The WMF Archives

Visit Us At Our New Site!

2011-02-28T19:12:00.001-06:00

Come See What You've Been Missing at The WM Freelance Writers Connection's New Site!

2011-02-08T09:47:00.001-06:00

Hello Fellow Freelance Writers!

In case you missed the news, The WM Freelance Writers Connection has moved to a new site! If you haven't yet, head over to the new site to pick up your free ebook, check out our new weekly freelance writing jobs listings, get your questions answered or sign up for our writing buddy matching service.

And don't forget to check out our latest posts:

Accomplishing Your Book Publishing Goals

How Did You Become Profitable in Your Writing Business?

Stephen Hart's Art of LinkedIn

Learn a New Writing Skill to Increase Your Income

Six-plus Things I Learned About Social Media

Blizzard Brainstorm: Using Writing Prompts to Keep Your Writing Flowing

Time Management Tips for Keeping Writers On Task

Writer's Aid: Freelance Writing Job Openings for the Week of February 7, 2011

Turn your words into webisodes: TV writer Ross Brown tells you how

Also, don't forget to check out our bios page and meet our newest team members, Shakirah Dawud, Pat Howard and Linda Stephens!

WMF is Moving: Get Your Free Ebook!

2011-01-31T17:24:00.001-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

Free at wmfreelancewritersconnection.com

The WM Freelance Writers Connection is moving to a new URL. Beginning tomorrow, you can find us at http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com.

This site will become The WMF Archives, and all of our existing posts will remain intact here, but new posts will be on the new site.

Now, here's the good news for you!

We'd like to you to join us as we celebrate the move to our new home, so we've put together a very special gift for you: a free ebook.

This isn't just any old ebook, either. It's nearly 75 pages of tried-and-true advice, techniques and tips from the bloggers of The WM Network, and it's all about marketing yourself and your writing online.

About the Book:

Next to great writing skills, marketing yourself and your writing is the key to building a successful freelance writing career. Learning how to market yourself and your writing online can be a big challenge. Even those who are already successful can become more successful with strong online marketing efforts. This free ebook offers tips, techniques and advice from successful freelance writers who know what works.

How to Get Your Free Copy of

The WM Freelance Writers Connection Presents Marketing Yourself and Your Writing Online

1. Subscribe to free email updates on our new website.
2. Click the "confirm" link in your confirmation email.
3. Your confirmation email will also include instructions on how to receive your free ebook. Click the link in the email and enter your assigned coupon code after choosing your preferred ebook format.

That's it! Just subscribe and confirm your subscription, and the free ebook is yours.

So don't forget, beginning TOMORROW, February 1, all of our new blog posts will appear at our new URL: http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Hope to see you there!

15 Reasons Why Writers Need a Good Night's Sleep

2011-01-29T06:00:00.163-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I watched the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion, Part 1 last night. (I'm writing this on Friday, a day ahead of my scheduled blog post.) Fell asleep promptly after I went to bed (those Housewives wear me out), then woke up two hours later and couldn't get back to sleep.

Aargh! I had three deadlines today and a meeting. Along with a bunch of tasky-type stuff I was hoping to get done.

How does a writer write on lack of sleep?

Luckily, I finished my stories though I might have made some slightly different literary decisions had I slept like a fully-satisfied newborn.

Oh, well.

The writer's life, eh? Can't stop just because we don't sleep well.

In my dead tired state, let me see if I can muster up a few reasons why sleep is an absolute requirement in order to fulfill responsibilities as a writer. And a human.

1. So I can sit up straight at the computer.
2. Less crabby with kids (even though mine are teens and I really have no reason to be crabby).
3. Less likely to hate deadlines.
4. More likely to wear clothes. Instead of sweats I will return to bed in.
5. Don't need 12 cups of coffee to stay alert.
6. Greater chance I'll remember to make the bed.
7. And open the blinds.
8. It doesn't take two hours to edit something that might normally take 15 minutes.
9. May change underwear before noon.
10. More likely to shower.
11. Happy when I receive e-mail.
12. Don't blank out when writing blog posts.
13. Less likely to watch DVR'd version of 30 Rock when I should be writing.
14. Ditto really stupid daytime talk shows.
15. Don't look at DVR and wonder how it got there. Or how it works.

Well, I think that's it. At least that's all I can come up with in my sleep-compromised state.

How do you handle the day after a crappy night's sleep?

Don't forget: We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

Freelancing Without Fear of The Phone

2011-01-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

by Shakirah Dawud

My oft-repeated fear-of-the-phone story is my childhood avoidance of ordering pizza. I wasn’t afraid of the pizza man; I was afraid of messing it up somehow. Then as a college student, I was hired as a pharmacy technician at the largest chain in the US. My first day, I was trained on the telephone. The departing tech who trained me said I was doing fine. I thought she was joking. The hairs on my neck rose each time the phone rang, and my palms were sweaty when I hung up.

But it wasn’t long before I loved answering calls, and callers loved me (yes, they said so!). I realized what my tech trainer meant. I was doing fine because I was prepared for most requests callers made, so each call ended with a satisfied customer, whether I was nervous or not.

Now on my website, my contact form says e-mail is the best way to get me, “hands down.” Yet I make cold calls, discuss manuscript and other project issues, and check in on clients better accessed by phone than e-mail. Never in my life have I needed the phone more. But when the phone rings with an unknown number or I must make a call to an unfamiliar caller, my palms still sweat. How do I run a business this way?

My free hour-long consult is the secret that keeps me in control of conversations from new callers. There are no obligations, no ifs ands or buts. Anyone who wants to talk business can e-mail or call to schedule a consult. The scheduling allows me time to get my requisite phone gear together and prepare the caller as well.

Before the call, I offer a questionnaire. This is how I prepare the caller. I send the questionnaire I’ll be using during the call. I stress that recipients simply skim it to be prepared. Just having an idea of how to respond, even if it’s “I don’t know” really moves things along, and prevents awkward silences. Most callers appreciate this.

I have an agenda on the phone. After the opening niceties and introductions, I go to the questionnaire I’ve sent (I now use some that are posted on the Freelance Folder, but I've been using the more specific ones on page 20 of Peter Bowerman’s Well-Fed Tool Box (opens as a pdf) early on. I don’t ask every question; some answers I find from my own research or other correspondence, and sometimes the caller gives me answers without my asking. I keep it organic.

Most of the time, I don’t even do half the talking. When I schedule calls, I make sure I have a block of quiet time available so I’m not in too much of a hurry to really listen. I summarize what I hear and sometimes repeat it back in my own words. And I’m not afraid of silences as we draw breath or think about what’s been said for a moment before moving on to the next question.

I take my time speaking. I don’t sound like Eeyore, but I do try to think about the words before and as they come out, so I don’t get tongue-tied making a point or, worse, lose my point entirely. As a freelancer, I do so much of my work alone, I don’t speak at length very often during the day; sometimes the brain-tongue machine needs a little oiling. Hey, I’m a writer, not a speaker!

Even if the other person was a Martian, I’d remind myself I’m human. I am on the phone as I am face to face, which means wearing a slight smile. I use my signature dry humor (without sarcasm!) and laid-back vibe to keep either party from catching a serious case of the nerves.

At the beginning of one of my recent consults, the man on the other end said, “Will you lead the conversation?”

I said, “Certainly!”

He said, “Great, because I…”

Before he could trail off helplessly, I said, “I know exactly what you mean.”

The call went on without a hitch.

Mind Map Your Writing Plans!- Guest Post by Patricia Anne McGoldrick

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

by Patricia Anne McGoldrick

It is a new year. January 2011 is just flying by so it is reassuring to look at my writing plan mind map and to see that I am making progress.

Let me reassure you that my writing plan is not carved in stone; however, it is a visual guideline to remind me of goals that I want to pursue in my writing, directions that I want to take.

For me, I have found that making a mind map is the most convenient and helpful way to sketch out the directions that I wish to pursue in my writing.

For my purposes, I have made a mind map that reaches out in six different directions:

Poetry

Non-fiction

Reviews

Fiction

Essays

Blog

These are the focal points of my writing with varied emphasis on each branch.
From these, I have listed some preliminary topics or titles. As the year goes on, I may adjust these topic areas.

Along with my yearly plan, I make a more specific monthly mind map. This does not take a long time to construct by hand with paper and markers, or electronically with software such as Inspiration 9.

As I learn of markets, contests, and submission calls, I input them into branches of the monthly map. When the month is over, I check off completed tasks, note if work is done rejected or still awaiting a response.

This gives me a quick overview of monthly progress and provides a heads-up awareness of possible directions for the next month.

With the use of colour markers, graphics, or drawings, I have been inspired to monitor my progress each month. In addition, I can go back to the original yearly plan to check for directions, as well.

Mind mapping writing plans by year and by month is a useful strategy. It works for me!

Don't forget...

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

Fiction Writers: Get Noticed With Amazon.com's 2011 Breakthrough Novel Award Contest

2011-01-24T11:19:00.000-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

In case you haven't heard, Amazon.com, CreateSpace (Amazon's POD publishing company) and Penguin Group (USA) recently announced their 2011 Breakthrough Novel Award contest.

They're looking for the "next popular novel" and are awarding two grand prizes: one in General Fiction and one in Young Adult Fiction. Winners get a publishing contract with Penguin, including a $15,000 advance.

They are accepting submissions from now until Feburary 6, 2010 (or when they have received 5000 entries, whichever comes first.) If you want to enter the contest, go to www.createspace.com/abna. From there, you can register and submit your manuscript.

The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award was first launched in 2008, and has since given wings to many previously unpublished writers.

Will you be entering the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest? Tell us in the comments!

Hey Readers!

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at: http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com.

Don't worry, you'll still have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance Writers Connection bloggers.

Do You Use Writer's Software?

2011-01-22T06:00:00.210-06:00

By Pam Houghton

From the mailbag:

I aspire to write non-fiction and have long had a book lurking based on a writing of my great-grandfather's about advertising as a form of shaping human behavior.

Do you have a recommendation of writing software for MAC? I know there are various programs that organize all the components-characters, themes, outlines, etc, but wonder what a professional uses, if anything?

Apparently, I'm not exactly with it when it comes to the latest writer's software because I still start with a spiral bound notebook and pen. Then I go on the computer and use Word or e-mail or a blog template to give shape to my stories before I polish them for publication.(Using e-mail or a blog template seems to make me think I'm writing to an audience; which makes me think I'll write more conversationally. I think.)

But I think (I think again!) it's a very good question. I recommended that this reader take a look at Writer's Market online, as well as Writer's Digest and Poets and Writers to see if they had any programs that they particularly favored.

Then I figured I may as well scrounge around the Internet to see what types of programs are available. After typing in "writer software" in the Google search engine, I found a few that looked interesting. But they hardly represent the plethora of programs out there! So take a look at the following...they vary in functionality, price, user-friendliness, and quality. Then tell us what you think.

1. Story Craft Pro - Seems like it's geared toward fiction writers by "taking all the story ideas dancing in your head and transforming them into fully developed short stories, novels, and screenplays...for every skill level." (Does it write the story for you?) Available in three different versions - Classic, Luxury, and Screenwriter, with prices that range from $69 to $119.00 (at least on the site I included in the link). Available for both MACs and PCs.

2. Writer's Blocks for Windows, Version 3 - According to the website, Writer's Blocks "helps writers pull together ideas, notes, and research for complex writing projects." Writers can also use blocks to "capture, organize, outline, and structure" documents. (This software = brain power!) Anyway, it's supposed to be useful for all types of writing including novels, songs, journalism, screenplays, legal documents, technical writing, full-length non-fiction books, and academic writing. Price on attached website: $149.00. (Pricey!)

3. Storybase 2011 - This one seems geared toward helping writers flesh out ideas more than it helps writers with structure and outline. So maybe it's more like bouncing ideas off a friend. You still have to think. Use your brain. Which is good. It also received a good review on a consumer website for its' ease of use and installation. Price in attached link: $59.00.

4. Free software - Are you in touch with your inner cheapskate? I found this site, Spacejock Software, loaded with several free software programs for writers. Features help writers with novel writing, cataloging, formatting, and tracking. If you're tight with the buck, or would rather dip your toes in software before actually purchasing an pricey package, you may want to experiment with a free program first.

Do you use writing software? What program(s) do you like?

Firing The Almost-Client

2011-01-20T05:00:00.006-06:00

By Shakirah Dawud

Much has been said and written about firing clients. But we seldom hear or read about how to deal with the "almost-client." They come in varying flavors: "definitely-be-in-touch-soon," "discussing-with-the-team," or even "that-was-great-send-the-contract." They keep us working hard at hardly working. They give us more bellyache than our most overbearing client, and they don't pay us a dime because they never sign on the dotted line. So here's how to politely disentangle yourself from an almost-working relationship.

Take preventive measures. Sometimes a prospect is in a hurry to get it all done as soon as possible until she gets to the "Total Fee" line on your proposal. Then she's a lot more thoughtful, busy discussing it with the team, or shopping for a lower price. It's a good idea to get a solid deadline for completion within the first phone call. Gently nudge and offer suggestions, but be sure it's an actual date you've both agreed on. When you send your proposal, make sure your fee and schedule are all hanging from that date, so when a week or two goes by, you have the excuse to say, "The proposal I sent you is no longer feasible, since your deadline is now too close for me to complete your work on schedule. I have another project scheduled for the following time period, but please call me if you'd like to arrange to have work done a little further down the line."

Keep phone calls brief. Some people want time off the books to keep test-driving your skills; milk you for helpful, honest tips; or just listen to your voice. You keep hearing from them, but you can never nail down a project. Try to discover the purpose of the call as early on as possible, fulfill it, and let them know you're always available on e-mail as well. Keep your goodies close and people will eventually decide either you're worth paying for or you're not giving them enough freebies to be worth their time. You win either way.

Hold tight to e-mail trails. You probably do this instinctively. It's a good measure against confusion as to whose court the ball's in, and sending an e-mail with "Re:" in the subject line is more compelling than a new topic, after a couple of weeks. It reminds the client that they left you hanging, so you have the right to cut them off (very politely) at this point to remove any awkwardness.

Don't wait for them to fire you. If you sit on a contact for a while, they'll either forget about you or convince themselves you're too busy for them anyway and then forget about you. Send a friendly note inviting further contact and questions and remind them what a lovely time you had corresponding earlier. If they don't respond with a "let's move to first base" (contract signing) after 3 weeks, they probably never will. Tell them you've been booked, but remain open to put them down next month. That's not so long that if they really want to work with you they'll forget, but still long enough that if they don't, they'll move on to other prey.

Why do I keep advising you to say you're booked? Isn't that... lying? No. Your time will be much better spent moving forward (looking for and landing paying clients? networking? enjoying time with family? munching chocolates?) rather than staring at the blank space on your calendar, gut knotted. And then, there's always the possibility you really are booked in the "working sense" by the time you hear "We've reconsidered/Can we negotiate the price/We're just not ready yet" from your almost-client.

Don't offer to refer most almost-clients to fellow writers. It's basically the golden rule: you wouldn't want to be handed a time-leech in a giftwrapped box labeled, "Money!" So don't do that to others. I did say "most," though. If you do have some idea why this client is waffling or when the time is right to contact them again, send it along. Just include a caveat or two for the sake of your professional relationship.

You may get a job out of an almost-client... eventually. It's happened. I moved on, minding my business (making my paying clients happy, filling in the gaps in my calendar, getting some fresh air) and I turn around and there's an e-mail from my ex-almost-client (is that a legal noun?). There's an apology for the last time and a new project this time, and please send the contract again. Sometimes it's another hurry-up-and-wait. Sometimes it's golden. As long as I keep my options open, my communications professional, and my prospects fresh, I don't have to worry either way.

Create a Blog that Becomes a Book

2011-01-19T09:53:00.003-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

I’ve been reading a book called The Happiness Project that talks about making small changes to make to increase happiness over the course of a year. One of the goals of the author was her decision to start a personal blog—and it is interesting to see that parts of her blog became the content for the book.

This has definitely got me thinking about restarting a blog for a personal project that might eventually be a print book or eBook, or even help me to break into more markets. This is one of the best times ever to write and publish your book because distribution is easier than ever before. It’s also one of the hardest times because if you self-publish, you’re in charge of everything.

Still, it’s an exciting prospect because one of the ways that blogs became successful is because the author publishes and sells a book. The two platforms really work hand-in-hand. Here’s why:

Participation: A blog gives you a taste of how readers might respond to your book. You can grow the project based on the comments or the most popular blog posts. You can also see what’s not working. If a particular blog topic doesn’t go over well, it might not go over well in a book either. You can also have parts of your book with actual content from the blog, such as comments that drive your point in a different font.

Built-in Readers: There is the potential to have a readership already in place that you can tap into. If you take your subject matter even deeper, you might have the potential of selling to people. This is even a way to gain attention from a publisher or literary agent who is looking for proactive writers. My agent asked me when we started discuss me self-publishing my novel, “Do you have a blog?”

It Gets You Writing: Many writers are writing to pay the bills, but if you have a topic of personal interest, it is rewarding to write for yourself. Good books seem to come out of passion—a person has a driving need to create a particular book—and they start exploring. Starting with a blog is a low-pressure way to take this leap. If a blog is constantly on your mind, it’s likely that the book equivalent will be too.

It’s a Sweet Marketing Tool: Even if you think you can write a book and get away without blogging about it, keep in mind that these days blogs are a primary way to advertise. Your blog could even be off topic if you’re known. The line of privacy has been blurred and readers are accustomed to knowing personal details about authors and their daily lives.

Blogs that Became Books

Here is a list of some well-known blogs that became books (on a variety of topics). Ones that seem to go over particularly well seem to be memoirs or personal subjects.

The Happiness Project
Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair
Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously
PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives
There are also books from WM bloggers to check out.

If you’re a fellow writer and wrote a book based on your blog about writing, please share it in the comments. I’d also be curious to hear what the process was like turning your blog into a book.

Photo via Flickr user » Zitona «

How to Avoid Craigslist Writing Scams

2011-01-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

Many freelance writers, including myself, often turn to Craigslist to find clients who are seeking writers. I've had a fair amount of luck finding clients on Craigslist, but I'm always cautious when working with someone from Craigslist because I've heard numerous horror stories from fellow writers.

Many writers are ripped off by scammers on Craigslist so it's important to remain diligent if you do decide to find work from Craigslist. If something just doesn't seem right to you, it's best to turn around and run in the other direction. You can always find other work, but you can never get back the time you spent writing or the money you earned should you become a victim of a scammer. Here are some things you can do to avoid getting scammed:

Do Your Research

Before you work for a client you found on Craigslist, do your research!! Research the company and any company information the client provided you. Research the client's name and even ask the client for references. If you can't find any information about the company or client, and the client won't provide you with references, it's best to walk away from the opportunity.

If the Ad Looks Fishy...

Look at the Craigslist ad well before responding. It should provide detailed information about the services the client is seeking, not just "I need a writer." It should provide links, experience required, and should look like a professional ad. It shouldn't be consumed by typos and wishy washy information. If the ad just doesn't seem right or seems low quality, chances are it's a scam or the pay they are offering just isn't worth it anyway.

Be Careful Who You Send Info To

Not getting paid by a Craigslist client isn't the only thing you need to worry about. Be careful who you send your resume, contact information, and writing samples to. Many people will steal your samples and post them on the Internet without your knowledge. The same thing goes for your resume. They can use your resume and even steal your information. Depending on what you have included on your resume, you can become a victim to identity theft. Be very careful and feel comfortable with who you are sending this information out to. Ask for more details about the project prior to sending this information to ensure you're speaking with a legitimate person.

When you work with any client, it's essential to always ask for 50% of your compensation upfront. This lessens the chances the gig is a scam, plus protects you on some level should the client happen to skip the last payment.

What are some lessons you have learned from working with Craigslist clients?

Don't forget...

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

Get Paid to Travel the World

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

By Rebecca Sebek

It's time to answer a mailbag question. This one is from Michael Haas who wants to publish his travel writing and photographs. Michael writes:

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your experiences on the web. That´s quite helpful and very friendly.

