Tag: freelance

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Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

How to Start Writing Professionally: Essential steps for Aspiring Authors

Landing your first professional writing gig can feel like an uphill task if you’re an aspiring author. Things can feel particularly bleak if you’re tied to the idea of landing a creative role and don’t want to take on positions in fields like advertising and content creation.

However, some of the world’s most cherished authors started their careers writing for commercial publications. Kurt Vonnegut famously learned his craft as a copywriter, as did novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and sports journalist Murray Walker.

Being willing to take on commercial roles helps you hone your craft while working on creative side projects. You’ll master the art of the sentence while working on challenging briefs and are sure to widen your vocabulary while searching for new superlatives for a new candy bar or automobile.

Starting a Freelancing Side Hustle

Taking your first steps into the world of freelancing can be an exciting time. Turning your conjugations, commas, and clauses into hard cash is internally rewarding, too, as all that time spent in English classes finally starts to pay off. However, if you want to be successful in freelancing, you’ll need to treat your writing like a business rather than a creative pursuit.

You need to invest in yourself and your skill set to stand out from the crowd. At a minimum, you should set aside funds for further education and devote a few weeks of the year to attending workshops, advertising your new business, and improving your setup.

If you’re working with limited capital, consider taking a personal loan to cover start-up costs like computers, keyboards, and website domain hosting. Personal loans give you some additional flexibility but must be repaid on time lest they impact your credit score. As such, you’ll want to create a clear budget to set you up for long-term success as an author.

You don’t necessarily need to break the bank on courses, either. Some of the best copy/content writing courses are entirely free, including:

These courses cost you nothing and look great on your resume. They also prove that you’re serious about starting in the world of freelance writing and are aware of wider industry trends.  

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Before you can start charging for your wordsmithing skills, you must ensure you are ready to take on work. This may sound odd — after all, you’ve always found time to write for yourself at home — but things get a little more serious when writing professionally. Start by making the most of super-productive time-management tips like:

  • Scheduling time to respond to emails;
  • Minimizing distractions in your workspace;
  • Planning the day’s activities in advance;
  • Set (and stick to!) working hours.

You’ll also need to invest in upgrading your internet connection. Fiber optic offers the best internet for remote work, as it typically offers a huge bandwidth, fast download speeds, and great upload rates. You don’t want to wait for pages to load for emails to send when you’re up against the clock on demanding projects.

When investing in your setup, be sure to pick up two monitors. This insider’s trick will save you hours every week, as you’ll likely be referring to content from across the web when writing copy for businesses, blogs, and big brands. A second monitor will pay dividends in a short period by meaningfully bolstering your productivity and reducing the amount of time you spend clicking through tabs.

You’ll also need to create a strong portfolio if you want to continue to see the cash roll in for your content creation services. A strong portfolio is essential when applying for roles or liaising with clients, as people will want to see that you have a strong track record of producing high-quality content. Work with a website builder to streamline the process or expand your skill set by creating your own site using a hosting service like Weebly, WordPress, or Squarespace.

Finding Time for Creative Projects

Leaping into the world of professional writing can help you hone your wordsmithing skills and can quickly turn into a full-time gig. However, when writing professionally, it’s easy to overlook your own creative projects.


Make time for your next novel, poetry collection, or journalism by creating a writing ritual and scheduling a day for creative projects. For example, if you typically work from Monday to Friday, consider dedicating the occasional Friday solely to non-work projects. Doing so can protect your love for creative writing and will help you achieve goals like publishing short stories or landing a creative position in a poetry journal.

Conclusion 

Writing professionally is easier than most writers imagine. However, before you start charging for your services, you need to ensure that you are set up for success. Get the ball rolling by gaining a few qualifications and upgrading your setup. High-speed wifi, dual monitors, and a basic understanding of SEO principles will set you apart from the crowd and help you earn more as a writer

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

Guarding Your Words: A Writer’s Guide to Intellectual Property Protection

As a writer, it’s always important to recognize your value. This isn’t just about appreciating your level of talent. There’s also tangible worth to your words. Intellectual property (IP) — in this case, your literary creations — can have significant financial worth.

This is something that extends beyond monetizing publishing and distribution rights. Many movie studios are on the lookout for the next potentially profitable IPs to option for movies, TV shows, and other media. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people also recognize the value of your IP. As a result, it may be at risk of misuse or plagiarism, particularly if you’re regularly posting content online in blogs and other media.

Copyright Protections

Copyright is one of the most powerful tools you have as a writer to protect your IP. However, it’s also one of the elements that too many writers don’t fully understand.

So, what is copyright? Well, the way of asserting that you are the creator or owner of a work in a legal sense. It’s designed to prevent disputes over who produced a work and therefore owns the rights associated with it. If you own the copyright, not only can you sell, distribute, and license the work and derivatives of it. It also means that if somebody uses your work without permission, you can issue cease and desist notices and pursue lawsuits for compensation.

There are exceptions, though. While your idea for a character or work might feel like your IP, it is not usually recognized as such legally. You can only copyright a fixed — meaning permanent enough to distribute or reproduce — work. There are also fair use exemptions, which in itself is fairly complex. However, you may find it difficult to defend your IP when people create parodies of your work or use it in news content.

Technically speaking, you gain copyright over your work as soon as it’s created. However, you’ll find you have a stronger case if you need to pursue a lawsuit against someone stealing your IP if you register your copyright with the U.S. copyright office or via an attorney. This creates a clear record of who created an IP and when.

Safeguards During Collaborations

Protecting your IP can be relatively straightforward when you’re a writer working on your own. But in collaborative situations, you might be working on concepts with publishers. Movie and TV production studios will also often put together writer’s rooms to collaborate on creating scripts. With various people involved, this can muddy the waters of who owns IP and how you can protect it.

Your best approach here is to work with your collaborators to establish clear boundaries here. No matter who you’re working with, take the time to talk about who owns the material you produce during sessions. Ask for clarity about whether it’s a work-for-hire situation where the studio owns all materials, or whether you keep work that is unused in the final product.

Particularly in the case of materials that are unused in the final product, one way to help safeguard your IP is to get evidence that you created it. Reliable team collaboration management software can be an effective tool here. These don’t just support smooth project communication. They also tend to keep track of what tasks specific project contributors perform. There’s usually a date stamp for when you upload documents and perform tasks, too. In essence, you’re creating a record of what you provided and when. This can help safeguard against other collaborators claiming your IP as theirs.

