills, using them for smaller companies and personal sites is a great idea as well.


What is Search Engine Optimization?
For those that don't know what SEO is, it's basically using the words or phrases that someone types into an address bar when searching for information on the Internet. For example, if someone is looking for information on cats, they might type in "breeds of cats" or "care for cats." By finding the keyword or key phrase that keeps the focus on an articles topic, the chances of that article being viewed increases-- which then increases the PPV's.


When I first began writing, I only used SEO for the well paying companies, but then I thought if it raises my PPV's (pay per views) with those companies, why not try it for smaller companies? I noticed a huge difference in my PPV's right way. They skyrocketed immediately, in return making me more money per article.


How to use Search Engine Optimization?
Although SEO can be very time consuming and frustrating at times, putting in the extra effort is most definitely worth the extra time and work. There are numerous free online sites that will allow you to do free keyword searches. The site I prefer the most is http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/.


So here's the way to use the keywords for SEO properly to make the most of an article. When searching for the keywords, find the keywords or phrases that are searched for less than 20 times per day. For the best results, less than 10 times a day.


When writing an article, include the keywords in the articles title and article description, as well as at least twice through out the article. If the words are used too often in the article it will decrease the articles PPV's because search engines will pick it up as spam.


Although SEO can be a pain in the backside, I highly recommend using them to maximize the profit off of an article. There are numerous free sites to use to search for keywords but wordtracker is my favorite. However, I am always open to finding more.


What sites do you use to find your keywords?

The Importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

By Angela Atkinson


Journaling is a great way to get your creative juices flowing, not to mention it can function like free therapy. Writers especially can benefit personally and professionally from getting into the practice of journaling.



Personally, I've journaled since I was capable of writing. When I was a little girl, starting at about age six, I had a little pink diary with a lock on it. I remember even then knowing that one day, I'd want to look back and reminisce.


And since then, I've realized it's worth so much more than a walk down memory lane. Flipping through the pages I've scribbled over the years reminds me of how much I've grown, and helps me to remember to be grateful for the people and things in my life today.


But, I digress...


Do you have a journal? If not, have you considered starting one? Ultimately, your journal is yours to make of it what you wish. In case you’re having trouble getting started, I have compiled the following list of journaling ideas and suggestions to help.


Notebook and Bound Books

The most common way of recording journal entries is by hand in a notebook. Purchase a special notebook or just use a spiral bound or three ringed binder. Bound books are really great too because they’re sturdier and usually last longer.


Computers

Typing your journal entries can be a quick and easy way to record your life history. Any word processing program works great, even the basic "notepad" in Windows would make a great journal. Printed entries can be easily put into three ring binders, or if you like to write lots of entries you could place them in a labeled box.


Blogs

Using a blog to journal your life is a relatively new and popular way to journal. Using a free blogging site is an easy way to get started and you can even add digital pictures, videos, and link to other resources.


Note: You have the option set your personal blog to private, where only you can see it—or you can allow only certain people to read it. I personally have a gratitude journal blog which is kept private.


Letters and Emails

Do you write a lot of emails or letters? If so, keep a copy for your journals! Print your emails or copy letters before you send them and place them into a folder or binder.


Scrapbooking

Do you love taking photographs? Scrapbooking is a wonderful (and popular) way to record your life. Working with your pictures is fun and creative, and journaling can help you keep track of the important details.



Not sure if you need to have a journal companion for your scrapbooking hobby? Try this: While scrapbooking next time, ask yourself these questions, "If someone saw this page 50 years from now, would they know who these people/places are? Would they know how I felt?"


If the answer is no, consider adding journaling to your scrapbooking schedule.


Spiritual or Gratitude Journal

Keeping a Gratitude Journal is a great way to recognize and be grateful for blessings in your life. To get started, begin record the spiritually significant events in your life (or that of your family and friends) along with your personal thoughts and feelings about them. Write down your experiences, answers to prayers and anything else that comes to mind.


Daily gratitude and prayer can significantly improve your perspective, which can improve your quality of life. Keeping a journal can aid in this process.


Calendars

Calendars can be great additions to your journal. You can use the kind that come with planners, ones that hang on the wall, or even the kind that fit in a purse or backpack. Calendar entries have to be short to fit in the space, but work great for keeping track of important events in life.


So the next time you're having trouble working out a story idea, or having problems that you're not sure how to handle, write it out. It's one of the most powerful tools we have as writers.


What do you think? Do you journal, and if so, in what form? Share your experiences!

Journaling: A Writer's Free Therapy

By Loretta Snyder
For the past month, I've been battling nasty demon known as "Writer's Block." For those of you who have not met this evil little troll firsthand, let me describe him to you. "Writer's Block" takes on many different forms.


Some days he appears as a blank page that taunts and teases you; laughing in the face of your struggle. Writer's Block pokes at you throughout the day, offering inspiration and ideas that grab you and pull you to the keyboard. As your fingers touch the keys, Writer's Block snatches the ideas away.


