The agencies we work for tell clients we want to hear their ideas, even though these ideas are often (bleep). But, let's remember two things. First, the client probably feels like their idea is amazing and they're likely proud of it. Second, they're the ones paying the invoice. Hurting their feelings means hurting the project and your reputation. …
Writing essays for publications that publish strictly according to specific themes or theme lists can be…
LinkedIn is a great resource for potential writing client contacts. However, it often goes untapped.…
The next-best thing to getting cash for your writing is receiving something you otherwise would have paid for. In addition to cash, I have been paid with food, massages, auto maintenance and much more. I am a mystery shopper.…
An intense love for writing can certainly breed openness to receiving ideas. Inspiration often comes out of nowhere-music, dreams, and maybe even from people-watching. The influx of ideas could be so great at times that honing in on just one may be a problem. In fact, I'd been guilty of pushing a story idea away, putting one off as if it weren't as "worthy" as the rest of them. The problem is, sometimes that shelved idea could be the one that may start it all.…
Writing from personal perspectives can be a powerful way to connect to an audience that is familiar with your story. Since writing creative nonfiction is a combination of journalistic skills and storytelling abilities, there are vast opportunities to publish your work. This involves personal memoirs, cultural criticism, documentaries, poems and literary journals.…
The conference was less than 12 weeks away, which left less than a month for the actual authoring.…
I’m on the recliner in my family room, crouched over my laptop, taking advantage of those…
Writer overboard, writer overboard! Which scalawag turned him into a fish? It wasn't anyone in the crew, you say? Then who the devil thought the poor lad made a better anchor than a sailor? Ah, the compass points to the three biggest obstacles of writing income, also known as the three devils of writing. They are the most terrifying monsters to haunt the seven seas of writing and stop many a talented writer from earning the income he deserves.…
Many writers need planning to be easy, expedient, and effective, or else it just won’t get done. Microplanning is the solution ...…
Six months after our initial conversation, I finally got a "complimentary" copy of the book in my hands, and couldn't wait to curl up with it and a good cup of herbal tea. When I opened the book and started to skim through it, my heart sank. Though the stories were interesting, diverse and truly moving, what captured my attention was not the quality of the essays, but the shabby presentation. …
It's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from stalking and harassment. There have been documented cases of stalkers who have showed up on writers' doorsteps, called them at work, and even physically assaulted them. …
When training was complete, the editors bragged about how much money I could make. I would have to be available for weekly meetings with the editors where we would discuss upcoming articles. My writing would have to stay above par ...…
A couple of days ago I published my 100th erotica story and, this month, I received my biggest check yet - for a little over $10,000! ...…
I devised a plan to supply my services to lessen these bloggers' loads while maintaining their sanity. As an “idea person” with endless energy (not to mention a few “Top Blogging” honors for my creativity), I decided to pitch a few fellow bloggers and small business owners to help them generate ideas and keep them on track by formulating Editorial Calendars ...…
When you think of writing gigs, crowdfunding campaigns probably don’t come to mind. However, the crowdfunding scene is a market largely untapped by writers. If you can break into it, you can make a nice profit, and help others at the same time ...…
Could you, not your publisher, get sued for your book? What about fair use? How many ways can an author get sued???…
As writers, we notice copy. We notice it everywhere. Sometimes, we notice it because it appeals to and inspires us. But most of the time, as professionals with a great appreciation for the effective written word, we notice it because it's mediocre, or just plain bad. However, in these moments when you find yourself rewriting poorly worded copy in your head…
Most writers have business cards to pass out to interested readers and writers, but what about business postcards? A writer is in business, after all, not only to let others know about their latest book but to sell it as well. Investing your money in postcards becomes valuable the minute you hand one to a potential reader ...…
With these eight strategies you can boost your freelance career by utilizing the most effective websites and online services to become more accessible, more marketable, more widely read and with a greater chance of landing new clients to generate more money than ever before!…
Every good writer should be a good salesman as well. Argh!…
As a freelance writer, you may have given up on traditional budgeting advice. Personally, I've been supporting myself as a freelance writer and editor since 1998. I've written 23 books and countless articles, blog posts, and website copy. I don't have difficulty finding work, and yet, I often have had difficulty paying my bills.…
"We'll have a check for you tomorrow," the editor told me. The next day, I returned to the newspaper's office only to find the office completely vacated. …
If you're not writing blogs or working in social media, you're missing out. Is that blunt enough for you?…
Here are eight ways to imagine markets for your writing...and fatten your bank account too.…
It happened again today. Inside the pile of mail I hauled to my kitchen to sort, I received an unsolicited book from an author who hoped I'd review it for my 250-plus newspaper and magazine clients...…
There are two types of people in this world: Those who can edit and those who can't... …
As a writer, you have special skills - and a passion for language, too! Oh, how teachers would love you in their classrooms, inspiring their pupils to write, and guiding them with your expertise! So how about sharing your specialist knowledge and infectious enthusiasm with the youngsters in your local schools, and building up your earnings as you go? …
You tell yourself, "Someday, I'm going to write my memoirs" but "Someday" never comes. Perhaps this short narrative telling you how I have cluttered my children's homes with hundreds of pages of my memoirs will help you get started... …
In 2006, I was spending my weekend sitting in a cubicle with four elderly women arguing about the proper step-by-step process every representative should be trained...…
Just as train tracks cross so can your interests intersect with those of many other "lines" in the publishing world. You must make the connection! …
I have written as a ghostwriter a few times and usually the contract that I enter into is held with respect by both parties. In this instance it was not. Watch out for scammers that will literally steal your work! …
These days writers must sell themselves, it's a given. We've got to look for and latch onto any opportunity to self promote. Book talks are an excellent way to do it. Senior citizen groups, local service clubs, libraries, schools, and writers groups all have a frequent need for speakers and we must serve - if we want to sell, that is. Of course the first step is informing everyone by phone call, letter or email of your availability to speak. Then, as the dates pile up, you'll need a plan... …
