Money Making Ideas for Writers

How to Publish: Creating an Audio Book Sample to Sell Your Book

2009-11-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

There’s nothing like a good audio recording of a book for those who enjoy listening to books, rather than reading them. This is a very popular way for authors to capitalize on a growing and successful market.

Audio books are convenient, practical and provide a great product for consumers who have long commutes or simply want to relax and listen to a book, rather than read one.

For authors, creating an audio book means finding a publisher who can provide professional audio recordings, including an audio sample that is of high quality and easy to post online.

How to Publish: Determining the Costs of Audio Samples

If you’re after an audio sample to post on your website or use in other ways to market your audio book, the thing to do is shop around online. Look for publishers that tell you upfront the costs associated with audio samples. Strategic Book Marketing offers this service for $99. This reasonable cost includes a 150 word audio sample from a selection of your book that you select. This converts into 60 seconds of listening time. If you’ve published your book with this
publisher, they will post it on your sales page for $149. They also have other related services including blog talk radio interviews which can really be a plus come time to market your book.

How to Publish: Editing Time for Audio Books

Another good feature to consider is audio book editing. For $99, Strategic Book Marketing offers final polishing and professional editing to make the sound quality the best possible on any audio recording you’ve made yourself. They add, “In truth, not many authors can pull off recording their own audio book. We recommend that only authors with a practiced speaking or radio voice or those who have written a memoir record their own work. For all others, it is recommended that you hire a professional. It will save a lot of hassle, wasted hours, and purchasing of recording products in the long run. To receive a quote for your audio book, email us, and we will send your manuscript to industry professionals for a quote.”

Hear samples at their following link: http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/images/AudioBook_DemoClips.mp3 .

How to Publish: Audio Book TutorialsIf you would like to record your own audio book, click on the lesson tutorials below:

Lesson one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZfk2VlRvzM
Lesson two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weSLWa4-8bA

How to Publish a Non-Fiction Book

2009-11-01T04:03:00.000-08:00

Good non-fiction books still make the best seller list each month and as a result, authors should be encouraged to write what they know and share it with the world in the form of a non-fiction book. All writers who have authored a book eventually come to ask the question – where should I publish my non-fiction book?

How to Publish: Finding the Right Publisher

Like anything in life, finding the right connections can make all the difference in the world. The same is true in publishing. Finding the right fit in a publisher can make all the difference in the world. When it comes to non-fiction books, the right publisher will have a department devoted specifically to this genre. I recently discovered a publisher that has a division that handles non-fiction books and they are currently accepting submissions. Strategic Book Marketing offers new authors a chance to have their books reviewed by their professional team of editors. They are specifically looking for manuscripts that instruct and inspire a specific age group; books that tell a story that would appeal to a specific audience; instructional messages presented in a refreshing and exciting manner and books that are fun and imaginative.

How to Publish: Submitting Your Non-fiction Work

Although most publishers prefer to work through literary agents, if you don’t have an agent, don’t despair. The above publisher says, “We prefer to work with authors through a literary agent, however, there are exceptions. If you believe in your story and are dedicated to being a motivating factor in promotions and sales, or you have a strong alliance with a specific group that may provide targeted sales, then we are interested in learning more about you and your book.”Before submitting your work to Strategic Book Marketing, fill out the form on their website here. From there, you will be contacted and proceed with specific directions related to your book manuscript.

How to Publish: Hooking up with Marketing Department

What I find very captivating about Strategic Book Marketing is the fact that they are devoted to marketing! This marketing team offers more than 20 ways authors can market their published books. They even help authors who were published with other publishers to market their books, too! It’s no wonder; they have marketing experts who provide personal attention and direction in everything from social network marketing to Kindle.

Finally, be prepared to have marketing ideas to give to their department. Most publishers want to know that authors are self-motivated to sell their books. Be prepared to share ideas with the marketing person appointed to work with you.

Non-fiction book publishing is an exciting field. Ask any author who has succeeded and they will tell you it was not only fun, but also hard work. Still, the hard work pays off as you can see here.

Can Choosing the Right Publisher Make You Famous?

2009-10-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

All of us have heard stories of how thousands of books have been turned into movies, causing the writer to become famous overnight. Fame and fortune are no strangers to good writers who were given movie rights, thanks to hooking up with a good publisher.

