As writers, we all understand the importance of picking the right words, using proper grammar, punctuating correctly, and editing and revising. And that’s just the beginning. We must also contend with structure, style, and voice. Of course there’s more: plot, characterization, theme. . . And then there’s the different usage requirements specified by style books such as the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style. It’s no wonder that we’re constantly working on the craft of writing. What’s on your writing bookshelf? Me? Among my favorites are:
Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style
Noah Lukeman’s A Dash of Style
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary
The Yahoo! Style Guide
The AP Stylebook
I also loved reading Stephen King’s On Writing. What are your favorites? What are you going to ask Santa to bring you this year?
With Black Friday rapidly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping – and what we want to receive as writers. What’s on your writing wish list? Share your ideas in this PollDaddy poll:
I write content for email marketing campaigns, autoresponders, and newsletters for my clients all the time. I even manage a few campaigns for some (as a special favor only, it’s not a service I generally offer). So, alas, it’s time to set up my own. How hard can it be, right?
Email Marketing Campaign Software
It’s not overly difficult. First, you need an email marketing account of some sort. I tried GetResponse a few months ago and had a bad experience with a mysterious charge and a stubborn customer service representative. That was enough to stop me for a while. That company lost my business, but Aweber soon got it. So, I signed up and am pleased with the service so far. It costs about $19 a month, a little higher than some companies, but Aweber’s reputation influenced me to go for it. It’s easy to create a sign up form (See it over there? Go ahead, sign up, I won’t bombard you with messages.) and the newsletter templates are simple, too.
Email Marketing and Mailing Addresses
However, if you want to keep your personal mailing address private, you’ll need to get a P.O. box or a private mailbox. The CanSPAM Act requires a legal, physical mailing address on all email marketing messages. This address can be one obtained through an approved USPS provider such as Mailboxes, Etc. or even a P.O. box at the post office. The local UPS Store cost about $17 a month which seemed high to me, especially since I don’t expect to receive much, if any, actual mail. I ended up going with MailboxForwarding for just under $10 per month.
Finding a good email campaign provider and a private mailbox have been my two biggest obstacles, but those are now in the past. Next challenge? Writing content! Fortunately, that’s right up my alley. . .
Oh yeah, one more challenge: getting subscribers. Sign up today and receive periodic updates, writing tips, and ideas for growing your business. Thank you.
Several people have asked me, “How do I become a freelance writer?” While I’m tempted to say that it’s a simple matter of declaring yourself a freelance writer and writing, I realize that there’s more to it than that. Sure, that’s a good start, but there’s that pesky matter of finding clients willing to pay for your writing projects. This involves marketing and selling your writing services which may involve creating a website, printing business cards, attending professional networking events and so on. In other words, becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed business professional.
Fortunately with writing these days, numerous opportunities exist both online and off. If you’re asking yourself, “How do I become a freelance writer?”, here are a few freelance writing tips to help you get started:
Join Constant-Content.comand start submitting articles to the site’s most current public requests.
Join at least one other online writing site that pays such as AOL’s Seed.com, Yahoo!’s AssociatedContent.com, or Demand Studios. (If you’re just starting out, try limit yourself to one or two online writing sites at first as each has a learning curve that takes time to master. Give yourself time to explore the site and allow it to work before giving up on it.)
Bid on writing projects at sites like Guru.com or Elance.com.
Pick up a copy of Writer’s Market and submit articles and queries to magazines.
Contact local publishers about freelance writing opportunities this includes publishers of newspapers, coupon books, local directories, websites, and so on.
Look for writing opportunities on Craigslist, local classifieds, Twitter, and other locations.
Let your network know that you’re now a self-employed writer and that you appreciate any referrals.
Submit a press release announcing your new writing business to your local newspaper as well as to online press release distribution sites.
Business and Tax Considerations
In addition to actually writing, you’ll also need to brush up on running a business. One of the reasons that I fell in love with Constant-Content.com was that I didn’t have to do too much on the business side (such as marketing, invoicing, and collections). Don’t forget to set aside enough money for income taxes as well as the self-employment tax. Get into the habit of setting aside money as soon as you get paid. You may need to pay quarterly estimated taxes, too.
Writing for Constant-Content.com
If you want to get started with Constant-Content.com, consider my inexpensive eBook which details everything you need to know about this site and is loaded with success tips. Having sold over 3,000 writing projects here, I know a thing or two about this site. I’ve kept the price low (under $10) on purpose so that writers new to Constant-Content aren’t risking much as they pursue the potential rewards offered at Constant-Content.
Learn more about this informative freelance writing eBook or buy it today (instant download) for just $9.95. If you’re wondering, “How do I become a freelance writer,” this eBook will help you get started with writing articles for paying customers on Constant-Content.com.
Sign up as an author at Constant-Content.com – and sell articles online. You can sell articles here for anywhere from $7 to well over $100.
Respond to Constant-Content “public requests” by writing articles that match the customer’s request. Customers need articles and they need them now. This is a great way to get started making money online with your writing.
Recruit other writers to sign up and sell articles at Constant-Content. You’ll make 5 percent off of your affiliates’ total sales.
Sell a mix of full rights and usage licenses at Constant-Content. Full rights licenses command a higher rate, but usage licenses can be sold over and over.
Reuse your usage articles by posting them at sites that pay per view or share revenue (such as AssociatedContent.com or Bukisa.com). Once submitted, these articles can provide you with passive income, albeit in small amounts.
Bundle related “usage” articles into an eBook and sell the eBook on your website. Use a service such as eJunkie and allow eJunkie affiliates to help you sell your ebook.
Bid for writing projects on sites like Guru.com or Elance.com. Warning, bidding can be time-consuming and you might be underbid.
Create your own freelance writing website and offer your writing services directly to clients. You’ll need to promote your site or be a strong SEO writer in order for customers to find you.
Approach publishers and webmasters in your community with article ideas.
Buy a copy of Writer’s Market and submit queries to magazines.
Advertise your writing services on free and paid classified advertising sites like Craigslist or USFreeAds.com
Create unique writing eBooks (or eBooks on other topics) and sell them on your website.
Offer additional services to your existing writing clients such as keyword research or press release writing.
Use social media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to let the world know about your writing skills and services.
Use Twitter’s search tools to find people looking for freelance writers and respond. For example, you could enter “need a writer” into Twitter search and see instant results across the Twitterverse from people who “need a writer.” If you’re interested, contact the person and offer your services.
Make it easy for potential clients to contact you by including a Contact form on your website. Make sure that your Contact page is easy to find, too.
Know your worth as a writer. Don’t be afraid to charge professional rates.
Beware of writing scams. You should never have to pay in order to write.
Keep learning and trying new strategies!
If you want to start making money by selling words, these 20 easy make money online tips for writers are a good place to start.