Seeking Legal Assistance

There’s only a certain amount you can do individually to protect your IP when it’s stolen. Yes, you can issue a direct complaint to the person breaching the property or send a form cease and desist notice. However, you’ll have more impact when you’re supported by an experienced copyright attorney.

Part of the benefit here is that they can do a lot of the leg work on your behalf. They’ll have professional-level cease and desist letters that they can issue and — importantly — follow through on. They also know the most effective ways to gather a packet of evidence when petitioning the courts if you seek compensation.

Additionally, your attorney may use advanced technology to protect your IP. Some law firms are starting to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to perform a range of tasks. AI-powered legal assistance platforms can analyze legal texts to identify information or precedents most relevant to support your lawsuit. Some AI software will swiftly and accurately scan contracts to spot unusual or unfair terms related to your IP. However, it’s important to make certain the lawyer
you collaborate with uses such tools ethically and that they do their due diligence to verify the work of their AI tools.

Conclusion

Protecting your IP can take some work, but it’s vital if you want a sustainable writing career. This should include registering your copyright and potentially collaborating with an attorney in theft or plagiarism cases. Even if you’re at a relatively early stage of your career, don’t think your work isn’t suitable for protection. There may be a kernel of something in your work that needs to be nurtured over time. Taking steps to safeguard it now empowers you to utilize it to its fullest in the future.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

How eBook Authors Can Connect with & Grow Their Reader Base

The advent of eReaders and the rise of social media means that, as an eBook writer, you can reach a global audience. eBooks sales are on the rise, too. Revenue generated from eBook sales is expected to reach $15.39 billion by 2027 when as many as 1.12 billion people will be using Kindles and Nooks to read their favorite new titles.

As an author, you can take advantage of the eBook boom by marketing to readers in digital spaces. Mastering the eBook marketing game today can help you connect with your readers and build a strong base for future releases.

However, the eBook scene is increasingly competitive. Even traditional authors, like fantasy novelist Brandon Sanderson, are entering the self-publishing eBook scene and dominating sales in the eReader world.

The competitive nature of the publishing world means that you must build an author brand that holds serious sway in the minds of your reader base. Offering exclusive content like “sneak peaks” and branded merch can help you build the requisite buzz around your eBooks and develop a loyal reader base that buys every book you release.

Social Media

Social media is a gold mine for authors in the eBook industry. In sales terms, the folks who follow you online are “highly qualified” leads who are much more likely to purchase your upcoming eBook than the average Joe. 

However, finding success on social media requires more than posting a few selfie snaps. You need to post engaging content that adds meaningful value to your readers’ lives if you want to connect with your audience base.

Learn from published pros like John and Hank Green. The Green brothers are both traditionally published authors but have built much of their loyal following on social sites like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok. The pair share informative, engaging content through their VlogBrothers page and Crash Course project.

Fortunately, you don’t have to become a full-time influencer to reap the rewards of a strong social presence. Instead, consider sharing useful content on sites like Twitter and TikTok. Focus on content genres like:

  • Tips to overcome writer’s block
  • Self-Publishing “How-to’”
  • Behind-the-scenes shots of your writing process
  • Interviews with other eBook authors

Posting interesting, informative content will build a buzz around your upcoming eBooks and increase engagement across all your social pages. Remember to interact with any comments or shares that you receive, and reward folks who regularly participate in author Q&As or opinion polls.

Increase your reach and engagement further by hosting competitions that improve your social following and build loyalty amongst your reader base. Offer physical promotions like stickers, temporary tattoos, and branded merch to bolster your social game. Readers will love showing their support with stickers and custom badges. Include a QR code in the design to draw more folks to your social pages and build intrigue around your eBook brand.

Membership Platforms

Social media is the best place to build your author brand and connect with new readers. However, you may be able to generate a little extra and build your reader base by offering exclusive content within membership platforms like Patreon and Substack.

Consider offering a tiered membership program with exclusive perks and benefits to the folks who decide to support you with a subscription. You’ll be competing against well-established authors like Chuck Palahniuk, so be sure to give your reader base exclusive content that excites them. Consider offering insider perks like:

  • Exclusive, members-only merch
  • Early access releases
  • More regular Q&As
  • Feedback for aspiring authors
  • Pre-publication access to chapters

Remember that membership platforms give you a chance to connect with an audience base that authentically cares. Post regularly and offer meaningful insights into your writing process. You can even host workshop-style digital events that build your web presence and grow your reader base online.

Web Presence

As an eBook author, you live and die by your web presence. Without a strong digital profile, would-be readers will never find your books and will turn to competitors, instead.

Start by creating a web page that is designed to build traffic and grow your digital profile. Ignoring Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most common eBook marketing mistakes you can make. Improve your SEO game by researching relevant keywords and producing high-quality content for your blog.

As your eBook brand grows, you may need to bring in an SEO specialist to further bolster your digital presence. An SEO agency will build your presence online by utilizing technical SEO that increases your visibility on search engines like Google while fixing fundamental errors like content duplication and slow-loading pages. This allows you to focus on your writing and gives you time to attend in-person events.

In-Person Events

Attending in-person events is a great way to network and build your brand as an eBook author. Speaking at panels and participating in conferences is a fantastic way to build your credibility, too. This is particularly important if you are trying to break into the eBook scene, as readers may be more likely to buy from authors they meet in person at book events.

Landing your first in-person event can be tricky. Start building your network by attending events as a participant, rather than a guest author. Local workshops and author readings are a great place to connect with your community and build your reputation as an eBook writer.

Avoid “selling” yourself while attending in-person events. The folks who attend book clubs and writer’s workshops don’t attend with the goal of buying a new novel; they’re attending to have fun, learn, and meet upcoming authors. Focus your efforts on building a connection with your readers and be prepared to give more than you receive. At most, you can ask loyal readers to write a review to aid your upcoming marketing efforts

Gathering Reviews

Good reviews are invaluable in the eBook publishing world. A high-profile, positive review can push your book to the top of the rankings and draw an entirely new reader base that will boost your profile. However, gathering reviews as a new author can be tricky — particularly if you aren’t used to asking readers to weigh in on your work.

