Freelance Writer: Are THESE Words Haunting You?

Are you responsible?
Are you working hard?
Got the sweat to prove it?

You may have been had!

Maybe the Protestant Work Ethic has stuck with me too much, but one lesson I've learned over the past few months is this: life doesn't have to be so hard. Neither does success.

If you could visualize what I saw, it looks something like a draft horse working incessantly... and beating itself with a whip, only allowing a water break when absolutely necessary. And it still wasn't enough.

And I was the horse.

Aside from the fact that living like that kind of sucks all the fun out of life (ask my kids... well, actually, they may still say that, but now it's only because I'm doing my job as a mom! ha ha), it's also a clear indicator of...

Fear of Success.

Now, I know I'm scared of snakes. Not wild about stepping on strange creatures in the ocean. Heights are not my favorite. Failure, poverty... again, not on my list of lifetime desires.

But a fear of success? Huh?

Never saw that coming. Humor me.

Woman builds successful writing business. Woman decides to also pursue a way she can earn money by writing for herself (not just for others)... and ultimately write only for her own projects. (Enormous success implied here, which enables this shift.)

Oh wait! Writing for my own projects certainly doesn't sound very hard-working, industrious, or hard. Sounds pretty ideal, pretty privileged, pretty fun.

And that can't be good!?

Here's a post from a new friend of mine, Bryant - after you read it, come back and post your comments. Do you have this skewed view, too?
exitmyjob.com

Off-topic, but you have GOT to check this out!

Closet nerd? Yes, probably.

The proof (or at least the little bit I'll show today!): when I was pregnant with our son, I wanted to name him Jean Luc (as in Picard... as in Star Trek Next Generation). That got a thumbs down, as did my request that hubby buy me the cardboard cutout of Patrick Stewart that was in a Blockbuster Video store that was closing at the time.

Oh well.

Maybe it's something about all the imagination needed to come up with stuff like this. This really has me excited for several reasons:

• Can't wait to play it - I've seen the preview!
  
• Integrates with Facebook
• LOVE the marketing idea
• Huge opportunity for article marketing, I'm thinking
  
• Have a close friend close to the organization, and what she's seen (you can go visit if you're in AZ) has been very, very impressive.

Anyway, I don't usually bring these things to the blog, but wouldn't feel right sitting on it.

Go take a look, and let me know what you think: http://www.mymmoguls.com/triumphcomm

Are you using Twitter for your freelance writing business?

140 characters. It's not much, but you can do a lot with it if you focus.

Twitter's all about answering this one simple question:

What are you doing?

I signed up a while back, but really wasn't sure what to do with it until a few weeks ago. Um, actually STILL learning, but I see the potential!

You can get a quick update on people you're following throughout the day, and I've found a bunch of cool resources just by skimming through these updates.

How are YOU using Twitter?

Follow me on Twitter by clicking here:
http://twitter.com/SueLaPointe

WWHW Goes to Dallas for a Makeover

Hey there -

I'm at the Nitro Marketing DoOver grand prize weekend in Dallas, TX.

Expecting WWHW to be torn to shreds, then rebuilt to be bigger, stronger, and better from all I learn here.

Thanks again for making this weekend possible! Your votes got me here.

I'll be sure to share all I learn - after I digest it : )

Freelance Writers: Wearing jeans that fit?

Not a real shirt. Go with the metaphor on this one.

It's something that came up during our Mastermind group call with Peter Bowerman last week. And it's something almost every new (and some seasoned!) freelance writer must face: Getting used to the feeling of this new garment called "I'm a writer."

It's just like when you get a new pair of jeans - especially if your new ones are replacing some that are broken in, faced, soft from years of wearing... comfy and familiar. The new ones don't have the same pockets. They look dark. They pinch. They feel strange. They even sound weird.

Same thing with your new status as "Professional Writer" - it's just so completely unfamiliar that you're likely to feel like it doesn't fit.

My advice - hang in there and keep at it until it fits.

If I've learned one thing over the past couple of years (especially with the K&A seminars I've gone to), it's this: "Comfortable" is very addicting - and it gets me nowhere. If I insist on staying in my comfort zone, I never become more, never do more, never have more, never give more. What a waste! And all because I was unwilling to take myself on and stretch beyond what felt comfortable.

