Publishing As a Second Language—The On's of Article Writing

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Several terms you will hear that pertain to article writing begin with the word “on.”

ON Speculation

Many times you will hear this term shortened to on spec. This usually follows a query and issues an invitation to send your article on speculation. That is a tentative “yes" meaning that once your article is received they will read it carefully and if it fits their needs, will accept it. Acceptance on speculation leaves the door open for the publisher to reject the work if it is not up to the standards set in the query. If you have studied the publication and its guidelines and have written a strong query letter that shows excellent writing skills, the possibility of acceptance for an on spec article is high.

“I don’t worry about money, this is my ministry.” How many times have I heard these words at Christian writers conferences when the subject of money comes up? Many writers seem to think that talking about making money for your writing is a sin. But the Bible reminds us “the worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). That doesn’t just apply to construction workers, teachers, or bank executives. Writers are on that list as well. No matter what market you write for, secular or inspirational, your time is valuable to you and to those you write for.

Write What You Know (or take a first-hand look)

Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce the newest member of The Write Conversation blogging team. Linda Gilden has guested her several time and I know you all already love her as much as I do. Now she'll be a regular monthly contributor. so be sure and show her some love!

One of the first pieces advice writers here is, "Write what you know."

Write What You Know

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

One of the first pieces of advice beginning writers receive is to “write what you know.” But once the honeymoon of your writing career is over, how do you expand what you know?

  

The obvious types of research – reading, interviewing, visiting key sites, personal experiences, etc. – will definitely expand your storehouse of factual material. But perhaps you need to explore new territory and actually step into the subject of your article, gleaning first-hand experience as a means of research?

  

When you write what you know, you can provide your reader with insider information. You have “been there, done that” and your confidence will assure your reader that you can be trusted. Your writing will come alive with your excitement of having experienced the setting or activity yourself. Becoming a temporary expert not only strengthens your writing but also will broaden the base from which you write.

Years ago I wrote for a national sports ministry. When I was asked to write the new soccer handbook, there was a problem. Even though my children had played soccer, I was always the mom in the stands who sometime had to be reminded which goal was our goal and often cheered at the wrong time or for the wrong team. So when I began to write the handbook, my son’s high school friends who were on the soccer team stopped by in the afternoons to demonstrate the different soccer kicks and moves. One would get on either side of me, hold my elbows, and another would pick my foot up in the correct position for the kick of the day! I learned to write about soccer moves not on the field but in the middle of my den. But as I learned I was able to bring life to the handbook.

           

Others have had similar experiences. Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, worked low-paying, entry-level jobs in three areas of the country to understand how women forced into the job market by welfare reform could survive. Phillip Reed, Consumer Advice Editor at Edmunds.com, decided to write about the car business so he got a job as a car salesman. This allowed him an “inside look” at the car business and the life of a car salesman. Yvonne Lehman took violin lessons to understand the feeling of her character in her story, “Name that Tune.”

So write what you know? That’s always a good place to start. But when you have exhausted your first-hand knowledge, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and learn a new skill. Then, write what you know (and just learned).

Now it’s your turn. How have you added to your own experience of what you know? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

TWEETABLES

#Writing what you know, a goodstarting point but not the end of the road – via @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

#Writing what you know can also mean learning new things - via @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Linda Gilden is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy in time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children!

To find out more about Linda, her writing, and her ministry, visit www.lindagilden.com. You can also connect with her on Twitter @LindaGilden and Facebook at Author Linda Gilden.

Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 1

by Vonda Skelton @VondaSkelton

Query letters. I hate them. You hate them. Everybody hates them. But the ability to write a good query letter can mean the difference between publication and rejection. 

Over the next two posts, I'll be sharing a five-step formula for writing query letters that will create interest and increase the chances of seeing your name in print. 

I’ll present a query letter study for a proposed article, but the basic concepts would work for a manuscript cover letter, too.

Support Your Writing by WRITING—How to Earn Extra Money While You're Working on Your Book

by Edie Melson

If you’re truly serious about being published, you’re going to have to put some time, energy, and yes, even money into that endeavor. Trust me, we’d all like to think we have enough talent to make it, but talent will only get you so far in this industry.

The publishing biz is built on networking. And while it’s possible to create valuable contacts online, there’s still no substitute for an in-person meeting. That means you’re going to have to get to some writing conferences, and those aren’t cheap.

Get Started as a Freelance Writer—Part Five, Find Copywriting Clients and Know What to Charge

Last week I introduced you to copywriting. This week I want to show you how easy it is to find clients.

