July 29, 2010

Freelance Writing Beginner: Make Your First Ten Dollars Online

This short article is for complete beginners at freelance writing online. I consider you a complete beginner, even if you've made hundreds of thousands of dollars as an offline writer. Writing to sell online is DIFFERENT.

OK. Now, come closer, I want to whisper in your ear... (Whispering) Start small. Make $10 online. Then $100, then $1000 and so on.

Why you should start small

Did I say that writing to sell online is different? I did. If you're a beginning writer, you're dazed. You don't know where to start. If you're an established writer, you have methods of working. Some work well online, and others do not.

Either way, the online world is a new country, and I've no doubt that you have a brain-full of "musts." You must do this, you must learn that... Those musts will cripple you, and in Sell Your Writing Online NOW (SYWON) we aim to get rid of your preconceived ideas in the first four lessons, laying the groundwork so that you'll have a profitable writing career very quickly.

You need to focus, and SELL quickly, because nothing will happen in your career until you sell something. This can be scary, and the sooner you get over this hurdle the better.

So please start small.

Write an article for pay. Edit something for someone. Write anything (but keep it short), and sell it, preferably today.

The more time you spend thinking about what you could and would do, if this or that happened, or you did this or that, the more you'll procrastinate.

Start small. Make ten dollars. That will show you that it's possible for YOU to make money writing online. That will make a big impression on you, and you'll gradually become aware of all the possibilities.

Start small. Start today. Start NOW.

July 25, 2010

Time Management for Writers: One Simple Strategy Which Helps You to Find Time

Are you convinced that you have no time to write? Strangely enough, this is a problem for all writers, whether they're new, or are full-time professional writers. In this article you'll discover the one simple secret which ensures that you'll find the time to write each day.

I've been a professional writer for some 30 years. In my early years, I struggled to find time too. Then I discovered one simple tactic which solved the time problem for good.

I'll tell you what it is in a moment. It sounds simple, but don't be fooled: it has immense power. I know this, because over the years I've often failed to use this tactic, and when I did, I struggled. Life events overtook me, and I ended up complaining that I had "no time" -- and often blaming others -- until I came to my senses and realized what I was doing.

Here's the simple strategy: make writing the first thing you do every day.

Yes, it really is that simple, whether writing is all you (supposedly, anyway) do in your work day, or whether writing is a sideline for you.

Write first.

Here's how it works for me. Before I clear the decks after my work day ends, I decide which major project I'll work on for an hour in the morning. I prepare my notes.

The next morning, I grab a cup of coffee, and write for an hour. I don't read email, nor do I do anything else work-related, until I've written for one hour on the project I chose the evening before.

Then I go on with my day. Of course, I write much more in the course of my day, because writing is what I do. I always find that my early-morning session has warmed me up, and I get more done in all areas, because that early session has kick-started my productivity.

Many years ago, when my children were small, and I was running a business and writing, I got up at 4 a.m. every morning to write. I got a lot done. I was happy. My family was happy.

These days I don't get up quite as early. But I still make writing the first thing I do every day. I urge you to do it too, so that you have time to write.

July 21, 2010

Busy, Busy... Writing, Writing...

I'm sorry about the lack of blogging over the past few weeks. I've been busy in the best way possible: creating new products for you which solve the writing challenges you have.

My most recent product is the Write A Book Collection, which is getting a wonderful response. I've been coaching writers through it, and their inspiration and motivation inspires me, too.

If you've purchased the Collection, here's something which may interest you.

I've just completed another product, which will go into pre-launch in the next few days. Tip: all my pre-launch products are offered to the ezine subscribers first, as a very special offer, so if you're not a subscriber, you're missing out on these.

After that, I'll be releasing another writing guide you shouldn't miss, if your writing income is below five figures a month. I'm very excited about this guide, because for many writers this information will be the key which unlocks the door to an outstanding career. Shush! I never speak about new products before their release, so I can't say more, but believe me when I tell you that this one will get you excited. :-)

New: watch for affiliate programs for my products

Over the years, writers have complained about the lack of affiliate programs for my writing guides.

Unfortunately, some products just don't lend themselves to affiliate promotions, simply because I offer coaching with most of them, and there's only one of me. If affiliates promoted my products, I'd just have too many coaching sessions to handle.