Choosing the right publisher can lead to eventually turning a book into a movie. Authors can sometimes become screenwriters or work with one to maintain the integrity of the book they wrote. The right publisher can make all the difference in the world. Here are three reasons why.

Turning a book into a movie: Publisher has contacts in Hollywood

If your goal is to eventually see your fiction on the big screen, hooking up with a publisher who has contacts with screenwriters, Hollywood agents, and producers is definitely the way to go. Researching publishers who offer the potential for such networking is paramount. Check their websites, study their scope of marketing services and whether or not they offer the opportunity to connect with Hollywood producers, etc. and if there are any extra costs for such services. Study success stories and aim to be among them by following their footsteps.

Turning a book into a movie: Publisher works personally with you

Your goal is to hook up with real people. You want to be able to be guided via email, telephone and even in person, if necessary. Your goal is to find a publisher who is looking for books with movie potential. Form a relationship with a real person who can help you. Talk with their marketing department and find someone who will work personally with you to help you turn your book into a movie. A good publisher offers one-on-one services. This can be worth any cost in the end!

Turning a book into a movie: Publisher has key media contacts

Besides being connected with the movie industry, and having a personal relationship with a publisher, the next key indicator of a good publisher is one with excellent media contacts. To turn a book into a movie is one thing, but to know your publisher has great marketing and promotional resources to help sell your book to the general public is also vital. Check out the marketing services they offer and whether or not they have a strong media presence through press releases, public relations and etc. If your book is turned into a movie, the media will bring you free publicity that can make all the difference in the world.

I recently did some research and found Strategic Book Group to be among the publishers who offer film rights to authors. “Well over half of movies today (some say 75%) are screenplay adaptations of novels, non-fiction books, short stories, news, magazine articles, or comic books. Screenplay adaptations based on published source material outnumber original scripts by a wide margin. Screenplay adaptations are the most common, lucrative and sought-after medium in the entire film and TV industries,” reports Strategic Book Group. For more details, click here: http://www.theglobalbookagency.com/film.html

Where to Publish a Children's Book

2009-10-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you’ve written a children’s book that you know has potential, is well illustrated, and has just what it takes to bring in sales, finding a good publisher should be next on your “to do” list.

Publishing a children’s book can be challenging, but it can also be a wonderful learning experience. From what I’ve gathered in my research, some publishers are especially versed and successful in publishing and selling children’s books. The secret to succeeding in the children’s book market is to hook up with a publisher with a track record for helping authors succeed.

I recently discovered a publisher that not only publishes children’s books and other types of books, but they also help authors market their books through more than 20 avenues. Marketing is everything for an author, and Strategic Book Publishers (SBP) is #1 in the industry when it comes to helping authors establish a strong presence off and online. They have published many children’s books. On their website, they have authors fill out a form to help them determine how to best help authors in their task of publishing a children’s book.

Although many publishers only work with literary agents, some are willing to look at your manuscript without you needing an agent. SBP is among them. Be sure to study the websites of the publishers you to which you are considering submitting your book. Eloquent Books, a division of SBP has an Author’s Edge page with a list of many newly published children’s books. Study the types of books they publish and see how your book would compare.

As most children’s authors will tell you, having a marketing plan is so important. Working with a publisher that has a strong marketing edge is what you need to truly succeed in the market. This would include a publisher that can get your book into bookstores and help you get into virtual bookstores, too. A publisher that has the means of helping you attend and network at book fairs is also vital. SBP has a whole list of marketing avenues by which they promote their authors, including authors of children’s books. Check out Strategic Book Marketing for details.

All in all, a good children’s book will be exciting, attractive, include fun characters and have all the qualities children look for in a book. As you get acquainted with your publisher, their experience and knowledge will help you determine if your book is and will be among the next to make an impact in the market.

Where to Find a Good Publisher

2009-09-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

So you’ve written a book – even one you consider to be a best seller, but where do you start when it comes to getting published? What are the steps you need to take to get your books in circulation?

For many writers, getting published is quite an ordeal. Many try with the large publishers and get refused because they don’t have an agent. Others try with small presses and receive one rejection letter after another, even though their work is amazing and spotless.

I was looking for a company that thinks outside the box, and even outside of the country! I found this upstart company that has already connected their authors into China! Strategic Book Publishing exhibits for their authors in Germany, the US, and in London... Now that's better that any other publisher I've seen.