Occasionally, Writer's Block comes to you in an innocent form. This sweet little cherub seduces you and lures you away from your writing. This form of "Writer's Block" comes to you as a beautiful sunny day, a telephone call, a game of Chuzzle, or whatever distraction pulls you away from your writing.


There are many more ways that Writer's Block can keep you from writing. Those just a few of the distractions I have been dealing with this past month. Your obstacles may be similar or totally different from mine.


No matter what form the writers block monster appears, there are a few things you can do to help you get past this hurdle.

• Cut yourself some slack. Nothing will give Writer's Block a stronger hold on you then putting too much pressure on yourself to perform. Take a break, go take the dogs for a walk or sit and sip lemonade in the shade, and then come back to your writing.

• Give yourself permission to write crap. Sometimes just getting something down on paper is all it takes to work through a block. Work on a different project for a while. If you're trying to write an article, set it aside and work on poetry or journal.

• Settle in with a good book. A great way to get inspired is by reading. Curl up with a good book.

• Research your topic. One possible reason for writer's block is not being familiar enough with your topic.

• Make a change. Sometimes getting beyond the block is as simple as writing in a new location or using pen and paper instead of the computer.
  

How has Writer's Block affected you and what did you do to overcome it?

Photo by Sanja Gjenero/sxc.hu

Writer's Block

By Alyssa Ast


Keeping in spirit with the launch of the blog, did you know there are many ways you can use a blog to earn money? When I first began my freelance writing journey, I thought the only purpose for a blog to put my links for my publications in one place for traffic. This is true, but there's so much more you can do.


There are many different online companies that will actually pay you to write a review of their website or product. The company I like best is Blogvertise.com. All you need's a blog that's updated a couple times a week and has been active for 30 days. Basically, after your blog has been approved, companies will find your blog and contact you to write a review. You can say whatever you like, all you have to do is include some links to their site.


Another great blogging company is PayPerPost.com. For this company your blog has to have at least 20 posts in the last 90 days. This company offers you more freedom on who you can write for. There are many other companies out there that you can blog for, these are just my two preferences. Blogging's a great way to make easy, extra money. I wish I would have know about it sooner.


As I said earlier, I thought blogging was only a place to put my links. This is also a good idea because it can increase your articles Pay Per Views (ppv's), which of course equals more money. You can also add AdSense through google to your blog. This is where you pick advertisements to have put onto your blog. It doesn't add up to much money, but hey lets face it, every little bit helps.

Blogging for Money

Welcome to the WM Freelance Connection- formally Writing Mommies! We are creating a one-stop resource for freelance writers and content producers.


We are writing for freelance writers in general--and for those who wish to get into the business but don't know where to begin. We're sharing advice we wish we'd known "back then", and we're sharing job leads, writing tips and any and everything else related to the writing life.


Wonder who the WM Freelance Writers are? Read on...each author has introduced herself below. Plus, find out how and why we decided to create this blog and what we hope to achieve.


Email subscriptions as well as RSS reader subscriptions are available to your right. And, to all of our blogger friends, this is a Do-Follow blog!

Introducing the WM Freelance Connection

By Alyssa Ast

Simply Alyssa

By Angela Atkinson


So I was talking with some writer friends of mine, discussing this freelance life. In this age of the internet, freelancing is easier (and harder) than ever before.


Take me, for example. I work from home, which works out great for my family. It allows me to be here for my kids, and to work around our sometimes very busy schedules.


Of course, there are positives and negatives to everything--but I do my best to focus on the positives most of the time.


The idea for this blog was formulated after many conversations between myself and the other authors, Loretta Snyder and Alyssa Ast--who are also freelancing moms. Our plan is to include job leads, tips, anecdotes from the writing life, and essentially any and everything related to it.


So, when we hear a tip about a paying gig, we'll pass it along. If we have some freelance writing tips or advice that we think you could use, we'll throw it out there. We'll share article links, blogs of note, the occasional personal stories or thoughts on writing, the business and the creative.


We will feature guest bloggers, author interviews, and more. This will be a one-stop writing resource for beginning freelance writers. As we grow in our careers, the blog will grow with us.


And, for the record, we're open to advice from our readers! So, feel free to shoot me (or any of the other writers) an email or comment directly on the blog. Let us know your thoughts, feelings, or what sort of content you'd like to see here. Tell us what YOU think!


Let me tell you a bit about myself. My name is Angie Atkinson and I'm a freelance writer, working from my home. I've got three amazing kids and I'm happily married. Most of my current work is published online, including two personal blogs and several website publications, a few of which are listed below. I also teach occasional writing workshops and have mentored other writers.

• Blog: In Pursuit of Fulfillment
• Blog: Hot Off the Press: Angela Atkinson's Writing News Blog (mostly links to my other publications)
• My Personal Site: AngelaAtkinson.com

Website Publications:

• Examiner.com--St. Louis Family & Parenting Examiner (on-going column)
• Demand Studios--Sells my work to several websites. Much of it can be found on eHow.
• Bright Hub--I'm a Contributing Editor for the Fitness Channel here.
• Associated Content--An assortment of older articles.

What I am is what I am...are you what you are, or what?