Improve your reputation online by actively encouraging readers to leave reviews. Create a clear process for gathering reviews, and personalize any requests for reviews that you make. Use the data you collect to include key details like your reader’s names and include a call to action in email marketing (e.g. a hyperlink or a button with the text “Click here to leave a review”).

Be sure to track the number of reviews you get and store them within spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets. This way, you can quickly search for adjectives that you want to use in marketing materials like “adventurous”, “bold”, or “thought-provoking”.

You can further incentivize reviewers by offering discounts and/or credits for use on future purchases. For example, you could give readers who leave a positive review $1 off the next eBook they buy from you. This increases reader loyalty and can lead to an increase in repeat purchases.

Conclusion

Building a loyal reader base can be tough in the eBook industry. Readers have plenty of options to choose from and can find their favorite author’s newest novel with just a few clicks.

Build your brand and connect with your reader base by improving your social media presence. Even small changes, like posting tips to overcome writer’s block, can make a big difference to your reputation online. Follow up by offering exclusive content on a members-only site like Substack or Patreon. These sites give you a great chance to connect with your readers and bring in some extra revenue while you work on upcoming projects.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Editing Process

No matter how long you’ve been writing, you know that your “finished” copy is really nowhere near complete. Once you’ve completed your work, the editing process begins. This can be a painstaking process for writers. Not only do you have to pick apart all of the hard work you put in, but you’re probably putting a lot of pressure on yourself to ensure your story is nothing short of perfection.

Editing is often a long process, filled with self-doubt. You might start to question your abilities, be more critical of your work and your intelligence, and start to feel down about life, in general.

Needless to say, it can all take a toll on your mental health. So, it’s essential to take care of your mental well-being throughout the editing process. If you don’t, you could be at risk of burning out and losing your desire to write and be creative. You might even end up resenting your work.

So, what can you do to take care of your mental health in the editing process, and how can you mitigate burnout?

Establish a Routine

Maybe you have a strict deadline that you need to make, and it’s putting extra weight on your shoulders. Or, maybe you don’t have a timeline in place, causing you to procrastinate and be even more critical of your work. In either situation, a healthy routine can help.

Even if you’re working from home and you don’t have any tight deadlines ahead, a routine can help with:

  • Reducing stress
  • Boosting productivity
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Giving you more time to relax
  • Encouraging healthy habits

Having a regular routine will make it easier to get the sleep your mind and body need. A lack of sleep is often linked with stress and depression. Prioritizing a good night’s rest can boost your mental well-being. You’ll also have more time to cook healthy meals, exercise, and socialize with friends and family. These are all things that are fantastic for your mental health and can help you achieve a better work-life balance.

Your daily routine should also include taking frequent breaks. While that might sound counterproductive to the editing process, sometimes stepping away from your work for a short time can make you feel more refreshed and creative when you get back to it. Clear your head by stepping outside for a few minutes, or try some deep breathing techniques to reduce your stress and boost your creativity during your break time.

Be Kind to Yourself

Self-compassion isn’t usually the top priority when a writer is editing. As you start to see more things you want to add or take away from your work, it’s easy to feel down about yourself and your abilities.

However, it’s important to lead with self-compassion when it comes to editing your own work. Self-compassion lets you acknowledge that you’re feeling down, but allows you to be patient and warm with yourself as you work through the difficult parts of the process. It can also improve your health. The more compassionate you are with yourself, the more likely you’ll be to make healthier lifestyle choices that benefit your mind and body.

Finally, be kind to yourself by reaching out for help when you need it. Chances are, you have a great support system out there. Whether it’s family members or friends, people are on your side and they want you to feel good about yourself. Socialize often, spend time in nature with people you love, and don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health professional if you’re really struggling.

When writing is your passion, the last thing you want is for it to become an obligation or something that causes stress. Keep these tips in mind to mitigate the effects of writer burnout during editing, and to enjoy the experience once again.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

An Introduction to Website Copywriting

Being a freelance writer today often means seeking a range of creative opportunities. There are certainly few writers today that can focus on a single medium or subject. Indeed, having a diverse portfolio and clientele can help you gain more security in your career. As such, you may be about to include website copywriting as part of the services you offer.

It’s important to recognize that website copywriting is different from other forms you may be familiar with. Your clients will have specific expectations for the products you provide them, the intention of the work, and the results your writing needs to achieve. It’s worth taking some time to better understand what the field involves and how you can provide the best outcomes.

Understand Your Role

Firstly, it’s important to have some clarity about what your position entails. There’s certainly an element of this that can vary from project to project. As such, you need to be diligent when talking to your clients about their specific needs and expectations.

However, in a more generalized sense, you should remember that website copywriting is not necessarily the same as other forms of content creation. One of the core differences between copy and content is the copy is intended to be persuasive. The goal throughout the copy you create for the website is to keep tempting your reader further along the journey toward your client’s desired outcome for each visitor. This may be sales conversions, signing up for a newsletter, or engaging with other forms of content.

Therefore, your role as a copywriter is to service this journey. From the moment visitors land on the homepage, your words should draw them in and nudge them further down the path. There are various methods to achieve this, including directing visitors through different types of content to build trust or earn their engagement. But, really your primary tool is short and persuasive writing.

Maintain Productivity

Website copywriting can sometimes be an enriching creative exercise. Nevertheless, you’re working toward the goals of your client, rather than your artistic interests. Alongside your application of the written word, you’ll be utilizing user experience strategies informed by hard data and corporate metrics. You’ll also need to hit deadlines and targets set out by your clients. If you struggle with this, it’s vital to establish methods to maintain productivity so you can maintain a reputation as a reliable professional.

One effective approach is to adapt your writing environment. The decor you surround yourself with and the layout of your home office can have a direct impact on your productivity. A comfortable chair can mitigate the potential to fidget, which may aid your concentration. Investing in a desk with plenty of storage space helps you reduce distracting surface clutter. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance between your monitor and your upper body can help reduce instances of eye irritation and dry eye, as can blue-light reflecting glasses. Speaking of sight, wherever possible, choose relatively neutral colors on your walls to both maintain your focus and keep your space peaceful.

