About.com Readers’ Choice Awards
I wanted to let you all know that the About.com Readers' Choice Awards are currently going on, and there several categories you or one of your clients might be interested in. Categories include: Best Nonfiction Book About Friendship Best Fiction Book About Friendship Favorite Website for Meeting New Friends Favorite TV Bromance Favorite Online Game to Play With Your Friends Favorite TV Show About Friends Favorite Board Game to Play With Your Friends Favorite Friendship Blog Nominating yourself is acceptable. In fact, we encourage it! The 2012 About.com Readers’ Choice Awards showcase the best products, features and services in dozens of categories. Readers’ Choice includes multiple channels ranging from technology ...
How to Get Your Interviewer Back on Track
I've done quite a few interviews over the past few years, and most of them are really great. As an introvert myself, I'm amazed at people's abilities to chat away in a carefree manner, to interrupt people (when they need it), and to basically think aloud. During a radio or TV interview, those are important skillsets (which I definitely don't have.) But there have also been interviewers that have veered off-track during the course of our time together. So then what? Do you as the interviewee interrupt them? What do you do to get things back on track? Why Things Veer ...
How to Revive Old Blog Posts
It's one thing to get traffic to new blog posts, but what about all those gems you wrote long ago that need a little more attention? Here are some ways to get traffic to older posts.
Lipping Off at the Judges
I'll admit it, I love watching those reality shows where people sing and then other people judge and then someone gets critiqued and/or voted off. I love them because they are fun to watch but also because I see some similarities between shows like that and being a writer.
How I Use Twitter Lists
The list function in Twitter has really been a lifesaver for me. Many people complain that there is so much info on Twitter it's almost too confusing to use. I think it's a good resource, and the way to manage it all is with organization. Lists are one way you can do that.
Are You Afraid of Editors?
I saw this post recently on Alan Rinzler's blog about being afraid of editors. He's right, I've heard several writers express this fear. I can't say I have it now, but there was a time where I did.
I Want to Do an Ebook, Where Do I Start?
By far the most common question I get these days from people is about ebooks. It seems many of you are writing them and good for you! Ebooks can be a good source of income for freelancers and a good way to build or support your brand. If you're thinking of doing an ebook and wondering where to start, here are some resources for you.
Hey, Newbies, Are You Tired of Being Invisible?
Guest post by Jason Scott If the title of this post speaks to you, then your blogging experiences are probably similar to mine. Let me take a guess. Do you work your backside off getting your blog just right, filling it with great content, editing, re-editing, and making it look so hot that you could cook a stack of blueberry pancakes on it?
How to Get the Most Out of HARO
Have you used Help a Reporter Out (HARO)? It's such a great resource. I've used it to get interviews for an article I wrote on midlife dating and I've also responded to calls for experts. The service works great, but if you're just trying to promote your book at any cost or get an interview no matter what, you probably won't find it as useful. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of HARO.
Applying for Freelance Jobs Without Clips
What are "clips"? Do you need them? Recently I gave a talk for a group of aspiring writers, and I got several questions about "clips."
5 Types of Communicators That Drive This Blogger Crazy
First let me say, I love hearing from you all. I really do. You are all so passionate and knowledgeable, and you blow me away with your emails and comments. But in addition to all the wonderful readers that contact me here, I also hear from other folks: PR people, authors, editors, marketing people, and on and on, and some of them aren't such great communicators. I'm not going to pick on them, but I do want to point out a few things they do that we can all learn from. Over Communicating Being on top of things is great, but when ...
Blogging With an Active Voice
Guest post by Emilee Butera Are you reading this post or is this post being read by you? This difference between the two may seem minimal, but it's actually very significant. Many people know that they should write in an active voice instead of passive voice, but they may not always realize the difference between the two.