I am German and live in Bali. I am a writer and photographer, a video guy and a diver. I worked as a teacher in Japan before I came to Bali. When my contract expired I wanted to do something else.

I am interested in environmental issues – there is a big garbage/pollution problem in Indonesia – animal protection issues. I write about traveling and take photos.

And I need to publish writings and photos to make money and get some feedback on what I am doing.

For photo samples: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9038210@N07/

Very glad if you find the time to give me some advice on how to publish stuff.

Best Regards,
Michael Haas

Michael, thank you for asking this question!

Travel writing is a fun genre. Popular niche markets for travel writers are eco and adventure travel. Volunteer travel is gaining momentum because people want to give back and make a difference. Like Michael, if you incorporate photography and video, you'll be an in demand travel writer.

Travel writing organizations

Joining a travel writing organization gives you tremendous benefits such as meeting other travel writers, journalists, editors, and videographers. Also, you can attend media trips and conferences. Some organizations charge an annual fee but the benefits you receive are worth it.

One of the most popular travel writing organizations is The International, Food, Wine, and Travel Association. I had the opportunity to meet board member Maralyn D. Hill in 2009 at a luncheon in Phoenix, AZ. She's very passionate about the IFWTA and its members. The benefits of joining IFWTA range from being surrounded by other travel writers to conferences and media trips. They have a strict membership policy. Writers must provide URLs, clips, or books from two years ago. IFWTA retains the right to audit members.

International Society for Travel Writers was founded in 1997. You can join ISTW at anytime and will receive a discounted subscription to Studies in Travel Writing which is published four times a year. Membership fees are $90.

Society of American Travel Writers is another popular organization for travel writers. You can apply as an active or associate member but need a primary sponsor who's a member of SATW or a secondary sponsor and two written references.

Connect with other journalists, editors, photographers, and tourism professionals by joining the
North American Travel Journalists Association. The annual membership fee is $150, plus a one-time administrative fee of $25. This may seem high but you receive benefits such as a resource center and forum; conferences, professional development, member database, eWire service, and much more.

Popular travel writing websites

If you want to connect with other travel writers and have your work published, visit the following websites.

Brave New Traveler
World Hum (Rick Steves writes a blog here)
BootsnAll
Vagablogging (Website of Rolf Potts)

Travel Magazines

If you're interested in publishing your travel articles along with photographs and videos, query these magazines.

National Geographic
National Geographic Traveler
Travel+Leisure
Outside (I just discovered this one -- fabulous magazine)
Budget Travel
Conde Nast Traveler

If you love being in front of the camera, contact The Travel Channel and pitch them a show or two. You must be affiliated with a production company; otherwise they won't accept your ideas.

Travel writing isn't for the faint of heart. As Michael pointed out, he's interested in environmental issues and animal protection. If you travel to a country that can be hostile to outsiders, you could face some extraneous circumstances. However, writers who are passionate about exposing and uncovering the truth will risk everything.

You can travel the world and get paid for it! Travel writing opportunities can be found on Craigslist, Freelance Writing.com, and other websites. Make sure you build your portfolio online and in print because publishers will request clips. If you don't have a blog, start one today. You can put samples of your work, i.e., writing, photographs, and or videos on it or have a separate portfolio website. Most importantly, remember what Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."

*Photo by Justin Phelan_Stock Exchange

Sad Tale of Woe: How One Writer's Website Got Sent to Thousands a Bit Prematurely

2011-01-15T06:00:00.088-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I'm fresh out of advice today. No practical tips. No 5 ways to make a bazillion dollars. No inspirational posts.

Nothing. Nada. Zip.

So maybe I'll share an embarrassing story instead.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to make my writer's website more entertaining. Oh, sure, I had content on there, but it seemed like I'd plopped in my published stories and articles without adding any personality.

Home page: boring. Bio: boring. Writing page: boring.

Basically: My name is Pam. Here's my stuff. Bye.

My website worked well enough when I applied for gigs. But with over 1000 hits (it tells me that on the Admin page) I hardly had anyone contacting me. Without me contacting them first. Which seemed, oh, so unfortunate.

In lieu of hiring a Web/HTML/IT expert to throw in a ton of functionality which I had no idea how to do on my own, I thought I could at least spritz it up with some writing.

So that's what I did.

I removed the humorless, here's-what-I-do-and-oh-yeah-click-on-these-links stuff on the Home page, and the Bio page, and all the other humorless pages - and replaced them with humor. Maybe now I could convert one of these hits into a paying customer!

I'd give it six months.

Now, here's the embarrassing part.

I'm on some committee at my kids' school. Without going into all the gory detail, a very important announcement, provided my MOI to the committee's communications person, got sent out to thousands of parents. From the principal's e-mail account. But, they forgot to delete my e-mail signature first. (Or rather, I forgot to delete it before I sent the stupid thing to the communications person.)

Which wouldn't be so bad, except that I included a link to my website in my signature. Like all writers do, right? Maybe? Yeah?

I wasn't really ready to show it to anyone. But now, it could be seen by an audience of thousands.

Oye.

Oye!

OYE!

Of course, they'd have to take the extra step to click on the website...and hopefully, the vast majority will be too lazy to do that. But still! I wasn't ready to share it. With zillions of peeps, anyway. What if it's not funny??

I just hope nobody notices.

Do you have any embarrassing stories to share, Pam asked meekly?

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

How To Avoid Preachy Writing

2011-01-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

By Shakirah Dawud

As experts, when we want to set someone or something straight, we can sometimes come off as know-it-alls, holier-than-thous, and snobs. It's natural: besides being well informed on them, often these are issues we're passionate about as well. But when this shows through in our writing, it can be off-putting to the reader, especially on personal or debatable issues he's taken a public stand on. He feels "talked at" instead of "talked with"--as if we're shaking a finger at his nose--and it's hard for him to remain focused on the lesson or advice we're offering. How do we avoid that slippery soapbox?

Take the focus off of the reader. Don't pin the reader with a gimlet eye--especially when telling him what he's doing wrong. "You should" sentences can be re-crafted into "Be careful" or "Be sure" sentences. Leave out second-person pronouns altogether in these cases when possible; it helps keep a safe distance between your passion and the reader's nose.

Talk about "us." I like using this method when making or arguing a point. For example, if I'd used "you" instead of "we" for all the pronouns in the first sentence of this article, it would have been kind of... well, know-it-all, holier-than-thou, and snobbish. Not to mention offensive to those who don't believe they fall in those categories.

Talk about yourself. My other favorite method: to tell a story about myself. It's almost a show-don't-tell technique, with a plus: it earns trust and allows people to open up to your pointers and advice. Stay humble, state the facts and the lessons learned, and never once mention the reader. Impressive way to keep attention and persuade. Bonus points if it's funny or self-deprecating. Medal for both.

Be understanding. Always see the other side of a situation. Do a little digging and find out what the other side is, if necessary. Some people bring in what they consider a valid excuse for an action, behavior, or decision you didn't realize they had. Try saying, "I know some may do this because... but the drawbacks are..."

Expose myths. People love to find out the truth about something. When you write in a "believe-it-or-not" format, readers have listened unresistingly to your thoughts and conclusions (which should be based on fact, not opinion), and will appreciate your showing them the light.

Leave questions unanswered. List facts, events, and other parts of your argument. Then leave it up to the reader to put the pieces together. Of course, the pieces should all be crafted in a way that creates only one complete picture: the solution or lesson you've been after all along.

Be funny. Some of my favorite bloggers can show me the error of my ways while making me snort into my cup of tea. And it works! Applying combinations of the techniques above with a sharp wit is something I wish I could do consistently.

Remember, sometimes preachiness serves your purpose, or suits the tone of your blog. I personally adore editors' rants.

How else have you seen writers creatively advise their readers?

Prospecting for New Clients? How to Hit the Bullseye

2011-01-12T11:43:00.004-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

The bullseye is that target client who is at the top of your wish list.

Getting hired by a target client takes a certain amount of trial and error, but there are a few things that can help you hit the bullseye faster.

I’ve been reading The Wealthy Freelancer, which has some great tips about prospecting for clients.

Author Ed Gandia shares his story about hitting up 600 prospective clients with a targeted sales letter. With big numbers like that, I would think his plan was a sure thing to finding at least one potential client in the pile (and I’ve also had “sure thing” moments where I’m positive an idea will work). But what Ed found is stunning.

Instead of hitting the bullseye, he wasn’t even on the board. He got a zero response rate. So what gives?

Don’t Confuse Leads with Prospects

Prospecting is an introduction time, rather than a time to push your services. Even if you know it’s a good match, the prospect still needs to be warmed up.

That’s why prospecting is more the like equivalent of introducing yourself to strangers at a cocktail party. You say hello and share a little about yourself, leaving the prospect with a glimpse into your world and hopefully some curiosity.

Where to Start

Rather than trying to get lots of leads, prospecting works better when it’s about quality, not quantity. Everything I have read says to start with who you know.

Everyone has a network of people, so it’s important to tell as many people as possible about your search for quality propects. Referrals are a gold mine for freelancers.

I recently learned that on Linked In it does matter how many people you are connected to. If you want to contact someone outside your circle, you can actually do this through an Introduction. This is where one of your contacts can forward a message you’ve written to someone in their network.

Here are a few more tips for hitting the bullseye with prospecting:

Create a quality target list. I can almost guarantee you if you create this list, you will land at least one of these clients.

The next thing is to interact with this list. Have a place to check off when contact is made and what happened. Get a red pen ready to cross out names, and in the end you’ll likely be circling some instead. There is a saying I heard recently that says, “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying,” so give it your best shot.

Let prospects know about your background. Even though you might have tons of skills, only share what is be meaningful to the prospect. Using a “how I can help you” tone can help warm up a person you’re contacting for the first time. I have found it also helps to not just tell them about your services, but to give them a vision of how you can help.

Create a buzz piece. We’ve all downloaded one of theses at some point. This is that really enticing guide or special report that is free and available from you.

As explained in The Wealthy Freelancer, a buzz piece is “an information piece of some kind that is designed to attract prospects.” It could be anything from a checklist to a how-to guide or a workbook. It’s usually available as a downloadable PDF from your website.

After reading that a buzz piece only needs to be 5 to 10 pages in length, this is definitely a device I want to use.

Lastly, keep your eye on that bullseye. No matter what your target, keep aiming for it and you'll eventually hit the mark!

Photo via Flickr user jamespuckey.

Low Paying Freelance Writing Gigs: Jump Off That Train, Quick!

2011-01-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

There was a time when I thought I couldn't afford to turn down freelance writing jobs, even if they paid well below my "bottom line" price. Not surprisingly, around that same time, if a potential client balked at my pricing, I would instantly respond with a lower quote.

This mindset led me to work really hard (and not really smart) for very little money. Because I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my work, I still felt the need to do proper research and edit myself thoroughly, even though I was being paid peanuts.

Even so, I wasted a lot of time, and I dealt with a lot of unnecessary stress. Then one day, former WM blogger Carol Tice told me that I didn't have to take those jobs, that it was ok to hold out for the gigs I wanted. At first, I thought she was full of it, and wrote her off and kept plugging away. After all, I did have some high paying gigs mixed in there with the crappy ones, so I was doing ok, right? And, I thought, holding on to the lower paying jobs seemed like a way to make sure I'd never be without work.

But, when the time you spend on the low paying jobs starts costing you the ability to find the high paying jobs? Well, then, my friend, you're riding that self-destructive train, speeding on its way to writer burnout (and very little to show for it.) See, I could very easily spend 10 hours a day (or more) pumping out article after article for a content mill--and still not make the kind of money I can make if I'm working a solid 5 or 6 hours a day on jobs that I actually A. Like and B. Get paid a decent amount to do.

Are you stuck in the low-paying writing jobs spiral of self-destruction? Does it feel like you're in one of those movies where the train just won't stop? Well, my writer friends, it's time to step it up and jump off that train. So how do you do it?

Buck Up

Start by setting your rates. The 2011 Writer's Market has a great "pay rates list" starting on page 67 that can be really helpful, if you're not sure what to charge. Consider your writing abilities and the level of quality you expect to provide to your clients, and then just do it. I have a rate-range that I work with--one that includes my "low end" and "high end" pricing and requires me to consider the depth of work that might be involved with a particular project.

You don't have to publish this list--just keep it for your own reference. Then, when you get a nibble from a potential client, you can work up your quote based on your pre-determined rates. Personally, I found this practice very empowering, especially when I learned to stick to my guns and not totally freak if someone said I was charging too much.

Speaking of Guns

Stick to yours. Don't let yourself be low-balled. Don't be afraid to walk away--there is always another gig around the corner if this one isn't a good fit. If you're a decent writer who is committed to yourself and your business, you'll find the right gigs for you. Just keep your head up and your eyes open. They show up in the most interesting places.

I had a nibble earlier this week in which a novelist asked me to edit his book. It was around 130K words, and after reading the synopsis, I thought it sounded like a fun project. After I sent over my quote, the novelist responded, saying he was surprised that it cost so much and that he'd get back to me.

I didn't freak out because I knew that it just wasn't the right fit. And because, as a freelancer, I never put all of my eggs in one basket, so I'm all set with my other writing jobs. In fact, this one would have been just a little extra gravy. (One I probably didn't have time for anyway!)

Then today, it occurred to me that I have reached that level--I am officially off the train. I no longer feel obligated to take jobs that pay less than I feel comfortable accepting. And, I have to say, it feels pretty darn good.

So how about you? Are you on that train? Or have you taken that leap of faith and jumped off? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Freelance Writing Business Practices: I Got Ripped Off

2011-01-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

Have you ever been stiffed by a client?

A couple of years ago, I accepted a job at a much lower rate of pay than I'd have preferred, simply because the client came through a referral who had referred me several other high paying clients.

I liked the referral source and wanted to get more referrals--and from her, I learned that this particular client was short on funds and running her own business, so as a fellow female entrepreneur, I gave her an uber-great deal.

As it turned out, the client wanted much more work than I had originally agreed to (and did not want to compensate me for the additional work.) Eventually, she refused to pay the balance of her account. In the end, I decided to cut my losses--it wasn't worth pursuing due to the low dollar amount involved.

I had done everything right, I thought--I required her to pay 1/2 up front before I even began the work, and I had given her a contract that clearly outlined what I would do for the amount she was paying. I made it clear that the balance would be due upon completion of the work we had agreed on.

So what went wrong?

The Client

The client had unrealistic expectations.The amount she agreed to pay me would have covered one article for any other client, and she wanted me to handle her social networking and publicity for several weeks. I did as I promised, and the results were not as she expected.
She wasn't flexible. She didn't want to give away much of anything, even though I explained to her that getting reviews on the product (an app for smart phones) would help to increase its exposure and potentially her sales. Giving a few apps away wouldn't have cost her anything. She could have even made a free version of it, but she felt that it would limit sales instead of increasing them.
She expected that her product would sell far more than it did--and then blamed me when it didn't. Her product was not universally appealing as she thought, and so generally people weren't as interested as she'd hoped. She refused to modify it to make it more appealing, and generally, the product just wasn't a big seller.
Because of these unrealistic expectations, the client felt that she was justified in refusing to pay the second half of her balance, even though I had already done more work than the entire balance would have covered for anyone else.

The Freelance Writer

I was too trusting. I offered her a rock-bottom price because of the relationship I had with the referral source, and because I could identify with her as a woman and an independent businessperson.
I accepted her choice to refuse to pay the second half of her balance in an attempt to maintain a positive relationship with the referral source. Apparently, that didn't work out for me either, as I haven't received another referral from this person to date.
I thought that giving her a clearly outlined plan of attack was enough--but I should have also included a projection/guesstimate of what I expected the results to be from the work I was doing.

What I Do Differently Now

I still require the 50% up front deposit from all clients--but now, I try to communicate more clearly. I also get a contract in place, and generally don't pull any punches when it comes to the potential results of any social networking or social media marketing I might be doing for a client. (This is less often an issue with straight writing work.)
I also make sure to send detailed formal invoices, even if the client says it's not necessary. This not only helps me keep better records--it seems to help the clients too.
I don't give anything away. I am happy to let potential clients take a look at my writing samples, but I don't give them any work for free. If they want me to audition for them, I still charge them a reasonable fee for the work I'm submitting. If the working relationship has the potential to be long-term, I'm more likely to give them a bit of a discount for the audition piece--with full disclosure of the discount and the reason for it. (This is a personal choice for me--many freelancers would disagree with this policy. I use it sparingly and only when I feel like it's worth the risk.)
I choose my clients more carefully. I don't assume everyone is trustworthy, and I don't take gigs if I don't think they're the right fit for me.
I don't bend on my pricing. I might be willing to work with a client within my own price range (I have a high-end to low-end pricing structure I stick within) but I no longer go below my bottom line pricing.

Now it's your turn! Have you been stiffed by a client? How did you handle it? What do you do differently now? Tell us in the comments!

5 Ways to Write the Ending When You're Stuck

2011-01-08T06:00:00.346-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I struggle with endings.

In one of my writing groups, we used to joke about how I needed to go to "ending school." I'd read my piece out loud to the group; it would skip along at a nice, brisk pace; then we'd get to the end, and clunk! Seemed like a buzzer went off - "Time to get the roast out of the oven!" - as I topped the piece off with some doesn't-make-sense ending.

I just finished a column that will be published later this month. The deadline was Friday (yesterday). I had the same problem - the piece moved along at a nice, brisk pace. It had energy, words, purpose - but I just couldn't eke out the ending. What was I was trying to say? How could I keep it engaging? Make it logical? Satisfying?

I kept trying...and trying...and trying. But I just couldn't get the right...words...out. Ugh!

Why do we have so much trouble with endings? Do we feel like we have to make a "grand point"? Are we in school again, feeling the pressure to write that tidy conclusion typical of the five-paragraph essay? Or do we suddenly lose confidence in everything we wrote prior?

Well, here are five things I've learned - and am still learning - to do to push past that point.

1. Let it simmer. Sometimes, my brain just needs a rest. It can't think anymore. It's out of creative juice. So I put the piece aside for as long as I can (depending on the deadline!) and see if my brain will refresh itself. After a day or two, sometimes the ending comes. Sometimes in the middle of the night. (Of course, if I don't get up and write it down, I completely forget about it by morning.)

2. Go back through the piece and look for threads. Earlier references can provide clues to a satisfying ending. Maybe they are metaphorical, maybe they are anecdotal, maybe they are humor-based. Whatever, there are frequently clues within the piece that, if I put my analytical hat on, help me write an ending that works.

3. Be brave enough to say what I really meant to say. Occasionally, I chicken out. I don't want to reveal my true feelings. Or my point-of-view. So that's when I get into trouble with convoluted endings that don't make sense. Just say what I have to say! And say it how I say it. Not how someone else would say it.

4. Call or e-mail a trusted writer friend or relative. Right now, that would be my brother. I'll send him something I'm struggling with. He understands language so precisely that he seems to know what I'm trying to say. Then he helps me get to my previous point, #3.

5. Relax. Sometimes, I just can't worry about the perfect ending. Maybe it's not gonna come. This time. And a decent ending will have to suffice. This is a great tool for those of us that get caught up in our neurotic tendency for perfection. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

How do you handle endings? Are they a struggle? How do you finally eek one out?

We're moving! Starting February 1, 2011, you will find us at
http://wmfreelancewritersconnection.com. Don't worry, you'll still
have access to all of our existing posts here on this site, but future
posts will be on the new site. And, as an added bonus, new subscribers
on the new site will receive a free ebook from The WM Freelance
Writers Connection bloggers.

photo by ba1969/stock.xchng

2010 Tax Rules Freelancers Should Know

2011-01-06T06:00:00.004-06:00

by Taqiyyah Shakirah Dawud

The new year ushers in bean-counting time! I interviewed Ryan Himmel, CPA, registered securities analyst, and founder and CEO of BIDaWIZ.com to get some valuable information on tax rules of thumb, and learned of some surprising mistaken and overlooked write-offs for freelancers. Read on.

