February 2009

  • Can you make money blogging?

    By sparklyscotty on 2/25/09 1:35am
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    It is an issue much in debate at the moment.  The question tends to go hand in hand with the issue we talked about earlier, can you many money from writing at all?

    The straightforward answer is yes.

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  • How to Speed Up Your Writing With Typing Expanders

    By sparklyscotty on 2/19/09 5:10am
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    When I first started writing full time I soon got frustrated by the fact that my productivity was limited by my typing speed.  Not that it was too shabby at about 90 words per minute, but my brain raced so much faster than my fingers, and my carpal tunnel soon began complaining at the long hours of tapping.  A friend recommended Fast Fox typing expander, and now it is hard to imagine how I would work without it.

    Typing expander programs work by letting you create your own list of keyboard shortcuts that act as a sort of shorthand which the program expands for you.  For example,  you can program the shortcut 'WR' to translate as 'Writers Remorse'.  This means that each time you write 'WR' the letters will magically transform into 'Writers Remorse'.

    Typing expander software works on a similar principle to Microsoft Word's Auto Correct.  This is the nifty feature that follows along with your writing, helpfully tidying up your common spelling errors as you go,  for example turning 'teh' into 'the'.  You can customize this feature in Word by going to Tools>Auto Correct Options and entering your own custom list of corrections.  (I always

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  • 4 Mistakes That Can Drive Your Editors Crazy and Kill Your Writing Career

    By Niki Fears on 2/17/09 2:52pm
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    As an Editor, I manage a team of roughly one hundred writers and time and time again I see the same patterns repeated in what makes the difference between the good writers that I keep around and that constantly get their work approved and published, versus the writers that keep making these four deadly mistakes which tends to make working with them a chore and that ultimately can ruin their chances at a successful career as a writer. So take these notes to heart and make sure that you avoid these four mistakes that can drive your editors crazy and kill your writing career.

    Mistake # 1: Failure to Follow Directions
    You would think that following the instructions of your editors would be a given; however, I often see too many writers that simply do not follow directions. For example, if your editor's guidelines state that all articles must be at least 350 words minimum then submitting 275-300 words is only going to insure that your Editor returns the work. It is important to pay attention to what your editor needs from you as a writer and to follow through on those expectations.

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  • You Just Can't Write

    By sparklyscotty on 2/13/09 12:43am
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    I am thinking about pitching a new TV reality show for wannabe writers.  Imagine Simon Cowell sifting through pages of people's best work and dramatically setting it alight before casually tossing it into the trash can and announcing 'I don't know how I can put this more clearly - you...can't...write.'

    This may be just the beginning of a barrage of abuse,  there may be tears and protests from the poor soul who's dream has just been crushed,  and perhaps a comforting mother figure on the judging panel would try to offer some words of consolation.

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  • Tracking your queries

    By sparklyscotty on 2/12/09 12:31am
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    Every writer has a different way of keeping track of their article ideas, note, markets and queries. We will be covering various solutions over the coming weeks. Here is one simple five step plan for making sure that your query meets success.

    1. Open a new word document and type the title of your article. (What no title?)
    2. Now type your basic query.  You might want to include some bullet points covering the main features of the article or ideas for sidebars, sources or quotes, so that you have all of the necessary elements at hand for each pitch.  Working efficiently is the key to being a profitable writer.
    3. Research potential markets and make a list of each one.

  • Man Discovered Who Can Breathe Underwater

    By sparklyscotty on 2/10/09 11:55pm
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    Well, not really,  but did it grab your attention?  Pique your curiosity?  Compel you to read on?  That is the importance of a great title.

    Title writing can be a skill all on its own, and more often than not, an editor may completely change your original title, but here are some important reasons why as a freelance article writer you want to make sure that you put as much effort into this one line as you do into the body of your work.

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    1. This is how magazines sell, so it makes sense that this is how you should sell your article to a magazine.  Readers are more likely to pick up a magazine with an article titled 'Five Miracle Fruits to Make You Look Younger.'  than 'Why Vitamin C Can Prevent Aging.'  The first title shows the reader that there is something easy they can do to achieve a goal and immediately makes you wonder what the fruits are, prompting them to read on while the second title sounds dry.
    2. A good, focused title will keep you on point in your work and stop you from rambling into different areas.
    3. Show the editor that you know your target market by creating a title that is appealing to them.  Say you have written an article about the need for

  • Magazine Writing 101 (Part 2)

    By sparklyscotty on 2/10/09 12:28am
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    Getting Paid to Write for Magazines

    The reality behind magazine writing isn't all high paid, glamorous work. There is a lot of non-writing involved in finding markets, submitting and keeping track of queries and managing finances. In order to be a profitable as possible you need to be smart when choosing which magazines to query.

    Rates can vary hugely from publication to publication, as can terms of payment, and if you are relying on this income, then you need to pay close attention to the small print when decided where to send your queries. While one magazine may offer you $600 for your idea, can you afford to wait indefinitely for the cash or would you be better off accepting $200 that you know will be with you within six weeks? It is a problem that many freelance writers have to wrestle with, especially if you have just started out on this path and don't have a years worth of submitted work that is providing a steady stream of revenue.

    You should decide on an acceptable rate of pay for your work before you query a magazine.

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  • Magazine Writing 101 (Part 1)

    By sparklyscotty on 2/9/09 12:27am
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    This week is all about the glossy glory of magazine writing. Writing for magazines is often the goal for many writers looking to turn pro. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing your words, and name in print. Seeing your article title shining out at you from the gleaming cover of a magazine in bookstores and kiosks can be thrilling, while watching someone flick through the magazine to read your work can send a writer into a state of glee that is hard to beat. Getting a cheque in the mail for this accomplishment is even better.

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  • Do You Think About Your Responsibility as a Writer?

    By sparklyscotty on 2/3/09 4:05am
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    It dawned on me today that all of the words that I write will be read.

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  • What Should I Write About?

    By sparklyscotty on 2/2/09 1:48am
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    It is probably the number one question asked by writers wanting to break into a freelance career writing articles for magazines or newspapers. It crops up time and time again in forums, writers' newsletters, and blogs and never ceases to amaze me because it is a question with no wrong answer and a million right ones:

    What you know. What you don't know (learn to do some research and broaden your horizons.) Who you know. Life. Love. Everything. Anything.

    The first step is just to write. Practice honing your skill. Learn about what types of writing you are comfortable with. Choose a random subject, open up your trusty Word program and just start hitting those keys. Someone once said that writing is like mining - you have to get through a lot of coal before finding a diamond.

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