Working through this stretch is crucial to achieving something "new" in your life.

Missed the newsletter last week? Here's one about using articles a couple different ways

(Hey, if you're not subscribed to the WWHW newsletter yet, what's the hold-up?!) : ) It's free, and it'll help you learn how to become a freelance writer. Plus, you'll get a free report to help give your business a boost!

As a freelance writing business coach, I usually recommend that new writers start out by adding articles to their portfolios. Articles are some of the most common writing projects out there, and if you can provide good sample articles to potential clients, they can get a good look at your style and voice.

What should you write about?

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter. The goal is not so much to show how much you know about any particular subject. Freelancers are famous for being able to do quick research to be able to write intelligently about nearly any topic.

What’s more important than the topic is having an understanding of what your prospective clients are looking for, why they need articles in the first place.

My guess is that 9 out of 10 clients who order articles are using them for article marketing – a very effective, relatively inexpensive way to draw traffic to their websites. Basically it works like this: they submit articles to an article directory, webmasters re-publish these articles, people search for info on that specific topic and find the article, read it, follow the link to the website, and eventually buy something.

From that quick description, what do you think clients are looking for?

· Articles that are well-written. If the article is a literary disaster area, nobody is going to want to read it, much less follow it to find out more!

· Articles that are interesting. If readers, known for 3-second attention spans, click away after the first paragraph, they’ll never end up on the client’s website, much less buying anything.

· Articles that are conversational. Unless you’re specializing in technical writing, the articles your clients want most read like people actually speak (okay, depending on the person in question – no profanity or obscure slang, please).

Now, for the “pad your wallet at the same time” part

If you’re going to create articles for your portfolio, why not do it in a way that can earn you some money while you’re at it? There’s an entire realm of internet marketing called affiliate marketing. You can try your hand at it and build your portfolio at the same time. Basically, you pick a product or website that has an affiliate program in place, and join the program. Then you write articles to promote the product. Publish them (and include them in your portfolio!), and before long, you’ll have people clicking and buying because they read your article.

I can’t recommend Anik Singal’s report enough for learning how to do this. He’s not a freelance writer, so he didn’t think about the potential goldmine we writers are sitting on (after all, we don’t have the expense of hiring a writer!) or about multipurposing these articles by using them in a portfolio while they’re also out there on the internet earning money. But his $5 report (still can’t believe that price!) also answers questions like:

· How do I find a good product to promote with my articles?

· How do I know whether it’ll actually make money?

· What do readers want to read?

· How do I write a great title, article, and resource box?

· Where should I submit these articles?

The cardinal rule of writing for yourself (don’t try this with work for clients) is: write it once, use it in as many different ways as you can. Sounds like a plan!

When you're ready to start writing your book...

Just ran across this site, WEbook, that's got a pretty interesting concept.

You can write a book on your own, or with a team, or even with complete strangers. Then you can get feedback, editing, and suggestions from the other members on the site. (You can entice more participation by offering a percentage of any future royalties you may earn.)

Then, you can enter your finished work in an American Idol-like contest where the winner's book is published and then sold on Amazon and in some bookstores. You'll get 50% of profits on your book.

Interesting. A little scary, maybe, too, because it seems like your material could be taken pretty easily. There is an option for keeping your work private up to a point, but if you want to enter it in the contest, you'll have to eventually make it available for members to read and vote on.


Published Books, Poetry - How To Get Published - WEbook

Should freelance writers use pen names?

Oooh, I get this one a lot!

I used to kind of think using a pen name was a chicken exit - you didn't want to be associated with your words, so you copped out and went worse than anonymous.

But there are lots of great reasons to use a pen name. Here are a few:

1. You're getting into info marketing, and your niche markets cover a wide range of topics. Can you really be an expert in bird houses, wake boarding, sushi, and coin collecting? Maybe - but you might want to use a pen name so you don't start looking like a jack of all trades, master of none.
2. Your client wants you to post articles for them, but doesn't want their own name on it. Again, a good reason to use a pen name. I had a client in the furniture business like this, and again, I didn't want to dilute my own name by publishing myself as an expert on antiques (which I'm not!). He didn't want his name on the articles, either, because he wanted them to look more journalistic than self-promotional.
3. You could write for a niche that's kind of sensitive. I listened to a webcast with one of the most successful dating tips site owners out there. She used to write under her own name... until she had a stalker! Now she uses a pen name.
   