I can see why so many are turning to Strategic Book Publishing – they have a formula based on results! Through one success story after another, authors are discovering that Strategic Book Publishing is not just another publishing company; they are an agency built on forming lasting relationships with authors because they succeed in selling books.They also seem much more technologically advanced and ahead of the game by providing authors with Kindle and ebooks. If you’re looking for technical prowess, this publishing company has it!

To get published with Strategic Book Publishing, first submit your work here. They will review it and provide you with a team of professionals who will work with you to not only publish your work, but to help you sell it, too. They have an amazing marketing program that helps authors succeed. Read their many testimonies here.

Strategic Book Publishing is the name of the company I now recommend to writers who are looking to publish beautiful, professional AND successful books in any genre.

NES Staffing Helps Make Connections

2009-09-07T13:39:00.001-07:00

With so many people unemployed currently, NESStaffing.com is helping thousands turn their lives around.

As the Internet's premier destination for connecting employees and employers throughout the United States, NES Staffing Solutions provides easy navigation at their website. They have an extensive network of partners and resources that allows them to provide both nationwide and local focus and service.

Nationwide Employment Solutions is an excellent source for college graduates, recruiters, headhunters and the unemployed. Many are discovering that Nationwide Employment Solutions has a wide range of markets, industries and locations to serve just about anyone.

If you are looking for a new job or a change and need a resource that can make a difference, be sure to bookmark Nationwide Employment Solutions and watch your life change for the better!

Writers Become Trainers

2009-04-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

How to Set Up a Training Business is an article that can help you take your seminar, workshop and presentation writing experience and turn it into a successful training business.

Love to Read and Write? How about Make Money, too?

2009-03-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

Making Some Extra Cash at Half Price Books
If you want to make an extra $10 to $30 a week, try selling books, cds, videos and dvds at the Half Price Books near you.
Read more »

How to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer

2009-02-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

Those of us who enjoy the freelance life know it can be challenging at times. We're always looking for new and better opportunities. One thing that works for me is to publicize the work I've already done and bring more people to sites where published work already sits (like Associated Content.) In so doing, I'm getting more page views, more potential clicks on ads and affiliate programs, and in turn, I'm monetizing the pages to my advantage and the advantage of the site where my articles are posted. This brings more money to me at the end of the month.

Article Posting and Promotions

Have you ever wondered how to get more people to your content sites? Consider posting your blogs and articles on more blog sites. Here are 55 places to choose from.

Commercial Blogs

Something else that works is to start your own themed blogs. I've discussed this before. If you enjoy a particular subject and have written numerous articles on the subject, post those articles on your blog, or start the article on that blog and make it go to the site where your article sits. I started this one recently with a list of my own "green-related" articles. Notice how the articles link back to Associated Content.

It's probably better to write for blogsites that share their adsense and affiliate profits with you as they've already got the traffic. A list of 22 sites that pay you to blog can be found here.

Affiliate Programs

Joining affiliate programs helps monetize your blogs and websites. Here is a list of the Top 10 Affiliate Programs. Find great affiliate tips and guides here: http://www.affiliatetips.com/ . By joining free affiliate programs and writing about them, you increase your chances of having more traffic, gaining better ranking on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other search engines and becoming known for affiliate write-ups. As a result, you may even be in demand by companies to write articles, reviews and web content. Never underestimate the power of SEO content.

Other ways to make money online

If you're open to doing more than writing, editors and proofreaders are also needed, as well as list makers and headline writers. Always be open to new opportunities and channels by which you can use your current knowledge and talents. Other ways of making money online are listed at the following sites. If you're like me, these places always help stimulate your own ideas! Good luck!

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2006/10/40-ways-to-make-money-on-internet.html http://www.doshdosh.com/ways-to-make-money-online/http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/02/22/10-new-ways-to-make-money-online/

ENewsletters are The Way to Go!

2009-02-10T09:19:00.001-08:00

Creating an E-Newsletter and Building the Mailing List
E-newsletters are an important marketing strategy in helping to increase business.
Read more »

2009-01-27T13:22:00.001-08:00

Planning Your Retirement with Andy Barkate

2009-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re a full-time freelance writer or someone who works for yourself, you know first hand the difficulties that come from having no benefits or retirement plan. However, if you’re a smart freelance writer, you’ve made provisions for health insurance and retirement. Andy Barkate is among many bright and insightful financial executives who has helped hundreds of people carefully plan and execute a retirement and income plan.