Targeting Clients

The first place to find potential clients is with the people you know—and who know you. No, I’m not talking about imposing on family and friends, but in offering them a valuable resource—YOU!

In times past, almost every business had a yellow pages ad. This was the place to find a business and for a business to be found. Fast forward to the last time you needed info on a business. Did you pick up the local yellow pages—or log onto the Internet? Chances are you visited the web.

Now all these businesses have to have websites—and they need websites that turn visitors into paying customers. That’s where you come in. You can offer them real value by hiring you to increase their traffic and visibility.

So who exactly do you start with? Here are some of the best ways to find clients.

By association – look for natural pairing between you and potential clients, from hobbies to business connections.

Think about what hobbies or business experience you have? What are your hobbies? Are you a gardener—maybe you already have a relationship with a local nursery. Start there. What about former businesses. Have you worked as a realtor? Then approach brokers to write content helpful to their customers.

By location – this could be your small town, neighborhood business district, state or region.

You can attack this several ways, first by targeting a physical section of your town or city. Or second, by choosing industry to concentrate on, such as childcare or the medical professional.

You can also go one step further, literally. Have some fliers printed up and walk a city block in your local business district. Talk to the business owners; let them put a name with a face. In both circumstances, even if the contact doesn’t pan out immediately, you’ll find that business owners often keep paperwork with financial information on it. A flier you gave out six months ago may generate a new client tomorrow.

How to Charge

Fees for writers are a hot topic on the job boards. There are two major schools of thought. First, it’s a buyer’s market—with individual blog posts going for as little as $25 apiece. Then there’s the group who says they won’t work for less than $100 an hour. I think the truth is somewhere in between.

I think it’s important to gain experience and sometimes the best way to do that is to write for free. BUT it’s also important not to keep writing for free. As you gain experience you bring value to your clients and should be paid accordingly.

Where to Start

These tips will help you decide the best rates for you.

• Decide how much you have to make this year and break it down.
• Realize how much time it will take to do the job.
• Ask your client what their budget is.
• Offer to do one or two small tasks cheaply, then re-negotiate.

Warnings

Don’t forget to factor in these items before you quote a price.

Realize your days will be filled with down time. Times of marketing, querying and consulting with possible clients.

Take expenses into account. Copying or printing costs for flyers and letters. Postage. As well as upkeep of your business – computer and cell phone – as well as Internet access and any fees.

Back and forth between you and the client while you learn what works and what doesn’t.

Importance of a Daily Rate

Earlier I suggested you decide what you want to make each year. Now let’s break it down even further and find your daily rate. This may seem redundant, but bear with me.

Having a daily rate is vital when you’re trying to decide whether or not to accept a job or if you’re asked for a ball park figure on rates.

Now that you know why you should care about your daily rate, here’s how to do it. Say your goal is to earn $100,000 from freelance writing this year.

There are 365 days in the year, but 104 of those days are weekends. There are also roughly 10 holidays a year where it’s virtually impossible to get much work done — Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, etc. Family members will likely expect you to shut off your computer and pay attention to them on these occasions.

Let’s hope you’re not working weekends or major holidays, and that you also plan to take at least two weeks off a year (an important time to regroup). That leaves around 240 real, viable work days in the year.

Divide $100,000 by 240 and you get roughly $417 a day. That’s your daily rate. Want to earn $50,000 a year? That’s around $209 per working day.

Once again it's your turn to chime in on this subject. I'm back in town (actually back in the country, I'm away teaching at the beach). Look for a post later this week highlighting my recent trip to Ethiopia.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Get Started as a Freelance Writer—Part Four, Have You considered Copywriting?

Copywriting is a great way to earn money as a freelance writer. It may sound a little intimidating, but it’s great fun.

What is copywriting?

The dictionary defines a copywriter as one who “writes copy for advertising.” The field has gone on to include many aspects of business writing, especially those where the company interfaces with the client or consumer.

At first glance, this may seem like a very small niche for writers. Quite the contrary—it’s a huge opportunity. This area of writing continues to explode, particularly in the arena of the Internet.

Primary Goal for ALL Copywriters

Get the first sentence read.

So your choice of Headline, Graphics, Font, Format etc. should lead directly to this goal.

What is the goal of the first sentence? To get the next sentence read. This step by step road is the yellow brick road for everyone who wants to succeed as a copywriter.

KISS College English Goodbye

Think about famous lines.

            It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

            To be or not to be.

What do most have in common? They’re simple and straightforward. No overblown adjectives or prose. In other words—Keep It Simple Stupid!

