Articles

Is Your Best Client MIA? Don’t Panic! – Patrick Icasas

Published on May 22, 2013

Many freelancers have that one client they love above all others. They're the VIP that pays on time, the customer who doesn't question his bill, the friend who gives you both steady work and the time of day. They're the rock upon which your business is built. When that rock disappears, negative thoughts start to run through your head. Anxiety starts creeping in, and your thoughts spiral down into panic. I know, because I've been there myself; and I can tell you this. Yes, your business can survive. And here's how... …

When to Fire a Client – Anita Rodgers

Published on May 15, 2013

When to Fire a Client – Anita Rodgers

Steady work is survival for a freelancer - it means paying your rent, keeping the lights on, and eating. So, when you snag a regular client you want to hang onto them... …

Writing and Editing for the Legal Profession – Sara Puls

Published on May 1, 2013

Writing and Editing for the Legal Profession – Sara Puls

Much of the legal profession, and especially non-profit law firms, rely on instructional materials, such as "How-To" pamphlets and "Know Your Rights" brochures, to provide basic legal information to their clients. Here's where you come in: these pamphlets and brochures often appear to be slapped together without much effort or editing. …

The Value of Speaking with Visual Aids – Alice J. Wisler

Published on April 3, 2013

The Value of Speaking with Visual Aids – Alice J. Wisler

Just two days before my event at the local library, the librarian called to touch base. "Now, you are the one who wanted to do a PowerPoint presentation, right?" Huh? Clearly she had me confused with another presenter. I had no plans for a PowerPoint, but the second I opened my mouth, I heard myself saying, "Sure. I'd like to do that." For two days, I rushed to create a presentation in connection with my fifth novel's release. Although I'd created a few PowerPoint presentations before for various teaching engagements, I'd never thought to do one for a novel... …

Query Letter Steps – Marlene Caroselli, Ed.D.

Published on March 27, 2013

Literary legend has it that mystery writer Robert Parker sent a two-sentence query to the publisher of his first novel: "Here's my manuscript. Want to publish it?" While it was accepted--no doubt on the strength of the author's bestselling style--most wannabe-published writers need more than this to be taken seriously... …

Before You Say I Do…to Every Assignment – Ashley Bennett

Published on March 20, 2013

Writers often jump at the prospect of work. They will jump through hoops, walk through fire, and compromise their core values just because there might be a chance of getting some work. They will often overlook important details about projects, which might cause them to never get paid or get any credit for their work. Writers need to think carefully before they say "I do" to any project. Experienced writers probably know all of this, but inexperienced writers often make a lot of mistakes in this area. Here are some things to consider before saying "I do" to any project... …

Ghostwriters For Hire – Violet Ivy

Published on March 13, 2013

Notoriety and cash in the bank are still possible regardless of being time pressured, lacking confidence or losing motivation to complete that novel... …

Never Say Never to Your Dreams! – Dawn Colclasure

Published on March 6, 2013

Writers dream of big things for themselves and their careers. When faced with rejection or roadblocks, however, some writers abandon their dreams. This doesn't need to happen to you! If you want to make your dreams come true, you need to do what I did... …

Feedback, Consider the Source and More – Rich Mintzer

Published on February 20, 2013

If a writer writes and nobody reads it is he or she still a writer? On behalf of those who have written some remarkable diaries, stories or screenplays that have been neatly tucked away in drawers or saved in password protected files, writing can certainly be a self-fulfilling undertaking. But for many writers the next step is to invite others into their world, to read their work, explore their thoughts and possibly open the door to the wide range of responses, reactions and opinions that we collectively call feedback. It is from such feedback that we can re-think, re-shape and re-rewrite our work, unless of course we choose to simply reject it. Yes, as writers, we do have the power over feedback to accept it, question it, utilize some of it or simply ignore it... …

Is That “Intern” Position Really Seeking a PROFESSIONAL Writer? – Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Published on February 13, 2013

If you've looked at online ads for writing jobs or gigs lately, you've likely read headlines such as "Writing freelancer/intern..." The body of the ad stresses how much skill, talent and experience they seek, even "rock star" quality (which makes me muse why they want someone who dresses bizarrely and plays electric guitar). But back to the headline. Do they mean freelancers are equivalent to interns, people who have little to no experience, working for free while they complete their education? Yet the ads usually demand top-quality, experienced writers... …