Sometimes, though, productivity is about finding sources of motivation. Just the fact you’re getting paid usually isn’t enough. Remind yourself of something you find particularly interesting in each website project. Display some mantras that keep you writing through difficult periods.

Treat it as a Business

The ability to engage in a wide range of website copywriting projects and interact with varied clients can be fun. However, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that you’re running a business. Treating your activities as such can empower you to thrive even when you face challenges.

This can be particularly helpful when it comes to gaining funding. You may find you have a big project coming up but in the meantime, you require capital to pay for new equipment, online applications, and even salary shortfalls. It can be more difficult for independent writers to gain traditional loans, but as a freelancer, you can utilize alternative funding options to keep your business functioning. This might include engaging with microloan programs or taking out lines of credit for equipment or services. If you have an online following, crowdfunding may be a viable option for specific projects.

Your business acumen should extend to marketing yourself, too. If you treat your company as a professional enterprise, you’ll tend to attract clients committed to interacting with you as such. Make sure your marketing materials — particularly your own website — are good demonstrations of your copywriting skill set.

Ensure your copy takes your clients on the type of journey to conversion they’re looking for with their own digital media. Using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques in your content and social media not only attracts appropriate clients, but you can also use it as an example of the valuable skill sets you bring to the process.

Conclusion

Website copywriting can be a lucrative and interesting addition to your freelancing services. It’s important to understand the nuances of this type of writing and how it serves your clients’ goals.

Utilizing methods to maintain productivity helps to ensure you hit essential targets and maintain a good reputation among clients. Remember that you’re running a business and some attention to funding and marketing can help your projects thrive. While website copywriting may be a new field for you, a little focus and planning can help you develop a successful enterprise.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Guest Posts

Practical Tips to Kickstart Your Freelance Writing Career

Guest posts

So, you want to learn how to be a freelance writer? Freelancing is a great option to keep yourself supported as a college student. If you’re exploring work post-graduation, you know how little American grads get paid starting out. This is why many motivated individuals have started turning to freelance to generate extra income and earn money off of skills they developed in school.

In this article, we walk you through the basics to succeed in the writing gig industry.

Seek Out Training

Don’t worry, you don’t have to have an English degree (although ideal) to qualify as a writer. A degree or diploma in related fields such as psychology, journalism, and sociology helps immensely, as studying the arts builds up the critical skills needed for writing. If you don’t have the time or money to get a degree, look up online certificate courses to build your skills. As long as you can write well and demonstrate reasonable skill through your writing samples, we promise you that a university degree (or lack thereof) won’t be an issue.

Attract Clients

You’ve got the training, now what? Begin by looking up industry-specific sites like Problogger and Freelance Writing Jobs. Check out job boards (this list by Elna Cain is super handy) that post daily, well-paid gigs. You can also always put your services up for hire on marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork. This reduces your headache significantly, as clients will come to you rather than the other way round.

Take On a Few Starter Jobs

Everyone has to start somewhere, right? To build up the credibility you require to land well-paying gigs, you need to begin with low-paying jobs to generate feedback. We won’t glamorize this – starter jobs aren’t fun, and you’ll be doing a lot without much ROI. But once you’ve laid the groundwork with a few jobs, you’ll have work samples to show future clients. And a writing portfolio is the hot ticket to graduating to better-paying gigs in the industry!

As you begin writing, be sure to create a business entity for long-term success. An Employer Identification Number, or Tax ID Number, is what the IRS uses to track your payroll taxes and identify your business. Be sure to pay attention to your IRS EIN filing so that you’re set up for a stress-free tax time (both for federal and annual taxes).

The beauty of this business is – anyone can become a freelance writer. While degrees and past qualifications certainly help, freelance jobs are open to pretty much any individual who can show off their stellar writing skills. And it’s profitable too! Use writing as the tool to transform your income (and life) today!

As a former banker, Jim McKinley uses his background and skills to provide advice and valuable resources to anyone who needs help with their financial literacy. In his spare time, Jim spends time with his family and his dogs and he maintains his website Money with Jim.  

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Guest Posts

12 simple and powerful tips for successful freelancing

Guest posts

Working for yourself has its own set of rewards and can be extremely lucrative. Being self-employed means being responsible for the money that you make and the amount is dependent on your ability and the kind of work which you’ll do.

Since the pandemic, many individuals have turned into freelancing to earn an extra income. In this article we’re going to give you several important tips on how to boost your career as a freelancer.

12 simple tips on how to become a successful freelancer

Becoming a freelancer isn’t an easy task. It’s like managing a business only your employee is you. The money you make will depend on the kind and amount of work that you do.

1. Plan of action – As a freelancer it can be very easy to take long breaks and blame it on not being able to find work. When you have a detailed plan of action in place, you will likely work according to that. Create various plans of actions based on your daily goals, your weekly, monthly, yearly and 5 plans. It’s also important to set realistic expectations and plans otherwise you’ll be disappointed when your plans don’t come to fruition.

2. Build your own brand – Building a brand takes time and requires resources before people start recognizing you for your work. As a freelancer, look for ways to enhance your CV. Ask yourself questions like is this the best way to build my website, how do I make my blogs better, how do I gain more visibility. Everything you put online is a means of acquiring more business and hence more money as a freelancer. Clients are more likely to hire those who have a proven track record so get those positive reviews so that you can gain clientele even through word of mouth advertising.

3. Be wise when quoting your price – When it comes to freelancing work there are mainly two types of payments that are done. Hourly and per project basis. You know the amount of work that goes into the completion of a project. The opportunity for a client to nitpick and negotiate an hourly rate and for the client to make comparisons about the work and the time it takes in its completion. Having said that, you know what works best for you as a freelancer so decide on a payment method that’s comfortable to you.

4. Setting up a system that works for you – Throughout your freelancing career, there’ll come many obstacles which you’ll have to overcome and things become 10 times more difficult if things haven’t been organized properly. Set up systems such as an invoice system, mark dates on your calendars, track your work record and find a filing system that works for you and makes your life that much easier. Use calendars to mark important meeting dates or to mark work events. These things will help you keep a track of the work that you’ve done and will also help when it comes to filing taxes.

networking

5. Networking – As a freelancer, the onus of finding work rests on you. The more you network with your industry professionals the chances of you getting work increase. It’s also important to network with fellow freelancers as you can get many important job leads through them. While some of you may want to stay away from other freelancers from your industry, it’s a better strategy to work with them, build on their contacts and share the success rather than doing everything alone.