Effective copy is written clearly and concisely. It’s vitally important to learn the lesson that to engage the audience you have to keep it conversational. Occasionally you’ll break a few grammar rules—but that’s okay—rules were meant to be broken.

Format with the Reader in Mind

Make your copy easy to scan. Use plenty of bullet points, headings and subheadings. Make it clear what you’re offering the audience.

Headlines are More than Words—They’re a Numbers Game!

• 50/50 – Many copywriters say you should spend as much time on crafting your headline as on writing your copy.
• 80/20 – The numbers don’t lie. It’s been proven 8 out of 10 people will read the headline and only 2 out of 10 will read the rest.

With a compelling headline a browser becomes a reader. Without that headline the rest of your words might as well not be written. But what makes a great headline? The best contain your entire message in one memorable bite.

What are some key components to a compelling headline?

• Provide the reader with the tools to evaluate the content.
• Resonate with a reader’s urgency.
• Show the reader why this offer/product/person is unique
• And it must do all of this clearly and concisely.

Format Your Content

Formatting content revolves more around guidelines than rules. Depending on what your copy is to be used for the rules will change. But the following tips will always ring true.

• Write to your audience. Remember who you are trying to reach and relate to them through your words, graphics, font, etc.
• Keep focused. Every story you tell should be razor focused on the point of the copy. Now is NOT the time to ramble.
• Be credible. Don’t make unsubstantiated claims. Use statistics, experts, even testimonials.
• After showing your credibility restate your focus.
• Give the reader something to do, i.e. buy the product.
• Sum everything up, restate why your premise is fulfilled by taking this action.

Cut to the Benefits

So often we try to tell people the features of a product. But features aren’t what sell products—benefits are. Let me explain.

I was shopping for a new clothes dryer and saw one with an optional steam feature. My thought when the salesman mentioned it? So what.

Then he told me I could use it instead of ironing. That’s a benefit and I’m seriously interested!

See the difference—subtle, but vital—when you’re writing copy.

So how do you figure out the true benefit of something?

• Make a list of all the features.
• Beside each one ask why it’s helpful.
• Now ask how that help is accomplished.
• Tie that information to an emotional or felt need.

A word of warning here. High end business customers and technical customers are sometimes irritated by emotionalism. The business leader wants the bottom line and the techno geek wants to know the specs. They both will still want the benefits, but in those cases the features need to be highlighted as well.

Now it’s your turn. What experience have you had with copywriting? Take time to read and comment—it will help me out because I’m still in Ethiopia. But I’ll be back in town next week! Be sure to plug in with your network here, on The Write Conversation.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Get Started as a Freelance Writer—Part Three, What Should I Query?

SPECIAL NOTE: I am out of the country until June 18. I’m on a mission trip in Ethiopia (and I’d love to have your prayers). But please don’t let this stop you from reading and commenting (if you read the post below you’ll see why)! I’ve scheduled all my regular blog posts, so nothing will change, except I won’t be able to answer your questions or comments. But don’t worry, I’ll catch up with you all when I return. And I’ll have lots of stories and experiences to share.

Blessings,

E

Making a living as a freelance writer sometimes requires nerves of steel. It’s a business where you have to be willing to take risks. What does that look like in a profession of words? It means applying for many different types of assignments—often where you have little or no expertise.

I know that makes some of you want to hyperventilate, but stay with me. We live in the age of instant access. Instead of being a negative, for a freelancer that’s a positive. It means that you have the ability to learn about almost anything—all from the comfort of your desk chair. In this business, Google is your best friend!

So how do I decide what to query? Here are some of the factors I use to decide: 

• How much it pays. Okay, I know it’s crass to start with money—but this is the way I make my living.
• Do I have expertise with this type of writing? If I do, I want to make good money. If not, I may take a low paying job or two to get some experience.
• Am I interested in the topic? Life is short and I like to look for things that I enjoy writing about. I can't always choose cool topics, but it helps to have assignments I enjoy sprinkled in with the ones that earn money. With freelance writing it's always a balancing act.

 How do I get experience in new areas? 

• Take assignments that pay less (or even nothing) to gain experience.
• Offer to help an established writer in that specialty in exchange for tips and techniques.
• Network, network, network! Did you know you have access to a network here on this blog? Everyone who comments is visible to others—and you all already have something in common—me! Are you taking advantage of this network?

Now it’s your turn. What are some of your questions and experiences? Remember, I’m out of town for a couple of weeks so you’re going to have to help each other. Take a minute to read the comments section and help each other out—here’s your chance to start that new network!