Q: First of all, what makes a deduction acceptable?
The IRS requires business deductions to be “ordinary and necessary” for your profession. Take advantage of deductions for things like office supplies, mileage for travel to client meetings, professional books and journals, and means of communications such as cell phones and the Internet.

Keep in mind that only a portion of some purchases can be written off. If you buy new fonts for a project and use them half the time for work and half the time for personal use, deduct just half the cost of their purchase price. The same goes for things like landlines and Internet connections. Estimate how much you use them for business use, and deduct that portion.

Q: How should we use depreciations and deductions?
For bigger ticket items like computers, depreciate the purchase over five years, or deduct the entire amount the year they’re purchased. To determine what’s best, think about possible changes in your income over the next five years and whether you think tax rates will go up or down in that time. Take the largest deductions when income and tax rates are highest.

Q: What about home office space?
If you have a dedicated home office, you can write off related expenses. If your home is 1,500 square feet and your office is 150 square feet, deduct 10 percent of your mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, real estate taxes, and similar expenses.

Q: What is the most common mistake freelancers make in their write-offs?
Commingling Funds. Many freelancers don't set up separate business bank accounts, or they don't account for personal and business expenses separately. Interest on credit cards and vehicle and travel expenses for business purposes can get mixed into personal funds, making it more difficult and time consuming to figure out what is really deductible. It also makes it difficult to provide a clear audit trail if you need to track down expenses for an audit.

Q: What is the most common overlooked write-off?
Self Employment Tax (13.3% = 10.4%* Social Security/2.9% Medicare). It’s shocking how many people miss this tax deduction. It may be so obvious that it's overlooked. You can deduct 50% of your self employment tax. Also, keep in mind that the new Bush Tax Cut Extension Bill provides a 1-year 2% reduction in social security tax; it’s normally 12.4%, but in 2011 it will be 10.4% for all wages earned up to $106,800.

Q: What is the most unique write-off you've seen legally submitted?
Customer clarinet lessons. Not for freelance music teachers, but for their students. The IRS maintains a rule that clarinet and lesson expenses can be considered treatment for the improper alignment of a child's upper and lower teeth, so parents can deduct it. Some teachers even use that as an incentive for prospective customers. Definitely one of the stranger deductions I've seen.

Q: Is there any other related information you'd like to provide?
Make sure you’re up to date on the ramifications of the Bush Tax Cut Extension recently signed into law by Congress. There are many changes impacting freelancers.

BIDaWIZ.com is a leading online marketplace where business owners and consumers alike can get answers to tough finance and tax questions from licensed business experts. Ryan Himmel has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox Business, Crain’s New York, among other notable publications; and regularly contributes to the community with his finance and tax blog. Contact Ryan at ryan@bidawiz.com or on Twitter @BIDaWIZ.

8 Ways to Make Your Writing Jump Off the Page

2011-01-05T15:20:00.007-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to become a better writer this year. Along with investing in classes and learning from others, there are a few things I want to do.

There's a quote by Tom Clancy that goes, "Life is about learning; when you stop learning, you die." It's important to realize that no one ever "makes it." Life is a continual process of growth and change. We're all in this together and making your writing even better makes you more valuable.

So, on the note of living more and starting 2011 with the best of intentions, here are some things I'm going to do to make my writing better:

1. Use the spell checker.

This is a small thing, but I've lacked my spell checker for far too long. When I recently realized my Microsoft Word was playing tricks on me and NOT spell checking every word, I knew I had to fight back. Since I’m not a champion speller, I decided I had to resurrect my use of the spell checker.

Those 30 seconds are worth my peace of mind!

2. Eliminate adverbs.

I dislike adverbs, except when they emphasize a point. I use “truly” and “very,” but only when I mean it.

Most adverbs end in “ly” and they slow the reader down. Sometimes this works, but for the most part adverbs add excess padding. They're like big boulders you’re climbing over. A few boulders add some color, but too many and you’re not going to get to the other side.

3. Capture readers with headlines.

Carol Tice writes about the importance of headlines on her recent blog post, why writing killer headlines will change your life. She explains that from blogs to query letters, strong headlines lead to more clicks.

This is how I think it works: We love to learn and have our minds opened. It makes us feel more alive. That’s why we love traveling to new places, riding roller coasters, and falling in love. Headlines that simulate the mind and ask good questions get us thinking and coming back for more.

4. Write with emotion.

If you can infuse emotion into your words, they will jump off the page. Better yet, if you can get the reader to feel something, you’re on your way to great writing. This is especially true if you’re trying to sell a product—or sell yourself.

Simply put, people make decisions based on emotion. If it feels good, they stick around.

5. Write with smarts and personality.

Before I jump into a project I’m going to think more about my audience and write to them more personally. I know that if I can capture their intellect and their desires, my writing is stronger. There is a small piece of myself in every project, so I'd like that piece to be great.

6. Take risks.

Most of the time when I do something that I’m uncertain about or that is new, the results are positive. Risks are where innovation happens. Risks create vision for you and your clients. They are usually worth any perceived "mistake."

7. Read more.

To make my writing jump off the page I vow to read more—and also read aloud. I am also going to read more books for pleasure because I think reading another voice expands my own.

8. Find clients who appreciate you.

If your clients aren’t rewarding you or giving you the appreciation you deserve as a writer, your writing will fall flat.

On the flip side, when you’re getting praise, you are on cloud nine. Each time your client is delighted—and is compelled to share this with you—you share in this delight. This makes your writing even better because you know it's making a difference.

Photo via flickr user :Ree

Writing Tips: Understanding Title Case Capitalization

2011-01-04T06:12:00.002-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

Often, clients will require writers to use title case capitalization in order to meet a project's guidelines. Title case capitalization is a form of writing headlines that requires the first letter of all major words within the headline to be capitalized. Sounds simple right? Well, not always. Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine which words should be capitalized and which should be left alone. This can become even more confusing if you aren't sure which form of title case capitalization a client wants you to use.

Title Case Capitalization

Title case, which is sometimes referred to as Headline Style or Up Style, requires the first and last word of the headline to be capitalized. But, it isn't just that easy. You must also capitalize all nouns and pronouns, as well as adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Oh yeah, don't forget the subordinating conjunctions (because, as, that, etc.).

Most style guidelines agree that articles (an, the, etc.) and coordinating conjunctions (or, for, but, etc.) shouldn't be capitalized, unless they are the first or last word of the headline. While these rules apply to most who use title case capitalization, there are some exceptions, like those used in The Associated Press Stylebook. According to this, only the principle words should be capitalized. This includes prepositions and conjunctions as long as they consist of four or more letters. This guideline also states articles can be capitalized as well.

Are you confused yet? Most often, it is recommended you pick one form of title case and stick with it unless a client specifies on which format they would like you to follow. While I use title case every day, I don't always get it right. Luckily, I have a found a little helpful tool that corrects where I have made capitalization mistakes. This wonder tool is TitleCase.com

Photo Courtesy of "Large Group of Letters" by JR3

Make Extra Money With Reprints: How Freelance Writers Can Legally Double Dip

2011-01-03T11:30:00.000-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

Looking for a way to boost your writing income without too much extra work? Consider selling reprints! A reprint is exactly what it sounds like--a re-publishing of a previously published article or piece of work. Many writers make thousands of dollars each year on reprints alone.

So how do you do it?

Look Forward

Since you must own all rights to your work in order to sell is as a reprint, negotiate your contracts carefully the first time you sell your articles. If you sell "all rights" or sign a "work for hire" contract, you are signing over your rights to the publisher or client. This means that you no longer own the work and cannot republish it. So, if you know ahead of time that your article has reprint value, read the publishing contract thoroughly, ensuring that you understand exactly what's going to happen.

In some cases, publishers will include an exclusivity provision, which means that while you're temporarily selling your rights to reprint, they often revert to you after a specified time period. Other contracts will permanently prohibit reprinting the story in any competing publication. Bottom line: know what you're getting yourself into before you commit.

Look Back

Now that you know what to do to facilitate your ability to sell reprints in the future, look back at the work you've already done to see if anything has reprint potential. If you own the rights to an article or other piece of work, you can sell the reprint rights.

Make it easy on yourself by cataloguing any work that qualifies for reprint sales. Categorize titles, topic areas, word count and dates available for reprinting. Consider using an Excel or Google Docs spreadsheet so that you can easily sort and search your catalogue list. And, as you write new stories that may later qualify as a reprint, add them to the list.

Selling Your Reprints

Selling article reprints is an easy way to increase your freelance writing income with minimal effort. When you own the rights to your previously publsihed articles, you can republish them (and be paid more than once for the same piece of work.) Many freelance writers add thousands of dollars to their annual income by simply selling reprints.

When you're ready to begin selling reprints of your articles, it's time to start scouting out the appropriate markets. First things first, consider the types of articles you write, and seek publications that typically print similar stories (and that are interested in publishing reprints.) So where can you find these publications?

Check the Markets

Check well-known markets, such as Writers Market and The Freelance Writing Jobs Network (FWJ.) You can also look at places like our writing opportunities and Writing Job Resource for leads. Look specifically for publishers who are interested in purchasing previously published work. These might include small-circulation and regional newspapers and magazines, as well as trade publications. Be sure to read writers guidelines carefully.

Direct Contact

Call or email your local regional newspapers and magazines as well as those in neighboring states to find out if they'd be interested in purchasing reprints of your articles. This works especially well with stories that are seasonal, evergreen or otherwise universally appealing.

Repurpose for the Web

Another high-potential reprint market for your articles is the Internet. There are countless websites purchasing content every day. Whether you sell a reprint for online publication as is, or you optimize the article using SEO first, the 'net offers an endless supply of possibilities for reprint sales.

Sell PLR Packages

PLR (private label rights) packages include a specified amount and type of content for a flat fee.The customer who purchases this package is able to modify the content to fit his own needs, including changing it to his liking and even claiming it as his own. This works well for blog posts and other online content as well as ecourses, and many writers report that they do very well selling PLR packages.

Stan Carey on Freelance Editing - Part 2

2011-01-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

by N. Strauss

Have you thought about offering freelance editing services in addition to your freelance writing? We asked freelance editor Stan Carey to share some tips based on his experience.

This is the second part of our conversation with Stan Carey. Click here to return to Part 1.

WM: What kind of training or background do you think a freelance editor needs?

SC: You can arrive at editing from almost any background, I think, so long as you have the appropriate aptitude and skills. My path was quite unorthodox; as a freelance editor I’m largely self-trained. I have a background in science, a TEFL qualification, and a lifelong love of art, writing, and literature. All these elements have helped train me for a career in editing; they have fostered in me a critical eye, patience and flexibility, attention to detail, enthusiasm for research, endless curiosity, creativity in problem-solving, a love of clear communication, and an appreciation of the diversity of people’s ideas and their means of expressing them.

WM: What types of editing clients have you had? How did you find these clients? Has your blog been helpful as a marketing tool?

SC: My clients are a diverse group. They include business people, researchers, academics, creative writers, human rights organisations, webmasters, students (mainly mature students), civil servants, law firms, and entrepreneurs. Usually it’s the clients who find me. This happens through referral from a previous client or from another editor, or after they see an ad or come across my website or blog.

The blog, Sentence First, has been helpful in many ways. From a business point of view, it lets potential clients see that I know what I’m doing. It also enables them to get a sense of my editing style, and to get to know me a bit if they don’t already. It’s not always easy for writers to submit their prose for alteration, especially by an unknown party. So the blog helps with credibility and trust.

As an aside: Writing a blog can also bring unexpected rewards in the connections you make with people around the world. Twitter, too, is useful and fun; it’s full of writers and editors sharing links and ideas and talking shop.

WM: Could you offer some advice to new freelance editors on how to market their services and find clients?

SC: I’m reluctant to advise on the marketing side of freelance editing, because it’s an area I have much to learn about! It helps that Ireland is in some ways like a big village — it’s a good size for business based on word of mouth. A lot of my work comes from returning clients or through referrals.

You could place ads in suitable publications, directories, and venues. Join local business groups and online social networks. How to market your services will differ according to personal circumstances, such as the circles you move in (online and offline) and the types of editing you’re interested in. The most important thing is to do impeccable work.

WM: Could you offer some advice on communication with the client during or after the editorial project?

SC: This depends on the client and the project. I offer various channels of communication, because some clients like to discuss things by email, while others prefer phone conversations or text messages. Often there’s a mix. Sometimes there’s very little communication, for example if a client has a busy job and a family and other commitments. The type and extent of communication can change. Now and then, especially on long projects with local clients, we meet to chat in person.

Taking editorial changes as an example: Normally if I see something in the text that I’m unclear about, I insert a comment. Whether it’s a one-off problem or a recurring one, it’s important to bring it to the client’s attention, but not to do so intrusively. Clients can review comments whenever it’s convenient for them. Some are very interested in the editing process, and we might discuss, say, the best way to cast a certain sentence. Others just let it happen and don’t get involved in what I’m doing any more than they need to. I’m happy with either approach.

When I’ve completed and returned a project, I usually make a point of stressing my availability for last-minute advice. I know from experience that clarifications are apt to be sought right up to (and after) a deadline. Writers are under a lot of pressure, particularly towards the end of a project, so I let them know I’m just an email or phone call away. With repeat clients, where the rapport is likely to be stronger, this goes without saying. But I say it anyway.

WM: When and why should a freelance writer hire an editorial service?

When to hire an editor depends on a lot of things, such as the project type and requirements, whether there’s a deadline, and how much the editing would cost. If a writer is struggling to give a project shape, they might want to involve a developmental editor early in the process. (I’m not a developmental editor.) Attending a writing course or seminar might be a better option at a given moment, or simply spending more time practising the craft and applying it effectively and ruthlessly to the material.

Why hire an editor? It’s partly the wood-for-trees problem. If you write, you’ll recognise the difficulty of assessing your work accurately beyond a certain point. We end up too close to our text, emotionally and intellectually. Mistakes and weaknesses become invisible through overfamiliarity. If we abandon it for a while, we gain a measure of critical distance from it, but never quite enough; and taking breaks is time-consuming. An experienced pair of eyes, fresh to the text, will spot things the writer won’t. A faulty comma here, a dangling modifier there, a lapse in logic in between — right there, in that knot of abstraction.

Joseph M. Williams put it well. “When we read our own stuff,” he said, “all we’re doing is reminding ourselves of what we wanted it to mean when we wrote it. That means that we are our own worst editors. We are constitutionally incapacitated from looking at our own writing the way others will read it.” As a writer and an editor I’ve found this to be true, and it’s why clients commonly express surprise at how much they find their prose improved by even light editing.

Automated grammar- and spell-checkers are unreliable, and a single typo can undermine a lot of hard work. People spot mistakes, and they make decisions based on the quality of communication. In a UK Royal Mail survey in 2005, 74% of people said they wouldn’t trust a business that used poor spelling or grammar. Careful readers can tell at a glance when prose has not been professionally edited. Whatever you’re submitting, distributing, or trying to publish, it should be free of basic errors. This makes a strong and lasting impression, and shows respect for readers' time and attention.

You can learn more about Stan Carey from his professional website and from his language blog, Sentence First.

Want to see some language train wrecks that could have been prevented by a good editor? Check out Italian to English translation bloopers on the TA Professional Translation Services blog.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T06:00:00.041-06:00

To all our readers - thanks for keeping up with the WM Freelance Writers Connection. May your writing life in 2011 be happy and successful! We'll be back tomorrow!

Until We Meet Again...Write On!

2010-12-30T06:00:00.006-06:00

By Carol Tice

More than a year ago, I read -- don't even remember where -- that WM Freelance Writers Connection was looking for a regular guest blogger. I contacted site co-owner Angie Atkinson. Next thing I knew, I'd written more than 50 posts for this blog.

No idea how I did that.

Being a regular weekly guest blogger was an experiment for me. It's a big time commitment.

But I was excited by the idea of banding together with six other women and seeing if we could build a successful writers' portal together. I loved the idea of blogging in a group as opposed to by my lonesome. I was intrigued by the challenge of learning to write for a slightly different audience than my own. And obviously -- given that I already had a very full plate of paying gigs -- I was just a little bit crazy.

I've loved being one of the regular WM bloggers. I've made great friends on here that I'm hoping to keep as I continue on my writer's journey. But you can probably smell where I'm going with this.

It's time for me to move on.

I'm at the point where I've recently dropped two paying clients. I'm afraid I need to pare down my volunteer gigs, too.

My business has just exploded in the past 18 months. My Make a Living Writing blog went nuts and had to be moved to a private server, I've guested on Copyblogger, had my own blog post retweeted by Darren Rowse of Problogger (the latter is even scarier!), and most recently my blog was a finalist for the Top 10 Blogs for Writers contest at Write to Done. Out of 518 nominations, I made the top 20.

I'm kind of still panting in a corner over here, trying to figure out how all that happened. But I want to say I think those bigger social-media and blogging successes would never have happened without the work I put in guesting here on WM. Though I've been writing professionally for a long time I didn't have a ton of blogging experience. I got that here.

I feel grateful for the opportunity, and think it was valuable for me. If they haven't already found a replacement for me, you might consider applying for this gig.

I'm not going away mad...or even really going away. I'll still be popping my head in now and then with the occasional post. And I'm planning a live, free teleclass with Angie and Alyssa Ast in January -- so we can talk more then.

Until then, keep on striving to improve your writing. I know I will.

Photo via Flickr user Keith Williamson

Stan Carey on Freelance Editing - Part 1

2010-12-26T04:30:00.001-06:00

by N. Strauss

Have you thought about offering freelance editing services in addition to your freelance writing? We asked freelance editor Stan Carey to share some tips based on his experience.

Below is the first part of our conversation with Stan Carey. Look for the second part of the interview next Sunday.

WM: Could you describe some of the types of editing work you do?

SC: The texts I edit vary considerably in type, length, and complexity. In size they range from one-page ads and DVD covers to long fiction and doctoral theses. More often, projects are either medium-small (e.g., essays, presentations, and brochures) or medium-large (e.g., websites, reports, and Master’s theses). Most clients use Microsoft Word and request that changes be tracked.

A document might require proofreading, which involves checking for typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, poor punctuation, and inconsistent formatting; or it might need a more in-depth edit, in which case I also attend to syntax, style, coherence, readability, word choice, and so on. With reports and academic texts, I’m sometimes asked to tidy appendices, crop images, create or restyle the table of contents, and help in various ways with layout, preliminary material, and final sections, including references.

Some clients have a clear idea of what they want done, some leave it to my discretion, and sometimes there’s a short discussion first to agree on what’s needed. With first-time clients, I offer to edit a short sample for free, so they know what to expect. Unless I’m instructed otherwise, I take care not to interfere with the writer’s voice any more than is necessary.

WM: Could you offer some advice to those of our readers who are interested in launching a freelance editing career?

SC: Do it for love. Well, that applies regardless of what you do. If you want to be a freelance editor, do it for love of good writing, love of clarity and eloquence, love of the beauty, variety and potential of verbal expression. If you don’t enjoy it, you shouldn’t do it.

You might have to refresh your grammar. You should know your way around the subject. Be aware of the difference between grammatical rules, stylistic conventions, and personal preferences. Be able to identify and argue against pseudo-rules: they are legion. Investigate contentious points of usage. Collect and compare language style and reference books. Be ready to let go of cherished assumptions. Better yet, discover them before they surprise you. Don’t get hung up on pet peeves. You can be passionate and dispassionate at the same time. Be objective but not remote, fussy but not judgmental.

Write and keep writing. Learn from mistakes. Read everything. Read dictionaries and detective novels, instruction manuals and old poetry. Read great writers especially. Be sensitive to narrative structure. Stories are everywhere, awaiting readers and listeners. We make worlds from tiny tales, and even the driest prose hinges on a ‘someone’ doing something (e.g., driest prose hinging). Whether you’re editing fiction or non-fiction, find the characters performing the actions and build paragraphs and plots around them. Readers will thank you for it.

One more: Don’t overdo the imperative mood.