6. Learn to say no – It may be tempting to say yes to every work offer than comes your way but know your limits. It’s better to say no to a project while already working on something and giving it justice rather than taking on multiple projects and giving none of them any justice. Also, try to visualize how you want your work to be and focus on doing work related to that. You’ll have to adapt and change a few things along the way, however don’t completely stray off topic because it’s difficult to achieve success when being pulled towards multiple directions.

7. Make sure to have the terms and conditions written down – This point is often overlooked by freelancers when it shouldn’t. When you get on board with an agency or a client, make sure to have the terms and conditions of the work written down tight down to the payments. One problem many freelancers face is the issue of payments. A lot of the time payments are delayed or employers give less amount of money that was agreed upon. To save yourself from situations like these, it’s always better to have a written contract rather than a verbal one.

8. Create an LLC – While this may sound extreme, here us out. LLC or a limited liability company is a business structure wherein owners aren’t personally responsible for their companies debts or liability. An LLC will separate your business finances from your personal belongings and finances. This is just a precautionary step freelancers must take incase you get sued by the client. Another advantage of creating an LLC is that it makes taxing things much easier and also manageable.

9. Attend networking events – One way you can get more work is by attending networking events in your field. You can attend seminars, conduct seminars where you get to interact and connect with those from your field. Be on the lookout for events where you can meet potential clients. Once you are at these networking events, don’t shy away! Your main purpose of being there is to talk to as many people as possible, getting them interested in your work and making an impression.

10. Do a thorough research on your competitors – Spend as much time as you can getting to know your competitors. How they brand themselves on social media, how they find work and while you’re at it, also do thorough research on the kind of clients you want to work with. Getting an idea of what they’re looking for may give you ideas on how to better market your work and will eventually help you in acquiring new projects and clients to work with.

11. Set boundaries and take care of yourself – As freelancers it can be tempting for it to take over every aspect of your life and ignore the other essential things. Don’t let freelancing and overworking ruin your physical and mental health. Working up until the point of exhaustion won’t help you or your loved ones. One great thing with working as a freelancer is that you decide your own working hours and can therefore take breaks whenever necessary.

12. Don’t quit your day job immediately – If you’ve just started work as a freelancer then right now isn’t the right time to leave your day job in pursuit of becoming a full time freelancer and the reason behind this is that freelance work doesn’t guarantee you money every month like a day job does. Day jobs provide stability and a regular income source. You can only quit a job on good terms once you feel completely settled as a freelancer.

In Conclusion –

As with new things there will be a certain amount of getting used to this lifestyle. Working as a freelancer has its own set of advantages and disadvantages as does any other line of work. Freelancing will give you the freedom a regular 9-5 job won’t provide and it’s probably one of the reasons why more and more people are opting to be working as freelancers rather than just full time employees.

Ruby Smith

Ruby Smith is a career and productivity copywriter who believes in the power of networking. She’s passionate about blogging and writes web content for a variety of clients. She is currently dedicated to Online Jobs Academy as a gig worker, she understands the benefits and challenges of the industry. Blogging about education and career regarding ideas to grow is something that she loves doing.

Categories
Copywrite/Advertising

What It Is Like to Copywrite for Your Own Clients

I broke into a cold sweat when I read the email. Could it be true? I reread the email. Yes! The email was from friend of a friend asking to hire me for copywriting and social media managing. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Up until that point all my copywriting had been through a digital marketing agency. Now I was going to try my hand at managing my own official client.

While the basics of strong copywriting remain the same whether you write for a digital marketing agency or for your own client, the relationship between you and your own client is different than when there is a digital marketer in the mix.

What is it like to copywrite for your own client?

You are in control of how much you charge. I felt so awkward the first time I negotiated a price with a client, but, as with most things, it gets easier. For my first couple clients, the price I quoted was much too low and I underestimated how long some of the tasks would take to complete. I learned the hard way to ask detailed questions about all the tasks so I had an accurate estimate of how much time was involved. I would also recommend quoting a higher price than you initially think to leave some room for negotiating.

You communicate directly with the client. When it’s your client, communication is all up to you. There is no digital marketer initiating contact to find out the client’s needs and wants. Depending on the client, this can be a blessing or a burden. When the client is happy with your work, you get to hear the positive feedback first-hand. On the other hand, when things are not going well, you will hear that as well.

You may be doing more than just copywriting. This varies from client to client, of course, but for some clients I have done social media managing, email newsletters, or email marketing. I have even been asked to do some in person marketing. Other clients needed me to upload their blog post and pictures into their website. It’s helpful to know some basic SEO best practices so that your writing can be most effective. The more skills you have, the more valuable your copywriting can be to your client.

Copywriting for your own clients can be a joy. It’s a chance to step out from the shadows and have your name and face be connected to your work. If you are ready to secure your own great clients, check out Holland Webb’s guide.

Rachel Schmoyer is a pastor’s wife, mom of four, and a copywriter. She also helps Christians find the simple truths in the complex parts of the Bible at readthehardparts.com. Her other writings and publishing credits can be found on rachelschmoyerwrites.com.

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

How to Write What the Editor Wants: by Terry Whalin

When you boil it down to the basics, writers and editors are both seeking the same thing: excellent writing.  I’ve been writing for magazines for many years and I’m a former magazine editor. One of the publications (Decision) where I was Associate Editor reached 1.8 million people with each issue. While editors and writers are focused on excellent writing, I also understand what qualifies as “excellent” is subjective.

In this article, I want to give you three ways to improve your article or query submissions so you can improve your rate of publication success. One of the keys is to understand the role of the editor and how to write what the editor wants. The editor knows their reader and target market. When I was an editor, I read every submission or query with this question: “Is this article or query a good fit for my readers?’