Fear is Why You Fail By Johnny Kilhefner

Published on February 6, 2013

Fear is everywhere for the freelance writer. The moment we put words on a blank page, we dread what others might think. Querying an editor stirs this fear: "What if she rejects me? I really need the money this month..." That fear may cause you to play it safe and write what you think others expect you to write. It may even keep you from writing your novel, or from pitching The New Yorker because you're scared you're not good enough. If you're not getting the kind of work you want, and consistently, then fear is why you fail. The goal, however, isn't to be fearless, as a person without fear is not courageous, but reckless. The goal is to leverage your fear so as to propel your spirit to write in its authentic voice... …

BEFORE YOU PAY TO PLAY: Ethical Book Promotion – Rachel Rueben

Published on January 30, 2013

BEFORE YOU PAY TO PLAY: Ethical Book Promotion – Rachel Rueben

Today, authors can buy reviews and social media followers with the hopes of fooling a publisher or agent into believing they're a hot commodity when, really, they're not. In the online world it's known as black hat SEO. It's the process of artificially inflating web visibility either for social media accounts, websites, or blogs using unethical techniques. Now granted, places like Amazon or Facebook won't throw you in the slammer. They will, however, ban your account... …

Sticking to Your Rate in a Market With Writers Willing to Work for Peanuts By Lindsay Pietroluongo

Published on January 23, 2013

Sticking to Your Rate in a Market With Writers Willing to Work for Peanuts By Lindsay Pietroluongo

It is my personal opinion that, when you set your mind to it, you can buy anything for less. Some things are pretty much the same when costs are cut. Store brand bottled water, secondhand books and 99 cent clear nail polish are just as good for me as their fancier, pricier counterparts. This line of thinking does not hold true for writing. To look at the market, though, you'd be skeptical. "Why should I pay Writer A $40 for an article when Writer B will do it for $4?" There seem to be more writers willing to work for bare bones payment than those who clearly view their writing with some esteem. The solution is simple: with writing, you get what you pay for... …

Become Your Editors’ Life Preserver – Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Published on January 9, 2013

Bad things happen to good people, including good editors. Sometimes they're faced with a hole in the periodical's layout when the deadline to go to print looms. Your story can save the day if you're the editor's go-to writer and they'll likely return the favor to you... …

Freelance Editing for Corporate Customers? – John K. Borchardt

Published on January 2, 2013

Managers of businesses, nonprofit organizations and government departments have long complained about the poor written communication skills of many of their employees. Managers are often too busy to edit their reports so they read smoothly. Yet these reports must present a professional image to a company's customers and decision-makers. The answer for a growing number of firms is to hire freelance writers and editors to edit reports for clarity. …

Using Creative Visualization to Increase Sales – Roberta Roberti

Published on December 19, 2012

Writers are accustomed to reading newsletters such as WritersWeekly.com to get practical, concrete information and tips on writing, marketing, and publishing. Occasionally, however, we get advice on how to harness our own powers of creativity, positivity, and spiritual energy to achieve happiness and success. This is one of those articles. We now enter the realm of the subconscious. Or as some people I know call it, the "woo woo" zone. …

Are Online Ads A Fool’s Game? – Merry Morrison

Published on November 28, 2012

Over the years, I've probably responded to a good thousand online ads for writers. Out of those, about one hundred turned into assignments that led to actual checks. Some were one-time gigs, others have led to long-term partnerships. I have been hoodwinked, though, along the way... …

The Secret Angst of Book Promotion – Susan Sundwall

Published on November 21, 2012

In my last piece for WritersWeekly, Blabbermouth Your Book, I focused on getting the word out by seizing the moment, wherever you are, in order to do so. But as I become engulfed in the process I'm finding more things to stress about than I ever suspected existed. I had a good time writing the book and I love the idea of being a published author. But nobody told me about situations that would cause hair pulling, brow furrowing and night sweats... …

ADVERTISING VS. EDITORIAL: Are you giving away your valuable ad space for free? – Candice Sabatini