National Global Entrepreneurship Week – Rates and Making Money
I hope you enjoyed our posts this week about rates, payment, and your freelance business: What Freelance Writers Can Learn From Netflix Lessons from Plumbers: How to Set Freelance Writing Rates How to Raise Your Rates Finding Freelance Writing Work Here are a few more posts you might find of interest: When Pay is Negotiable Types of Payment What If You Get Paid On Page Views Alone? How Much Should You Charge for Blog Posts? Copywriting Fees – How to Set Them How Much Are Writers Really Earning? Boost Your Revenues By Turning People Away Freelance Writing Jobs – 3 Services Writers Can Offer Clients to Make More Money Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
National Global Entrepreneurship Week – What Freelance Writers Can Learn From Netflix
We've been talking about rates this week for National Global Entrepreneurship Week. Our previous discussions included: Lessons from Plumbers: How to Set Freelance Writing Rates, How to Raise Your Rates, and How to Find Freelance Work.
National Global Entrepreneurship Week – Lessons from Plumbers: How to Set Freelance Writing Rates
We're continuing our discussion about freelance writing rates today in honor of National Global Entrepreneurship Week. Today's today: what we as writers can learn about rates from plumbers.
National Global Entrepreneurship Week – How to Raise Your Rates
It's National Global Entrepreneurship Week (which is really difficult to say, by the way), and we're continuing a series on the indie spirit of authors, and how to start up and maintain a successful writing business.
Your Author Photo
Since I spent yesterday chatting about some of the pet peeves I see with author bios, I thought I'd expand on that today to include photos. Bottom line, if you're a writer in any way, shape, or form, you need a photo of yourself.
Get Rid of Self Doubt!
If you're like me at all, you go through the occasional moment of self-doubt. As writers, we get told "no" more than "yes" and there are even times when we're told our writing isn't up to par.
Online Resources for Writers
What are some of the sites and resources that you can't live without? Share with us below! In the meantime, here are a few of the sites I go to often for information and ideas.
When Pay is Negotiable
It might seem obvious that when your client says "pay is negotiable" it means that they have a range in mind that they are going to pay for a certain job. The trick is, how do you as the freelancer get paid the most that you can? Ask Questions to Get an Idea of the Scope of the Job Recently I talked about questions you can ask to find out what the scope of the job will be, and these are the same questions you'll want to ask in order to deal with a "pay is negotiable" situation. Find out what the ...
Freelance Writer Sources for Interviews and Research
One thing I like about freelancing today is that it is so much easier to do research than the old days. I used to have to call up friends and acquaintances each time I had a new assignment in order to find experts to interview. Now, I can usually get everything I need right from my computer. Here are some good resources I use a lot.
Before You Become a Freelance Writer
A lot of people ask me about how to get started as a freelance writer, so I wanted to talk a little bit about what to think about before you start.
Types of Payment
How can you get paid? We write because we love it but we need to run our business and pay bills. Luckily, freelancers today have the chance to be paid in a variety of different ways. This type of diversity can help writers from relying too deeply on one income source. The variety of payment types also reflects the changing job market for writers.
Staying Fit While Working From Home
So, one thing I noticed when I started working from home full-time was that it was that the weight slowly but surely would creep it's way onto my body. The reasons for that are simple.
How to Blog Everyday
More and more, I've heard from authors that blogging on a daily basis seems daunting to them. I have to say, as a professional blogger I write for multiple sites each day, so I don't really understand this.
What If You Get Paid On Page Views Alone?
Yesterday I talked about how to determine a per post rate. Now I'd like to address page views. As bloggers, sometimes we are paid by clients on page views alone, or how many times a post is viewed. I've got some thoughts on this, so let's discuss it.
How Much Should You Charge for Blog Posts?
One question I get repeatedly from writers is what to charge when giving a quote for blog posts. The answer? It depends. You have to make sure you cover all the time you're going to put in to write and research it, and still make it competitive.
How to Follow Up After a Writing Conference
Recently I ran a guest post about how to get the most out of a writer's conference, and one of the comments on it was from our reader Michelle
Things to Watch Out For With Freelance Writing Job Ads
Job ads aren't the best way to find a freelance writing job (we know that already) but nevertheless one of the most common questions I get from freelancers is what to watch out for with a job ad. It's a good question, because when you're new, you don't have the experience to navigate the BS from the truth when it comes to job offerings.
How to Get More Steps in a Day
How’s your butt doing? You know, the butt you sit on all day so you can work hard by typing? Yeah, mine too. But here’s how we can work on it: steps.