  1. Read the magazine cover to cover with analysis before submitting. It may sound like a basic but you would be surprised at what writers pitch without ever reading the publication. As you read the magazine, study the details. Do staff members write most of the publication? Do they publish freelance writers who are not on the staff? Do they have regular features? Who writes these features and is there opportunity for you to write this material? You can learn a great deal as you study the publication. As a writer, find the publication and study the details.
  2. Target magazines which publish their upcoming themes. Many publications, such as denominational magazines, will plan their themes for an entire year. If you pitch or write an article on the editor’s list, you will get a closer look and consideration than someone who sends a random idea. Also know that seasonal and holiday pitches or articles are always needed. Think about the forthcoming holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Make sure you pitch at least six to eight weeks before the holiday to get consideration or your article may be accepted but not published until the next year.
  3. Read the magazine guidelines before sending your query or article. Many publications have their guidelines online but if not, take time to write for the guidelines and review them before you write the editor.

Every editor is actively looking for great writing to fill their publication. If you follow all or several of these tips, it will improve your opportunity to touch their readers and get published.

  1. Terry Whalin believes print magazines provide one of the best opportunities for writers. A writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, Terry lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin
Categories
Magazine and Freelance

MAGAZINE ARTICLE IDEAS INSPIRED BY CHARLIE BROWN

“Wah wah woh wah wah” Is all I hear at times. I feel like Charlie Brown, a blockhead.  My brain refuses to think.  Does that happen to you when you are trying to come up with article ideas?  Well, Charlie Brown never gave up and neither shall I.

Writer’s block is a common occurrence.   So how do we brainstorm ideas to keep magazine editors interested in our articles and not pull the football out from under us when we try to punt?

As Charlie Brown helped his little sister Sally do her homework, I have received help from many amazing writers.  Here are just a few of their suggestions to keep the creative juices flowing.   I have narrowed them down to three block buster activities: read, listen and observe.

Read

Read magazines.  Chose a favorite. Read it cover to cover before you submit an article or query. Magazines have a target audience. Each magazine has a rhythm to it.  Make sure you express the voice of that magazine.  Ask yourself, “What would I like to read in this magazine”?  Research their archives to see if an article exists.  Even if it does, you might have a different point of view on the topic.  Step up to the plate and pitch your idea. You may get a home run.

Read magazines that don’t interest you.  I now read Trade Magazines.  These are periodicals that are specific to a company or organization.  While I read one of these publications I got an idea. I submitted an article, and they published it.

Read the Newspaper.  It has current news upon which you could expand.  It also contains press releases on books and events. Find a good press release feed or website to keep up with current information. They can be a solid source of article ideas.

Blog and blog comments– Your blog may have great ideas for a magazine article.  Comments on your blog may give ideas also.   Follow blogs in the area of your writing expertise for inspiration.

Google Alerts–   Set an alert for each keyword on the topics that interest you. When you are alerted, don’t read the entire article. Scan the titles to see the popular topics.  Many great article ideas are birthed by using Google alert.  Here is a link for more information on Google Alerts.

http://google.about.com/od/personalizegoogle/ss/createAlertSBS.htm#step1

Books will give great insight for articles.  Read fiction, non-fiction and even children’s books.

LISTEN

Listen to TV or radio talk shows so you can have your finger on the pulse of what is popular and trending.  Watch morning shows or popular television talk shows for current ideas.  Radio is a great source to get the brain working.  Talk radio will give you an inside ear to what issues concern people.

Listen to webinars or podcasts on topics that intrigue you.  There are many free audio downloads on line.

Listen to conversations around you.  God has placed a variety of personalities, cultures, and opinions on this earth.   Go to the mall, coffee shop or sit on a bus and just listen.  You will be astounded by all the ideas.

Observe

Observe Surroundings.  Nature, people, and situations are a wealth of ideas.  I watched a bird hit my kitchen window and get knocked out.  My husband picked him up.  The warmth of my husband’s hands and the fear the bird must have felt gave life and flight to this little chickadee.  I can think of at least three articles I can write about the situation.  I bet you can think of one right now.

Personal experience.  Don’t ignore your daily routine.  There are great stories in the mundane.  We all experience similar situations in life, but we all don’t tell the story the same way or live it out with the same emotion.  A unique point of view makes for great reading.

There are many ways to brainstorm ideas.  Charlie Brown went to his friends Linus and Lucy for advice.  He contemplated the world as he listened to Schroeder play Beethoven.

We all need friends that can help us.  A friend like Snoopy who fights the battle for us.  Through prayer, he keeps the Red Baron from attacking our mind.  We need to stick together as a writing community and celebrate one another’s success.  We must give encouragement to one another when Writer’s block hits or our article does not get published.  Remember what the other Peanuts did when Charlie Brown picked a horrible Christmas tree?  They gathered around and made it beautiful.

One of my go to teachers is Edie Melson. Check out her post. “Tips for Catching and Storing Writing Ideas,  right here on A3.  She is one of the amazing writers that I mention in my article.  http://www.almostanauthor.com/tips-for-catching-storing-writing-ideas/

She continues to teach me daily through her blog The Write Conversation.

www.TheWriteConversation.com

How do you get ideas for writing?

Please share in the comment section. I look forward to learning from you.

 

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Dos and Don’ts of Magazine Article Writing

“Me, write for magazines? Never. I barely have the energy or expertise to write my book, let alone write for a publication. I am still re-learning paragraph structure, verb tenses and comma placement. I can’t even think about writing for a magazine.”

My entire attitude changed after attending the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. I learned that there are thousands of Trade publications, children’s magazines and online companies looking for writers like you and me. The good news; we don’t have to be English teachers or New York Times Best Sellers to get published. We just have to be persistent.

Here is a short list of Do’s and Don’ts to get you started:

Do

Pray- God knows your writing style and will guide you to the perfect magazine that needs your talent. He will even help you pick the topics.  He may want you to write for Cat Fancy or National Geographic. Whatever the magazine, God will equip you for it. You may or may not write for a Christian publication.

Brainstorm. Make a list of topics to write about. You know more than you think. List jobs, classes, and previous education. Have you taken a specialized class? You can write about that. In my next article I will give you resources and ideas to find writing jobs.

Research Magazines– What magazine do you want to write for?   Study the magazine.   Research which editor to contact.   The more you know the voice of the magazine, the more likely you are to see your article in that magazine.

Learn to write a Query letter-A query letter is a formal, one-page letter, to propose writing ideas. It could also be called your pitch. There are many great free resources online to learn how to write a good query letter.   To get you started, check out www.freelancewriting.com.   A good Query letter will get you noticed, so do take the time to write it well.