C'mon, making a video isn't really that hard!

OK, I'm getting kind of addicted.

The Marketing Do Over contest got me hooked, and now I'm seeing video opps everywhere.

(Hey, if you didn't hear my "YIPPPPEEEEE" where you live, I won the contest!! along with two others. Still waiting to find out when I go to Dallas for the prize, but just imagine what kind of amazing info I'll pass along to you!)

If you missed mine, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Yzl7DbRGA

So, how do you make a video like that? It was really pretty easy.

1. Think up a story line.
2. Find photos you can use for them (watch out for copyrights - you can get a ton of photos free on www.morguefile.com)
3. Go to www.onetruemedia.com and register for an account. You can get a free one, or pay a few bucks to get one with some more bells and whistles.
4. Import your photos, set them to music, add effects, and voila! You've got a video!
   

So, How’s YOUR Book Coming Along?

“Huh? I’m not writing a book,” you say, “at least not my own, anyway.”

Well, why on earth not? What, are you afraid of a little writing? Think you can’t go the distance?

OK, that’s probably enough taunting to get your feathers ruffled a little. But seriously, it’s been said that everyone’s got a book in them just waiting to be written. And as a freelance writer, who better to draw your book out than you?

Let’s be really clear here: we’re not talking about reverting to the old misconception that keeps many potential freelancers out of the game – that the only way to get paid to write is to write a best-selling novel. We’re assuming you’ve pushed past that limiting belief, and that you realize the earnings potential available as a pen for hire.

Instead, let’s talk about five great reasons for working on your own book:

1. You can share your expertise – and everyone’s an expert in some area. Think your expertise lies only in an area nobody would even care about? Guess again! Whether it’s cleaning (check out Fly Lady’s success), knitting (check out Jill Eaton and a hundred others), or even cooking on the grill (Bobby Flay) – there are hugely successful gurus out there writing and selling books.
2. You can grow your client base. What’s your writing specialty? Write a mean SEO article? Why not write a little book about your method? You could give it away to clients or prospects.
3. You can build an info marketing empire. Create an assortment of info products at various price points – from a free report up to a full book or course. It takes time, and some work, of course. But as I’ve said a thousand times before, info marketing is a freelance writer’s retirement plan.
4. You can leave a legacy. Even if you never market your book, there are people who’ll consider it priceless. Write your memoir. Write a cookbook. Write a devotional. Write a family history. Both of my grandfathers wrote memoirs, and I value these books immensely. One is still alive (at 91 and counting!), but the other is gone. Having their words is precious to me. Do the same, and someone’s going to feel the same about your work someday.
5. You can pursue your dream. Alright, so I lied – there’s still that thing about writing a best-seller! But you know what? Books aren’t usually written overnight, and if you want to do this someday, you might as well start now and do a bit every day. Just don’t neglect your paying gigs.

The best way to get your book done is the same as the best way to eat an elephant – one bite at a time. Schedule some time every day to chip away at this mammoth task. Set the timer and work without interruption. You’ll be amazed by how quickly your book takes shape.

Looking for some creative blog writing tips?

Whether you're getting into blogging for yourself, for your clients, or as a hired gun, it's a specialty with a learning curve all its own.

Here's a great resource for creative blog writing tips that'll help you become a pro in no time at all!

I'm seeing more and more clients looking for someone to blog for them. They realize that blogging is a great way to drive traffic to their websites... if they keep it fresh! They also realize that keeping it fresh takes time and effort. Imagine how happy they are if they can pass this little torch along to someone else and concentrate on other parts of their business!

So.... what do you charge as a Blogger for Hire???

C'mon, making a video isn't really that hard!

OK, I'm getting kind of addicted.

The Marketing Do Over contest got me hooked, and now I'm seeing video opps everywhere.

(Hey, if you haven't voted for me yet, PLEEEEEEASE do! Think of it as a vote for freelance writers everywhere. Plus, if I win, what kind of amazing info do you think I'll be passing along to you??!!)
http://www.marketingdoover.com/contestant/116990

Anyway... I'd never made a video in my life - unless you count the cheesy one we have of our wedding!