21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter
I've got a new book out specifically targeted to authors who want to market their book and brand on Twitter.
How to Find Your Way Around Working Writers
Our blog has grown quite a bit over the last couple of years, and you might be wondering how to find the wealth of information here. Let me give you some tips.
Making Cold Calls to Get New Clients
Getting new clients is a large part of maintaining a successful freelance writing business, and one way writers can do that is by making cold calls.
Where to Submit Free Press Releases
Writing press releases is a great way to get exposure for a small or freelance writing business. One advantage of having a press release on various sites is that they tend to stay there for a long period of time, sometimes years. Submitting a press release to a paid or free site will not guarantee press coverage.
Tips for Successful Radio Interviews
You may not realize it, but as a freelance writer you are an expert in something. You may have written about things as varied as cooking, dating, sports, or charity programs. Whatever the area, you have gained a level of expertise, and as a result you may get asked to talk about your knowledge.
Succeed as a Sportswriter
Writing about sports for a living is a dream for many freelancers, but it is a competitive field. To get an advantage, you have to be persistent and unique. Getting a paid sportswriting job is only a small part of success. If you really want to stand out, you need readers who follow your work. Here's how to get them.
Lessons From the Brandilyn Collins Booksigning
I recently got a chance to meet Brandilyn Collins at a dinner at book signing, and have to say how very impressed I was with her. I couldn't help noticing a few things she did that would be helpful to other writers.
Joining a Small Business Group
A successful freelance writing business is very similar to a small business of any kind. You have to operate frugally, watch the bottom line, and market yourself. That's why joining a small business group can really help you as a freelancer. You may learn a few things, and meeting new people is never a bad thing either.
Interview: Ellen Sussman
I recently picked up Ellen Sussman's latest book, French Lessons, and loved the book and the concept. She has published numerous essays in anthologies, including The Other Woman, and a dozen of her short stories have appeared in literary and commercial magazines. Ellen was named a San Francisco Library Laureate in 2004 and 2009.
How to (Really) Find Freelance Writing and Blogging Jobs
When I tell people I blog for a living (and do freelance work), the number one question I always get is "how do you find those jobs." Those jobs means jobs that pay a decent wage. Since I answer it a lot in person, I thought I'd talk about it here as well.
Taking Negative Feedback With Grace
When you’re a writer, you will (at some point) get judged. Right? You put your work out there, and some people are going to love it and some people are not going to love it, and others are going to fall somewhere in between. But instead of arguing with people who give you negative feedback, take it with grace. If there is a lesson in it, then apply the lesson. If not, focus on the readers who “get” what you are doing. Those are your fans.
Interview: Cyndi Lavin
Cyndi Lavin is one of those amazing writer/blogger/creative people I've met along the way in my writing travels who continually inspires me. She just finished writing the last chapter of a new ebook and she marketed it in a very clever way.
Interview: John Kremer
As an author, I'm always interested in how to promote my books. Years ago I read John Kremer's 1001 Ways to Market Your Books (1001 Ways to Market Your Books: For Authors and Publishers) and have since followed just about everything he has said and done since!
Tales From the Coffee Shop
For the last couple of days, I’ve been hanging out at coffee shops and fast food joints that offer free Wi-Fi. I’ve had roofers at my place, and between the pounding and the barking (from my dog), it’s enough to drive a writer crazy.
Working Writers Is Now on Kindle!
Got a Kindle? I’m so excited to announce that now you can read Working Writers on your Kindle! The blog has grown steadily since it first started a couple years ago, and I’m so thankful to all of you for making that happen.
What Do You Want Out of Your Online Writing Work?
I get a lot of questions from writers wondering how they can make a living online.
How to Market Your Poetry Book
A question I get a lot from writers is how they can market a book of poems. Seems that a lot of writers pen poetry, and they wonder how to publish and then market their work. After all, if you don't market, you can't sell. And you do want people to buy it, right?