WM: Are there any websites or books that you would recommend for freelance editors who are just getting started?

S.C. There’s an abundance of excellent online references and resources, including dictionaries, books, blogs, corpora, databases, and grammar and style guides. I link to some of my favourites in the sidebar of Sentence First.

A good reference library is invaluable. Among the books I keep within arm’s reach are: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary, Garner’s Dictionary of Modern American Usage, The Oxford Manual of Style, The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage, three editions of Fowler’s Modern English Usage, and a row of specialist dictionaries. They’re more fun than they might sound.

I also have a few shelves’ worth of books on grammar, writing style, language history, and linguistics; those I’ve found particularly useful in the context of editing include Joseph M. Williams’ Style: Toward Clarity and Grace, William Zinsser’s On Writing Well, Arthur Plotnik’s The Elements of Editing, Rodney Huddleston and Geoffrey K. Pullum’s A Student’s Introduction to English Grammar, and Ernest Gowers’ The Complete Plain Words.

You can learn more about Stan Carey on his editing website and his linguistic blog, Sentence First.

Want to see some language train wrecks that could have been prevented by a good editor? Check out Spanish to English translation bloopers on the TA Professional Translation Services blog.

A Visit from St. Nicholas - Inspiration for Writers

2010-12-24T06:00:00.007-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

These legendary lines have been read to children for more than 180 years. While there are those who question its authorship, Clement C. Moore’s poetic painting of Christmas Eve, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” is evidence that writing for joy can be more than enough.

Moore was inspired while on a shopping trip into town (by sleigh, no less), and recited the resulting work to his children – a special holiday moment for one family alone. It was a friend who submitted it to a newspaper, thereby, and most unwittingly, giving the world and several generations one of its most beloved traditions of Christmas.

As you read this wonderful story to your children, grandchildren or even to yourself, keep in mind that your words, whether tucked in a drawer, shared with a friend or printed for the world to see, are precious observations – the world as seen through your heart and your mind and your experiences.

Moore’s poem was as melodic and delightful when it was a father’s story for his children, as it is now that it’s a story for the ages.

As you make plans to grow your freelance writing business or to find ways to make money at the work you love, I encourage you to recognize the extraordinary gift you’ve been given. Don’t write for publication alone. Don’t write for money alone. Save some of that talent to write for the joy of your loved ones, to tell another human being that they matter to you, to compliment the work of a stranger, to make someone’s day through the flourish of your pen.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

WMF readers … this will be my last blog post. Thanks to Alyssa Ast and Angela Atkinson for the opportunity to share my thoughts about freelance writing, and to you, for reading them. Best to you in your writing endeavors!

How Freelance Writers Can Create a Killer Resume

2010-12-23T06:00:00.003-06:00

By Carol Tice

Resumes have been important to writers forever. Writing a strong one could really help you land better gigs.

I recently took a writer survey on my blog about what readers would like to learn, and I got a request from Catherine to talk about how to create a killer writer's resume. So I'm going to answer that now:

I don't think a resume is important for writers anymore.

Before you run around the room screaming and tearing your hair, let me explain why.

I don't believe anyone actually reads resumes anymore. I'll send my resume out on job ads that say a resume is an absolute requirement. Otherwise, I'd never think to include it in my pitches or marketing to prospective clients. I believe even the job-ad posters skip right over the resume and look at your pitch or your clips, anyway.
Resumes are boring. Seriously. "Joe freelanced for Modern Refrigeration Magazine from 2002-2009"...zzzzz. Is that really putting you in the best light?
Resumes don't tell much about how good of a writer you are. You might have worked as a staff writer somewhere for years, where you were always considered the weak link in the writing team.
Increasingly, markets don't care about your track record. If you've got a couple of solid clip links you can email, you're good, especially with online markets. Many editors and marketing managers don't have time to study your entire career -- they read a couple clips and decide you're good for it.

So if resumes are obsolete, what's replacing them?

For now, a short bio. When I'm asked for a resume, unless it's a job-ad robot Web site where I can't progress without attaching my resume file, I direct the prospect to look at my short bio on my Writer site. I believe it is far more compelling and enlightening in describing my background. It's less than a page long, despite my having been at this for about 20 years, so it mercifully sums up a lot, fast.

Consider that a good query or job pitch has a one-line bio at the bottom of the pitch page. That ought to do it.

The bio format allows you to simply tell the story of your writer's journey -- where you've written for, the type of work you do, the type of writing you enjoy.

People like to read stories way more than they like to read lists of jobs you've had previously. The bio format also makes it easier to throw any awards you've won up near the top. I find many prospects are easily impressed by awards, so getting them up high is a good move.

Also, the bio format allows you to top your story with the best credits you've got. There's no compulsion to put things in chronological order.

For instance, I once wrote a couple articles for the college edition of the Wall Street Journal (before the Internet, darnit). I'm going to say it was about a decade ago. But in a bio, I could put that in the first line, since it's such a smokin' hot credit. On my resume, it's so long ago it wouldn't even make the second page -- which as we all know is a page nobody reads.

Beyond bios

In the future, both resumes and bios look to be headed for the scrap heap. New, cooler ways of acquainting people with what we do are emerging.

One I recently learned about is Labels.io. Still in beta, this site allows you to present your experience in a concise, nifty graphical package. You create a bunch of quick tabs labeled by past client. You give it a top paragraph to introduce the package, and you're set. Load in some key words on jobs you'd like to be found for and presto -- it's easy for prospects to locate you and verify you have the experience they want with a couple of quick clicks.

I'm confident Labels won't be the only graphical alternative-resume idea we'll see in the next couple of years.

As someone who's had to review resumes and hire writers myself (edited an alternative paper in San Pedro, Calif., for a year or so early in my career), I can say I look forward to the changes. Resumes are dull, and at this point the Internet ought to offer a better way for us to get hired.

Are you still using your resume? If so, leave a comment and tell us how you've got your resume organized, and if you think your resume still helps you get jobs.

Photo via Flickr user yellow pages

The Top 3 Things That I Learned About the Writing Life This Year

2010-12-22T18:40:00.009-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

I get into reflection mode this time of year. I don’t know about you, but I’ll think back and wonder what I should have done differently--and then come to the conclusion that everything is as it should be. Even though I’m not where I wanted to be in terms of the income goal I set for myself earlier in the year, I feel successful. Here’s what I know:

1. Desire Is Everything

I made a pretty firm decision at this time last year to put my energy into freelance writing. I didn’t really have a plan (yeah, and it helps to have one…), but a desire. I think we all kind of start out that way. I may be more of a risk taker than some people, but I jumped right in and hoped it would work out. I don’t think the universe ever gives you more than you can handle and that has been true for me. It helps tremendously to have a support network, such as the other women who write this blog and the readers who comment. Even though we’ve never met, all of the other writers and entrepreneurs out there are such an inspiration to me.

2. This is an Amazing Life

Sometimes I feel like all I have done is struggled as a writer and trying to make it work, while other times I am thrilled with this writing life I have created. Those of us who are writers are so fortunate to be able to do what we love. I also love the thrill of having every day be different. When I had an office job, it was just too… easy… I’m not sure if that is the right word, but working for yourself is rewarding (and hard), but in a good way. I have the world’s greatest schedule, my “office” is this wonderful coffee shop, and it feels great to be helping my clients. I’m pretty happy these days and I know it’s because I have allowed myself to break out of the mold and take this journey.

3. There Are All Kinds of Writers

My first exposure to writing was fiction writing. I have a basis of story telling and knowing how to create emotion and real-life characters through words. So when I first heard the word “copywriting,” I didn’t know what it meant. When I tried it for myself and realized I was pretty good at it, I still wasn’t sure what I was doing, only that my work was being praised—and it felt so natural! As this year has gone by I’ve realized every writer is different and has different talents to share with the world. Some writers are naturally journalists, while others really shine as copywriters. It helps to market your strengths and step out of the way from jobs that are better suited for a different type of writer.

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great holiday and thinks about their “wins” for the past year. I am taking more responsibility for creating the life I want than ever before. And as I do this, I feel this wonderful love and light in me that is so thankful to be a writer.

Photo via Flickr user cocoip

Red Flags for Author Websites

2010-12-21T11:21:00.004-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

Often, when I stumble upon a blog or piece of web content I enjoy I will checkout the writer's website to learn more about them. Sometimes, I am completely taken aback by what I find. I often run across sites that don't follow author/writer website tips and I am caught with red flags on these sites that make me question the writer's level of experience and professionalism. Here are some of the red flags I see that cause me to pause while learning more about a writer.

Content
Content is key when it comes to your writer/author website. Your website content MUST be related to writing, keep the personal stuff out of it. Yes, it is acceptable to mention your children, but clients don't want to know the life history of your kids. Content filled with typos and the misuse of words is a major red flag for a client when searching for an experienced writer. Typos tarnish your credibility as a writer. Also, content should be written in 3rd person, not 1st person. 3rd person is much more professional. Remember to keep your bio picture professional. A client is not going to care about a glammed up picture or a picture of your dog.

Website Info
I know not everyone can afford to buy a domain, but you really should make this investment. Unprofessional and unrelated URL's for your website can really turn a person off from your writing skills. Be very careful when you create a URL. Contact information is equally as important. I don't know about you, but if I am looking for a qualified writer for a project, I am most likely going to avoid a writer who has an email address of "hotlipsmamma" or "desertrat." Your email should be simple to remember and either your name or something related to writing.

There are tons of writer/author websites floating around. While it is ok to view some of these to create an idea for how you want your website to be, remember to keep it original. I see so many websites that are nearly identical to one another, and it makes me question how is one writer any different than another writer? Always make your website unique so you stand out to a client from other writers they are considering.

If you need help with your author/writer website, remember our very own Angela Atkinson offers free website reviews to offer tips and advice to make the most of your website. Also, her book, The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites, is very helpful as well.

Mailbag: Where should I place my content for maximum exposure?

2010-12-20T12:05:00.002-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

Today, we have a question from a reader who wonders how to decide where to place his work. He writes:

Dear WM Freelance Writers Connection,

I am now writing for Suite 101 and Associated Content, and looking at a few others.

Is there any general feeling as to which type, category article does better on each site? In other words, how do I decide which type or category article I am writing goes on Suite vs AC vs any other sites?

My specialty is financial Planning and Investments - I am doing various types of articles - commentary not on news but on various brokers and TV shows, descriptive articles such as investing in Bond Funds vs individual bonds, some How To articles on retirement planning, etc.

Sincerely,
Peter Owen
Trendline Financial Solutions

Dear Peter,

First and foremost, I would advise you to consider other outlets to promote your work. If you're looking for exposure, you might do better to focus on your own website (which I think looks really professional and could get you far more positive attention than AC or Suite 101.) You could then focus your efforts on marketing your articles through various social media sites and in financial planning related forums and groups. If you're writing for the money, then you already know that content mills aren't worth your time in the long run (though I think they make a decent stepping stone for some people.)

I get the impression from your website that your goal is to draw in new financial planning clients by writing helpful and well-researched articles to showcase your expertise in the area. This can be a highly effective marketing tool.

One high-traffic option for getting your company's name out there is to post for free on Ezine Articles. Many businesses report great success with this type of publicity. Check out this post for more information about how it can work to your advantage, and this one for a success story about a writer who used Ezine to her advantage.

While you can get good traffic on sites like Suite 101 and AC, the problem with them is that they're not heavily edited or fact-checked, and most people "in the know" are aware of this--so the information may not appear as legitimate as it might on another site. That said, only a small percentage of your potential clients are likely to be "in the know," because for the most part, only writers and editors in the industry are aware of the stigma that comes along with content mill sites.

Rather than focusing on the categories in which to place your articles, I would advise you to focus on optimizing them for search engines. Using some basic SEO tips, you can increase each article's visibility and the potential for traffic (and customers) to your website.

If you're looking to make money with your freelance writing, I would suggest putting together a separate author website to advertise your services. If you're looking for advice on how to do that, check out these posts, or pick up my book, The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites (on sale for 1/2 price this month.) It will also serve you well to set up a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter account to help promote your freelance services. You might also join some writing groups at LinkedIn to gain support and advice from your fellow writers.

Sincerely,

Angela Atkinson
The WM Freelance Writers Connection

Don't miss my interview over at Deliberate Ink today to learn more about how my partner Alyssa Ast and I started The WM Network!

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: 10 Creative Writing Websites

2010-12-19T06:00:00.002-06:00

by N. Strauss

Write fiction or poetry? Here are ten websites to keep you inspired in 2011.

A Writer's Diary
Cynthia Harrison is a creative writing teacher, a fiction writer, poet, and memoirist, and author of a book about writing, Your Words, Your Story. In her blog, A Writer's Diary, she shares her thoughts on inspiration and craft, her experiences with publishing, and the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of her writing life.

Advice to Writers
Jon Winokur's blog features memorable quotes about writing by writers. Recent posts include Mark Twain on "books that refuse to be written," and Ray Bradbury on why writing is like sex.

Build Creative Writing Ideas
This website by writer, actor, and film producer Bryan Cohen offers an enormous range of writing prompts and ideas, in addition to advice on time management and creative motivation. You'll find pages of prompts organized by themes such as love and death, as well as information about Bryan Cohen's 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts e-book. In case that's not enough, Bryan Cohen also offers free customized writing prompts and coaching in return for your sharing your creative writing on the website.

Language is a Virus
This creative writing website is full of prompts and games for fiction writers and poets. Try the automatic character name generator, or use a tool called Linguasso to generate random word art. Join other website visitors in collaborative writing activities, such as an online version of the Surrealist poetry game Exquisite Corpse.

Markham Village Writers
This blog of a local writers' group includes content relevant to writers around the world, such as author interviews, articles about craft, information about upcoming writing contests, and links to many useful resources.

Poet Hound
Poet Hound is a blog dedicated to connecting poetry lovers and poets. Check it regularly for poetry writing ideas and challenges; information about poetry competitions and publication opportunities; literary news and original poetry found around the Internet.

Skhye's Ramblings
Author Skhye Moncrief offers advice on writing romance and other genre fiction on this blog, which has recently included a number of interesting posts about background research for novels.

Stony River
An exciting feature of this writer’s blog is Microfiction Monday, where readers are encouraged to write tiny stories of only 140 characters in response to a visual prompt. The blogger also shares her own clever responses to the prompts.

Write to Done
Write to Done provides advice on technique, inspiration and writing habits for creative writers as well as copywriters and bloggers. Don't miss their recent list of best writing blogs, which includes WM blogger Carol Tice's excellent blog Make a Living Writing (Congratulations, Carol – it’s well-deserved!).

Write101.com
Founded in 1998, Write101.com is now a classic among writing websites. What will you find there? The real question is what won’t you find there! The website’s vast collection of articles covers every imaginable genre from fiction writing to lyric writing, and includes topics from the nuts and bolts of grammar to book royalty negotiations. Write101.com also offers a free e-mail newsletter with writing tips which has gone out every Friday since 1998.

Sign up for Creative-Writing-Now.com's 7 Days of Inspiration and get a new story idea by e-mail every day for one week. It's free! You'll also find hundreds of other story ideas on the Creative-Writing-Now.com website.

New Year's Inspiration for Writers: Progress, Goals within Reach, and Bad-Ass Ambition

2010-12-18T06:00:00.188-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I hadn't blogged much (or at all!) before I started writing here a year ago. Didn't read blogs. Hardly went on Facebook. Did NOT see the point of Twitter. And I was lucky if I had 30 LinkedIn connections.

How quickly life changes.

Now I read blogs. I write blogs. If I let myself, I'd waste just as much time on Twitter as I do Facebook. And I have over 150 connections on LinkedIn.

I also went up the ladder of writing gigs, because even though I had decent publication credits, I wasn't sure how to rev up my writing career after my corporate job was eliminated. So I experimented with content mill writing and the Examiner. By year's end, I worked my way into a bi-monthly parenting column on Patch; a column that focused on working moms for a regional parenting mag; and a regular gig profiling businesses for a local lifestyle magazine.

I've also had a few other interesting freelance gigs and opportunities come my way - and I've seen the value in overcoming my own anti-social tendencies by networking - in person!

I don't think this would have come about had I not gained the confidence I got by blogging here every Saturday. We all have to start somewhere, don't we? So let me thank Angie and Alyssa for the opportunity to write about whatever writing topic comes to mind. I also enjoy watching my fellow bloggers here on their own writing journeys. I love being a part of this group.

If there's one takeaway for today, it's this: if I can do all this, so can you. Just keep putting one foot in front of another, even when you don't know where you're going. (I didn't know. Just had an idea.)

With that in mind, let me share a few goals I have for myself - some reachable, some crazy ass.

Goals I'm pretty sure I can achieve in 2011

1. Use Kerrie McLoughlin's Get Published in Regional Parenting Magazines eBook to sell reprints and pitch a few new ideas.

2. Do additional research on issues important to working moms and continue to sell working mom columns to parenting magazines.

3. Continue to write and grow with current writing gigs and nurture relationships with editors.

4. Continue to grow online presence and "authority" (I found that term in a social media book) - the more "published" you are, the more authority you are SEEN to have, which results in more work.

5. Continue to flex networking skills both online and in-person.

6. Promote marketing communication skills and try to find corporate and small business writing gigs.

7. Make my website more entertaining.

Crazy Ass Goals I'd Be Lucky to Pull Off Before I'm Dead

1. Interview Kid Rock for local parenting magazine - he lives around here and is raising his son, Bob Jr. (I think that's his name), as a single dad (hopefully, minus the strippers!).

2. Publish some vague idea of a book I always have rummaging around in the brain - humor? memoir? advice? Anyway, one that sells and sells and sells...and ends with me chatting up Ellen or Oprah or...you get the idea.

3. Big-ass famous columnist...

4. ...whose columns are inspiration for television series.

5. Hire someone to do our laundry.

Crazy-ass, huh? Ah, well, they're fun to think about.

What about you? How are you progressing? Have any crazy-ass goals?

photo by guitargoa/stock.chng

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: A New Attitude for a New Year

2010-12-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

The posts this week have been wonderful, inspiring, specific and goal-oriented. My contribution may be less of a rally, because I have no tips for you or specific plans for taking my freelance business to the next level in the new year. I'm not sure what the new year will bring because the old year has been quite a mix of surprises despite what I thought I wanted to do with it!

All year you've probably gathered, through reading or actually experiencing it, that it's not easy to get paid writing work on a regular basis, to mind the business side of having a business, or to publish creatively. Between doing nothing and doing it all, what do you do in the new year to progress?

On this blog you can see great examples of how to set goals, work hard, tune in through social media channels and take advantage of networking opportunities to start a freelance business in earnest. If this is what you want to achieve you should definitely follow the advice here. I've had some success with this and can tell you that's exactly how it works. No shortcuts.

This year I freelanced at my own pace, taking jobs here and there while working a part-time job. My jobs came from existing contacts close to home. I was fortunate but I also worked hard to earn their trust long ago.

The ebb and flow of life did a lot of flowing this year. And that's okay. I keep reminding myself, people first, the Great American Novel, second. My part-time job has now turned into an all-day job and I love it. I'm writing every day and doing creative projects that I enjoy. I work with amazing and gifted people who inspire me both personally and professionally.

Naturally this happened at the same time that through the diligent process I reference above, I landed a contract writing job with an excellent rate of pay that may or may not turn out to be a regular gig. I'm not sure what will happen but I'm thrilled to find out. It's also at the same time that the word is trickling out and through contacts of contacts after putting up my website I'm getting inquiries from Florida and Pennsylvania and Massachusetts as well as locally. My reach has grown (I'm in Wisconsin). A long-buried creative project is nagging at me in a most profound way again. I've turned some opportunities down.

I used to ask the universe what I should do, where I should go with my writing. Do you know what the universe said? "You can do whatever you want, my dear. Pick!" Not so helpful, that universe.

My point is that writing can be whatever you want it to be. You can fit it into your life however you wish but it's up to you to decide. It's a skill that you can turn up and down like the burners on your stove and once you figure that out you've got it all. How lucky are you? You can do anything!