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Get Started as a Freelance Writer—Part Two, Query Letters

Last week I posted an overview on starting your freelance writing career. This week we’ll delve more deeply into the strategies and skills you need to earn money. The first skill you need to develop is the ability to write a compelling query.

How to Query

This simple concept has caused more anguish for writers than anything else around. But it’s a necessary evil. Your queries may find their way to the editor's desk in hard copy format or email, but the principles are the same.

It may seem unfair that your writing ability is judged on a single letter or email, but that is the hard truth in this industry. And, having sat behind the editor’s desk, I now understand why. Invariably a poorly written query previews major problems in the writer’s submitted work. I have rarely found this to be the exception. But rather the rule.

The query letter serves two equally important purposes:

• Get the assignment.
• Showcase your writing ability. 

The Parts of the Query 

• Salutation. Make certain you get a name – not Dear Editor. If you can’t find the name listed anywhere, call the office, just don’t let them connect you to the editor. Also, check the spelling and the GENDER. You don’t want to use the wrong pronoun.
• First Paragraph. You should start with your hook. Don’t use anything corny, “Don’t miss out on this opportunity.” Instead, it should be a legitimate hook. You also need to reference what part of the magazine/website you’re pitching. Don’t say something like, “This idea would work well anywhere in your magazine.” This signals to the editor that you’re an amateur. Also give the approximate word count.
• Second Paragraph. This is where you pitch your idea. It’s good to include specifics—even bullet points—here.
• Third Paragraph. This is your bio, your credentials for writing this article. Be honest, but don’t over inflate your merits. As editors, we've seen it all and can spot a fake from a mile away. Also don’t criticize or run down yourself. “I don’t have any writing credits, but I’m willing to learn.”

Here are the basics you need to achieve these goals:

• Keep it short. Your query letter/email should NOT exceed one page…ever!
• Use a standard font. Times New Roman 12 point font.
• Use standard formatting. For an e-query use block formatting (no paragraph indentions, single spaced, double space between paragraphs). For hard copy use traditional letter formatting (indented paragraphs, single spacing, no extra lines between paragraphs).

Here are some red flags to look for:

• Too long.
• Strange fonts.
• Improper or mixed formatting.

Also, it’s vitally important not to waste time when sending a query. By this I don’t mean hurry to send it off, but rather, get to the point. Don’t waste the editor’s time with things that are understood (just say the word and I’ll send you the article) or have no bearing on the article you’re pitching.

There are a lot of good resources on writing queries out there. The best I’ve ever seen is a screen cast by Alton Gansky. He goes through an actual e-query and explains what works in it and why.

There is also a free e-book, How to Write a Great Query, by Noah Lukeman (You may remember another book he wrote, The First Five Pages). In this book he deals with queries for agents regarding book length manuscripts, but a lot of the tips are also relevant for freelancers—particularly the section on non-fiction books.

Now it's your turn. What experience have you had with queries? What questions do you have?

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie 

Get Started as a Freelance Writer—Part One

Many writers I met with at the Blue Ridge conference expressed an interest in getting started as freelance writers. With the economy as it is, lots are feeling the need for additional or even primary income. With some hard work and diligence, freelance writing could be the answer you’re looking for.

Freelance writing isn’t a get rich quick scheme. It takes hard work—and a certain amount of a daredevil attitude. BUT, if you do the work and put in the hours you WILL see success.

The Basics

There are a couple of things you MUST do to succeed in this industry.

• Send out the queries...daily.
• Stay on top of the marketing...daily.

The Specifics

Queries—let’s face it, it's hard to get an assignment if you don’t apply for it. Landing freelance writing jobs is often a numbers game. For every 10 jobs you inquire about, you’ll land one to two. Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing how to make those odds better.

The critical thing to remember is if you’re sending out ONE query a week, you’ll probably land ONE job in the next 10 weeks. If you’re serious about earning an income you need to send out 10 queries a day.

Marketing—a simple explanation of marketing is job searching. I check the job boards every single workday. Even when I have regular work, I still spend about 40% of my time marketing. Otherwise, the work will dry up and I’ll have times with no income coming in.

Here's a list of my favorite job boards:

• www.craigslist.com
•  www.journalismjobs.com
• www.mediabistro.com
• www.freelancewriting.com
• www.writerswrite.com
• www.newsjobs.net

You’ve decided to make the jump from writing as a hobby to writing for profit, so now what? Here's your first step for your journey to freelance writer.