Latest News
Are You Succeeding on Facebook? 4 Ways to Tell
Guest post by Kirsty LaVier If you’ve kept up with any of the latest marketing trends, you know that Facebook marketing is big – and only getting bigger. After all, how can you ignore a website that has more than 800 million users? [Read more] Read More →
Health Insurance Options for Freelance Writers
Guest post by Brittaney Madison If you are a freelance writer, then you know that freelancing comes with its own set of benefits, as well as its own set of responsibilities. It can be difficult to keep these responsibilities in check when you have writing assignments to focus on, but keep in mind that maintaining your responsibilities is necessary to staying afloat as a freelancer. [Read more] Read More →
Perfectionism and Procrastination Busting Tips
Guest post
About.com Readers’ Choice Awards
I wanted to let you all know that the About.com Readers’ Choice Awards are currently going on, and there several categories you or one of your clients might be interested in. Categories include:
How to Get Your Interviewer Back on Track
I’ve done quite a few interviews over the past few years, and most of them are really great. As an introvert myself, I’m amazed at people’s abilities to chat away in a carefree manner, to interrupt people (when they need it), and to basically think aloud. During a radio or TV interview, those are important skillsets (which I definitely don’t have.) But there have also been interviewers that have veered off-track during the course of our time together. So then what? Do you as the interviewee interrupt them? What do you do to get things back on track?
How to Revive Old Blog Posts
It’s one thing to get traffic to new blog posts, but what about all those gems you wrote long ago that need a little more attention? Here are some ways to get traffic to older posts. [Read more] Read More →
Artsy Blogging Links for January 22, 2012
Artsy blogging links for this week. Enjoy. [Read more] Read More →
Writing Links and News for January 21, 2011
Happy Saturday again, writers! I have to say, I finally feel like I’m getting back in the swing of things this week. Although my favorite team is out of the playoffs now (sniff!), things are great otherwise.
Evening Star by Edgar Allan Poe
For this poetry Saturday, how about a classic from Edgar Allan Poe. [Read more] Read More →
Tips to Get Started With a Photoblog
Guest post Do you have a passion for photography? Would you like people to appreciate and acknowledge your work, but you simply have no clue where to find the right people? Finding the right people is absolutely necessary for you to do more, or else your talent will go wasted, without the much needed appreciation. [Read more] Read More →
Lipping Off at the Judges
I’ll admit it, I love watching those reality shows where people sing and then other people judge and then someone gets critiqued and/or voted off. I love them because they are fun to watch but also because I see some similarities between shows like that and being a writer. [Read more] Read More →
Scam for Backlinks
There’s a new trend I’ve noticed where people send me an email alerting me to a post that they recently published. I’ve received this same email, wording much the same each time, from a variety of sites. I’m not sure if this is a new strategy for trying to get backlinks or what, but it has to the most unoriginal one I’ve seen. [Read more] Read More →
What is HTML Anyways?
Guest post Jen Silva
How I Use Twitter Lists
The list function in Twitter has really been a lifesaver for me. Many people complain that there is so much info on Twitter it’s almost too confusing to use. I think it’s a good resource, and the way to manage it all is with organization. Lists are one way you can do that. [Read more] Read More →
Why Books Matter
Guest post by Emma Bell My life has been filled with books since as early as I can remember. My mom’s a retired English teacher, and as opposed to force-feeding us into developing a love of reading, she simply gave my family easy access to the classics. [Read more] Read More →
Artsy Blogging Links for January 15, 2012
Artsy blogging links for this week:
Are You Content by William Butler Yeats
How is your Saturday going? Here is an old favorite from William Butler Yeats. [Read more] Read More →
Writing Links and News for January 14, 2012
Hello writers, and welcome to another weekend. Are you catching up from the holidays? You know, I found this week very hard to get through. Even the Internet seemed slow!
4 Easy Steps to Ensure a Healthy Work Environment at Your Desk
Guest post by Jason Munroe As a freelance writer, I have discovered all the perks that come along with it, as well as the pitfalls. Fortunately, the upside far outweighs the downside…as long as I take care of that which can drag me down. [Read more] Read More →
Are You Afraid of Editors?
I saw this post recently on Alan Rinzler’s blog about being afraid of editors. He’s right, I’ve heard several writers express this fear. I can’t say I have it now, but there was a time where I did. [Read more] Read More →
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