What you can't do is to stop writing.

I don't know what the new year will bring. But I hope it brings to all of us renewed confidence in our abilities and the focus we need to put words on the page, one after another, and then send them out to the universe in the best way we know how.

New Year's Inspirations for Writers -- Celebrate Your Achievements

2010-12-16T03:44:00.007-06:00

By Carol Tice

When I look back on the past year, I get very excited about what's to come next year. I think it's a great time to look back and appreciate what you've done in your writing career in the past year.

So often, as we grind along day to day, it feels like we're not making any progress at all, doesn't it? It's also a function of human nature that we tend to remember negative events more than positive ones. That's why at our house, on Friday nights at dinner, we go around the table and talk about our highlights of the week, as a way to anchor those positive thoughts and make them more prominent. We don't take enough time to celebrate achievements and mark milestones in our lives.

I took a look back at 2010, and was surprised to find that somewhere in the teacher conferences, family visits, dog walks and other activities that make my life full and rich, I also got some writing done! Here's what has me feeling inspired as I review 2010:

The trend toward using freelancers looks to be permanent, meaning we freelance writers are perfectly positioned.
The trend I'm seeing in Web content is toward better quality and higher rates.
For the fifth year in a row, I made more this year than last year as a freelance writer, and I expect that trend to continue. I see so much opportunity out there for freelance writers.
My blog won international recognition as a top blog for writers, and I actually started to earn a little money from it! Really excited to think I will hopefully be able to spend more time next year on my passion -- helping other writers earn more.
I held my first Webinar, and have more events planned, including a free call in January with fellow WM writers Alyssa Ast and Angie Atkinson! Can't wait to hear from some WM readers live.
I joined A-List Blogger's Club, learned a ton, and met a lot of very talented bloggers. I know the knowledge and connections I'm making there will continue to help me advance my career in 2011.
I also joined NAIWE, the National Association of Independent Writers & Editors, which gives you a free WordPress blog site along with your membership. I know I'm going to make great new connections at this wonderful organization, too.
I published my first eBook...finally! Definitely planning at least one new eBook in 2011.
I got a half-dozen different nibbles to ghost other people's books and eBooks this year...and next year I feel strongly that I'll end up actually doing one of these gigs.
Finally, I've been making time to read books again, and that really keeps me fired up to write -- and maybe even somehow find time to start on that hot young-adult fiction series idea I've got stuck in my head. I read about everything by Barbara Kingsolver, Zeitoun by Dave Eggers, Peony in Love by Lisa See, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro...and many more.

What's your inspiration for 2011? Take a moment to reflect on your writing journey this year, and then leave a comment and tell us about your milestones, and what has you fired up for the new year.

Photo via stock.xchng user Lockheed

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: Make Your Wish List

2010-12-15T17:39:00.002-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

I’ve noticed this strange phenomenon that when I write down my goals they are way more likely to happen. On the other hand, when I just merely think about my goals, the results don’t seem as likely to materialize.

I know there is something powerful about putting pen to paper and writing down what you want, being clear and specific. I’ve seen this kind of practice create results for myself and for other people just by the act of writing. So, next time you’re sitting down, take a moment to make a “wish list” for yourself as a writer and for your life.

There are a couple different methods for making wish lists. You can write for a set number of time or write things on your life when they come into your mind. One exercise I did a long time ago was to spend 30 minutes writing down 100 things I wanted to accomplish in my life. The time limit was great because I literally had to write as fast as possible, and the ideas started getting crazier the longer I made the list.

It’s also helpful to start your list with things you’ve already accomplished so that it stays in present tense (and to honor how far you’ve come). You can make places you check off items—and plan on marking them off. With another year of life ahead, things will continue to evolve, both as a writer and on a personal level. Having a wish list is another way to celebrate and create possibilities.

Here’s some ways to make your wish list:

Be selfish. Go ahead and say exactly what you want. This is like your wish list to Santa Claus you wrote as a kid. If you were flipping through a catalogue of “what is possible for a writer,” what would be on your list? Try: Write a bestseller. Win an award. Have more time and energy to work, etc. I think it’s good to also add personal items and lifestyle choices on your list. Think in possibilities and write down those burning desires in your heart!

Get some help. The website Creating Your Best Life has ideas for writing 100 things before you die lists. Obviously, the focus is on life and making the most out of yours. For me personally, being a writer is much more than just about writing. It is about being creative on a daily basis, having the freedom to manage my own schedule, and using my strengths in the best possible way.

Hang it on the wall: I can still remember the office where one of my friends had her list of goals written out. Since then, she has moved to Hawaii and seen many of her dreams come to fruition. It’s interesting because even though things didn’t turn out exactly how she wanted on her goal list, they actually turned out even better for her.

Plan to cross off items: Even if some things on your wish list sound crazy, they are not. Overtime, those crazy ideas like “writing for a living” become a reality and one day you wake up and realize it’s happening. Put the list where you can see it with a pen nearby as your intention to cross off goals. You might also find that lists you made 5 years old that are hidden in drawers contain a lot of what is happening now in your life right now -- so don't be afraid to declare what you want to happen next.

What would your writer “wish list” say? Better yet, go make one right now!

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: Looking at the Bigger Picture

2010-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

For the past couple of years, I've spent my time writing "in the now," taking my writing journey as it comes and not really planning ahead for the bigger picture. Sure, I've increased my goals every year and have accomplished them, but these have all been relatively short term goals. As the New Year quickly approaches, I now seem it's time to start thinking long term, such as where I want my writing career to be in 5 years. My focus for 2011 is to set the foundation for my long term goals, by taking actions and increasing my involvement in the writing world.

1. Changing Focus

This year, I've come to realize, although I enjoy freelance writing, my true passion lies with journalism. Therefore, I plan to change my focus from freelance writing to journalism. In 5 years, all of my kids will be in school and I'll have the freedom to get a job outside of the home. So, for the next 5 years I plan on increasing my knowledge within the journalism world and refining the skills needed to succeed with journalism. For 2011, I plan to workout the kinks and refine my AP style skills to set the foundation for landing a true journalism gig.

2. Transitioning to Print

If you know me well, you know I have a weird obsession with paper- the way paper smells and feels, the smell of a new book or magazine, and just the overall joy of holding something well written in my hot little hand. This year I had the joy of publishing my first book, The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe, and I must tell you, when I held the print edition in my hand for the first time the was a feeling like none other. Knowing you've written something great is one thing, but actually holding it in your hand is a completely different feeling. I've been talking about trying my hand out in print for quite some time now and my goal for 2011 is to finally take that plunge and actually start trying to get published in magazines and other print forms.

3. The Million Dollar Manuscript

It's every writers dream to write that million dollar manuscript, although many writers never succeed with actually getting on the best sellers list. Even though I know the odds are against me, I'm still going to try to write that GREAT story everyone must read. I plan to sit down and start creating an outline and plot for that great story next year and become focused enough to sit down and write it. And who knows, maybe I will just write that million dollar manuscript.

4. Money! Money! Money!

Another goal I'm striving for in 2011 is MORE MONEY!! Even if we hate to admit it, money is a huge motivational factor. I want to get to the point that I have created a stable and full-time income without having to worry about that income fluctuating from month to month. I know I can do it, it's just going to require a little more hard work and the power to stay motivated to write full-time 5 days a week.

New Year's Inspiration for Writers: Getting Organized and Staying Focused

2010-12-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

Image Credit: Billy Alexander

This has been a great year for me professionally. I've worked with a number of great clients, picked up a fun new gig with Patch.com, and have recently signed a new long-term client. I released my first ebook (which happens to be on sale for 1/2 price till the end of this month.)

I added web design to my list of freelance services and worked with my partner Alyssa Ast, WMN's senior admin Pam Houghton, and all of the amazing WMN bloggers and admins to continue to build the WM Network.

I've made new connections and new friends. I have generally been more successful in my freelance career than ever before. And, being a positive-thinking kind of girl, I look forward to continuing to build my freelance career.

As I look to 2011, I realize that one of my major challenges is keeping track of the large number of projects I may be managing at any given time.

That's why my career goals for the New Year include refining my organizational process.

Enough About Me...

Our regular readers know that we're not all about self-promotion here at The WM Freelance Writers Connection. We're about sharing information and helping our fellow writers. So, considering my own goals for the new year, I thought you might like to know about a tool I've recently discovered for helping me stay organized. And, I think, this tool could work for any freelance writer.

Folks who know me might be surprised to learn that this is not one of my beloved Google tools. In fact, it's a Microsoft Office tool--one that you probably already have on your computer (at least, I did.) I recently put out a question to my social networks and writers groups: How do you keep your freelance writing assignments organized?

I got all sorts of great answers, from using whiteboards and notebooks to using expensive and complicated systems. And then, in one of my LinkedIn groups, came forth an angel in disguise: a fellow writer who told me about a little tool called Microsoft OneNote.

What It Is

OneNote is sort of like a Trapper Keeper*, but like a million times better and conveniently located on your PC. You can set up multiple notebooks, and within those notebooks, multiple sections. Within the sections, multiple pages.

On the pages, you can place text boxes that sort of function like sticky notes that you can freely move around and place anywhere on the page. You can also use Excel spreadsheets, Word tables, photos, web pages, emails--the sky's the limit.

You can easily create to-do lists (complete with satisfying little check boxes), assignment sheets or employ a number of other templates--or you can completely customize the page to your heart's desire. And you can connect it to your email program and calendar, among other things. Since I'm still new to this tool and need to wrap up this section, take a look at the OneNote blog for more info.

Why I Love It

Considering all the features mentioned above, it's perfect for what I need. I have combined my spreadsheet of current assignments, developed a page for today's priorities (handy!), one for source info, meeting notes, follow ups, etc. I have also given each current client and gig a section in which I keep notes and ideas, emails and any other specifics on that job. I've got one for my book, one for the WMN and one for other miscellaneous gigs and sites.

Also, there's a sidenote feature, which acts like a sticky note and will stay on top of windows. It's a handy way to take notes and brainstorm, among other things, and it's super easy to move the info to the section and page of my choice once I'm done--just drag and drop.

OneNote is incredibly easy to learn to use (just took me a couple of minutes) and even easier to set up. I have honestly been looking for a tool like this for years, and I can't believe it was under my nose the whole time--already installed on my computer. Please note: I am not being paid or compensated in any way for this post. I just really love this tool and thought it might be useful to our readers.

What's Next

I plan to continue to work on building my business. I'm looking at putting out a couple of ebooks next year on varied topics and continuing to build the WMN and my personal networks. I'm excited about the new gig with Patch.com and looking forward to seeing where it takes me. I'm enjoying working with my new long-term client and helping him build his business, and I might just have a couple of other surprises up my sleeve! Stay tuned!

Your Turn

So how about you? What are your career goals for 2011? Any writing resolutions you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments!

*For our younger writer friends, back in the old days of the 80s and 90s, Trapper Keepers and their little attached internal folders were all the rage for the hip student.

A Book for Writers: Drop Everything and Write!

2010-12-12T05:58:00.009-06:00

by N. Strauss

(Full disclosure: The book's author, Linda Leopold Strauss is my mother, AND she sent me a free review copy of the book.)

Drop Everything and Write! (E & E Publishing, 2010): An Easy Breezy Guide for Kids Who Want to Write a Story is a friendly, hands-on guide to writing stories. It's suitable for beginning fiction writers of all ages; however, it is principally aimed at young people who want to write.

“I wrote this book for kids middle-school age and up, but to my delight, it’s also been a hit with adults interested in writing, even a ninety-year-old friend who just sent me a story she wrote that was inspired by the book," the author told me. "Evidently one is never too old to 'Drop Everything and Write!'”

Drop Everything and Write!:

encourages young writers to view writing as fun.
engages active participation, breaking up the text every page or two with a writing exercise.
presents essential principles of craft (narrative point of view, plotting, dialogue) with such clear language and examples that even children will easily understand them.
divides story structure into "beginnings," "middles," and "endings," explaining what should be accomplished by each.
offers helpful advice on overcoming fear of the blank page, how to deal with feeling "stuck," and when it's time to take a break and go for a walk.

Linda Leopold Strauss told me that she wanted to write a book that could serve as a companion, guide, and coach for young writers. "I truly believe that the ability to write well is something you can learn, not something that’s handed down from on high to just a few chosen people. But first you have to get past the fear that you won’t be good at it. This book is designed to show young writers that writing can be fun, to ease them into the process with entertaining exercises, and then to teach them the skills they’ll need to write a complete, well-structured story. "

Click here to find Drop Everything and Write! on Amazon.com.

Find more writing ideas and tips on how to write a story at Creative-Writing-Now.com.

5 Ways Engineering is Like Writing

2010-12-11T06:00:00.121-06:00

By Pam Houghton

Stress!! I may be exaggerating that a bit. But I should be stressed - I have purchased exactly one Christmas present. One!

Stress!!

So I have to get this blog post written quickly.

Today, kids, I'm going to talk about how engineering is like writing. Only because in my last and final corporate role as a quote-un-quote - and I use this term looooosely - I was a so-called manufacturing engineer for a technology services corporation. (Never mind that I was a right-brained Human Resources major in college. Even THAT doesn't make sense.). In the process, I actually discovered a few similarities between the two. Believe it or not. So let's get on with the very sexy topic of how engineering is like writing, shall we?

1. Jazzed by problem-solving. Engineers love to figure out how stuff works, then take things apart and put them back together when they don't. Don't writers do the same thing when they struggle with a piece that just isn't working?

2. Quality control. Engineers are fascinated by quality - achieving top results using better and more efficient methods after much trial and error. (This kind of sounds like "jazzed by problem-solving," but I don't care - I'm in a hurry.) Aren't writers fascinated by quality too? Especially with all the editing and revising and rewriting that goes on to make a piece perfect? As if there is such a thing, that perfection thing there.

3. Work alone. Engineers aren't afraid to work alone and focus until goals are achieved. Well, do I really have to spell this one out for writers? Okay, I will. Writers work alone. Until goals are achieved.

4. Independent thinkers. Man, let me tell you, engineers are independent thinkers. They don't care what others think as long as they are confident in the logic of their own thinking. Writers really have to be independent thinkers too and believe in their work, even when others may not like it. (Now I sound serious.)

5. Outside-the-box thinking. The best engineers aren't afraid to think outside-the-box, as cliche as that term has become. Writers almost have to think outside the box too if they are going to prove others wrong and become successful even when the odds are stacked against them.

I'm sure there are more ways, but dag-nabbit, I've got some Christmas shopping to do. But not before I ask the question that I'm sure will result in a hundred million responses: how do YOU think engineering is like writing?

Three Essay Markets for Non-Fiction Writers

2010-12-10T07:15:00.002-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

I opened up a folder and out tumbled an essay I was working on back in April. I had it edited into something I felt was marketable and then moved on to another project. Had I submitted it, it would be out there in the writing universe working for me while I pursue other projects and doodle in my notebook. In exploring potential markets I realized someone else might be doing the very same thing.

A word of caution, two of the three state in Writer's Market that they don't accept simultaneous submissions, which means my essay won't be knocking on doors but lying on an editor's desk for potentially six months. One of these markets buys all rights. Which means once the essay has done its job, I can't submit it as a reprint for some overtime pay.

Here are the three markets I'm targeting:

The Sun Magazine

Publishes essays, interviews, fiction, and poetry. Favors personal writing, but also looking for thoughtful, well-written essays on political, cultural, and philosophical themes.

Pays from $300 to $2,000 for essays and interviews, $300 to $1,500 for fiction, and $100 to $500 for poetry. Nothing more than 7,000 words (really).

Purchases one-time rights. All other rights revert to the author upon publication.

Send complete manuscript, double-spaced and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (Poems may be single-spaced.)

Send submissions to:

Editorial Department
The Sun
107 N. Roberson St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

The Threepenny Review

Publishes essays, expose, historical and personal experience.

Pays $400 per story or article of 1,500-4,000 words.

Purchases first serial rights.

Send complete manuscript and include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Not reading mss until January. Do not send until after January 1, 2011. Watch for new online uploading submission tool or send via snail mail only.

Send submissions to:

The Editors
The Threepenny Review
PO Box 9131
Berkeley, CA 94709

Here's an interesting quote on website from the author of the new book "Freedom" that caught my eye ...

"There are vanishingly few magazines left in this country which seem pitched at the general literary reader and which consistently publish such interesting, high-quality criticism, reflection, argument, fiction, and poetry… Threepenny is thankfully still out there."
—Jonathan Franzen

I'm providing a link to Franzen's "After the Show" interview with Oprah Winfrey for a glimpse inside his writing process that you may find interesting. He tries to get to work before he fully wakes up so he can write like he's dreaming. I also thought his simple comment that "it's fun to be writing and no fun not to be," pretty much summed it up.

Plum Magazine

Plum is a patient education tool used in obstetrics care. It includes information on preconception, prenatal medical care, nutrition, fitness, beauty, fashion, decorating, and travel for the 35+ expectant mother. It also covers newborn health with articles on baby wellness, nursery necessities, postpartum care, and more.

Needs: essays, how-to and interview.

Pays 75¢-$1/word for 300 to 3,500 words. Buys all rights (does offer a kill fee).

Email query to editor@plummagazine.com

If you don't have an essay tumbling out of your folder, use these guidelines as inspiration to start one. What can you write about from personal experience today?

When to Walk Away From a Writing Job Offer

2010-12-09T06:00:00.015-06:00

By Carol Tice

As a writer begins to market their writing, more work offers turn up. Because I've marketed the heck out of my writing business for about the past two years, I have a lot of work offers flowing my way.

But not all of the offers turn out to be wonderful. A recent writing-job nibble I had illustrates what can go wrong, and my criteria for when to walk away from a writing job offer.

The lure of a big project

I've had about a half-dozen different nibbles about ghosting a CEO's book over the past year or so. None panned out before I had my eBook out. But since putting it out in September, I'm more hopeful this is going to work. An book assignment for a major business figure could easily be a $15,000-$20,000 project or more, and I love big projects.

So I was excited to hear from a contact who formerly worked with a company I'm connected with, which matches writers with executives who need a ghostwriter. Now, she told me, she was striking out on her own and might have a project for me.

I began by checking her out online. The company name didn't Google at all, her phone was a cell, and her email (which didn't end with her companyname.com) was set up to make you jump through a hoop to avoid being tagged as spam.

It didn't seem very professional. Didn't get a good feeling there. But she said she was just starting up. So I played along. After all...book! I was seeing big dollar signs.

Many weeks rolled by and she stayed in touch. Then one night I got an email from her. The project was now on the front burner. They were auditioning writers that week.

Could I please take a look at the rough draft she'd attached, and then rewrite a chapter of the book in the next 24 hours...for free?

Woah. That's just so many different kinds of wrong, it stopped me in my tracks.

First off, most experienced writers I know don't do auditions. You look at my clips, you hire me. They give you plenty of sense of what I can do.

Second, this CEO has had a book idea in a drawer for years, and now he's going to decide who will help him turn it into the book that will make his reputation in one day? Sorry, but that just doesn't compute.

Third, my contact forwarded me a copy of the CEO's work without having me sign a nondisclosure agreement. She mentioned in the email that she'd like me not to disclose it...but at that point, having signed nothing, I could have reprinted his draft all over the Internet. She didn't seem to know the legal side of the writing world.

Fourth, the 'rough draft' file she'd sent me wouldn't load in my computer. My Mac thought it was in Excel 2004, which I no longer have. My husband tried it on his computer, and totally freaked. His computer thought it was malware. "Run now," he says.

Finally, my contact said the CEO's big worry was that he couldn't find a writer who would be able to capture his tone and writing style. So now he's going to audition writers without even having a 10-minute conversation with them, so they can hear how he talks?

If he really would do that, he doesn't care how this book turns out. The whole thing had a bad smell to it. But...$20,000! I wanted that money. I wanted to figure out a way where doing this audition made sense.

Use your lifeline

When I'm presented with weird situations like this, I try to check in with my writer friends for a second opinion. (Yeah, my husband's not a writer, so his opinion didn't carry a lot of weight here. Sorry hon.)

