Published on March 8, 2006
writing scams
We were recently notified by a travel writer that some of her work had been posted to a website without her permission. The site’s owner immediately responded to the writer and apologized, then she surprised us all by writing this:
“I would hope this wouldn’t be necessary but understand if you want to proceed and will respond through my attorney. I am actually shocked by your attitude. My material and articles have been published without my agreement all over the internet. I take that as a compliment and am willing to share my thoughts and experiences. I am actually very saddened by your email.”
Published on March 8, 2006
This Week:
- Mean People
- I Love My OLD Cell Phone
- Don’t Sit on Your Hands – Query!
Published on March 8, 2006
Have you ever read an article and wondered where the writer came up with the idea? You may think that the pros are assigned most of their stories, but that’s rarely the case. Neophytes and seasoned writers alike have to come up with article topics on their own for the most part. So where do you turn when your idea arsenal is running low? The short answer is EVERYWHERE.
Published on March 8, 2006
ghostwriting
A chaplain I know has approached me about ghostwriting a book on his experience in overseas last year. I’ve never ghostwritten professionally before, and I’m concerned that websites I’ve surfed for information on ghostwriting may be money-making businesses rather than true ghostwriting sites for real writers. Do you know where I can find some valid information on going rates for ghostwriters, how they get paid, if the proposal costs extra or should be included in the total cost, etc.?
Published on March 8, 2006
I’ve been here before. My feet perch precariously on the homemade wooden platform. The ground looks a million miles below me. I clutch the rough hemp of the thick rope and wrap my legs around the large knot near the end. I take a breath and jump…
Published on March 8, 2006
This Week:
Published on March 1, 2006
The old cell phone model I use is a gadget our children now call archaic. Richard keeps asking me if I want to upgrade but I always say no. My first excuse was that I didn’t want to spend the money. Only when Richard let me know the new phone would be free with our plan did I admit my true reservations, whining, “But then I’d have to learn how to use a new phone all over again!”
Published on March 1, 2006
Mrs. Hoy,
I’m sure you get many notes of thanks, so here’s just another. I’ve gotten your e-newsletter for years now. I was a writer for a trade magazine in what seems like a previous life. Writing fell off the face of MY planet for over four years and I tucked away the newsletters I received in a nice electronic folder for “someday”.
Finally I’ve picked up some of my old stories and have started seriously reviewing available markets and getting legitimate (and illegitimate) ideas down on paper. “Freelance” is a scary beast with sharp teeth to me, but it would be completely unapproachable without information from WritersWeekly. It gives me the courage I need to go slay the dragon… or at least wave my sword around and get the dragon riled up enough to hopefully provide some flaming rejection letters!
Sincerely,
Toby Linzmeier
Writer/Farmer
Published on March 1, 2006
Angela Hoy’s recent article, Red Flag Phrases To Avoid In Freelance Help Wanted Ads, made me think of another – those ubiquitous ads for “grant writers.” Of course, we know they mean “grant proposal writers,” as the grant writer is the one with the money to give… but who’s quibbling?
Published on March 1, 2006
I enjoyed reading your excerpts from the world’s worst book proposals and it brings up again for me the question of why writers who write badly think they write well. As I’ve participated in writer’s conferences and workshops, I’ve encountered a number of people who fit this category, and it boggles my mind how people can write for years and produce any number of book-length manuscripts without a clue as to their lack of ability. Agents, editors and self-publishing services such as yours must be constantly inundated with queries from people like this. What gives?