Step One—Start Thinking Like a Writer

Now it’s time to start thinking like a professional. By that I mean, everywhere you look and every experience you have has the potential to become an article.

Ideas for articles are everywhere. Are you at the grocery store? Look at the free magazines and publications offered near the entrance and exit – they have content – they need writers! Check the community bulletin board. There may be a story you can sell to your local newspaper. Did you have a flat tire last week? There are tons of safety magazines that would welcome your story with a slant.

Next Tuesday I’ll continue this series with specifics on getting started. In the meantime leave a comment or ask a question. This will help me make sure this series covers everything you need to get started.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

How to Write a Freelance CV

A CV, or curriculum vitae is a necessary part of any freelancer’s arsenal. What exactly is a CV? It’s essentially a modern writer’s resume. It differs slightly in that it has a short introduction and includes relevant training that enhances your experience. It also doesn’t necessarily include references.

Here are the steps to make your CV top notch. 

1. Contact information. Include your name, physical address (it can be a PO box) phone number, email and your website
2. Objective. This will change according to what assignment you are specifically applying for. For example, I would have a different objective for a health writing assignment as opposed to a financial writing assignment.
3. Writing/Editing Experience. Here I would highlight some of my assignments and include URL’s when possible. As you gain experience this will be a partial list.
4. Employment History. Include this section only if relevant to the assignment you’re seeking – or if someone has employed you as a writer.
5. Education. Include this section if it’s a positive to your application. What I mean is if you don’t have a college degree, but have tons of experience, don’t highlight the information that you don’t have a degree, just skip this altogether. I don’t have a college degree so I just don’t mention education.
6. Professional Training. I have attended years worth of conferences, workshops and classes so I include that here.
7. Professional Organizations. Include any relevant organizations you’re a current member of.

The biggest thing to remember about writing a CV is to make it relevant. If you’re applying to write blog articles for a dog grooming site, then include your job history as a dog groomer — otherwise leave it out.

Here is my CV so you can see how it plays out in real life.

Edie Melson 604 S Almond Dr • Simpsonville, SC 29681 • 864-360-5003 • emelson@charter.net

Objective

As an experienced freelance writer and blogger, I’ve written content for numerous blogs and websites, including CBN.com, TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com and Woman’sDay.com. I’m familiar with SEO and keyword formatting and available for quick turn around and tight deadlines.

Writing Credits

In 2010 I published over 700 articles in print and on the Internet. Publications include Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, CBN.com, Centered Magazine and ChristianDevotions.us. I’ve also written for numerous business clients, adding copy to everything from websites to brochures. (Comprehensive list available upon request)

Editing Experience

2007-present                                        Independent Freelance Editor

May 2010-present                               Assistant proofer for 

                                                                My Book Therapy Voice E-zine

March 2009-2010                               Editor ACFW SE Zone 

                                                                newsletter - www.acfw.com                                                                 

April 2009-March 2010                     Managing Editor 

                                                                Centered Magazine

                                                                www.centeredmag.com

March 2010-present                           Assistant Proofer/editor Voices

                                                                E-zine an affiliated  publication

                                                                of My Book Therapy

May 2010-present                               Book Doctor on 

                                                                thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com

Experience

2010-present                                      Assistant Director of the Blue 

                                                             Ridge Christian Writers 

                                                             Conference and Southwest 

                                                             Christian Writers Studio

Responsible for all social networking as well as assisting in all areas necessary to providing an event of this size.                                   

2010                                                    Southwest Christian 

                                                           Writers Studio

One of eight faculty members presenting a continuing education class and mentoring students in the freelance writing/devotion track.

2010                                                    Blue Ridge Mountain 

                                                           Christian Writers 

                                                           Conference

Presented one continuing education class (4 sessions) and two additional workshops at this 4 day conference.

2010                                                    Foothills Writers 

                                                           Guild Conference

Keynote and taught three workshops at this two-day conference.

2002-present                                      The Christian Writer’s

                                                          Den Writing Retreat

Co-director/Instructor, responsible for planning and executing an annual 4 day retreat.

Professional Training

Glorieta Christian Writer’s Conference –             1999, 2004-2005

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian

 Writer’s Conference –                                           2000-present  

Christian Writer’s Den Writer’s Retreat

 – co-director – Teacher                                         2002-present  

CLASServices Conference                                     2003

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference    2009-2010

Professional Memberships and Organizations

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)

The Christina Pen Professional Editors Network

The Christian Writers View I (TWV I)

My Book Therapy