In this case, I called Anne Wayman from About Freelance Writing, whom I've gotten to know putting on our 40 Ways to Market Your Writing Webinar recently. Her primary business is ghostwriting.

I ran it by her. She did not encourage me. As I suspected she would say, she told me she does not write entire chapters as a tryout. I agreed that it was too much work to do on spec. "Say you'll write five pages as a sample," she told me.

This was exactly what I'd been thinking I'd offer. Five pages is a decent-sized sample.

My contact was pressing me for a price quote too, on this draft I'd never seen and was supposed to write a whole chapter of in 24 hours flat.

I told her five pages was my sample proposal, and $15,000-$20,000 was my estimated range.

She passed.

I was basically relieved, since otherwise I was going to say no. Playing along with this "audition" would have likely wasted oodles of billable hours.

My husband's assessment of the offer I think could be right: "Bet she's going to 'audition' 20 writers, have them each write a different chapter, and get the book done free," he says. He could be right about that, too.

To sum up:

When should you walk away from a writing job offer?

When it doesn't pay appropriately.
When they want an audition.
When it smells fishy and your gut tells you to run.
When the company doesn't check out.
When there's too much work involved.
When the prospect doesn't know copyright laws.
When your writer friends tell you to pass.

Have you walked away from a freelance writing offer recently? Leave a comment below and tell us your story.

Breaking news: I learned last night this blog is a finalist in Write to Done's Top 10 Blogs for Writers contest. Special thanks to all the WM readers who took the time to go over to WTD and nominate my blog! I'm grateful for your support.

Photo via Flickr user ianmalcm

What Would Make the Biggest Difference in Your Writing Career?

2010-12-08T12:34:00.005-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

What did you put into motion this year? Did you get new clients? Did you meet financial goals? Did you put a lot of effort into your work?

Most of us will find that whatever energy we put out comes back to us. If you were energized about finding work, you probably found it. If you were energized about being frustrated, you probably found more frustration.

Knowing what’s happening with you right now is really important. From a place of clarity you can decide if you want more of what you’re getting or if it’s time to try something new.

So, take a moment to ask yourself: What would make the biggest difference in your writing career? This is the best time of year to look at your “writing harvest,” honor the good and the bad, and plant the new crops (if you will!) for next year.

Here are some suggestions:

Work with a mentor or mastermind group: They say it’s hard to succeed all alone and if you look at almost anyone, they have a support system in place that fuels their goals. If you’re ready to get serious, consider hiring a mentor, like Carol Tice, or joining a mastermind group with other writers or business owners.

Stop dreaming and start doing: This is my personal biggest struggle. I am amazed at people who quickly want something and get out and do it. Those people are my inspiration. For me, it’s time to get over the initial anxiety and take action for what I want. Lately it has hit me that nothing and no one is holding me back but myself!

Pump up your confidence: There is a huge amount of validation when someone tells you you’ve done a nice job—or when you get published. Start looking for these opportunities. Share your work. See your name in print or online at a place that has been calling you. Perhaps the biggest difference for you might be the ability to believe in your work.

Raise your standards: Decide that you will not take on any new work unless it pays XX amount. You could even have an amount in mind per month that you want your future clients to pay you. While still being practical, this is a way to empower yourself and declare an intention of your worth. No one want to be undervalued, so start raising the bar.

Cut out the trivial: Maybe the biggest difference in your writing career is time. Maybe you’ve over booked your social calendar, yet you’re yearning to write more. Maybe you need more help with other responsibilities. I know an older couple who retired and were looking forward to relaxing only to find themselves busier than ever—and not happy about it. Even though it was hard, they stopped going to their weekly card game (even after 10 years!) because they recognized they were “over it” and needed to move on.

What one really powerful decision could make the biggest difference for you?

Photo via Flickr user koalazymonkey

4 Tips for Overcoming Your Writing Fears

2010-12-07T10:54:00.004-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

It's not uncommon for new writers to have fears when it comes to their writing. Whether it involves the fear of sharing your work with others or the fear of whether or not you're good enough to be a writer, holding your fears in will only stall your writing journey and limit your success. You must learn to overcome your writing fears to ensure your future as a writer. These 4 tips will help you overcome those fears, allowing you to grow as a writer.

1. Stop Comparing Yourself

To overcome your writing fears, you have to stop comparing your writing abilities to those of others. Every writer has their strong points, just as every writer has their weaker points. Every one's writing style is different and comparing yourself to the qualities of other writers won't do you any good. The more you write, the better your writing will become. Don't let your fear of not being as good as another writer hold you back.

2. Learn to Take Risks

Overcoming writing fears involves taking risks. If you don't take any risks your writing career won't move forward. You will remain in a comfortable groove and never continue to grow as a writer. The worst thing that can happen is someone will tell you "no" or that they don't like your writing, which is perfectly fine because every reader has their own taste when it comes to what they enjoy reading and every editor has a certain idea of material they are looking for. If you don't take any risks you'll never take that leap forward.

3. Find a Support System

When overcoming your writing fears, it's very helpful to find a support system, whether it be a fellow writer or a mentor. By doing so, you can have someone support your writing, celebrate your milestones, and even offer constructive criticism to help you improve as a writer. Check out the WM Freelance Writer's Connection Writing Buddy Program to get yourself set up with a writing buddy or mentor!

4. Share Your Writing

Many new writers are often afraid to share their writing with others. This is probably the number 1 fear that must be overcome. You'll never succeed as a writer if you keep your writing concealed in a dark box. To overcome your fear of sharing your work with others, start slowly by showing your work to those you are close with, such as family and friends. Next, move onto trusted critique groups or writing groups. By doing so, you will overcome your fear and learn some helpful pointers in the process.

All writers have a fear about their writing at some point, but overcoming those fears is the key to your success. What are some of the fears you have had to overcome? How did you move past those fears?

5 More Holiday Gifts for Writers: One for Every Budget

2010-12-06T14:58:00.003-06:00

After Rebecca's awesome post on gifts for writers (and considering my own difficulties in coming up with a decent wish list for the holidays), I thought it might be appropriate to share five more holiday gift ideas for freelance writers. Maybe it will help you in making your own list, or maybe you're someone who loves a freelance writer and needs ideas. In either case, here are five more creative holiday gift ideas for freelance writers!

A Digital Voice Recorder

A digital voice recorder can come in handy for any freelance writer. It can be used to record interviews, take verbal notes for stories and ideas and can even come in handy for non-writing related stuff, like grocery lists and recording your kid's latest joke. Prices start as low as $15 and go up from there, depending on the features and recording quality you want.

Writer's Market/Writer's Digest

Every freelancer needs a copy of the current Writer's Market, and these days, a subscription to the Writer's Market website. Kill two birds with one stone and get the deluxe version, which includes both. And, while you're at it, pick up a gift subscription to Writer's Digest magazine.

The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites (ebook)

Pardon the personal plug, but if you haven't picked up your copy of my ebook yet, now's a great time! Using the coupon code LN77U, you can get your copy for 1/2 price: just $2.50. Even better, you get the format of your choice. Click here for more info on the sale, or click here to go directly to Smashwords and get your copy now.

A Board

Some writers prefer cork boards, others chalk boards--and still others would like a whiteboard. In any case, every writer could use a "board" of some sort for their office wall. They can be used to organize assignments, put up motivational quotes or photo or any number of writerly things. And, in most cases, they're quite reasonably priced.

A Netbook

I got a netbook for my birthday this year and I'm in love! Any writer who doesn't always work at home or in the office could use one of these. They're light and compact, easy to carry and powerful enough to let you surf the net, write your manuscripts, check email and even play Facebook games (not that you would ever do that while you're trying to write, of course.)

And they're pretty cute, if you like that sort of thing. Prices start as low as $149 and go up--and you can even get a free netbook with certain wireless carriers if you're willing to pay for a data package--usually around $30 ish per month--and sign a contract. Personally, I have found that I don't need a data package for my netbook since I usually use it at home or in places where free wi-fi is available.

Note: my netbook has a 10" screen, so it may not be appropriate for people with vision problems.

So writers, how about you? What's on your holiday wish list this year? Tell us in the comments!

A Book for Writers: Your Words, Your Story

2010-12-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

by N. Strauss

Looking for a holiday gift for a beginning creative writer? Will "I’ll finally write that novel" be one of your New Year's Resolutions?

Cynthia Harrison, founder of the classic writing blog, A Writer's Diary, has published a writing book based on her experiences as a writer and a creative writing teacher.

Your Words, Your Story, is about storytelling, whether in narrative poetry, fiction, memoirs, or even screenplays.

What makes this book different?

An unusual multigenre approach, focusing on the common building blocks of different kinds of writing
An excellent explanation of plot structure in terms of a causal chain (Event A leads to Event B, which leads to Event C...)
Writing exercises which practice specific skills, including an interesting exercise to help authors identify their individual writing voices
A guide to critique etiquette and how to filter the feedback received
Advice on non-traditional publishing options such as blogging and self-publishing.

While the book seems to be aimed mainly at beginning writers (in all narrative forms), it also contains useful material for creative writing teachers.

Click here to find Your Words, Your Story on Amazon.

Creative-Writing-Now.com is offering online creative writing courses on how to write a story.

5 Ways I Plan to Market Copywriting Services

2010-12-04T06:00:00.127-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I haven't had a problem lately getting hired to write regular columns - for regional parenting magazines, a new local women's lifestyle magazine, Patch - but I haven't exactly been a resounding success getting hired as a marketing copywriter. I'd really like to change that.

While I love writing columns - I really really really do - I know there's a much better market for writers who understand business, and write the kinds of things that help businesses sell products and services.

Here are a few strategies I intend to deploy in the coming months to hopefully reverse my fortunes!

1. Networking events. Shy, anti-social me has actually kinda' sorta' enjoyed the last few networking events I've attended. Maybe I just feel more confident, like I'm a real writer now. Whereas before I was someone employed in a completely different industry, writing on the side, who didn't feel like I had the cred needed to network effectively. I will continue to attend those that come my way and tap into other writers' expertise (especially writers who work in advertising, marketing and PR) so I can learn how they "did it." I may even pass out a few business cards, dag-nabbit.

2. Hone past business contacts. I still meet regularly with old co-workers, a few of whom have been re-hired by the company that now owns the division I worked for. Most of them knew me in my old role as manufacturing engineer (am I confusing you all by admitting I was in engineering?) but most knew of my writing aspirations. One in particular is a good friend who was re-hired; together we've been plotting ways to get my freelance services hired for their marketing efforts. So far, no success...but I ain't giving up.

3. Re-vamp content on my website. This could be the culprit. Visit, and it just might scream "columnist." I don't think it needs a complete overhaul, but I think I could more convincingly display my capabilities as a copywriter.

4. Follow up even when I don't get "picked." A LinkedIn contact sent a contract writing opportunity my way. It didn't work out (I didn't even hear from the company in question) but I stayed in touch with the contact. She has since invited me to a really cool local networking event. Where I can hopefully deploy strategy #2.

5. Take advantage of some of the great contacts I'm making through local media outlets. Yeah, that's probably one of the coolest things about working for Patch and another local lifestyle magazine I'm currently writing for. Many are refugees from metropolitan newspapers; others have been working in local media for years; some have successful marketing communications businesses. Feel like I'm in a prime position to get to know people who know the business a lot better than I do.

Are you itching to market yourself in a different role? How will you do it?

Social media, branding and the freelance writer

2010-12-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

Social media. You already know it’s something people DO recreationally. (Yes, it can be addictive like a drug, if that’s where your mind just went.) But it’s also used by people and businesses to promote their work up here in the cloud. Writers will, at some point, need to use social media. My caution is to be sure you use it as a strategy and not a soapbox. It’s a multimedia conversation, not a print advertisement.

What’s your brand?

Are you Huggies® or a Brillo® pad? Branding has every bit to do with what businesses have been doing for more than a century to sell their products. So start thinking about the business that you want to become and how you want people to perceive you.

You know this if you’ve spent any time on Facebook. Some people’s posts are just more interesting than others. You look forward to them. You like their links. They make you smile or think. You may even find yourself influenced by their opinions or recommendations. In marketing terms, they have a brand.

Are you already blogging? Great! Are you putting yourself out there and linking back to your blog? Terrific. Through your ideas, links, interests and influences, people are getting to know you and what you are about. This is your brand. Soon you may expand to Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn Groups and more, depending on your strategy and time commitments.

Building your platform to promote your brand

There’s something known as a “platform” that writers build in order to be visible, to develop a following and sell their work. Publishers want to know what the writer can do to market and sell their work; what kind of audience is already likely to buy their book. A bigger following means more book sales. In the age of self-publishing a following is even more critical because the marketing is completely on the author’s shoulders. This applies to all forms of writing, not just books, if you want people to notice you.

Social media increases the size of your platform faster and exponentially. You don’t need to fill an auditorium to speak and promote your book anymore. You can host a webinar! You don’t need to print and send postcards. You can email, Tweet, post to Facebook and use your website to tell the world about it and make direct sales.

Where to start

You may be thinking, “I don’t even know what to write about. Is my niche marketing or mystery writing? Am I Erma Bombeck or Stephen King? A good place to start is with your friends on Facebook. Share links and topics that you find interesting and see what happens. You have a following! Your friends already know what your brand is.

Join the party!

Social media is like a hosting or going to a party. You don’t go to a party and sit in the corner alone, or tell people your troubles. You dress up a little. You mingle. You make nice.

And the people who get a glimpse of your genuine, smart, wonderful and well-written self, are going to want to sit next to you when everyone moves to the table for dinner.

Marketing My Writing: How I Learned to Love It

2010-12-02T06:00:00.013-06:00

By Carol Tice

When I first got back into freelance writing in 2005, I didn't have to do much marketing. I called many sources at companies I'd covered at my staff-writing job at a local business journal, let them know I was freelancing, and it kind of rolled from there.

I called a couple local magazines, pitched them, and got assignments. I answered an ad and found myself writing Web content for a $1 billion corporation.

Looking back, it was a golden time. My career ran easy, like water flowing downhill.

It never occurred to me it wouldn't always be like this.

Then came early 2009, and the downturn started to really take hold. My editors began getting laid off, publications changed, and companies stopped developing content.

I realized I needed to get out there and market myself more aggressively. I needed to make new connections and find new clients.

At first I thought, "Ugh!" I'd never really sold anything to anyone. But over time, I kind of got hooked on the marketing side of my business. I discovered that in a weird way, it's fun. No, I'm not kidding.

Now, I enjoy this side of my business, too -- maybe not as much as I do writing, but marketing is no longer a dreaded chore for me.

You can learn to love marketing, too. Here are my tips:

Keep the online job-ad searching down. At first I wasted hours a day browsing the online job ads, before developing a system for scanning them fast. Now, if I'm looking over online ads, I only taking time to reply to the best prospects. Generally, online job ads are not a source of high-quality leads, so limit your time here, and free up more time for better marketing methods.

Learn more about marketing. If you don't know a lot about marketing, learn. Take a class. Read a book. This is not mystical knowledge. The information you need is out there.

Develop a marketing plan. Don't go in a million directions at once. Take a 3-6 month period, decide what you're doing, and then consistently do it.

Meet live humans. Whether it's in-person networking, cold-calling, or informally shmoozing up shopkeepers in your town, remember that computers won't give you a writing gig -- only people. If networking makes you nervous, you can learn how to do it.

Try different methods. I have done in-person networking at a half-dozen different organizations' events, some cold-calling, sent queries, answered job ads, used LinkedIn features, promoted my writing on Twitter, built my presence in natural-search results for key words, and more. See what works for you.

Approach it like a scientist. Think of your marketing as an experiment. Track what you do and evaluate the results. This helps you take a little bit more dispassionate attitude toward putting yourself out there.

Think of it as a game. Instead of feeling all vulnerable and scared, try to detach yourself emotionally from the process. Instead, think of it as a game of Chutes and Ladders. You go here and there, rolling the dice, trying different moves. When you get a win, it's like Yahtzee.

Be impervious to rejection. Learn not to take it personally when you don't get a gig. Seriously. You want to drop that attitude. It's just business. Have a businesslike approach to marketing.

Persist. This is the most important thing to know. Sending one query letter is not a marketing plan, it's a waste of time. Know that you will likely have to go hard at it on marketing for at least several months before you start to see the results you want.

I had a revealing conversation with one writer online about a strategy I used that got me a great, $1-a-word new client. She said she'd tried that once and it hadn't worked. I said, "Oh. I tried it 30-40 times, and it worked once."

Moral: The persistent marketer gets the gig. So keep going, if you're serious about writing for a living.

Personally, I marketed aggressively -- like mad, really -- for about 18 straight months, gradually rebuilding my customer base until I became fully booked again about 4 months ago. Now, I'm dropping clients and can pick and choose the ones I want again. It feels great, and I know marketing got me here.

How do you market your writing? Leave a comment below and tell us what's working for you.

Get your marketing questions answered -- live! -- by me and About Freelance Writing's Anne Wayman, at Tuesday's Webinar: 40 Ways to Market Your Writing. Register here.

Photo via Flickr user Gusjer

Find Writing Jobs By Taking a Direct Approach

2010-12-01T13:26:00.018-06:00

There has been some talk recently that job boards are not the way to find writing jobs, and I have to agree. If a company advertises a job ad for a writer, they are going to likely get hundreds of responses. I once had to go through resumes at a job and it is a TON of work (on top of your normal duties).

I think it’s still good to apply to find writing jobs, but I am of the notion that to really get a good gig, you have to be proactive in a different way. By proactive, I mean identifying a place you would like to write for and contacting them directly. Here’s my story:

A couple years ago I moved to San Diego determined to get a job in publishing. My intent was so strong that I landed a job within a few weeks. Basically, I went to a networking event, stood up and said what I wanted, and got hired. It wasn’t my dream job, but it was a job. At one point, though, I realized I wanted something more. I hadn’t imagined doing things like data entry. I wanted to work on books and be part of something bigger. So, I called in reinforcements.

Back then I started with the phone book. I really didn’t have a plan, other than getting a better job. I actually flipped to the “Publishing” section and worked my way through a few names, simply asking if anyone was hiring. I got a lot of polite, “No’s” and was told things like, “It’s really hard to get a publishing job in San Diego.” I was so determined that I ignored anything that didn’t resonate with my wish.

When cold calling didn’t work, I decided to Mapquest all the publishing companies within a short drive of my house. I think there were ten or so, some of which probably weren’t even still in business. Then, I changed my approach.

I decided to send out a few letters. These days, I might do emails instead or even contact prospects by marketing through social media. I basically sent my resume and a short one-page letter. It was a friendly, but professional query letter that detailed:

1. My reason for sending the letter (I think this was within the first sentence or two—basically saying I was seeking part-time or full-time work.)

2. A little background about me (I had limited editing experience. So, basically I kept this short, but said I was willing to do marketing or other things for the company.)

3. I emphasized how I could help (I gave the company a vision of what I could offer to help them and kept it broad).

It seemed like a crazy coincidence at the time, but one of the companies who got my letter had just been thinking about hiring someone, but didn’t want to put out an ad. I made it easy for them and got hired.

Even though I moved on from that job a few years later, I have to say it was the BEST experience. So, don’t be afraid to be proactive to find writing jobs. There could be something great just waiting for you!

Photo via Flickr user Milica Sekulic

Are you a natural born writer?

2010-11-30T10:27:00.004-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

Not everyone is cut out to be a writer. Sure, if you can string words together to form comprehensive sentences you can be a writer, but not everyone is a true writer at heart. Some people see others who write and admire their writing abilities, which often causes them to try to mimic those they admire. While there is nothing wrong with this or those who aren't natural writers, these people aren't often natural born writers. Some people are just destined to write, just as some are destined to be a doctor or a lawyer. Some people are just born to write, and those that are born to write are most often those who sell that million dollar book or land that weekly column in a well known newspaper, but of course, there is an exception for some.