As a financial author and speaker, Andy Barkate has met a variety of independent contractors, writers and freelancers who attended his retirement planning workshops. He specializes in small businesses and individual investors.

As a freelance writer, it is important to start early to make plans for retirement and to understand all there is to know about investments, IRAs, estate planning, annuities and other plans.

Choosing a Career Path in Media and Marketing?

2008-12-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

For many young people, an area of career interest is media and marketing. This field is vast and allows many to integrate their creative skills with their strong desire to grow with a business. A good idea for people choosing a career is to get to know others out there who are top in their fields.

Many professionals throughout the world have made quite an impact in the field of media and marketing. Among them is Linus Gitahi, CEO of Nation Media Group. He had a long and successful executive career at GlaxoSmithKline, the global pharmaceutical company, and is now happily providing excellent services to the business sector through his media group.

Linus Gitahi is a good example of a person with diverse talent and initiative. Both his dedication to his work and his integrity in media related projects have moved him forward to one of the largest media firms in East and Central Africa. Linus Gitahi, through Nation Media Group serves the market with both print and electronic platforms.

Making a Living as a Writer

2008-12-07T03:56:00.000-08:00

Making a Living as a Writer in Desperate Economic Times
Despite the tough economic times we're experiencing, content writers are still needed big time!
Read more here.

Five Secrets to Freelance Writing Success

2008-11-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Successful freelancers know that to make it in the world of freelancing, it's important to maintain a consistent workflow. For many freelancers, this means being proactive in searching for the next freelance assignment and having a few steady clients as well. More here.

Referrals for Extra Cash Flow: PayPal Alternative is Here

2008-07-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Those of us who exchange money online, sell ebooks or other products sometimes have to deal with Paypal getting a percentage of our income. Now you don't have to pay that extra fee! A new company, Revolution Exchange, that's not a monopoly, and offers the same services as Paypal, now gives you an alternative!

Plus, you get $10 on every referral and can earn up to $500! For more information, check them out here:

POSSIBLY THE BEST AFFILIATE PROGRAM YET!

2007-12-14T18:03:00.001-08:00

I just came across an excellent new system that can help anyone who has a personal blog or website to make extra money. Before you go doing what I'm about to tell you, be sure you don't break any terms of services, as not all blog sites will allow you to do this...however, if you have a free blog here, on http://www.blogger.com/, or have your own website, THIS SYSTEM WILL EVENTUALLY PAY MORE THAN GOOGLE ADSENSE.

It's called Pay Per Play...it launches in February and I've read up on what they're doing and I am very impressed. Basically, every single time someone clicks on your blog or personal website, YOU WILL GET PAID per that impression. They, in turn, will hear a 5 second ad.

These are big companies advertising, like Taco Bell and etc.Apparently, TV ads aren't pulling in the results like they used to cause everyone is online these days. Advertisers are moving their ad campaigns to the Internet with 5 second ads and are looking for websites willing to run their ads. Imagine, you'll be just like a TV station! You can add the code to MySpace, Facebook, Blogger and etc. I just registered and encourage anyone here who has a personal blog (outside of Blogit) and website, to get on this immediately, and start making money in the new year.

I have no doubt this will be BIGGER than adsense one day and now is our chance to get in on the ground level.Here ya go: PayPerPlay You can thank me later! Oh, and yes, it's free!!

How to Become a Book Promoter

2007-11-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

In today's writing world, many new writers are becoming authors overnight. Some are self-publishing and creating ebooks, as well as getting lucky and having their books published through a publisher. At the end of the road, however, the important step of promoting the book begins.

As someone who has worked part-time for a publisher before as a book promotions assistant, I know the importance of helping authors meet their marketing goals. Even with a lot of hard work, any writer will tell you that sometimes the sales don't come in like you wish they would. This is because marketing isn't a one-time thing. Putting the message out there has to be a consistent goal for any and all writer promoting their work.

