Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Inspiration for freelance writers

Just to let you know, I'm participating in this seminar called Samurai Camp (www.klemmer.com). Part of that involves setting a HUGE (a.k.a. "impossible" - HA!) goal.

It's been said that achieving a massive goal is not so much about the goal itself - but about who I must become in order to do it.

For the next several weeks, my posts may be kind of irregular - and kind of inspirational rather than "how to" oriented.

Mostly, I'm reminding myself that nothing is impossible - unless I say it is. I'm reminding myself that what comes from my core, my own heart, is far more powerful than my circumstances, plans, and "how to's".

Yesterday's video - about Paul Potts - was the perfect example. Here's this guy with crooked teeth, working at a car phone shop, but who just opened his mouth (and his heart) and out poured the most heart-rending, beautiful song - not a performance, but just a stunning display of who he is... and even Simon was moved.

Today's video is a challenge, and a reminder - keep going. Keep going!

Your writing business may take off like lightning (some people who've bought my writing business system have experienced that - a full-time income in six months or less). Or it might take a bit longer (seen that, too). But don't quit. Keep going!


Are You Going to Finish Strong? - Video

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Got people doubting you can DO this business?

Or, maybe you're the one doubting.

Watch this video - this guy looks like so many of us feel, "unqualified" for greatness.

Let me know what you think!


YouTube - Paul sings Nessun Dorma high quality video/sound widescreen 16:9

Monday, January 19, 2009

Got a big freelance writing blunder?

Might as well help someone else learn from it.

Plus, at some point you've got to be able to laugh it off.

Check this out - maybe your blunder will make you famous!

Freelance Writer’s Blunder Contest at MyManuscripts.com - PR.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

Submitting to magazines? Be clear on your rights as a freelance writer

People ask me all the time about first rights, serial rights, reprint rights... all that magazine stuff.

Beats me! : )

Seriously, I have no idea. I've never submitted an article to a print magazine, never been approached by a publisher.

The work my firm does is purely "work for hire" which means that upon payment, the copyright belongs to the client.

But it's good to know and understand these terms and issues, so here's a good explanation.



Magazine, Article, and Book Rights for Writers | Quips and Tips for Freelance Writers

Thursday, January 15, 2009

9 Paid Freelance Writing Jobs | Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Senior Principal Clinical Writer - new

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals - Collegeville, PA
contract, or freelance writers. Ensures that company... other writers, communicating project information in a timely manner and ensuring that writers new to a...
From Monster - 2 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Freelance Writers Needed - new

New York, NY
I am currently looking for freelance writers that can write articles pertaining to many different websites. Writers will basically be reviewing different sites...
From backpage.com - 2 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Editor/Proofreader - new

Hollister - Boston, MA
the Job HRCLK64719 - Freelance Editor/Proofreader... This position will require collaboration with writers and creative staff, so a team-player attitude is a...
From Monster - 3 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Writer - new

Episcopal Church Center - New York, NY
productions. The Staff Writer is required to research... releases and freelance submissions. •Develop a network of freelance writers and photographers, assigning...
From JournalismJobs.com - 4 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Seeking Managing Editor - new

Advanstar Communications - North Olmsted, OH
is factual and grammatically correct. Coordinates the efforts of freelance writers and other editors, manages quality control, and coordinates the article...
From JournalismJobs.com - 4 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

MANAGING EDITOR - new

Advanstar Communications - North Olmsted, OH
is factual and grammatically correct. Coordinates the efforts of freelance writers and other editors, manages quality control, and coordinates the article...
From Monster - 7 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

New Media Editor - new

NESN Jobs - Watertown, MA
articles/blogs from staff, on-air talent and freelance writers and bloggers. Develop and edit original... in media as a writer, editor, online producer or...
From Variety - 13 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Editor-UnderSea Journal, Online Editor, Sport Diver - new

Bonnier Corp. - Orlando, FL
very Web savvy editor/writer/manager for a multi... plan, with writers coming from both within the global family of PADI professionals and expert, freelance...
From FolioCareers.com - 14 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Deputy Editor for Caribbean Travel and Life - new

Bonnier Corp. - Orlando, FL issue of the magazine. Works with staff and freelance writers to conceptualize, plan and complete articles... content. Evaluates freelance editorial submissions...
From FolioCareers.com - 14 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Freelance writing: Writing for blogging clients - Part 1

I'm going to share some tips and tricks I've picked up from writing blogs for clients and on my own.

First, you've got to understand the point and nature of blogs.