Julia (my wonderful assistant) is taking on some of the coaching duties now, so in the next few months some of my products will have affiliate programs. You'll be able to promote these products to your own readers on your sites and blogs, to help them, and to make nice little commissions yourself too.

So that's what I've been doing over the past weeks. I'm very excited about the rest of 2010, and I hope you will be too.

I almost forgot to mention: Penny Swift has joined us as a contributor to the Fab Freelance Writing Blog, so please make her feel at home by commenting on her posts. Penny's building her own wonderful writing career, and she'll help you to do the same.

July 10, 2010

Why Write a Book?

Why would anyone write a book? It's a considerable commitment. You won't finish your book this afternoon if you start it this morning. You may not finish your book for months... or even years.

There are many reasons you'd consider writing a book.

For example:

* You want to see whether you can do it;

* You want the fame and fortune which may come with it;

* You have something to say which can only be said at book length;

* Someone has hired you to do it (you'd be amazed at how many people want to "write" a book, if they can get someone else to do the actual writing :-));

* You want to create a stream of in*come;

* You want the bragging rights which come to authors -- "My book's available in your local bookstore";

* You want to develop a real presence as a writer.

There are 1001 reasons you might want to write a book. Writing confidently at book length is a wonderful skill to have, and you build that skill by doing it.

I created the Just Write a Book Collection so that you could write an excellent book, and do it quickly.

However, before you consider becoming an author, I'd like you to think about WHY you might want to do this. Write down your reasons and examine your own motivation.

If you're an established writer, writing a book may well be the next, most logical step for you in your writing career. It will help you to establish your credibility as a ghostwriter, for example. There are unlimited opportunities for you to act as a ghostwriter for celebrities, as well as for people who just want someone to help them write their autobiography, or family history.

If you're a beginning writer, you may want to build a career as a genre writer -- someone who writes mystery, romance, or historical novels. This is an excellent career path, and there are many opportunities open to you.

So, why do YOU want to write a book?

July 6, 2010

Email Sense and Sensibility for Writers

For writers, email messages are not merely a communications mechanism, they're also the way to get more writing clients, keep all our clients happy, and make much more money.

Unfortunately, very few people use email effectively -- and I'm not merely targeting writers here, this applies to everyone online. It even applies to individuals and companies which make the greater portion of their income online... Go figure. :-)

Let's look at ways in which you can not only get your email messages read, but which will also create an impression of confidence and professionalism, as well as inspire trust in your recipients.

1. Think from the point of view of your recipients

I receive over 400 email messages most days. This is average for anyone who operates online. Some people receive many more messages than this. A mass-market magazine editor I know receives over 1000 messages a day.

To avoid being overwhelmed when you're dealing with volume, you resort to triage. For example, I scan the senders and subject lines and batch-delete anything I don't want, don't have time for, or which is obviously spam.

I also have filters in place, so that messages from SYWON students are sent directly to a SYWON folder, and messages which are obviously from writers are sent to folders which Julia manages.

Therefore, since your recipients will judge the value or otherwise of your messages strictly on the sender and subject line, it's vital that you give some thought to this.

Tell the recipient exactly what your message is about in the subject line. For example, if you're sending a magazine query, the subject line should consist of: "Query: ___________ (the title of your article)".

2. Never ever assume that the recipient knows who you are

In the first few lines of your message, introduce yourself. Yes, do this even if you've corresponded with the recipient in the past. Remember that everyone struggles with the volume of email messages they receive. Unless you're a close personal friend, or are otherwise important to the recipient, it's unlikely that they'll remember you instantly when they're focused on clearing their Inbox as quickly as possible.

You could write:

I'm _______(your name.) I spoke to you at...

I'm _______(your name), and I'm sending you a query for __________ (magazine, website)

I'm a __________ (a writer, a freelance writer) and I'm writing because _______ (your reason for sending the message)

Telling the recipients who you are even applies when you're sending out bulk emails to a list -- say your client list. Take the time to introduce yourself in the first paragraph, or use email stationery which clearly states who you are in the first few lines.

3. Keep messsages short, BUT do include everything the recipient needs to know

When it comes to email, shorter is always better. However, while keeping your messages brief, take a few moments to frame each message you write, so that the recipient knows why you're writing, and exactly what you want him/ her to do.

4. Make it easy for the recipient to respond

The easier you make it for your recipients to respond, the more likely it is that they will.