I have always known I was born to write, even from a very young age. Everyone around me knew I was destined to write. Writing is the only way I can fully express myself because even though I have a love for words, I don't communicate well verbally. Writing allows me to empty my brain and share my thoughts with others. There is a certain power behind the pen that causes by heart to race. I love writing so much that I even love the smell of a new book. There is nothing greater than the feel of crisp new paper in your finger tips, and the aroma that hits you when you flip through that freshly printed book. I have a high respect for books because I know the blood, sweat, and tears that someone, somewhere put into that book and it makes me cringe when I see someone just throw some one's hard work on the floor or in the trash.

Words are a beautiful thing to me. The way they sound, their meanings, and even their appearance on a piece of paper. Having the ability to vividly paint a picture or sway the opinion of a reader by simply using words has an appeal like none other. So how do you know if you are a natural born writer? Here are some qualities many natural born writers have in common:

Do you think about writing even when you aren't writing?
Do you have relentless thoughts at night that can't be doused until you finally get up to write down what is swimming through your head?
Do you go through with-drawls when you can't find the time to sit down to write?
Are you overcome with ideas that you can't wait to share with others?
Are words like magic to you with the way they flow on paper and paint an image in your head.
Do you get excited at the thought of sharing your words with others?

If you answer yes to most of these questions, chances are you are destined to be a writer. If this is in fact true and even if it's not, never let anyone detour you from your passion to write because you never know, you may just be that next great writer who goes down in history for creating a masterpiece.

Mail Bag: What do you want to know about freelance writing?

2010-11-29T10:45:00.000-06:00

By Angela Atkinson

The WM Freelance Connection has officially launched a brand new feature we’re calling Mail Bag. Here, our readers can email in their writing, editing, marketing and related questions to their choice of our bloggers. One of our bloggers will answer each question, and each has the chance to be included in one of our upcoming posts.

Do you have a question for us?

We love to hear from our readers!

Do you have a question for The WM Freelance Connection’s bloggers?

Would you like to see your name and links in one of our blog posts?

Send us an email at thewmfreelanceconnection@gmail.com

TODAY!

Please note:

If you’d prefer to have your question answered by a specific blogger, please let us know.
Your question may be featured in an upcoming blog post (with your permission.) If you prefer that we don’t reveal your name or even publish your question, we will respect your privacy.

Bryce Beattie on How to Self-Publish a Book

2010-11-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

by N. Strauss

Bryce Beattie is the founder of the blog, How to Self Publish a Book, as well as the popular fiction writing blog, Story Hack. His novel, Oasis, is available on Amazon.com.

In this interview, we asked Bryce to share some tips for authors interested in self-publishing.

WM: What are some pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing?

BB: I could go on all day about this, but here's a synopsis:

Pros of Traditional Publishing: When you are traditionally published, you get access to the publisher's marketing machine. They can get physical copies of your book into stores. Also, you generally get an advance on your royalties.

Cons of Traditional Publishing: Traditional publishing takes a long time – often more than a year before your work goes up for sale. You lose some creative control, things like book title, cover, even editing to a certain extent. Also, it is hard to get traditionally published. You've got to convince a lot of people that you're going to be a success before they pick up your book.
Pros of Self-Publishing: You get total control over your work when you self-publish. You set the price. You choose the cover. You get to keep a much larger chunk of the sales. Self-Publishing can be very quick – it's possible to make your work available to the public in a matter of days. You don't ever have to read a rejection letter.

Cons of Self-Publishing: When you self publish, 100% of the marketing responsibility rests upon your shoulders. Some traditional publishers shy away from authors who have self-published, so if you ever want to go "traditional," self-publishing can hurt your chances. It is very difficult to get into physical stores.

WM: What are some of the decisions a self-publishing author has to make about sales and distribution?

BB: Before you can self publish, you need decide what you want to offer – hardback, paperback, ebooks, or any combination of the three.

Another consideration is how you want to go about it. You can go through a more traditional self-publisher like Xlibris or iUniverse where you'll end up paying less per copy of your book, but you'll have to buy a whole bunch of them at once. Expect to pay at least $1000 to get going with one of these providers.

You could also choose a print-on-demand self publisher like Lulu.com, CreateSpace.com, or LightningSource.com. Print-on-demand publishing requires much less out-of-pocket expense to get going. And by much less, I mean less than $100 or so. I mean, on CreateSpace, you only have to pay printing on a single proof copy.

The distribution channels available to you are pretty well laid out by the self publishing company you choose. In general, you should be able to have your physical book available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and if you use Smashwords to publish an ebook, you can get it listed in the Sony ebook store, the Kobo store, the Kindle store, the Apple store, and a few other places.
And then of course you'll have to pick a price.

WM: Could you offer some advice for self-published authors on marketing their books or e-books?

BB: As a self-published author, you've got to get your name and book in front of as many people as possible. And, if you're like me, you won't want to spend a lot of money doing it. Being a part of an online community can help. I've had a bit of success finding forums online where I'm sure the people would be into my genre of novel. Once I found the forums, I gave away a few copies. The response from the forums more than made up for the cost of the books. Another great idea is to do a blog tour, when you write an article, record a Skype call for a podcast, or do something else for other people's blogs.

WM: Any words of caution about self-publishing mistakes to avoid?

BB: Edit your work. Read it aloud. Get as many people as possible to look it over before you self publish. A work that is full of typos won't sell worth beans. It's crazy how many typos you'll miss if you don't make a major effort. Poorly edited books are the main reason there's been a stigma on self-published authors.

WM: What did you learn from your own self-publishing experience that you didn't know starting out?

BB: Well, for starters I've gained a huge amount of new technical skills, from page layout to graphics editing to file preparation. I've also learned an awful lot about the publishing industry in general, from ISBNs to distribution networks. Also, I learned that anyone can do it. There's no magic to the process and there's a lot a great places out there to help you through the steps.

WM: Could you tell us something about your book, Oasis?

BB: In Oasis, a group of terrorists unleash a bizarre and terrifying virus upon a little desert town. The book focuses on an emergency room nurse's struggle to survive as the city's population quickly degenerate into zombies.

When writing, I was hoping to capture the fun and excitement of the great pulp era without descending too much in the gore and gross-factor that is predominant in many of today's zombie books.

Want to translate your ebook for a global audience? Research options for English to Chinese translation, English to French translation, and more, with the Professional Translation Services Guide.

Writers: How Do You Manage Distractions?

2010-11-27T06:00:00.192-06:00

By Pam Houghton

I've been a little Thanksgiving obsessed all week. Every year, we cram over 20 people into our home for a sit-down meal with turkey, mashed potatoes and Crockpot dressing. (That's right people, I do dressing in the Crockpot. No bird stuffing for me.)

But by the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over, and I'll already be in the beginning stages of Christmas stress. Thinking about shopping I haven't started. Making sure I take a photo of our kids while wrestling the dog into position for our annual holiday card. Buying one of those Christmas trees with pre-installed lights to replace our older, labor-intensive artificial tree.

So what does this have to do with writing?

Oh, nothing, other than a reminder that I still have to squeeze my writing obligations in between all the holiday stress (or vice-versa, I'm not sure which) without going nuts.

Funny, when I worked away from home, while writing on the side and still manning all the holiday junk, I was more efficient. Maybe it's just that old thing where, the more you have on your plate, the more likely "it" all gets done.

Or, maybe you just turn into a machine.

But when you work from home without an honest-to-goodness employer to report to, boundaries get fuzzy. Before you know it, you are frantically searching for the Crockpot recipe when instead you should be writing.

Which isn't good strategy for me when I've got columns to write, gigs to apply for, and a website to promote. This is when I need an old-fashioned dose of self-discipline to glue my butt to the chair.

What if other distractions were eliminated? Would that help the 'cause'?

Maybe. If I were queen-of-writers-who-work-from-home, here's what I'd get rid of:

Laundry.
Dinners with more than three ingredients.
Sweet 'n salty snacks that call my name every 15 minutes.
The View (oh, why do I let myself get sucked in?).
Though I won't get rid of the dog, I might eliminate her need to...eliminate.
Ditto the kids...won't get rid of them, just their request for snacks, after school. Even though they are perfectly healthy, capable, smart teenagers. Whose arms aren't broken.
Sleepless nights that render me incapable the next day.
LinkedIn discussions.
Dirty dishes.

What distractions might you eliminate if you too were king or queen of work-at-home writers?

photo by microbi/stock.xchng

Gifts for Writers

2010-11-26T08:45:00.001-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

In honor of Black Friday, I went shopping for gifts for writers. From fun to functional, invaluable to inspirational, here’s what I found.

Coffee-themed gifts.
Beans, grinder, mug, gift cards from a favorite coffee shop, or (please oh please Santa) an espresso machine.

Unusual gifts and jewelry.
How about a literary action figure for that hard-to-buy-for writer on your list? Shakespearesden.com offers up Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Edgar Allen Poe in finger puppets, too. This above all … the site offers a beautiful sterling silver Mobius pendant engraved with “To thine own self be true.”

Sometimes it’s all in a name, like the Slightly Snarky Bath Salts from Ninth Moon. “Don’t Jump” is my personal favorite. Check out the “Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard” magnets, too. But for a more personal gift, the “You may say I’m a dreamer” pendant is lovely.

The “overlords” at Think Geek have some hilarious, original gift items for all breeds, but some writerly gifts include origami sticky notes, floppy disk sticky notes and the LCD boogie board, a high tech doodling device for procrastinators (or creative concepting, yeah, that’s it). I particularly got a kick out of the “Inanimate character stickers” that turn your stapler or tape dispenser into something you can bounce a title or song lyric off of and not feel so, um, silly, for talking out loud in your office alone.

Inky Girl, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, offers up her writer-themed gift cards at Zazzle. Check out the appropriately-timed turkey card.

I found a few interesting items at Levenger, including the bungee bookmark and the E.B. White bookend etched with a poem. I also think the Atlas pen holder at The Writer’s Pond would make a beautiful desk accessory (and someone else to talk to).

The usual gifts and gift cards.
Sticky notes, moleskin notebooks, bookmarks and gift cards to independent or big box book stores may be obvious but will always be appreciated.

I’ve personally tired of the typewriter and feather pen thing but if you’re into charms, you can find a beautiful sterling silver feather at Amazon.com. That’s also the best location to purchase the latest Writer’s Market Deluxe Edition with online subscription to current (and oft-updated) market listings.

My #1 recommendation always.
Anne Lamott’s book “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.”
If you haven’t heard of this already, buy it for yourself or a writer friend now.

On my list.
Wine rack bookends! My favorite things together at last.

A sassy magnet is the best revenge.

CafePress is quite imaginative. Check out the bossy clock, the “pre-published” t-shirt and the clever sweatshirt that might not have come off so well if Hemingway had worn it.

Time. Not sure where to pick more of that up yet but I'll keep you posted.

Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving to Our U.S. Readers!

2010-11-25T06:48:00.000-06:00

The WM Freelance Connection Wishes Everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

The WM Freelance Connection will resume regular posting on Friday.

A Writer's Gratitude List for Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

By Carol Tice

It's that time of year again, when American families gather and eat a big meal of Thanksgiving.

So probably nobody will read this post.

But I wanted to write anyway. Thursday is my regular day to post on WM, and I like to keep my commitments. But more importantly, I wanted to write because I feel so grateful and blessed th

is year. Seriously. I don't care if it sounds corny.

Here's my list:

I'm earning more. I'm thankful that I've been able to earn more each year I've freelanced since 2005.
I'm helping other writers earn more. It's incredibly gratifying to help others to pay their bills through the vocation they love.
I'm fully booked. I got a lot of great new clients this year, and am now at the point where I am able to pick and choose, and drop clients I don't want to work for anymore. I'm now usually starting each month already booked up, and it's a major stress reliever.
New frontiers. I really ramped up my blogging skills this year and started to earn well as a paid blogger. I published my first eBook, and saw my own blog start to earn (yay!).
Great teachers. I've connected with some wonderful experts who have taught me so much this year. It's truly been life-changing.
Wonderful writer friends. I'll start with the team here at WM, whom I feel very lucky to know. From there, I've met so many amazing writers through LinkedIn, Twitter and A-List Blogger Club. It's a lot less lonely out there these days.
Better work-life balance. This year, I was able to have my husband quit his job to start his own business. Goodbye to four years of his working 70-hour weeks in the city, and my kids never seeing him. Now we experience what for us is a new thrill -- having the weekends off together, and eating dinner together nightly.
All my family members are alive. A family in my synagogue buried their 22-year-old son recently, dead of an illness that struck out of the blue. So this one is ever fresh on my mind lately.
We're healthy. And working on getting even healthier, walking and biking more, eating better.

What are you grateful for? Leave your list in the comments.

My Webinar with Anne Wayman, 40 Ways to Market Your Writing, is coming up Dec. 7. Once you've digested that turkey, you can see the details here.

Turkey cartoon via Flickr user jelene; 40 Ways graphic by Evan Tice

Guest Post: 5 Best Free WordPress Plugins for Your Writer Website

2010-11-24T12:56:00.000-06:00

Note from Angela: Shakirah is one of our own WM Network bloggers! You can see her work regularly at The WM Review Connection, as well as her own author site.

5 Best Free WordPress Plugins for Your Writer Website
By Shakirah Dawud

Trolling through the Plugins section of WordPress on my own as I redesign my website, I’ve installed many. Most I’ve ended up uninstalling later. There are a few keepers, however, and here are five of my favorite.

Apture

Before I found the plugin version for WordPress, I appreciated it on news sites. Apture allows you to create in-context links for your content. When readers hover over a word or phrase you’ve “aptured,” a thumbnail of a website with more information appears. Readers’ curiosity may be satisfied with the snippet, or they may click to open the website in a new window. Also find and embed all media types from anywhere on the web to keep visitors engaged longer. It’s a considerate way to add depth, makes content appear nicely thought-out, and it’s free.

Surveys

This is what I’m using for my site contest/poll. It’s another simply designed, free customizable plugin you can use to gather opinions and votes. Inviting new followers to participate is a fun, no-pressure way to welcome them to your website. They can come, vote, and leave, but they may stay awhile if there are visible links to interesting content on your site.

Background Control

There’s nothing like repainting your walls to give your room a new look. Free Background Control provides the same instant-makeover capability. You can use a custom-created background (best to find one that tiles or fits your screen size with scrolling, so you don’t get repeat lines), or find a transparent graphic and place it to the left or right of your content as accent decor. My own site is rather stark right now, as I gather input on how it should best appear. This may be my key to a quick and easy new look soon as all the ballots have been counted. Then all I need is a little mood lighting…

FormBuilder

FormBuilder is the ultimate free form creator. Capture any information you need to build a mailing list or receive feedback, with redirect, automatic e-mail, and autoresponse capability. Add Captchas, spam blocker, and even connect forms!

WordPress FlippingBook

If you want to show off your portfolio online but don’t have a fancy photo-optimized theme, you can either provide a link away from your site to view it or use a free plugin that can be displayed on any page. My favorite is the WordPress FlippingBook. It’s a Flash plugin that displays your pieces in a virtual portfolio with pages that “flip.” The zoom-view is crucial for mine, since I’m the writer, not the designer.

Those are my five. Did I mention they’re all free?

About the Author

Taqiyyah Shakirah Dawud

Taqiyyah Shakirah Dawud was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. She moved to the MD end of the MD/DC/VA metro triangle as a student and shortly thereafter became a freelance copywriter and editor. Creating effective copy and making prose of all kinds more effective is her specialty. She loves gardening, reading, cake decorating, her family, and her 18-year-old Kitty. She recently became the mother of Salihah, who was born 3 months early and proceeded to teach her mother a lot she didn't know about living.

4 SEO Tips to Remember

2010-11-23T05:55:00.000-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

When optimizing content, there are a few SEO tips to remember to ensure your content ranks high on a search engine's results page. If you forget even one of these tips, your content's visibility can be decreased.

1. SEO Titles

You must correctly optimize titles with your primary and secondary keywords/phrases. When you optimize your title, the title is likely to become the URL for that content. Both of these are needed to properly index your content within a search engine. If you are creating more than one piece of content that is similar in topic, do not duplicate titles because you will then be competing with yourself. To review how to create great SEO titles read this article.

2. META Descriptions and Tags

Remember to use your primary and secondary keywords/phrases within your META description as well. If you are allowed 50 or more words within your META description, include your supporting keywords, but be careful to make the description flow naturally and not appear stuffed. The primary, secondary, and supporting keywords and phrases need to be included in the tags section in order for a search engine to quickly and accurately index your content.

3. Content and Density

You must use the correct keyword density level when optimizing content. If a client does not specify the density level they desire, a good percentage to start with is 3%. When you begin writing your content, make sure you use the primary and secondary keyword/phrase within the first paragraph. If possible, use your primary keyword/phrase within the first sentence. If you are able to do so without making the first paragraph sound stuffed, include your supporting keywords within the first paragraph as well. Always include your primary keyword/phrase in the conclusion paragraph also.

4. Hyperlink

Hyperlink your primary keyword/phrase to relevant content as an anchor link. If possible, you can hyperlink your secondary and supporting keywords/phrases but you don't want to over do it. This is most often recommended for longer content, over 500 words. If you include too many hyperlinks, a search engine will classify the content as spam and decrease SERP ranking.

What SEO tips do you find are important to remember? Which tips do you have a hard time remembering?

Guest Post: Patch.com: An Insider's Perspective

2010-11-22T10:17:00.001-06:00

Note from Angela: I recently started writing for my local Patch and am really enjoying it so far. After our writer Carol Tice met some of the folks from Patch.com, she posted about it here on WMF. Since so many people had questions and comments about the validity and general practices of this particular company, I asked one of Patch's regional editors from my area to give us the inside scoop.

Patch.com: An Insider's Perspective
By Kurt Greenbaum

Kurt Greenbaum

On November 12, the editor for one of our local Patch sites, the Maplewood-Brentwood site, got an alarming message on Twitter. The starting quarterback for Maplewood Richmond Heights High School was out with a ruptured appendix.

Patch is dedicated to covering hyper-local news in small towns throughout the country. I’m a regional editor in the St. Louis area, where we’re in the process of launching 24 Patch sites. Those 24 sites will join more than 500 Patch sites we expect to launch nationwide by year’s end. Yes, we’re owned by AOL, which has invested heavily in our growth. We’re also backed by hundreds of journalists who live and work in or near the towns they cover. They’re not just covering a town. They’re covering their towns.

In Maplewood, for editor Ryan Martin, the ruptured appendix was big news. The MRH Blue Devils were 12-0 going into the quarterfinal game against Caruthersville, Mo., the next day. But he didn’t have it nailed down. So he called freelance writer Doug Miner, who had covered MRH through the latter part of the season for Ryan. Doug sprang into action.

He called the athletic director and the head coach. He headed to the school on the chance the coaches were gathered looking at film. On his way, the coached texted the confirmation he needed. One more text later, and Doug had enough to break the story.

We depend on freelancers—particularly when they are as dedicated as Doug.

At Patch, we also love local news. We are built to cover the news that affects members of the community on a city, block and street level. Our sites are chock full of local events, volunteer opportunities and the most comprehensive listing of local businesses you’ll find anywhere. Stories like the one about MRH’s quarterback—heartbreaking as it may be—are right in our wheelhouse.

And we couldn’t offer the kind of coverage we provide without local editors like Ryan Martin—and the team of freelancers he’s begun to build.

Patch site editors really are exactly that: editors. They run their sites, promote them in the community, serve as their eyes, ears, arms and legs. They cover stories, sure, but they also supervise their freelance team. Can all our sites claim to have freelancers as dedicated as Doug Miner? I can’t say, but I’m grateful for those who are.

We’re looking for freelance writers who are dedicated to local news coverage. They understand that a torn up intersection or an interesting local personality can be the starting place for a news or feature story in town. We love storytellers with good clips and at least a couple of years of experience under their belts. We hope they’re equally fearless about asking questions, taking pictures and capturing video. We’re also willing to try a novice with a hunger to learn more about their community and thirst to share what they’ve learned with others.