But I found this free site where you can put videos together - and it was really pretty easy: www.onetruemedia.com. Yeah, you can lose hours and days in there, so be careful. But just think of all the ways you could use video to grow your freelance writing business.

• Add video to your website
• Create a video podcast (is that the right term?)
  
• Add video to your Guru profile
• Add video to your Squidoo lens

Or go way out on the limb and try something like this.

First watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Yzl7DbRGA

And then, because chances are that if you're here, you're already subscribed to the WWHW newsletter, here's the link for the report:

http://www.workingwriterhappywriter.com/publishing/7158Woody.html


OK, this is just an example of something you could do to promote your own business. Will this work? Who knows?? But the MDO folks kind of planted the seed in my mind, and I had to give it a shot. You can read the MDO blog after you vote for me. Look for the post about the 5 second video something or another... I basically copied their idea - you'll see!

Live in or near Rochester, NY?

Then you'll want to check this out!

It's a seminar that'll give you a strong working knowledge about working with newsletters. If you have internet marketers for clients, you know this is a HUGE service to be able to provide for them!

If you're looking to become an info marketer, you'll need to learn this, too!


Newsletter seminar on July 17 | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle

The bonus (er, bribe!) from 7/10's newsletter

Thanks for voting for my video in the MarketingDoOver contest! I'll be sure to pass along lots of tips and tricks if I win!

And to help me thank you for your vote, here's.....

Project #8 for freelance writers with some unscheduled downtime.

Learn how to build websites.

This is a skill every freelance writer should pick up. It’s not that hard (heck, if I can do it, anyone can do it!), and it will come in very handy, very soon.

There are lots of programs out there, I’m sure. The one I use is XSite Pro. What I like about it is that it’s very intuitive. It works like lots of other programs I’ve used. You don’t have to know html at all, either, because it’s a WYSIWYG deal. If you can send an email, you can build a site.

HOWEVER, you really, really should do the tutorial before you get rolling. Even if you think you don’t need to. It only takes about an hour, and you’re building a real site as you learn.

Why is this a good use of your downtime?

Lots of reasons:

1. It’s another service you can offer your clients. It’s especially attractive to internet marketers who are just starting out. If you can build the site AND write the content, you’re the hero!
   
   
2. It’s not hard – it just takes some time to learn. And if you’re swamped with other projects, chances are that you’re not going to want to take the time to learn website building.
   
   
3. There will come a time when it dawns on you, “Hey! I could use my writing skills for my own benefit!” If you get into information marketing, you can produce your own products, press releases, articles, and sales copy. You won’t want to pay someone else hundreds or thousands of dollars to build a site for you. If you learn how to build sites for yourself, it’s the proverbial “teach a man to fish” deal – you’ll be able to create all kinds of income streams.

Hey, if you want to read the others on the list, subscribe! I'll get it out to you along with your copy of the free report "Top 5 Tactics to Boost Your Writing Business" - but you'll only get this edition of the newsletter if you sign up before 7/17.

I need votes - and lots of 'em!

I just registered on MarketingDoOver for their brand new video contest and I need some votes!

I would really appreciate it if you could just take a couple of minutes to register on the site and then vote on my video submission. (People have to register to vote so that no one can cheat. Darn! :)

My link is: http://www.marketingdoover.com/contestant/116990

Thanks so much for your help and your vote!

The contest ends on July 14, 2008, so hurry!

Go to: http://www.marketingdoover.com/contestant/116990

Multi-million dollar Internet Marketing Company launches contest

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been watching the pre-launch of a really impressive and brand new video contest that just launched on June 1st.

The prize?

A complete business makeover worth over $15,000. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, and you get to spend a full day with Internet Marketing experts who are there to help completely transform your business.

For more details, click here.

Who should enter?

What's really interesting about this contest, is that really anyone who does any business on the Internet could really make out well here. Not only could you win the grand prize, but there are many other prizes available as well.

And here's the big one...

The amount of traffic this could drive to your website is mind-boggling. You're not only entering a contest, but you're also a part of a huge viral marketing campaign where thousands and thousands of people will see your video and your website.

Talk about an opportunity within an opportunity!