I have helped writers promote their books through a variety of services. Each of the services has to be targeted to the audience you want to reach, but a general list of marketing goals I've accomplished have included one or more of the following:

• Creating a blog/website for the book
• Registering the blog with directories and submitting to search engines
• Interviewing the author for Associated Content
• Writing a press release
• Sending a press release to a large list of bookstores on and offline
• Listing press release on free press release sites
• Sending press release to newspapers (A large national list in the U.S. and Canada)
• Sending a suggestion to the Oprah Winfree show about the book/author
• Sending a note to book reviewers with link to blog (with option to send PDF of the book)
• Placing free ads about the book on Craigslist and other sites that allow free advertising

These are just a few of the items an author should consider. From there, he or she needs to consider a book tour, sending out postcards and doing other targeted marketing.

Becoming a Book Promoter

If you want to become a book promoter and marketer, I suggest creating a system that includes any of the above services, and coming up with a set price for your package. An author can choose from all your services or from a select few. Charge accordingly.

Book Promoter: How much to charge for your marketing efforts

This will depend on your time and what you believe it's worth. When I first started out, I only charged authors $250 to put up a three-page website. To perform the above services, I charge a $500 flat fee. You can charge more or less, depending on what works best for you and your client(s).

Book Promoter: Where to Promote your Services

As a new book promoter, you can promote your services to forums, newsgroups, blog sites, new author sites and publishing companies on and offline. You might also consider an ad in a local paper and the free ad sites online.

Consider putting up a blog specifically listing your services and begin promoting your blog to these places. Put up fliers in universities, libraries and send them to writers clubs, English departments of colleges and etc.

Book promoting and marketing is a fascinating and satisfying job. Though you can do the above work in just a couple of weeks (more or less), I would encourage you to have a follow-up plan to sell your authors. They need to realize, after all, that one initial effort barely gets the attention they need. To really be successful, any advertising agency will tell you that the message has to be repeated over and over. It's the same for selling and promoting new books to the world.

Logos

2007-11-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

Why it is Important to Have a Good Logo By Patricia Williams, Aug 21, 2007
As someone who has helped develop and create logos, I'd like to share why they're so important. Read more»

Promoting Your New Book

2007-11-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

If you've written a book and are asking, now how do I promote it? Here are a couple of helpful articles I've prepared for you:

Creative Angles to Consider when Writing and Promoting a New BookBy Patricia Williams, Jul 26, 2006
Getting creative will help you promote yourself and your book successfully! Read more»

Ten Marketing Ideas for Selling Your BookBy Patricia Williams, May 25, 2006
If you've just published your book, now it's time to promote it! Here are some great ideas! Read more»

Making Money Writing Online, Freelance Writing Articles

2007-11-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

How to Create Successful Brochures By Patricia Williams, Nov 01, 2007
Brochures can serve to enhance your experience with your customer. Here are some tips on developing a successful brochure. Read more»

How to Use Payloadz to Sell Ebooks By Patricia Williams, Nov 01, 2007
I was really thrilled to discover Payloadz and how easy it is to sell downloads through their system. Read more»

How I Built 10 Blog Sites in a Little Over Week! By Patricia Williams, Oct 09, 2007
Writers should create their own blogs, both to have a place to write and secondly, a place to earn extra monely online. Read more»

HOW TO TAP INTO THE MILLIONAIRE WITHIN

2007-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

How would you like to be a millionaire? Some people become millionaires overnight after winning a sweepstakes or the lottery, others inherit wealth, while still others work for years and finally make a fortune. Take for example, Estee Lauder who built her millions, or rather billions from nothing. Through hard work and perseverance her business became successful. Over the years she discovered she had a knack for marketing and invented the gimmick of handing out a free gift with any cosmetic purchase. Lauder says "There wasn't a minute of any day when I didn't look as pretty as I knew how to make myself."

Becoming a millionaire, even a billionaire is possible, especially in America. The amazing truth is, however, that the incredible ingredient that makes a millionaire wealthy isn't money. It's something even more fundamental, and even more important than riches or gold. "You have to be committed. Don't be halfway. You must be optimistic and determined, and work hard," says Skip Barber, Entrepreneur and owner of Skip Barber Racing School, Inc. Barber has over 70 racing schools and says he started his first school because he never thought he could make a living racing cars.

The Millionaire's Secret

Millionaires have learned to focus on their own unique plan of success. They have discovered the secret ingredients of success and have created their own tailor-made program for reaching their dreams.