Enjoy the process– The thought of writing for a magazine overwhelmed me. Am I good enough? Do I have anything to say? So far, the process has been amazing. I have met new people who have helped me and encouraged me.

Don’t

Get stuck in the learning process– Cecil Murphy and Jerry B. Jenkins are well-known award-winning writers. They are constantly striving to be better writers by reading books on writing and talking to other writers. Imagine if they’d waited until they thought they’d perfected the skill of writing?

Focus on weakness– We all have areas in our writing that are weak. Work on those areas; don’t be so consumed by them that you overlook your strengths.

Say no to an offer– You may be asked to write about a subject you know nothing about. With the World Wide Web at your fingertips you can research the topic. That is what I did for this article. It was fun and well worth the time.   The only time to say “No” is if it goes against your belief or you truly cannot do the topic justice even after researching.

Give up- The writers who succeed are not necessarily the best writers, but they are persistent. You will receive many rejections. Don’t take them personally. It is a business decision, not a personal attack. Some of the best article writers have a drawer filled with rejection letters.

Having your work in a magazine is an obtainable goal. In the next few articles we will discuss “How to write a Query letter”,” Resources to find writing jobs” and “Social Media tips for the Writer”

[bctt tweet=”“Me, write for magazines? Never.” #magpub #freelance #writer” via=”no”]

 

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Can I Write for This Magazine?

 I love print magazines and I take a number of them as a subscriber. When they arrive, frequently I read them cover to cover. While I enjoy many different types of publications, as a writer, I also take a deeper look to see if there is an opportunity for me to write for the magazine.

In this article, I want to give you some of the benchmarks and resources you can use to evaluate your magazines and see if you have an opportunity to write for this publication. As a former magazine editor, I know every editor begins the issue with a blank magazine filling the pages. These empty pages spell opportunities for freelance writers.

First, look at the age of the publication. If a new magazine, often the editor is open to working with new writers because they haven’t built a stable of contributors. If the magazine has been around for years, notice who writes the articles. Are their names listed on the masthead as “contributing writers?” If so, then the magazine may be mostly staff written and does not use much freelance material.

Next use Google to search for the magazine online. Do they have writer’s guidelines? If so, then they are normally open to freelance submissions. Read and follow their instructions. Does their website list themes for forthcoming issues or have a “themes list?” If you pitch an idea related to these themes, then you will get more interest from the editor.

Go to your local library and use the latest Market Guide. Use the index to look up the  entry for the magazine. What percentage of their magazine is freelance? The higher the percentage the more likely there is opportunity for the writer.  Do they pay on acceptance or publication? As a writer, I prefer publications that pay on acceptance. Magazines that pay on publication may hold your article for many months before publishing (and paying).

As in book publishing, the magazine world is constantly changing. For example, I noticed recently Architectural Digest has a new editor because each month the editor writes a little column in the front of the magazine. Change can spell opportunity for the writer because a new editor may be open to new ideas and new pitches for the publication.

If you want to write for magazines, learn how to write a query letter or one page pitch. Then craft appropriate pitches (from the guidelines) to the editor. Yes you may garner rejection but repeated rejection is not necessarily bad. Maybe your article is rejected because someone else pitched a similar article or the magazine has already purchased a similar article. Yes these situations happen and I’ve seen it as an editor. The repeated pitching of appropriate articles also gets you positive attention from the editor. The editor also assigns articles to freelance writers and you want to be one of those people who gets an assignment. To gain an assignment, you have to be on their radar. As a freelance writer, you get on their radar through professional pitching.

Every magazine is looking for dependable, professional writers who can deliver excellent writing on the editor’s deadline.  You will have to prove yourself but as you deliver quality writing repeatedly, then you will gain the editor’s trust and become someone who is a part of their regular writers. The procedure is a process and begins with studying the publication then pitching appropriate articles.

Opportunity is everywhere. Use these tips to begin writing for publication.

  1. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin

 

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Writing Your Magazine Article: The Details

 
How do you write your magazine article? Let’s explore the details in this article. As a long-time journalist writing for different publications and a former magazine editor, I’m intimately acquainted with the elements for these articles.

[bctt tweet=”If you’ve written a query letter, then you’ve already written the opening for your article.” username=”@terrywhalin @A3forme”] Otherwise, the first step in the writing is to create a motivating opening story. The key phrase is to make it motivating. The opening has to propel the reader into the rest of the article so they can’t stop reading.

Here’s one example from my own personal story: “I’ve gone to church most of my life but I lived off my parent’s faith until half way through my sophomore year in college.” How is that? Would it propel you to keep reading? Probably not.

Here’s the way my story began in a published article, “I slapped the snooze alarm for the third time and finally opened my eyes at Chi Phi, my fraternity house. Last night had been a late one. After covering an evening speech and interview for the school paper, I worked frantically on the story until just before midnight, when I dropped it into the hands of a waiting editor.”

Compare these two examples. Notice the detail in the second version. I am not telling you about the experience, I am showing you. Repeatedly the writing books and teachers say, “Show don’t tell.” They are saying to include dialogue and the type of detail for a story which will propel the reader into the article.

After writing the opening for the article, how do you continue? If you’ve done your research for the article, you will not write 2,000 words for a publication that only takes 500 word articles. Because you have a target length for your article, this word count helps give definition for your plan.

Also if you’ve done your research, you’ve thought about the article and focused it. Can you summarize the point of the article into a single sentence? Complete the sentence: My article is about _____. After you’ve written this sentence, never wander away from this goal. Sometimes in articles, I saw at Decision, the author would begin well then wander around and finally conclude. The articles lacked focus and the sentence statement will help you keep the article on track.

For each magazine piece, I write from an outline. Normally my article will have a number of points or illustrations. A standard outline would be: the problem, the possible solutions and your solution. If you’re writing about a person, your outline might include different aspects of the person’s life such as childhood, life before Christ and life after Christ. Write out the different points for your outline. When I write a short story, I use the same approach. What is the beginning, middle and ending? An outline keeps the writer focused on the goal of the article.