Once you enter, post the link to your video here and I'll be sure to check it out and vote on it for you!

The contest ends on July 14, 2008, so hurry! Go now!!!!

You'll kick yourself if you miss this!

I've been talking about how info marketing is an awesome way for freelance writers to generate some passive income. So, what's so great about info marketing?

You can write and sell books and other products on any topic you're passionate about.

• Got a child who sucks her thumb? Write about how you're solving (or not!) that challenge.
• How about your pets? What tips and tricks can you pass along?
• An expert on your hometown or state? Believe it or not, people are looking for this info!
• A whiz in the kitchen? or the garage? People want to learn!

TIP: You can use a pen name and publish your own products on an infinite number of topics.

I'm definitely going to look at creating a second WWHW newsletter - one for info marketers. If you're interested, let me know. Email me at: info@workingwriterhappywriter.com.

In the meantime, BIG NEWS!!!

FACT: If you're getting into internet marketing or info marketing, you MUST be able to make your own websites quickly and easily. You could easily spend hundreds of dollars getting a simple site built for you -- I know because I did. Now that I know how to build my own, I'll never do that again.

FACT: We writers don't all tend to be the 'Engineering' type - meaning, if we're going to build our own sites, it better be pretty straight-forward and easy. No complicated code words or anything like that.

FACT: XSite Pro is by far the easiest, most powerful website building program out there. And the price is miniscule compared to having even one site built for you - or even most of the other programs out there.

That's why I want you to know about these upcoming XSite Pro Webinars. You can get a guided tour through the program.

• See how easy it is to use. Very intuitive - if you can send email, you can build a site.
• Check out all the cool new features - video, social bookmarking, affiliate stuff, RSS feeds - all at the click of your mouse.
• Get to hear it all from Paul Smithson, the guy behind the program. (Special plus for those of us in the U.S. - he's a Brit, so you get to hear his gorgeous accent. Don't you just feel smarter listening to someone speak like that? Heck, they could read the phone book, and I'd be mesmerized!)

Anyway, there are three different times you can join in. But you'll need to reserve your spot:

Wednesday 2nd July, 05:00am EDT (10:00am UK time)

Friday 4th July, 12:00 midday EDT (5pm UK time)

Sunday 6th July, 3:00pm EDT (8pm UK time)

As you can see, there are days and times to suit
everyone - no matter where in the world they live.

To register, just click here.
Hope to see(?) you there!

Finally!! XSite Pro Version 2 Is HERE!

Confession: I'm a total non-techie (my husband actually took my suggestion and paid a college kid $10 to teach him how to sync his iPod). In fact, when I first paid a coach to help me learn about internet marketing, I was probably only one step beyond knowing how to right-click.

But I knew it was really, really important to know how to build my own sites, so I was pretty motivated.

Why's it so important? Two major reasons:
1. Control. I've had sites built by pros before, and yes, they're gorgeous. BUT, if I want to change anything, I've got to ask. Then I feel like, "Am I supposed to pay for every little change? Or is that included?" We never really discussed it. But that awkwardness is enough to make me understand how nice it is to be able to make my own changes - anytime, day or night.
2. The price. The sites I had built for me, I got at a "good friend" discount. But they were still expensive. Really expensive. And if you're getting into internet marketing, you're going to eventually need a bunch of sites. Multiply that out, and you'll see why it's so great to be able to build your own.

Oh, and a third great reason for learning how to do this... it's another skill your clients may want. I've had several who needed their text in html - and XSite Pro lets you create text "normally" and send it all coded up. I've built a number of little sites for clients who didn't need anything really fancy. You can take a peek at a couple if you want:
www.salonmontage-psl.com
www.empoweringdetroit.com

Anyway, I used the original XSite Pro for those (and of course for my own little site: www.workingwriterhappywriter.com). And it was easy as could be. Of course, I'm good about running through the tutorial first, and that helped.

But the new and improved version has me salivating!

Don't get me started on all the bells and whistles - it'll take forever and you'll get tired of reading. Just trust me on this: if you're looking for a way to ultimately create some other streams of income from your writing, information marketing and affiliate marketing are an excellent plan. You're going to need a site building software thingy... and this one's phenomenal.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

This new version goes on sale TOMORROW!!! (6/17/08) AT NOON EDT.