Millionaires have learned to unleash hidden talents, desires, and dreams. They have learned to initiate plans for new business ventures and applied key techniques for increased motivation to help them accomplish all their endeavors.

Millionaires have mastered techniques for making money. They have learned how to apply a special type of "thinking" to bring in quick cash when they need it.

The truth is anyone can learn the techniques of a millionaire. The key is you must be willing to make an effort in reaching your highest potential.

Read the rest of the article here

General Articles on Writing

2007-10-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Help Writing Your Resume - Associated ContentCheck out Help Writing Your Resume - Submitted by Patricia Williams at AssociatedContent. All Content Text Video Audio Content Producers. Log in or sign up. ...

MLA Writing Style - Associated ContentCheck out MLA Writing Style - Submitted by Patricia Williams at Associated Content.All Content Text Video Audio Content Producers. Log in or sign up. ...

Are You a Candidate for Writing How-To Materials? - Associated ...Check out Are You a Candidate for Writing How-To Materials? - Submitted byPatricia Williams at Associated Content. All Content Text ...

Practical Writing and Marketing Tips for Freelancers

2007-10-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

As someone who has been writing for over 20 years, I've gained experience in several fields. These includes most media outlets like journalism, creative writing, publishing, marketing and advertising. It has also included working and writing for websites.

One thing I've learned is that you never stop finding new ways to improve yourself as a freelance writer. Learning new ways of selling yourself and your work are key to making your way in the ever changing world of freelance writing.

I've put together an extremely helpful report that all freelancers should read. I wouldn't promote it if I didn't believe it would truly serve to help new and established writers along their path.

The Report includes the following entries:

* Ten Marketing Tips for Selling Your Book
* 10 Ways to Promote a First Book
* Creative Angles to Consider
* Getting Prepared for a Book Promotion Tour
* Marketing on a Shoestring
* The Three Best Reasons to Pursue a Career in Writing
* The Elements of a Great Blogger
* Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Possibility or Pipe Dream?
* The Pitfalls of Freelance Writing and How You can Rise Above Them
* How to Write Poetry that Kicks Ass
* Investing in Yourself
* Writing to Create Change: Elements of Persuasion Examined
* Planning to Break Free from Corporate America
* An Example of a Five Day Plan to Get You Started
* My Experience as Ad Manager for a Large University Newspaper
* Do Your Writing Habits Reflect Your Enthusiasm?
* Some Ideas for Promoting Your Services in the Community
* Meeting Editor and Client Deadlines
* Changing Writing Styles to Fit Your Audience
* Writers Who Burst Free from Self-Imposed Restrictions
* How to Write When You’re in a Slump
* Creating the Perfect Portfolio for Yourself
* Writing from the Heart Versus Writing for Money and Fame
* What About Being a Ghostwriter?
* Writing Seminar Material: Example of Ten Ways to Achieve Your Dream
* 35 Article Ideas for Business-minded People
* Writing Query Letters, Cover Letters and Bios
* Copywriting for Beginners
* Writing for a Small Town Press
* Writing for Ad Agencies
* Working for a University Press
* My Experience with TV Broadcasting (A Class)
* Writing for Radio and My Experience on the Radio
* Does How You Feel Affect What You Write?
* Writing Positive Stories that Get Noticed
* Setting Up Avenue of Profits
* If You Want to Break into Writing, Try Selling Ad Space for a Publication
* Making it As a Freelance Consultant
* Harness those Emotions and Put Them in Writing
* Press Releases are a Nice Touch for Getting the Attention of Editors
* Writing from the Heart
* How to Go About Writing for Your Local Newspaper or Magazine
* Breaking into Copywriting and Other Writing Opportunities
* When Writing Becomes Your Obsession
* Characteristics of a Good Grant Proposal, Plus Three Recommended Books
* Elements of Good Grant Writing: Examining the Cover Letter
* 10 Ideas I use to Get Myself Consistently Published
* Are You Cut Out for the Real World of Writing?

Publisher: Self-published by Lost Highway Press

The cost for the report is only $15.00 and is sent as a PDF dowload. If you are interested, here is where to order it:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

How Freelancers Survive

For those of us who freelance, whether for a living or part-time, we know the need for planning and executing our plans on a time schedule. I find that being self-motivated is the only way any freelance writer survives.