We can also recognize when a writer brings a certain specialty to the table. Know about local eating and dining? Have a unique experience as a local parent? Specialize in law enforcement issues or you’ve followed local politics for years? Let’s talk.

The key, of course, is local. A columnist who can write about health may be terrific—but what makes the column local? Let’s face it: High blood pressure is the same in Paducah as it is in Peoria. Our site editors want their columns to be local.

We cherish writers with a healthy respect for deadlines and good communication skills. You’ve heard we work pretty hard, perhaps? Well, sure; we’re a start-up. We don’t have time for blown deadlines. Having trouble nailing down a story? Let us know in advance and we can adjust. Blow a deadline and we can’t.

In return, we offer steady work and competitive freelance rates. In my area, we’ve looked around, we’ve checked, and we know we’re competitive. And we’re smart enough to recognize when a writer has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

For Saturday’s game in Caruthersville, we offered writer Andrew Manzo the resources he needed to cover the story. We try to offer that same level of support for every story, and it was certainly worth it for this one. The last time the Blue Devils had a perfect season was 1961.

And on November 13, led by the backup sophomore quarterback, they stayed perfect this season, beating Caruthersville 27-13. Next stop, the semifinals.

Do you have questions for Kurt? Leave them in the comments and he'll answer them personally.

Jennie S. Bev on Building a Writing Career

2010-11-21T06:00:00.006-06:00

by N. Strauss

An award-winning columnist for The Jakarta Post, Jennie S. Bev is the author of over 80 books and ebooks, as well as more than 1,000 articles which have appeared in publications around the world.

We asked Jennie S. Bev about her career path as a writer and what she has learned along the way.

WM: Could you talk about how you have built a successful career as a writer? What have been some of the important milestones?

JSB: I started writing opinion pieces upon graduation from college. Given my legal undergraduate background, writing came naturally and so did analytical thinking. Issues of multiculturalism, peace, fairness, and justice always sparked my interest. Starting out, I wrote to letting off steam about social and political issues. Today, I write a regular opinion column for The Jakarta Post based in Jakarta, Indonesia and occasionally for US-based and other international newspapers. My byline has appeared in Korea Times, Brunei Times, and The Jakarta Globe among others.

Other than writing for social change, I also write feature and how-to pieces. With the flourishing of Internet and readers’ familiarity with electronic books, I started writing how-to ebooks in 2002, when FabJob.com (Canada) invited me to write a handbook on how to become a management consultant. This ebook earned me a nomination for the best how-to ebook in 2003 by EPPIE Awards for excellence in electronic publishing.

Soon after, I launched my own online publishing that delivered electronic handbooks on how to start lucrative careers in fashion, art, entertainment, and beauty industries. As of today, with the assistance of researchers, who were called “co-authors,” I have published more than 80 ebooks overall and am planning to write at least 100 more ebooks on various topics. The publishing world is being rejuvenated by ebooks, so digital literature is the future.

Flashback a little bit, if you don’t mind. During the Web 1.0 era, which ended in 2000, I wore many hats for numerous dot-coms as country manager, channel manager, and editor. I learned how to write effectively and efficiently for various markets during that short period. Also, it was a great learning experience that I learned to be aware about various cultures and values. Cultural differences is a delicate area, especially when writing for an online publication read by people with various backgrounds.

In 2009, I was honored to be accepted as 2009 Peace Writer of University of San Diego Peace and Justice Institute. Peace-building is an important part of my life, hence my dedication to promote peace, multiculturalism, fairness and justice through writing. So, it was an important milestone in my writing and publishing journey.

WM: What have you learned about writing and publishing that you didn’t know when you were first starting out?

JSB: It is very hard to make a good living out of writing. A new writer may not be able to make ends meet by solely writing freelance. Many writers work in other fields just to have their bills paid on time. But one shouldn’t stop trying, writing, and publishing.

A writer is an identity, about your own perception about yourself. A writer is a thinker, regardless of the genre, because without proper disciplined thinking, it is impossible to write with clarity and good structure. After familiarizing yourself with your writing skills and the particular topics you’re interested in, you should be able to embark on a lucrative writing career. Give yourself a few years to start, during which you should keep yourself motivated enough not to quit.

A writer must be adaptable, flexible, understand how to work around different values, and above all, must be familiar with various writing styles: academic, reporting, feature, how-to, creative non-fiction, and op-ed. Be open to different types of content, style, and delivery method. Unless you are also a publisher, you must be humble enough to follow what the publisher and editor needs and wants. Don’t get offended easily. If a fatal editing mistake occur, remind the editor gently. A small nudge usually does the trick.

At last, a writer must follow the markets and satisfy their readers with a loud bang. A writer must be inspiring, motivating, and captivating, even when you’re writing about political and social issues. Readers prefer reading about solutions and how they can make their lives and surroundings better. Plain criticisms without solutions are boring and depressing. Sharing your own experiences without clear moral of the story is better reserved for your boyfriend or spouse or BFF. Readers want to read professionally written works written for them, not for the ego of the writer.

You can find out more about Jennie S. Bev and contact her through her website, Jenniesbev.com.

Want to explore new writing genres? Learn how to write a story and take online creative writing courses at Creative-Writing-Now.com

Why Creative Writers Need To Reveal Themselves In Their Work

2010-11-20T06:00:00.062-06:00

By Pam Houghton

My favorite writing mentor, Norman Prady, was recently featured at the 59th Jewish Book Fair at the Jewish Community Center of Detroit in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The book fair is non-sectarian and focuses on Michigan authors regardless of writing genre. One of ten authors invited to speak, Norm was there to talk about writing, and his 2009 novel, Isabella.

I was so impressed with his speech that I asked his permission to reprint some of it here; most notably, the part where he says, to be effective, we must reveal ourselves as we write. Oh, and he has a nice little solution for folks who don't like our work. Read on.

My son, Hollywood writer Bill Prady, has interesting concepts of life and the world. Bill is co-creator and chief writer of the top-rated television comedy The Big Bang Theory and I enjoy his writing and what he has to say.

After graduating from Cranbrook, Bill went to New York to work with Jim Henson and write lines for the puppeteers performing as Kermit and Miss Piggy and their friends.

The first time I visited Bill at the Muppets studio, I asked him what it was like to create dialogue for actors wearing socks on their hands.

“Well, dad,” Bill said, “there are two kinds of people. Those who believe there are two kinds of people – and those who don’t.”

It was a laugh. But I’ve never told Bill that I don’t buy his concept. You see, I believe there’s only one kind of people. That all humans are essentially the same. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, geography, culture, education, and whether you order fatty corned beef or lean.

In the creative nonfiction writing classes I conduct around my kitchen table, we talk about the fundamental sameness of people. Time and again, my students – while munching their pizza – have heard me say that all humans have the same feelings, that we all know all the dirty words, and that we’re all capable of all the capital crimes.

Yes, values and conditioning and other learned behaviors can modify our actions – so we’re able to say to someone, “You’ve made me so mad I could kill you,” and we don’t actually commit murder. Although sometimes we do.

Now, the writer’s work in all of this is to observe, recognize, and understand the dynamics of being human. To tell a story effectively, the writer needs to know how humans function – what they want, what they dread, what they’re pleased with, what they hope to keep hidden.

To create believable characters, the writer must know what’s going on inside someone in order to be able to reveal it to the reader.

It’s those revelations that are the stuff of storytelling, presented with intriguing plot, literary style, rhythmic rhetoric, and engaging vocabulary.

But to create revealing stories by revealing their characters, writers must be willing to reveal themselves.

Reveal that they’ve seen the darkness in people, the wickedness. Even in themselves. That they know the motivations of desire and anger and lust.

Writers must be willing to let themselves and their own thoughts and experiences be known through their writing.

Willing, as we say in class, to stand naked on the street corner.

Writers must be frogs, immersed in life’s waters, rather than flies, merely walking on the surface.

And writers must see their efforts as valid. With regard to their own works, they must put their abilities to create, edit, and critique above everyone else’s.

At the same time, they must be able to look at their work and evaluate it, perhaps setting this one aside for now and going on to a new project, perhaps returning later with a fresh eye.

Certainly, being published is an honorable goal. And it’s not simply for fame and fortune, but for the creative person’s constantly surging need for acceptance.

If you write – if you’re willing to stand naked on that street corner, willing to reveal your characters and yourself, willing to have your character poison her mother-in-law because you’ve thought about it and learned how to do it – you’ll just have to accept that some readers might not like your story or how you tell it.

If they say so, I urge you to thank them for their interest in your work and keep writing.

Writing When Life Gets in the Way

2010-11-19T06:30:00.002-06:00

by Rebecca Dienger

We all have it—a life that keeps us hopping with kids and pets and bills to pay and leaky pipes or whatever it is that propels us through the day. Sometimes life can feel like it’s getting in the way, interrupting progress, keeping us from reaching our potential. One day it all feels like great material and on others it’s the greatest obstacle between us and the page. Laundry must be done. Schedules must be kept. Grandma takes a fall and needs our attention. That’s life. I’ve had a lot of it, how about you?

It’s been six months since I wondered here aloud if I needed a website. It was clearly the best way to get freelance work from afar and I needed work. It was my new #1 priority. But there was my life. We saw our firstborn graduate from high school, threw a party the size of a wedding reception (for reasons I can’t explain but it was wonderful) and fussed all summer over collecting house wares and school supplies and storage cubes for an oversized closet/dorm room in which half of it didn’t fit.

I also had foot surgery with a seven-week recovery and could not drive. Truthfully, I had time to write the Great American Novel (draft 14) or even a nice essay or two, but I didn’t. I researched websites and made my plans but something told me I wasn’t ready. If I was wildly successful and generated a lot of traffic did I really want to work that hard right now? I had these two wonderful kids hanging about the house. Precious time was running out on our eldest’s period of limbo where he seemed to want to be closer to us in the cocoon. I needed to be present for him.

I sat on the porch and talked silly with the 8-year-old. I read books about college-bound children and figured out everything we did wrong as parents. I wasted time discovering the waste of time that Facebook can be. The only regular writing I did was for this blog, my communications job at the university and grocery lists. This was all very Zen of me, who tends toward the twitchy and anxious and overachieving.

The fact that I now have a website six months later is something I’m very proud of (please visit me there when you can). It came together quickly for the lengthy pause in between. Freelance work is picking up again. Life is good.

Some people write feverishly in stolen moments because that works for them. Some people have to take care of Grandma before they can sharpen their pencils. Some people are set up to write full time. I’ve learned that life is always going to be part of my writing and writing a part of my life, and I’ve finally let go of the idea that it all has to fit together perfectly.

I will not think of 2010 as the summer I didn’t get the website done fast enough or the summer I didn’t seize writing opportunities while I was laid up in the chair. It will be the summer I cherish for the moments I had with my kids and the sunshine and the backyard.

I’ll probably write about it.

How Writers Can Get a Massive Injection of Marketing Savvy

2010-11-18T00:54:00.004-06:00

By Carol Tice

"I don't understand how you use LinkedIn to get clients."

"How do I connect with $1-a-word publications?"

"How can I find businesses that pay bloggers well?"

These are among the many marketing questions I've fielded on my Make a Living Writing blog. In post after post, I've tried to provide practical, concrete advice on how writers can move up and increase their earnings.

But people still have questions. I've realized I need to do more.

Recently, Anne Wayman from About Freelance Writing approached me and proposed we put on a Webinar together. We didn't have to think long about what to teach.

Marketing. In this economy, it's all about marketing.

There are many ways to market your writing. And my experience is that writers who are marketing their business are doing well, for the most part. Those who are not are often struggling.

Anne and I realized that between the two of us, we know 40 Ways to Market Your Writing. So that's what we're going to reveal to writers in a one-hour Webinar on Dec. 7 at 9 PST.

That's right, we're going to tell you 40 different ways you can promote your writing, find new clients, and start making more money.

I just have to stop and say I am so excited about presenting this information that I can hardly sleep at night. I can't wait to give writers these marketing tools! I am passionate about helping writers earn more, and I just know this event is going to provide exactly what many writers need to increase their income in 2011.

Some details on the goodies:

All the Webinar participants get a free 40 Ways to Market report (so no need to take notes!). I'm also offering a 30% discount on my Make a Living Writing eBook. If that isn't crazy enough, we'll be handing out door prizes for the best questions about marketing we get on our registration forms, including free eBooks and a free one-hour mentoring consultation with me.

We want a lot of writers to get this knowledge, so Anne and I have made this a very affordable event. The Webinar is $24.99, but we're having an early-registration sale and offering 20% off the price until Thanksgiving Day.

So for now, it's only $19.99.

There's one catch -- only 150 people can participate. If you're interested, I recommend you sign up now to get the lowest price and to make sure you get a seat.

Hope to see some WM readers there!

What would you like to know about how to market your writing? Leave your questions in the comments below. This is your chance to shape the content we'll be discussing in the Webinar.

Graphic by Evan Tice

How One Business Got 20,000 Facebook Followers

2010-11-17T15:37:00.007-06:00

By Lindsay Woolman

Last weekend I was at Barnes and Noble scribbling furious notes as I read the book Success Secrets of Social Media Superstars. This week I stopped taking notes and bought the book because it is excellent. I am finding more and more that having social media knowledge is like gold. I want to know as much as I can so that I can: 1) share this knowledge with clients, 2) use it for my own business.

One of the many components of a social media plan is creativity. Any business that wants to thrive has to be creative. Fortunately, I think there is an endless supply of creativity for anyone who is willing to tap into it.

I saw at an interesting case study at the Social Media Success Summit about the brand Fiber One. If you look up Fiber One on Facebook, they have about 3,500 followers, but they did something something very interesting with their social media campaign. They created a business page on Facebook for a pretend organization called the Coping with Disbelief clinic. The premise is something we can all relate to. There is even a photo of a doctor and a clinic.

Now, does any of this relate to cereal? No. But they did what you often see in movies, where there is product placement. So, naturally, the sponsor of the clinic and "nonprofit" is Fiber One. The page is funny and weird... and it has gathered 20,000 followers...

Basically, they created a page online where people could engage in fun conversations... and not be taken too seriously.

Now can you imagine the person who came up with this idea? It's insanely creative, right? This came from an ad agency who promotes General Mills brands, so I'm guessing they pulled from a lot of resources and made some good Youtube videos and potentially even print and TV commercial ads to coincide with it.

My point of sharing this story is that next time you have a "crazy" idea for promoting yourself or a client, you might want to stop and think about it. Run it by a friend or a business partner, but don't let those gems of creativity pass by.

Thinking creativity and making smart business decisions go hand in hand. Most businesses want to have more customers and work hard to reinvent themselves. With the speed of how fast things happen today, businesses are more open to more creative ideas than ever before.

3 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

2010-11-16T06:30:00.001-06:00

by Alyssa Ast

When you begin a freelance writing career, it is definitely a learning experience. No matter how cautious you are and despite all the help and tips offered from other writers, there are just some lessons involved with a writing career that you have to learn yourself. While I have learned many lessons throughout my writing career, there are 3 lessons I learned the hard way. These hard learned lessons are simply what is involved with growing as a writer and developing a successful writing career.

1. Be careful who you trust

As you begin writing, you start interacting with fellow writers, which you often meet through social marketing, online forums, and through working with the same clients and companies. While most of these people you meet are there for you to bounce ideas off of one another, friendship, or support, there are others who have other intentions in mind. Occasionally, you will run across a writer who can not be trusted. I learned this the hard way. Be very careful who you share your ideas with and who you allow to see your unpublished work, because every so often, you will run across someone who is out to steal the work of others and their ideas. It is great to connect with other writers, but always keep your guard up and be very careful who you trust.

2. Beware of deconstructive criticism

Another lesson I had to learn the hard way is the wrath of deconstructive criticism. Although most editors are there to help you and to offer suggestions or tips to help you develop as a writer, some also use their editorial power to offer overly harsh or deconstructive criticism. While editors who offer criticism are simply doing their job, there is a professional etiquette that should be followed. When you catch yourself in the wrath of deconstructive criticism, there really isn't too much you can do other than sort thru the negativity and try to find some valuable information to help you grow in your writing abilities. Learn to develop a thick skin and don't take the extreme cases of negativity to heart.

3. Sign a contract

When working with private clients and some companies, I can't express the importance of signing a contract. This protects you and the client from any possible legal issues that may arise, especially regarding compensation. You take a certain level of risk when you work for private clients because some do not always hold up their end of the bargain. Some are all too willing to stiff a writer when it comes time to pay. Without a contract, there isn't too much you can do but spread the word about their unsavory business habits, and keep your fingers crossed that the client may some day develop morals and pay you for your services. While you can still get burned even with a contract, you will have proof in your hand if it should come down to suing the client for what you are owed.

Learning some hard lessons comes along with being your own boss. What are some of the lessons you have learned throughout your career? Any words of advice for others starting out on their writing journey?

Guest Post: Writing Right Rites

2010-11-15T13:19:00.000-06:00

Note From Angela: Take a look at this guest poster's very impressive bio at the end of the post!

By Dee DeTarsio

“It ain’t art unless it makes the air,” was a favorite quote of an executive producer I worked with. His underlying message was that while we have the responsibility to polish our “art” and make it the best it can be, does it exist without being viewed...or in writers’ cases, read?

The Fountain of URL...

Writing is the fountain of youth. If UR writing, UR Learning. After a lifetime of reading (I beg your pardon, research), I know what types of books and authors I love to read. With homage to goddess authors Marian Keyes, Jennifer Weiner, Susan Isaacs, Cecelia Ahearn, Lisa Lutz and Marina Fiorato, I have watched my writing style evolve. That’s the point; writing to gain the confidence to be read.

Upon the advice of an agent, I started blogging (which I had initially resisted as self-serving--what could I possibly blog about?). If you Google www.OgBlayOtSpay.blogspot.com, you’ll see. I’ve created a monster, one with diarrhea of the fingers. I can’t seem to stop. Blogging has become one of my favorite writing “rites” just for fun. It’s a great baby step that forces me to be complete and coherent...most of the time (?) while practicing storytelling.

WWW...

Why Work When...you can read? The floodgates are open and the platform of ebooks allows us to make our art “live and on the air.” It’s exhilarating to be a part of this digital revolution, and gratifying to find a home for our words and a hearth for our stories.

Four novels, three agents, two writing groups and one website later, I pushed to get my women’s fiction novel, The Scent of Jade, on Amazon.com. The Scent of Jade is an upscale chick-lit that follows a woman lost in the Costa Rican rainforest with an ancient idol that may hold secrets to global warming.

I don’t want to jinx myself, (great, watch me invoke the biggest writer’s block of all time) (my fingers are crossed and I’m polishing a crystal) (and no, that’s not a dirty metaphor, geeze) but I’ve never had a shortage of things to write about. The universe provides us with hints all the time. The Scent of Jade was written in response to my husband’s innocent comment about women’s fiction, that “women sure do think a lot.” He’s right, and that sparked the idea to write an action/adventure novel for women (spoiler alert: there are NO car chases or explosions, and nobody gets killed). My heroine’s story arc still allows her plenty of time to “think” (especially when she spends time in the marijuana field with the monkey!) while challenging her skills to survive in the jungle.

Five years ago, I never even dreamed of owning a little device that could magically send books to me whenever I wanted. And now, a new research study predicts nearly $3 billion in ebook sales by 2015--how cool is that?

Writing Right Rites

There really are no “writing right rites”--I just really like alliteration...and anything that encourages us to listen to all the hints out there to help us get our art on the air.

About Dee DeTarsio

Dee DeTarsio is a television writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from Ohio State University, she vowed ‘never to be cold again’ (in a tantrum more worthy of Suellen than Scarlett) and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a Producer/Writer. (Penguins are mean!) and then became a Producer/Writer with NBC for a live, comedy/variety show.

After working for Children’s Hospital, she totally sold out and became the Marketing Director of a cosmetic dermatology group where she got free Botox. Her husband is a Director of Photography and travels around the world while she stays behind as the indentured servant of their two children. Though her father was never famous and her mother never beat her (that hard!) she suspects one of her sisters is a vampire.

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