When you're dealing with your writing clients it's especially vital that you give them a choice of ways to get in touch. Include your landline number, and cell number too. People who aren't writers are usually happier talking than writing. :-)

Email is a powerful tool, but it's also a royal pain. Use these simple tips to ensure that your messages are read with pleasure, and that you get the responses you want.

June 27, 2010

Writing Tip (and Warning): Your Words Can Live Forever on the Web

I'm a huge Anthony Trollope fan. I reread his Palliser and Chronicles of Barsetshire novels every few years -- they reward rereading.

This week, the Anthony Trollope weekly quote was particularly apt for Web writers:

"The word that is written is a thing capable of permanent life, and lives frequently to the confusion of its parent. A man should make his confessions always by word of mouth if it be possible." (The Claverings)

Take this to heart. Anything you publish online is available globally, yes, even the stuff you post on Twitter and Facebook. If you don't want it repeated, don't write it online. :-)

June 24, 2010

Writing and Your Creativity: Managing Traitorous Doubt

Do you doubt yourself as a writer?

Most writers do. Writing is a career in which you're constantly starting afresh -- you're always looking at a blank page (or computer screen.)

Doubt strikes all writers, whether experienced or new, and never goes away. However, as you become more experienced, you start to recognize doubt as simply "doubt", and you pay less attention to it. You know doubt for what it is, and give it far less weight.

How do you handle doubt?

One of my favorite Shakespearean quotes gives a clue:

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt". (Measure For Measure, Act I, Scene IV).

If you acknowledge that fear's the problem, you can work with it.

Here's an exercise I find useful. I often give it to my writing students.

Start by admitting to yourself that you're scared.

Next, complete this sentence: "What really scares me is________"

Write as much, or as little, as you please. You'll be surprised at what you write, and you'll come to understand yourself a little more. Usually, what you're scared of is the last thing you'd expect. This is because your creative self tends to be child-like (rather than childish.)

Now you can be gentle with yourself. :-)

Although the exercise is very simple, it's powerful, and will unlock your creativity. You'll find that if you do the exercise regularly, writing becomes much more fun for you, and you'll write more.

June 23, 2010

Confusion Is Good, but Don't Let It Paralyze You

I'm fond of saying that confusion is GOOD. If you're confused, it means that you're out of your comfort zone.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and learning new stuff is meant to be uncomfortable.

If you're a writer you'll spend lots of time in a state of confusion (also known as creative anxiety). You're always starting a new project, and no matter how experienced you are, you'll never stop facing a blank computer screen.

If you're not aware that confusion is a highly creative state, you'll tend to let confusion paralyze you. Instead of accepting that this state is both natural, and good, you try to get out of it.

Read "Confusion is good" for an excellent exercise which prevents your confusion from paralyzing you.

June 23, 2010

Article Writing Profits

A couple of weeks ago I launched a new article writing guide, and I'm very pleased with the results that writers are getting.

One writer, Gary, said:

"...wanted to let you know how well it's working for me. I put methods 3 and 7 into use immediately, turning a couple of existing articles from "overview => subset". Now, only an hour and a quarter after downloading it I've listed 69 article titles and written 4 new article drafts."

The ability to quickly write articles is an essential Web writing skill. You need to turn out articles not only for others, but also to be able to promote yourself, and your writing services.

I love the strategies in Increase Your Article Writing Profits. They're strategies I used every day, because they make it easy to write quality articles, without stress.

April 5, 2010

Rewriting (for pay): beware

There's a fascinating story at Ars Technica, "Is permission needed to retweet hot news?" about the copyright law protecting hot news:

think about our third question above, the one involving rewrites. These don't implicate copyright law, since nothing is being copied excepts the facts from the original article—and copyright law famously does not extend to facts and ideas.

Read the entire story. You should be aware of what's involved when you rewrite anything.

For example, you'll often find projects on the outsourcing sites which ask for bids on "rewriting" articles, or books. This is theft, pure and simple. The project consists of rewording someone else's work. In essence, translating it. There's no originality involved.

I suggest to my writing students that they steer well clear of all these dubious projects. Sooner or later someone whose work has been "rewritten" in this way is going to take it badly, and it will result in a lawsuit. Since the writer who took the job is the person doing the "rewriting", the writer will be involved in the legal wrangle, like it or not.

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