Published on November 14, 2012

As a beauty, fashion and travel writer the formula to get me to tell my readers about a company's product or place is a very straightforward one. I receive approximately three hundred email pitches a day from publicists who want to send me samples or invite me to their press event, spa or hotel in hopes that I'll like it enough to review it. Additionally, as the publisher of an online magazine, I have to worry about getting advertisers in order to stay in business. This advertising and editorial balance is the same whether the publication is a glitzy glossy with a one hundred year history, or a start-up digital. Advertising and sponsorships are what keep us all in business... …

Turn On Your Subconscious Mind to Help with Your Creative Flow – Harry Husted

Published on November 7, 2012

As writers, it is your desire to use words that will entertain, educate, and inform the masses of people that may just end up reading them. You may feel obligated to write, or you may look at it as a passion. Writing is considered an art form. Those who partake of it, are looked at as people with unusual talent. Some may also be looked at as weird, isolated, and strange. Nevertheless, the object is to put words down... …

The Mobile Book-signing – Mary Cook

Published on October 31, 2012

The Mobile Book-signing – Mary Cook

Libraries and bookstores are so last year when it comes to staging book signings. Instead, consider taking your books out into the wider world. It's full of your would-be readers. Farmers encourage beekeepers to set their hives on farmland because it's mutually beneficial. Bees get nectar for honey, benefiting themselves and their keeper. In return for this bounty, the bees pollinate the farmers' crops. Likewise, taking your books to a particular setting can attract customers to you, and also benefit your host. Match the location to your subject matter. The more off-the-wall your choice of venue, the greater your chance of attracting media attention... …

Choosing an Independent Editor

Published on October 24, 2012

You need an editor—of that much you are certain. But how can you avoid falling prey to incompetent, untrained, or inexperienced pretenders who may insert more errors than they correct? (Yes, it happens alarmingly often.)…

Ask These 3 Questions BEFORE Starting Your Book! – Anne Violette

Published on October 10, 2012

Ask These 3 Questions BEFORE Starting Your Book! – Anne Violette

As an author, and speaking on behalf of all of us collectively, our primary goal in writing a book is to achieve blockbuster sales and mega success. It's the ultimate dream happy ending for authors, even if the novels and books we write don't require a happy ending for the readers. For some, it may even be the reason for writing it...…

Know When to Quit – Alice J. Wisler

Published on October 3, 2012

Have you ever equated your writing projects to a line of pots on a simmering stove? The more you looked at this stove, the more you realized that the one good meal you envisioned to spring from those pots has not happened. Sure, you may have a satisfying dish, but there are so many others left unattended, burning, because you simply have too much going on. …

Recycle Your Clients! – Angie Papple Johnston

Published on September 26, 2012

Recycle Your Clients! – Angie Papple Johnston

Past clients usually make the best future clients. They're already impressed with your work ethic, they know why you charge what you do and they love your style. You don't have to dazzle them with flashy advertisements to reel them in, and you don't have to walk on eggshells when you deal with them because you're already familiar with the way they do business.…

How to Keep Your Job When Your Boss is You – Susan Sundwall

Published on September 5, 2012

Well, that's a silly title, isn't it? I chose it because of a little read-in-the-bathroom book a friend gave to my husband last Christmas. In it there was this saying: 'I became self employed and I still have a jerk for a boss.' It gave me a chuckle but it also got my gray cells going in the direction of writing. When it comes to this area of my life - and maybe yours - I'm self employed. And sometimes I don't like my boss. Why? Let me count the ways. …

Fine Tune Your Radio Copywriting Skills – James Rada Jr.

Published on August 29, 2012

While most towns nowadays have only one newspaper, they will generally have multiple radio stations. For a writer, this means multiple opportunities to write spots for radio salespeople who want effective ads for their clients. …

Writing for Real Estate Publications – John K. Borchardt

Published on August 22, 2012

Writing about real estate opens many potential markets: big city, small city and suburban newspapers as well as consumer and trade magazines. Magazine markets may be local, regional or national in their coverage. Occasionally, a real estate subject such as the rise of World Trade Center 1 (the Freedom Tower), on Ground Zero of the World Trade Center, is national news, resulting in syndicated newspaper articles. Additional research can turn a subject that starts as a one-off local story, such as covering a local warehouse roof with solar panels to generate electricity, can also be written as a national trend story. …

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