Over the years, I've incorporated a variety of services and products into my freelance business. It's not until recently that I find myself doing mostly writing. You see, because of new programs and technology, everyone out there seems to be doing their own websites, brochures, newsletters and etc. In other words, instead of calling in the "pro's," they are saving money and doing it themselves. Whether the end product is any good or not, doesn't seem to matter to some. Saving money on the bottomline seems to be the name of the game in small business.

Still, despite the fact that everyone is now a graphic artist, web designer, and content producer, freelance writers and editors are still needed. Yes, people still try to write and design their own brochures, articles and newsletters, but upon closer examination, an educated writer can pinpoint the areas of weakness and correct them. Same goes for marketing experts...we can look at a promotional piece and know what's wrong with it.

So, as the times change, writers and marketing people need to apply their muscle in being more like consultants rather than originators. Since everyone thinks themselves "creators," freelance writers and marketing people need to sell themselves as consultants and editors who take what's already created and make it better. From there, some businesses will realize it's better to start over than to try to improve a mediocre piece.

If you are flexible and knowledgable in providing a variety of services, I suggest you advertise it to your potential clients. Below is a list from my website of services I provide. This includes services that I may hire out to my network of freelance people. Still, businesses can just come to one place and get it all. You are welcome to use this as a springboard for your own freelance business.

Besides mentioning that I do websites, brochures, newsletters and press kits, I list these under "Other Services."

Writing
Sales letters
Articles
Speeches
Direct mail pieces
Postcards
Fliers
Copywriting

Art
Logos
Ads
Book Covers
CD layouts
Illustrations
Graphic art

Miscellaneous
Photography: digital and other
Desktop publishing
Typesetting
Typing services
Scanning
Video conferencing
Printing

You are welcome to promote these services on your website or brochures, too.

For those of you serious about freelancing, again, I suggest my report: Practical Writing and Marketing Tips for Freelancers
If you are interested, here is where to order it: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

BREAKING INTO COPYWRITING AND OTHER FREELANCE WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

2007-10-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

Some of you are asking, how can I break into the field of copywriting and gaining freelance writing opportunities? Here are some tips to consider:

Place a classified or display ad in local business newspaper(s). I've been running one for years for only $21 a month. It has generated thousands of dollars in business for me. It's virtually the only advertising I do. I ran an ad in the yellow pages one year and only received one call. That was an expensive mistake. Since I work PT for an organization (20-25 hours a week), I don't need or want more work than I currently have.
Have some business cards printed. You can get 250 beautiful 4-colored business cards printed for free (except shipping and handling) from VistaPrint online. Mine has my name and the title of Freelance Consultant, address, phone number and my website. I've given myself many titles in the past: President, Freelance Writer, Marketing Consultant, and settled for Freelance Consultant.
Create your personalized letterhead for invoices, sales letters and other correspondence.
One year I sent out postcards to a specific target audience. This included travel agents mostly, since that was my interest at the time. This was before web pages were hot, so I was soliciting for writing brochure and newsletter copy. When web pages came on the scene, I learned how to design them, and sent out postcards again, but this time to a more general audience.
Study ads, brochure copy, newsletter copy, flyers and direct mail pieces you receive. Keep a file folder entitled IDEAS for future reference.
Create a newsletter. One year I sent out a newsletter called Possibilities Unlimited to my clientsThis didn't really generate any additional clients. It served as a goodwill piece...good PR.
Have a personal website. Mine includes samples of my work. This saves me and the client time. I'm rarely asked for a resume and people take my word that I know what I'm doing. Sometimes I carry a portfolio with me, but usually it isn't necessary.
Keep three writing samples available to email or give to clients that ask.

This is basically all I've done, but if I were to go full-time at it, I'd be much more assertive. Always remember that it takes approximately eight ads to really get someone's full attention. This can be expensive, but you can't expect to get a response from just running one ad. Be committed to a budget plan. Other things I've done over the years include:
Hook up with printers, artists, and photographers. Let them know you're a writer and that you'd appreciate working with them on future projects.
Get with ad agencies in town and let them know you're there to help with their "overflow" projects. Some agencies use freelancers exclusively, while others have their own copywriting staff. Sometimes there are overflows.
If you have a special talent or interest (martial arts, travel, cooking, insurance) be sure to target into that market to promote your copywriting services.

Copywriting is fun. It gives you the opportunity to write for many markets. You become a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of one or two.