We're just looking at blogs for business - not the kind that gives a glimpse into the blogger's personal life: what they ate for breakfast, what they watched on TV, the silly thing their cat did, the fight they're in with a co-worker.

Those bloggers aren't going to hire a freelance writer - and it's probably just as well. Don't know how you'd get that info anyway, short of following your client around all day and taking notes!

Business blogs aim to:
  • Build a relationship with clients and prospects - on their terms
  • Position a client as a thought leader in their industry
  • Improve the ranking of the client's website
  • Bring in an additional stream of income
  • Generate more traffic to their website
They need to:
  • Maintain the client's brand in a consistent way
  • Engage readers
  • Prompt readers to take action
  • Follow sound SEO principles
*** Takeaway point ***
If you understand what a business needs to accomplish by having a blog, you're on the way to being able to answer a potential blogging client's big question: How will you make my life easier if I hire you?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

16 Paid Freelance Writing Gigs | Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Writers wanted :: business articles for SARATOGA SPRINGS are... - new

Denver, CO
Looking for WRITERS to contribute quality, up-to... article(s) will not be reviewed. This is a FREELANCE position. Thank you your time. ersgekk49
From backpage.com - 4 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Senior Editor - Government Health IT - new

HIMSS - Arlington, VA
Assist the Editor-in-Chief in article set-up, and provides guidance to freelance writers covering spot news. 6. Contribute occasional opinion or blog posts on...
From CareerBuilder - 4 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Temporary Web Content Support Specialist - new

Union Central Life Insurance Company - Cincinnati, OH
marketing managers and writers, to ensure accurate... vendors and internal support people ( i.e. freelance designers, agency staff, editors, web designers and...
From CareerBuilder - 4 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Writers Wanted - Custom Content Freelancers - new

Associated Content - Los Angeles, CA
AC is a great work opportunity for students, stay at home parents and freelance writers ? you can work on your own time and submit papers, reviews, essays, how...
From HotJobs - 6 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Principal Public Rel Rep - new

Raytheon - Tucson, AZ
measure meaningful results. Works as a member of a virtual team consisting of freelance writers, web developers, graphic artists and photographers to achieve...
From Raytheon - 6 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Writer/Analyst - new

Motley Fool - Freelance +1 location
Job Summary This is a freelance, offsite writing opportunity. Our Writer/Analysts are responsible for the... applications from freelance writers residing outside...
From Motley Fool - 10 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Internal Communications Specialist - new

PRCrossing - Wayzata, MN
to a global employee audience; coordinate with colleagues and/or freelance writers for writing, photography, other assets to support effective story telling...
From TheJobPlanet.com - 10 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Director of Communications and Marketing - new

PRCrossing - New York, NY of two of a marketing assistant and a staff writer (editor of the firm's web page), and also monitors the work of various freelance contractors and consultants...
From TheJobPlanet.com - 11 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Senior Editor - Prevention - new

Rodale - New York, NY
or womens magazine * Experience working with and recruiting talented freelance writers JobCircle.com is the largest independently owned and operated job board...
From JobCircle.com - 13 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Ad Writers - new

Boston, MA
Freelance writers...Tired of spending long hours writing for companies and getting little for the effort? Join our growing online company writing ads...
From backpage.com - 14 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Product Planner - new

Gazette Communications - Cedar Rapids, IA
of copy staff for existing product. Hire and manage internal copy writers, freelance writers and photographers. Create product content requirements to inform...
From Monster - 15 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Hiring Writers for Client Projects - new

Miami, FL +1 location
freelance writing service is currently expanding, adding new clients weekly, and needs additional writers... to work directly with writers, rather than with...
From backpage.com - 17 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Writer for Ongoing Freelance Assignments - new

Plano, TX +1 location
Our freelance writing network maintains a list of qualified writers for regular article writing and... client projects. Writers can reply to the clients...
From backpage.com - 17 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Seeking Freelance Writer - new

Statewide, TX +3 locations
freelance writing service is currently expanding, adding new clients weekly, and needs additional writers... to work directly with writers, rather than with...
From backpage.com - 17 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Hiring Freelance Article Writer - new

New Haven, CT +3 locations
Our freelance writing network maintains a list of qualified writers for regular article writing and... client projects. Writers can reply to the clients...
From backpage.com - 17 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...

Editorial Manager - new

JournalismCrossing - Atlanta, GA AP preferred) and copy editing -Able to give overall editorial direction to freelance writers as well as line-editing feedback. For further information, please...
From UberJobs - 18 hours ago - save job - block - email - more...