[bctt tweet=”Also be realistic with yourself and your writing life.” username=””] Can you only write for thirty minutes a day or maybe it is only ten minutes? Are you motivated to write the entire article in one session? Possibly you write only one point from your outline during aeach session. Whatever your writing goal, the point is to write consistently and keep moving the article toward completion.

After you’ve written the article, put it away for a period of time. If you are on a tight deadline, that might involve eating lunch and then returning to it. If you have the time, you might want several days or a week. When you return to your article, read it out loud. The ear is less forgiving than the eye. Reading it out loud, will point out areas for you to revise and rewrite.

The focus of your entire article will be that single sentence and keep your article in a tightly written story. It is just what the reader (and editor) needs.

 

________________________________________

  1. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin
Categories
Magazine and Freelance

How to Increase Your Publications Odds-Terry Whalin

WTerryWhalin

by Terry Whalin

The bulk of my magazine writing is done on assignment. How do you get an assignment? Which magazines do you read on a consistent basis? Your familiarity with these publications and the types of articles that they publish gives you some needed background.

Pull out the magazines that come into your home.

Organize them with several months from the same publication. Then study the contents. What types of articles do they publish? How-to articles? Personal Experience? For example, at Decision, where I used to be an editor, almost every article is a first-person, personal experience story. If you send them a how-to article which is not written in the first person, you are asking for rejection. Or if you write a story about someone else in the third-person, you will again invite rejection.

After you have studied the publications, then write the publication for their writers’ guidelines. Almost every magazine has guidelines for their authors. You can also use google and often find these guidelines online.  Write a simple letter asking for guidelines and enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the response. You can find the address for the publication usually on the masthead of the magazine under editorial offices. Or use The Christian Writers Market Guide by Jerry B. Jenkins. This guide is a critical tool if you are going to write for the Christian marketplace. After reading through the guidelines, you will have some additional information. Does the publication accept query letters or prefer full manuscripts? Some magazines have a query only system. This means that you have to write a query letter (one page) and get a letter of request from the editor, before sending the full manuscript. Other publications like Decision do not look at query letters but only completed manuscripts.

What’s a query letter? Entire books have been written on this topic and one of the best is Irresistible Query Letters by Lisa Collier Cool (Writer’s Digest Books). A query is a single-page letter which sells your story idea. It has a four paragraph formula. The first paragraph is a creative beginning for your article. You don’t write the entire article–only the first paragraph which captures the reader’s interest. The purpose of this first paragraph is simply to capture the editor’s attention. I won’t walk you through the day of an editor but since I’ve been one for years, I know they are involved in a multitude of tasks. For editors to read query letters, it is often done at the end of the day, late at night or in a car pool on the way home. It must be interesting.

The second paragraph includes the main points of how you will approach the article. The third paragraph gives your personal qualifications for this topic and your writing credits (if any). It basically answers the question, why should you of all the writers get this assignment? Highlight your own area of expertise in this paragraph.

The final paragraph says how soon you could write the article (give yourself enough time for example, “three weeks from assignment”) and says you are enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope and looking forward to their reply. I often send the letter to as many as ten different publications at the same time.

Within the magazine business, there is an on-going discussion about simultaneous submissions (where you send the same finished article to several publications). If you do this, you may end up on the black list of authors. Each publication has a list of people that they will not work with. You don’t want to be on that list. Also each publication has a list of authors they use regularly and call with ideas. Your goal is to get on this particular list of regular contributors.

From my perspective, a simultaneous query is not the same as a finished article. Go ahead and query several magazines at the same time on the same topic if you think you can write several different articles on the same subject. One magazine may ask for 500 words on the topic while another may approach it from an entirely different viewpoint and ask for 2,000 words. Your illustrations and information will be considerably different. If you send it to ten magazines, you may get ten rejections. On the other hand, perhaps you will get an acceptance or two, or at least a request to see the entire article on speculation. “On speculation” means that the editor is not under obligation to purchase your article if it doesn’t meet the periodical’s standards or expectations.

[bctt tweet=”No one gets magazine assignments just by thinking about it” username=”@A3forme @terrywhalin “] As a writer, you have to take action and be regularly pitching your ideas to editors and writing query letters. Then when you get an assignment, write an excellent article and submit it on or ahead of the deadline. As you learn to write a query letter and take consistent action, you will increase your odds of publication and get published in magazines.

Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin

 

 

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

First Things First

WTerryWhalin

By: Terry Whalin

Many people want to publish their writing. After working as a magazine editor for years plus writing for many publications, there is a simple truth every writer needs to remember and practice:

[bctt tweet=”You have to do first things first…submit your work #freelance #magazine” username=”@A3forme”]

If you only dream about writing and never submit your work, then you’ve never taken that first step toward publication.

Yet even before you submit anything, you have to handle the blank computer screen. How do you figure out what to write?

Many writers and would-be writers have told me how that blank page petrifies them. In this article, we’ll explore my technique for getting started to write for magazines. It’s a rare day that I have trouble putting those initial words on paper. I always jot down some ideas ahead of time before I write. Maybe my notes are just a couple of points that I want to cover when I write the article. The reality is ideas for magazine articles are everywhere and the places to write are just as plentiful. Maybe you have had an interesting personal experience that you want to capture in your story. Possibly you have been involved in a ministry and created some unique materials that you’d like to tell to others through a how-to article. Maybe you’ve compiled some teaching on a topic from the Bible and would like to get that into print.

Or if you don’t have any material from your own experience to write about, consider interviewing some interesting people around you and writing their story for publication.

Before you write anything, the first questions to ask are:

Who is my audience?

What publication will use this article?

The possibilities are endless: adult, women, men, children, teenagers, or youth. Are they in a specialized occupation such as pastors or school-teachers? Are they a certain age?

[bctt tweet=”The important thing is to be sure to target a specific audience. #Freelance #amwriting” username=”@A3forme @terrywhalin “]You can’t write an article assuming that every reader will want to read your material because that simply isn’t the case. Articles are written for a particular audience and a particular publication.

Every writer meets with rejection and projects which are never published. In fact, I have files of material which has circulated and never been published. I caution you that rejection and unpublished articles are a part of the writer’s life and the road to consistent publication.

As a writer, you have to practice first things first. Craft your article for a particular audience then get it off your desk and into the hands of an editor. It can happen, if you get it into the market so make your move today.

Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin