Today I have an article by Jack Canfield. For those who don't know who he is, he's the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and co-creator of all it's trimmings. Along with this, he has built an amazing empire of coaching. I love this article because it deals with us getting out of our own way. And, all to often it's the individual who creates self-made road blocks to happiness, success, and even health.
Releasing the Brakes
by Jack Canfield
Have you ever been driving your car and realized that you'd left the emergency brake on?
Of course. We all have. But when we discover the brake is on -- do we press harder on the gas pedal? Of course not!
We simply release the brake… and with no extra effort we go faster.
Going through life is a lot like driving a car. But unfortunately, most people drive through life with their psychological emergency brake on. They hold on to negative images of themselves... or suffer the effects of highly emotional events they haven't yet released. To cope, they stay in a comfort zone entirely of their own making.
And when they try to achieve their goals, these negative images and preprogrammed comfort zones always cancel out their good intentions—no matter how hard they try.
Call them "blocks" or "limiting beliefs" or "being stuck" -- but these images and past hurts are nothing more than driving through life with the emergency brake on.
Successful people, on the other hand, continually move beyond their comfort zone -- not by using increased willpower, but by replacing their beliefs about themselves and changing their self image.
They release the brakes -- and, just like a car, they instantly go faster.
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Think of your comfort zone as a prison you live in – a largely self-created prison. It consists of the collection of can’ts, musts, must nots, and other unfounded beliefs formed from all the negative thoughts and decisions you have accumulated and reinforced during your lifetime.
The good news is that you can change your comfort zone. How? In three different ways:
1. You can use affirmations and positive self-talk to affirm having what you want, doing what you want, and being the way you want.
2. You can create powerful and compelling new internal images of having, doing, and being what you want.
3. You can simply change your behaviors
All three of these approaches will begin to shift you out of your old comfort zone.
STOP RE-CREATING THE SAME EXPERIENCE OVER AND OVER!
An important concept that successful people understand is that you are never stuck. You just keep re-creating the same experiences over and over by thinking the same thoughts, maintaining the same beliefs, speaking the same words, and doing the same things.
Too often, we get stuck in an endless look of reinforcing behavior, which keep us stuck in a constant downward spiral.
It goes like this: Our limiting thoughts create images in our mind… and those images govern our behavior… which in turn reinforces that limiting thought.
This is known as the Self-Talk Endless Loop.
As long as you keep complaining about your present circumstances, your mind will focus on it. By continually talking about, thinking about, and writing about the way things are, you are continually reinforcing those very same neural pathways in your brain that got you to where you are today. You are continually sending out the same vibrations that will keep attracting the same people and circumstances that you have already created.
To change this cycle, you must focus instead on thinking, talking, and writing about the new reality you want to create. You must FLOOD your unconscious with thoughts, images and ACTION that match your desired reality.
Then suddenly, instead of your outcomes being predetermined by an endless cycle of reinforced self-doubt and self-talk, you’re free to pursue your goals with new determination and confidence.
If releasing the brakes is something you need to do, realize that it's difficult to do by yourself.
We need outside influences to break through our habitual ways of thinking and behaving to assist us in restructuring our beliefs, releasing our repressed emotions and connecting with our true selves.
Two of the most powerful methods for doing this are large group awareness trainings and therapy. If I were to attribute my incredible level of success to any one thing, it would be the hundreds of personal development seminars I’ve attended over the past 40 years.
If you've discovered that you've been recreating the same outcomes, scenarios, experiences and endless loop of not getting what you want, I'd like to help you break free from this downward spiral.
In fact, one of the most important things I do for participants in my Breakthrough to Success training week is to help them identify these "blocks" that govern their behavior -- then replace those blocks with new thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and patterns.
Of course, there are literally hundreds of individuals and organizations that conduct seminars all over the world. Some are better than others, and in my experience, about 20% of them are highly competent and effective.
Visit their websites, call and talk to them, attend their guest events, and then make a decision about which one feels right for you.
The impact in all areas of your life will be incredible.
© 2010 Jack Canfield
________________________________________
Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: http://www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You may find these two articles of interest also:
What is Holding You Back From Success?
Aim for Writing Success
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND, if you haven't heard yet, DKV Writing for you is have a Sizzling HOT July Writing Services Special. Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book to offer as a Freebie on your site? We cover a number of writing services, so please stop by and check it out. Go to: http://dkvwriting4u.com/blog/
You can also check out our team at:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/dkv-writing-team/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
Scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Ten Basic Rules For Children's Writing
I had a family emergency last which left me behind on my work, so for this week it'll be 'pot luck.' :) Well, not exactly, but I am reprinting a useful article today, will have a guest article on Wednesday, and a book review on Friday. Hopefully, by next week I'll be back on track . . . we'll see . . . life has a way of kicking your plans to the curb at times.
Also, you may have noticed I haven't been adding images to my articles lately, it's been because of time constraints. For some reason it's time consuming to find, edit to size with Photoshop, and add the images to the articles. As soon as I have time, I'll do a image/clip art search and get a bunch of images on file so I can quickly add them. Gee, I wish there were more hours in the day . . .
Ten Basic Rules For Children's Writing
By Karen Cioffi
I write for young children and I also write marketing and health articles. Writing in both genres, I can tell you that writing for children can be much more challenging. When writing for children, there are guidelines to keep in mind to help your story avoid the editor’s trash pile. Here is a list of 10 rules to refer to when writing for young children:
1. This is probably the most important item: be sure that your story does not suggest dangerous or inappropriate behavior.
Example: The protagonist (main character) sneaks out of the house while his parents are still sleeping.
This is a no-no!
2. Make sure your story has age appropriate words, dialogue and action.
3. The protagonist should have an age appropriate problem or dilemma to solve at the beginning of the story, in the first paragraph if possible. Let the action/conflict rise. Then have the protagonist, through thought process and problem solving skills, solve it on his/her own. If an adult is involved, keep the input and help at a bare minimum.
Kid’s love action and problem solving!
4. The story should have a single point of view (POV). To write with a single point of view means that if your protagonist can’t see, hear, touch or feel it, it doesn’t exist.
Example: “Mary crossed her eyes behind Joe’s back.” If Joe is the protagonist this can’t happen because Joe wouldn’t be able to see it.
5. Sentence structure: Keep sentences short and as with all writing, keep adjectives and adverbs to a minimum. And, watch your punctuation and grammar.
6. Write your story by showing through action and dialogue rather than telling.
If you can’t seem to get the right words to show a scene, try using dialogue instead; it’s an easy alternative.
7. You also need to keep your writing tight. This means don’t say something with 10 words if you can do it with 5. Get rid of unnecessary words.
8. Watch the timeframe for the story. Try to keep it within several hours or one day.
9. Along with the protagonist’s solution to the conflict, he/she should grow in some way as a result.
10. Use a thesaurus and book of similes. Finding just the right word or simile can make the difference between a good story and a great story.
Using these techniques will help you create effective children’s stories. Another important tool to use in your writing tool belt is joining a children’s writing critique group. No matter how long you’ve been writing, you can always use another set of eyes.
If you’re a beginning writer and unpublished, you should join a group that has published and unpublished members. Having published and experienced writers in the group will help you hone your craft.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might find “Create a Believable Protagonist” of interest also:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/2009/11/create-a-believable-protagonist/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND, if you haven't heard yet, DKV Writing for you is have a Sizzling HOT July Writing Services Special. Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book to offer as a Freebie on your site? We cover a number of writing services, so please stop by and check it out. Go to: http://dkvwriting4u.com/blog/
You can also check out our team at:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/dkv-writing-team/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Also, you may have noticed I haven't been adding images to my articles lately, it's been because of time constraints. For some reason it's time consuming to find, edit to size with Photoshop, and add the images to the articles. As soon as I have time, I'll do a image/clip art search and get a bunch of images on file so I can quickly add them. Gee, I wish there were more hours in the day . . .
Ten Basic Rules For Children's Writing
By Karen Cioffi
I write for young children and I also write marketing and health articles. Writing in both genres, I can tell you that writing for children can be much more challenging. When writing for children, there are guidelines to keep in mind to help your story avoid the editor’s trash pile. Here is a list of 10 rules to refer to when writing for young children:
1. This is probably the most important item: be sure that your story does not suggest dangerous or inappropriate behavior.
Example: The protagonist (main character) sneaks out of the house while his parents are still sleeping.
This is a no-no!
2. Make sure your story has age appropriate words, dialogue and action.
3. The protagonist should have an age appropriate problem or dilemma to solve at the beginning of the story, in the first paragraph if possible. Let the action/conflict rise. Then have the protagonist, through thought process and problem solving skills, solve it on his/her own. If an adult is involved, keep the input and help at a bare minimum.
Kid’s love action and problem solving!
4. The story should have a single point of view (POV). To write with a single point of view means that if your protagonist can’t see, hear, touch or feel it, it doesn’t exist.
Example: “Mary crossed her eyes behind Joe’s back.” If Joe is the protagonist this can’t happen because Joe wouldn’t be able to see it.
5. Sentence structure: Keep sentences short and as with all writing, keep adjectives and adverbs to a minimum. And, watch your punctuation and grammar.
6. Write your story by showing through action and dialogue rather than telling.
If you can’t seem to get the right words to show a scene, try using dialogue instead; it’s an easy alternative.
7. You also need to keep your writing tight. This means don’t say something with 10 words if you can do it with 5. Get rid of unnecessary words.
8. Watch the timeframe for the story. Try to keep it within several hours or one day.
9. Along with the protagonist’s solution to the conflict, he/she should grow in some way as a result.
10. Use a thesaurus and book of similes. Finding just the right word or simile can make the difference between a good story and a great story.
Using these techniques will help you create effective children’s stories. Another important tool to use in your writing tool belt is joining a children’s writing critique group. No matter how long you’ve been writing, you can always use another set of eyes.
If you’re a beginning writer and unpublished, you should join a group that has published and unpublished members. Having published and experienced writers in the group will help you hone your craft.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might find “Create a Believable Protagonist” of interest also:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/2009/11/create-a-believable-protagonist/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND, if you haven't heard yet, DKV Writing for you is have a Sizzling HOT July Writing Services Special. Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book to offer as a Freebie on your site? We cover a number of writing services, so please stop by and check it out. Go to: http://dkvwriting4u.com/blog/
You can also check out our team at:
http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/dkv-writing-team/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Friday, June 25, 2010
You can Sell What You Write
Today, I have a guest article from the amazing writing coach, Suzanne Lieurance. While Suzanne's article is targeted at children's writers, it is applicable to any writing genre.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Writing For Children - The Secret to Selling More of What You Write
By Suzanne Lieurance
If you write for children, you need to know all the elements editors look for in fiction or nonfiction for kids.
But that's no secret.
You also need to be sure you choose to write about topics that are not only interesting for children, they are appropriate for them as well.
Again, that's no secret.
So just what IS the secret to selling more of what you write for children?
Well, it's this. Try to choose topics that haven't already been written about over and over again in fiction and nonfiction for children. Here's an example of what I mean.
I once submitted several manuscripts to Scholastic when they had an open call for submissions to their Rookie Reader series of beginning readers. One of the topics I wrote about was shoelaces. Specifically, I wrote about how shoelaces all work the same way, no matter what kind of laces they may be - boys' laces, girls' laces, laces with a name. When tied in a bow, they all work the same.
I figured that children who are just learning to read - and are the target audience for Rookie Readers - are also learning how to tie their shoes, so this would be an appropriate topic to write about for this age group. As I studied all the Rookie Readers I could get my hands on before writing my story, I realized that shoelaces - and learning to tie shoes - was not a topic that had been overdone. There were not dozens and dozens of other children's books out there on this subject.
When the editor called to tell me my manuscript had been accepted, she said that one of the reasons they bought my story (as opposed to over 900 other submissions they had received during this open call) was because it was the ONLY manuscript they'd received about this topic, whereas they'd received hundreds of stories about loose teeth and losing a tooth.
So there you have it. The secret to selling more of what you write for children is to look for topics that appeal to children and are appropriate for them, but haven't already been written about hundreds of times.
Get more tips to help you move from rejection to publication when you join Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program. Your membership includes free membership in The Morning Nudge Club, where you'll have access to recorded informational teleclasses, tips sheets, helpful checklists, and other tools for writers. Find out more about the Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program at http://www.morningnudge.com and make this your BEST writing year YET!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might also find these articles of interest:
8 Steps Before Submitting Your Manuscript
Determination, Focus, and Perseverance
Ingredients for a Perfect Picture Book
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Writing For Children - The Secret to Selling More of What You Write
By Suzanne Lieurance
If you write for children, you need to know all the elements editors look for in fiction or nonfiction for kids.
But that's no secret.
You also need to be sure you choose to write about topics that are not only interesting for children, they are appropriate for them as well.
Again, that's no secret.
So just what IS the secret to selling more of what you write for children?
Well, it's this. Try to choose topics that haven't already been written about over and over again in fiction and nonfiction for children. Here's an example of what I mean.
I once submitted several manuscripts to Scholastic when they had an open call for submissions to their Rookie Reader series of beginning readers. One of the topics I wrote about was shoelaces. Specifically, I wrote about how shoelaces all work the same way, no matter what kind of laces they may be - boys' laces, girls' laces, laces with a name. When tied in a bow, they all work the same.
I figured that children who are just learning to read - and are the target audience for Rookie Readers - are also learning how to tie their shoes, so this would be an appropriate topic to write about for this age group. As I studied all the Rookie Readers I could get my hands on before writing my story, I realized that shoelaces - and learning to tie shoes - was not a topic that had been overdone. There were not dozens and dozens of other children's books out there on this subject.
When the editor called to tell me my manuscript had been accepted, she said that one of the reasons they bought my story (as opposed to over 900 other submissions they had received during this open call) was because it was the ONLY manuscript they'd received about this topic, whereas they'd received hundreds of stories about loose teeth and losing a tooth.
So there you have it. The secret to selling more of what you write for children is to look for topics that appeal to children and are appropriate for them, but haven't already been written about hundreds of times.
Get more tips to help you move from rejection to publication when you join Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program. Your membership includes free membership in The Morning Nudge Club, where you'll have access to recorded informational teleclasses, tips sheets, helpful checklists, and other tools for writers. Find out more about the Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program at http://www.morningnudge.com and make this your BEST writing year YET!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might also find these articles of interest:
8 Steps Before Submitting Your Manuscript
Determination, Focus, and Perseverance
Ingredients for a Perfect Picture Book
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
There's More Than One Writing Path
Writing has many different genres encompassing fiction and nonfiction, such as children’s, young adult, romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, memoirs, biographies, travel, food, magazine articles, and even business content.
It seems, most writers start off in one particular genre, and often stay there. Whether this happens because that genre is in their comfort zone; or there’s an unwanted time element involved in learning a new writing style; or fear stops them from venturing forth; or they just don’t think of the rest of the writing world around them . . . the end result is they may be missing out on another form of writing satisfaction and income. With today’s tight market it only makes sense to take off the blinders and get the peripheral writing vision going.
I realize that for writers who, for example, are in the children’s or nonfiction arena, contemplating a full length novel may feel overwhelming or even impossible. This is where advice from “Be a jack-of-all-trades” by Bharti Kirchner will come in handy: “start simple,” and “start small.” Rather than dismiss a project for fear it’s too big, or because it’s out of your realm of expertise, write blog posts on the subject, or possibly articles. You can also start with a short story if you’re uneasily thinking about writing a novel . . . maybe draft an outline. Don’t let the enormity of the project stop you—write one page at a time.
This philosophy goes for any new writing area you decide to step into. If the project itself feels too intimidating, think of it as a learning experience with nothing to lose. The new writing skills you learn will offset the time and effort invested.
It’s true that most writers only feel comfortable in one or two particular genres, and they seem to excel in those genres, their areas of expertise. This is a powerful combination that will certainly keep writers from taking off the writing blinders. But, the writing arena is full of opportunities. Taking the time and effort to develop a new writing style will certainly be an asset in your writing career. If your piece is accepted and published you will have another writing accomplishment to include in your writer’s resume, as well as another avenue of income.
There’s an expression: nothing ventured, nothing gained; why not venture forth today and try your writing wings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Related Articles:
Beyond Book Sales Income: Marketing and Diversification
Benefits of Creating an eBook
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
It seems, most writers start off in one particular genre, and often stay there. Whether this happens because that genre is in their comfort zone; or there’s an unwanted time element involved in learning a new writing style; or fear stops them from venturing forth; or they just don’t think of the rest of the writing world around them . . . the end result is they may be missing out on another form of writing satisfaction and income. With today’s tight market it only makes sense to take off the blinders and get the peripheral writing vision going.
I realize that for writers who, for example, are in the children’s or nonfiction arena, contemplating a full length novel may feel overwhelming or even impossible. This is where advice from “Be a jack-of-all-trades” by Bharti Kirchner will come in handy: “start simple,” and “start small.” Rather than dismiss a project for fear it’s too big, or because it’s out of your realm of expertise, write blog posts on the subject, or possibly articles. You can also start with a short story if you’re uneasily thinking about writing a novel . . . maybe draft an outline. Don’t let the enormity of the project stop you—write one page at a time.
This philosophy goes for any new writing area you decide to step into. If the project itself feels too intimidating, think of it as a learning experience with nothing to lose. The new writing skills you learn will offset the time and effort invested.
It’s true that most writers only feel comfortable in one or two particular genres, and they seem to excel in those genres, their areas of expertise. This is a powerful combination that will certainly keep writers from taking off the writing blinders. But, the writing arena is full of opportunities. Taking the time and effort to develop a new writing style will certainly be an asset in your writing career. If your piece is accepted and published you will have another writing accomplishment to include in your writer’s resume, as well as another avenue of income.
There’s an expression: nothing ventured, nothing gained; why not venture forth today and try your writing wings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Related Articles:
Beyond Book Sales Income: Marketing and Diversification
Benefits of Creating an eBook
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Kathy Stemke Joins the Team at DKV Writing 4 U
It's exciting, and the team at DKV is thrilled to have Kathy on board. Here's the press release issued:
DKV Writing 4 U
http://dkvwriting4u.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Karen Cioffi
Email: karenrcfv@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release
Author, Editor, and Freelance Writer Kathy Stemke Joins the Team at DKV Writing 4 U
DKV Writing 4 U is privileged to welcome Kathy Stemke to the team at:
http://dkvwriting4u.com
As a super special way of welcoming Kathy Stemke on board as an editor and freelance writer at DKV Writing 4 U, we are having a SUPER SPECIAL July 1st through July 15th, 2010. Stop by our site for the details to this special and to learn more about Kathy Stemke.
DKV Writing 4 U is a writing service that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, media releases, and much more.
With experienced and professional writers, we offer quality work at affordable prices. In addition, there is a FREE gift just for visiting. And, if you subscribe to our site, you will receive another FREE e-book about writing and/or marketing.
DKV Writing 4 U strives to help writers on their journey toward publication; businesses increase visibility and opportunities; and for those just starting out, we even help with blog and website creation.
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer; co-moderator of a children’s critique group; a reviewer for multiple sites; as well as founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move.
Learn about the DKV Writing Team at: http://www.dkvwriting4u.com/dkv-writing-team/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be sure to stop by DKV Writing 4 U and check out the writing services SPECIAL.
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Monday, June 21, 2010
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting Questions
Here is Part 3, and the final part, on this Freelance Business series:
You’re freelance business is moving along and you’ve been wondering if you need to hire subcontractors to help with the big jobs. You may not be making much money yet, and aren’t sure of the pros and cons of taking this step. Is it financially worth it to hire subcontractors?
To answer this question, you have to ask yourself these questions first:
1. How much do you want to make per piece, per hour, per job?
Without the answer to this question, you shouldn’t commit to anything.
2. Will you earn what you want on this job if you subcontract some of the work out?
Keep in mind that you will need to proof (and possibly edit) the outsourced content. In addition, if the job involves a lot of posts or articles, you will need to create multiple spreadsheets for each subcontractor.
3. Will the organizing and managing of the project with subcontractors on board still allow for you to earn what you want?
Aside from the actual content writing, the organizing and managing of the project will be time consuming. Each spreadsheets mentioned above will contain: what specific job they are doing; the specifics of that job; when it’s due; when the content is received, keeping track of all the titles or other information; when it’s submitted to the client; when you’re paid from the client, when you pay each subcontractor.
And, don’t forget about the all the communications between you and the subcontractors.
There is also the bookkeeping aspect of the job. You need to keep track of income and expenses—this is a must.
You may begin to realize that all the time spent on organizing and managing the project could be spent writing your own content.
4. Is it possible to do the work yourself? Or, do you feel you won’t get done on time without the help of subcontractors?
In regard to these two questions, it might be that you think you have less time than you actually do. Maybe the client wasn’t very specific; this is where you need to request a specific and definite amount of content per week, or time period. Another possibility is to negotiate with your client for an extended time period so you can complete the project on your own without being overwhelmed.
Communication is essential.
You can check out Parts 1 and 2 at:
Tips for Content Subcontracting in Your New Freelance Business (Part 1)
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting: Is it Worth it? (Part 2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Articles You May Find of Interest:
Do You Have a Freelance Business?
Creating and Beefing Up Conflict
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
You’re freelance business is moving along and you’ve been wondering if you need to hire subcontractors to help with the big jobs. You may not be making much money yet, and aren’t sure of the pros and cons of taking this step. Is it financially worth it to hire subcontractors?
To answer this question, you have to ask yourself these questions first:
1. How much do you want to make per piece, per hour, per job?
Without the answer to this question, you shouldn’t commit to anything.
2. Will you earn what you want on this job if you subcontract some of the work out?
Keep in mind that you will need to proof (and possibly edit) the outsourced content. In addition, if the job involves a lot of posts or articles, you will need to create multiple spreadsheets for each subcontractor.
3. Will the organizing and managing of the project with subcontractors on board still allow for you to earn what you want?
Aside from the actual content writing, the organizing and managing of the project will be time consuming. Each spreadsheets mentioned above will contain: what specific job they are doing; the specifics of that job; when it’s due; when the content is received, keeping track of all the titles or other information; when it’s submitted to the client; when you’re paid from the client, when you pay each subcontractor.
And, don’t forget about the all the communications between you and the subcontractors.
There is also the bookkeeping aspect of the job. You need to keep track of income and expenses—this is a must.
You may begin to realize that all the time spent on organizing and managing the project could be spent writing your own content.
4. Is it possible to do the work yourself? Or, do you feel you won’t get done on time without the help of subcontractors?
In regard to these two questions, it might be that you think you have less time than you actually do. Maybe the client wasn’t very specific; this is where you need to request a specific and definite amount of content per week, or time period. Another possibility is to negotiate with your client for an extended time period so you can complete the project on your own without being overwhelmed.
Communication is essential.
You can check out Parts 1 and 2 at:
Tips for Content Subcontracting in Your New Freelance Business (Part 1)
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting: Is it Worth it? (Part 2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Articles You May Find of Interest:
Do You Have a Freelance Business?
Creating and Beefing Up Conflict
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Receiver of the Awesomous Maximus Award
Susanne Drazic at Putting Words Down on Paper gave me the Awesomous Maximus Award.
Thank you Susanne; I’m honored!
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/
Now I'd like to pass the Awesomous Maximus Award on to the following people (click on the names to go to their blogs):
Virginia S. Grenier
http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com
Margot Finke
http://margotfinke.com
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com
Vivian Zabel
http://vivianzabel.blogspot.com
Matha Swirzinski
http://wholechildpublishing.blogspot.com
Have a great weekend, All.
And, be sure to stop by on Monday, June 21st for the 3rd and final post in the freelance series. Well, I will be writing more about freelancing, but it is the final post in this 3 part beginning. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
If you decide to join, please mention my name - I'm not only a member, I'm an affiliate member!
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
If you decide to join, please mention my name - I'm not only a member, I'm an affiliate member!
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Friday, June 18, 2010
Writing Links and Information Friday, June 18th
WRITING ARTICLE LINKS
How 2 Choose Character names for Your Novel
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/25-How2-CharacterNames.html.
How to Write a Successful Query
by Moira Allen
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/query.shtml
7 Reasons Inspiration Matters to Writers
by Fred White
http://writersdigest.com/article/7-reasons-inspiration-matters-to-writers/
World Building with Connie Hsu
http://metro.nyscbwi.org/news/connie-hsu-world-building/
You Have to Believe
Rachelle Gardner (Literary Agent)
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/06/you-have-to-believe.html
##########################
OPPORTUNITIES
Shade Tree Greetings
Publishes NEW birthday, anniversary, congratulation, thank you, and friendship cards. If you are interested, they pay $50 for your verse.
Check out their website for contact details.
http://www.shadetreegreetings.com/submit-verse.htm
~~~~~~~
FREEDOM GREETINGS, USA
Greeting card publisher. Will consider all material, however,
current needs include contemporary humor for the Cheers line and
contemporary, sophisticated messages for Cappuccino and DeCaf
lines.
Guidelines: http://www.freedomgreetings.com/about/workingforfreedom.php
~~~~~~~
MUSE Online Writers Conference Deadline
The deadline to register for the Muse Online Writers Conference is August 15, 2010. On August 16 until the first week of September there will be a late registration fee of five dollars.
If you have friends who might be interested in joining us, please let them know that they can register now for free and avoid the late fee.
The registration link is:
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/Registrations.html
~~~~~~~~~
SmashWords
http://Smashwords.com
PUBLISH
Publish your masterpiece in multiple ebook formats, ready for immediate sale online and on Stanza/iPhone.
PROMOTE
Expose your book to a worldwide audience. Free viral marketing tools help expand the audience for your work.
SELL
You set the price and receive 85% of the net sales proceeds.
~~~~~~~~~~
Twitter Applications
http://vidly.com/ allows you to post videos to twitter. A great way to promote your latest video trailer.
http://twitdoc.com/ is an easy way to share your documents on Twitter. Just upload your file, shorten the URL and post a tweet all in one easy step. No sign up needed. A nice way to share writing samples or press releases.
Tweetbook.in is a site that actually generates a PDF (plus XML backup) of your Tweets or your Favourites.
http://tweetmeme.com/about/retweet_button for website and blog publishers who want to encourage their audience to tweet their content on Twitter. The button shows a live count of the number of times your webpage or blog post has been tweeted.
I found these on a Facebook post by http://www.jolinsdell.com
#############################
MARKETS
MILLER-McCUNE MAGAZINE
Miller-McCune.com, is devoted to three general types of content:
breaking news stories about significant social problems; research
that may provide ways of dealing with such problems; and
commentary on the potential costs, benefits and outcomes of
policy proposals.
Feature and news stories will range from 1,000 to 5,000 words.
Smaller columns available as well.
http://www.miller-mccune.com/write-for-us/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FLARE, CANADA
The monthly magazine Canadian women turn to for the latest
information on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment." Paying
market.
Guidelines: http://www.flare.com/aboutus/guidelines/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FIT PREGNANCY, USA
A bimonthly magazine covering health, nutrition, exercise,
psychology, food, fashion and beauty issues related to pregnancy.
It also includes editorial for parents of babies up to 2 years of
age. Paying market.
Guidelines: http://www.fitpregnancy.com/general/41327202.html
############################
Articles you may find of interest:
3 Key Phrases/Keywords Needed to Create an Effective Website
What is Holding You Back from Success?
7 Steps to Writing for Article Directories
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook! Scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting: Is it Worth it?
You have a relatively new freelance business going and you’ve gotten a really big project, at least the biggest you’ve ever done. You’re excited, but also a bit apprehensive: can you get it done on time?
You decide to subcontract some of the work to take the pressure off of you, or maybe because it’s just not feasible for you to do alone. Well, before you make commitments with subcontractors, think it through.
New Freelance Business Food for Thought
Analyze and answer this question before you start outsourcing work:
Does the job pay well enough to warrant hiring subcontractors?
For example: you get a big article writing gig. It would be difficult for you to handle it alone within the specified time. Also, there are specific keywords that will need to be used for each article and it’s a concern that you will end up having articles that sound alike. These are valid concerns, but if you’re not making enough money on the deal, is it worth it to hire out, or even accept the job?
Get out a calculator if you need to, and determine how much you will make per article taking into account the time you will have to spend researching for your own articles, proofing each outsourced article, and possibly even editing them. The last scenario is very, very, very likely if you don’t already have a team of subcontractors who you are familiar with, and who you know can produce quality content.
And, there is always the possibility that the client will ask you to edit a few articles after you’ve submitted them to him. This is more of your time and energy being used. If the editing is required because you didn’t do a good job on that particular piece, or your information was inaccurate, then it’s your responsibility to edit it with no charge. If on the other hand, the site your client submitted the piece to is just being picky, you should charge an editing fee.
The key to being successful is to know your value.
To read Part 1 go to:
Tips for Content Subcontracting in Your New Freelance Business
To read Part 3 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting Questions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might find these articles of interest also:
Top 7 Mistakes e-Book Authors Make
Writing Books: Is There Money in It?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get TWO FREE eBooks!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance Writer, Editor
http://karencioffi.com
http://writersonthemove.com
You decide to subcontract some of the work to take the pressure off of you, or maybe because it’s just not feasible for you to do alone. Well, before you make commitments with subcontractors, think it through.
New Freelance Business Food for Thought
Analyze and answer this question before you start outsourcing work:
Does the job pay well enough to warrant hiring subcontractors?
For example: you get a big article writing gig. It would be difficult for you to handle it alone within the specified time. Also, there are specific keywords that will need to be used for each article and it’s a concern that you will end up having articles that sound alike. These are valid concerns, but if you’re not making enough money on the deal, is it worth it to hire out, or even accept the job?
Get out a calculator if you need to, and determine how much you will make per article taking into account the time you will have to spend researching for your own articles, proofing each outsourced article, and possibly even editing them. The last scenario is very, very, very likely if you don’t already have a team of subcontractors who you are familiar with, and who you know can produce quality content.
And, there is always the possibility that the client will ask you to edit a few articles after you’ve submitted them to him. This is more of your time and energy being used. If the editing is required because you didn’t do a good job on that particular piece, or your information was inaccurate, then it’s your responsibility to edit it with no charge. If on the other hand, the site your client submitted the piece to is just being picky, you should charge an editing fee.
The key to being successful is to know your value.
To read Part 1 go to:
Tips for Content Subcontracting in Your New Freelance Business
To read Part 3 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting Questions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might find these articles of interest also:
Top 7 Mistakes e-Book Authors Make
Writing Books: Is There Money in It?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get TWO FREE eBooks!
And, scroll down on the right sidebar--there are two free e-books just for stopping by!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance Writer, Editor
http://karencioffi.com
http://writersonthemove.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
Tips for Content Subcontracting in Your New Freelance Business
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part series on Subcontracting and Your Freelance Business.
If you’re just starting a freelance business, you need to step back and learn some of the basics. Whether you use other writers for resources or to actually write content, you need to be aware of a few things:
1. Make sure you have a reliable team (2-5 writers, depending on your needs)
This is crucial. As a freelance business owner, you don’t want to learn the hard way the consequences of hiring a writer who just doesn’t get it, or isn’t capable of doing the type of work required. You will end up spending a great deal of time editing and even rewriting content so it is acceptable to your client.
And, unless you’re a tough business person, you’ll do the work and end up paying the subcontractor.
A solution to this, before you have a reliable team, is to ask for a writing sample, but this isn’t always a true indicator of a writer’s qualifications. If you do hire a writer, after an article or two you can determine if this writer is right for the job or not.
Another option is to let the subcontractors write on spec. If the submitted content is suitable, you accept it, if not, you return it. The drawback with this option is wasted time. If the content isn’t suitable, you still have a deadline and may have to rush to do it yourself.
2. Create a letter of agreement
You may want to create a letter of agreement between you and the subcontractors; while this is optional, professionals advice it.
Be sure to make the agreement very detailed. Be specific as to the word count, what can and can’t be used (such as particular sites, services, or products mentioned). Include how much they will make per post or article; when the article is due, particular keywords if any, font type required, and so on. You might not think that font type is important, but if you’re dealing with 100-200 posts, and you have to proof each one, and make them all uniform, you’ll be sorry you weren’t more specific.
It might be a good idea to provide a sample article so they can see what you’re looking for.
Note: Before you quote a fee per article, take into account the administrative and organizational aspects of the job. Also take into account the costs of mailing checks to the subcontractors—all this adds up in time and money. If your client is giving you $15 per article, and you subcontract the piece for $15, you’re losing money.
This goes for hiring out for research also . . . be specific in what you want, expect, and are willing to pay.
3. Let your client know you are subcontracting some of the work
This is just the right thing to do. If a client is hiring you for your expertise and the quality of your work, he doesn’t want less than what he thinks he’s paying for. Always be upfront.
He may ask that you proof each subcontracted piece before submitting them, but that should be expected. And, the same holds true for research you hire out, you are responsible for its accuracy. This is another reason I mentioned above to take into account all the work involved in a project before you give the subcontractors a quoted fee.
For Part 2 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting: Is it Worth it?
For Part 3 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting Questions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Articles You May Find of Interest:
Inbound Marketing and Twitter
Aim for Writing Success
Create and e-Book Today
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://writersonthemove.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
If you’re just starting a freelance business, you need to step back and learn some of the basics. Whether you use other writers for resources or to actually write content, you need to be aware of a few things:
1. Make sure you have a reliable team (2-5 writers, depending on your needs)
This is crucial. As a freelance business owner, you don’t want to learn the hard way the consequences of hiring a writer who just doesn’t get it, or isn’t capable of doing the type of work required. You will end up spending a great deal of time editing and even rewriting content so it is acceptable to your client.
And, unless you’re a tough business person, you’ll do the work and end up paying the subcontractor.
A solution to this, before you have a reliable team, is to ask for a writing sample, but this isn’t always a true indicator of a writer’s qualifications. If you do hire a writer, after an article or two you can determine if this writer is right for the job or not.
Another option is to let the subcontractors write on spec. If the submitted content is suitable, you accept it, if not, you return it. The drawback with this option is wasted time. If the content isn’t suitable, you still have a deadline and may have to rush to do it yourself.
2. Create a letter of agreement
You may want to create a letter of agreement between you and the subcontractors; while this is optional, professionals advice it.
Be sure to make the agreement very detailed. Be specific as to the word count, what can and can’t be used (such as particular sites, services, or products mentioned). Include how much they will make per post or article; when the article is due, particular keywords if any, font type required, and so on. You might not think that font type is important, but if you’re dealing with 100-200 posts, and you have to proof each one, and make them all uniform, you’ll be sorry you weren’t more specific.
It might be a good idea to provide a sample article so they can see what you’re looking for.
Note: Before you quote a fee per article, take into account the administrative and organizational aspects of the job. Also take into account the costs of mailing checks to the subcontractors—all this adds up in time and money. If your client is giving you $15 per article, and you subcontract the piece for $15, you’re losing money.
This goes for hiring out for research also . . . be specific in what you want, expect, and are willing to pay.
3. Let your client know you are subcontracting some of the work
This is just the right thing to do. If a client is hiring you for your expertise and the quality of your work, he doesn’t want less than what he thinks he’s paying for. Always be upfront.
He may ask that you proof each subcontracted piece before submitting them, but that should be expected. And, the same holds true for research you hire out, you are responsible for its accuracy. This is another reason I mentioned above to take into account all the work involved in a project before you give the subcontractors a quoted fee.
For Part 2 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting: Is it Worth it?
For Part 3 go to:
Freelance Business Content Subcontracting Questions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Articles You May Find of Interest:
Inbound Marketing and Twitter
Aim for Writing Success
Create and e-Book Today
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://writersonthemove.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
Friday, June 11, 2010
Writing Links and Information Friday, June 11th
So, off we go:
CONTESTS
HOWARD FRANK MOSHER SHORT FICTION PRIZE
http://www.hungermtn.org
-----
$20 ENTRY FEE
Pays $1,000 and publication. Two honorable mentions pay $100.
Short stories accepted up to 10,000 words. Deadline June 30, 2010.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"SCARE THE DICKENS OUT OF US" SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.clarklibraryfriends.com/
-----
$20 ENTRY FEE / $5 ENTRY FEE FOR JUNIORS
First prize, $1,000 and a trophy.
Second prize, $500 and a ribbon.
Third prize, $250 and a ribbon.
Junior contest prize $250 and a trophy. Junior contest writers
must be age 12-18. We want ghost stories. Any genre, any tone,
any subject, whatever type of ghost story you can come up with.
The contest is open to published and unpublished writers alike.
All publication rights remain with the author. The ghost story
must be 5,000 words or less. Entry must be postmarked no later
than October 1, 2010. Entries accepted beginning July 1, 2010.
Freelance Markets
CATALINA
http://www.catalinamagazine.com/
-----
CATALINA magazine, a national Hispanic lifestyle publication,
that portrays Hispanic women as they are: smart, strong,
sophisticated, savvy, and proud! Catalina is written for the
mind, body, and soul of today's Hispanic woman (age 24 and older).
Pays up to 25 cents/word.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHIRP MAGAZINE
CHICKADEE MAGAZINE
OWL MAGAZINE
http://owlkids.com/general/contact.html
---
Canadian children's magazine for pre-school ages. Designed
to show relationships between words and pictures. Puzzles,
games, stories and crafts are published to help prepare
kids for reading. Pays up to 60 cents/word.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FLARE
http://www.flare.com/aboutus/guidelines
---
Read back issues of the magazine to make sure your idea fits
our general editorial tone and audience - working women between
the ages of 20 - 45. FLARE continues to be the magazine Canadian
women turn to for the latest information on fashion, beauty,
health and entertainment. (used kandr 061110)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BRIDE & GROOM MAGAZINE
http://www.bridegroommag.com/about_contact/write_for_us.cfm
---
We accept queries and complete articles from freelance writers
on any and all topics relating to wedding planning and trends.
Please keep in mind that we angle our articles to fit our regional
audience and, therefore, must pre-approve all sources. Solid
guidelines.
FREE SERVICES To Promote You and Your Services
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_consultation/
If you specialize in a particular field, you can offer a consultation service via the internet, phone or in person.
http://skypeprime.skype.com
Skype offers a Skype Prime account--register as a trainer and people can contact you for one-to-one or group learning.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_magazine
Want to attract even more traffic to your site? Create an online magazine.
Helpful Writing Links
Writing World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Great resource for articles
KitLit
http://www.kidlit.com
Great articles about writing from children’s literary agent
Guide to Grammar and Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Writers Digest Tip of the Day
http://writersdigest.com/TipOfTheDay/
Plot to Punctuation
http://plottopunctuation.com
Editor talks
Well, that's if for today; I hope you find this useful.
You might want to check out:
Do You Have a Freelance Business?
Benefits of Creating e-Books
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook!
Scroll down the right sidebar for 2 FREE ebooks on writing.
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
What is Holding You Back From the Success You Want?
So, here's some writing insight from Suzanne Lieurance:
What is Holding You Back From the Success You Want?
Want to know what is probably holding you back from being as successful as you could be?
The answer should be no surprise.
It's YOU.
Yep. YOU are the one thing that stands in your way to living the life of your dreams.
And, the thing is, you might not even realize why or how you are doing that. But you must learn to recognize certain behaviors and patterns before you can change them, so let's take a look at some common methods of self-sabotage.
First, think about all the little messages you send to yourself every day. The ones that play in your head over and over again and say things like, "I'm afraid to do that," or "I'd better not try that, I'd probably fail," or, "nothing I do ever works out the way I want it to."
Or maybe you recognize another common pattern - you do many of the things necessary to succeed, yet once you do start to make progress you pull back. You're just too afraid to break out of your comfort zone.
Sound familiar?
Here's yet another pattern that can hold you back - you try a few things to get the results you want. But when they don't work quickly you stop doing them and try something else. In other words, you don't give yourself enough time to succeed.
Every day you send messages to yourself - and to the world around you - through your thoughts, actions, and feelings. Those messages are like a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, is it any wonder you don't live up to your true potential?
Stop holding yourself back.
Each time you hear one of those negative messages in your head today, acknowledge it. Then replace it with a new, positive message that will lead to the future you truly want.
Try it!
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For more tips to help you create the life of your dreams, sign up for The Morning Nudge
Suzanne Lieurance is a full-time freelance writer, The Working Writer's Coach, and founder of Build Your Business Write.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Lieurance
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Please be sure to check out Suzanne Lieurance's programs. If you want to write for children or get a freelance writing career going, she's the woman to learn from.
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
And, please, if you do take my advice and join one or both of Suzanne's groups, please mention my name--I am an affiliate of hers. But, also know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them and I know their value if you're serious about writing.
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Related Article:
Aim for Writing Success
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If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get a FREE eBook! And it will be greatly appreciated if you follow this blog--just click on the "FOLLOW" button on the right sidebar.
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Monday, June 7, 2010
7 Steps to Writing for Article Directories
While it is writing for free, it should be considered a part of your business expense, at least your time aspect of it. Just like any other form of marketing it is used to create and increase your visibility. It’s an investment.
I know it can get tedious having to write and submit articles to the directories, but the articles don’t have to be long. Here are 7 steps to writing for the directories:
1. Create a title
You want your title to be search engine friendly. Be sure you have your keyword/s in it–make it specific also.
2. Write an outline
This is optional, because there are many writers who can write with the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants method. But, if you are more comfortable with an outline, that’s fine. It does provide structure.
3. Create List, How-to, and Step-by-Step articles
This is a popular way to go. Readers love to see simple 1, 2, 3 lists of what they should do or should Not do.
Be sure to include your keyword/s in the first paragraph and a couple of times throughout the article. Just don’t overdo it.
4. Parts of the article
Your first paragraph should be interesting and let the reader know what the article is about, but don’t give away too much–you want the reader to continue reading.
Your second paragraph or section should inform and elaborate on the first paragraph. This part should fulfill the reader’s expectations.
Your last paragraph should sum up what the article is about and conclude with a lead-in to your resource box.
5. Write the minimum word count or just above
Check the guidelines for each particular directory. The minimum word count is usually around 300-400. But, check the site to make sure. Burn-out is easy with article marketing, especially when you’re writing for your own sites also. Keeping the articles short and to the point helps in this area.
6. The resource box
Some sites allow you to include a resource box which is about you and what you can offer the reader. Check the site’s guidelines because they may have specific requirements for the length of the resource box in relation to the length of the article.
7. SUBMIT
Once your article is complete, submit to a number of article directories. A couple of the most popular are Ezine Articles, Associated Content, Suite101, and Helium.
Note: If possible change the title of the article and at least the beginning content a bit. This will make the search engines think it’s new content.
That’s about it. Write, write, write . . .
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Article Marketing - Increase Website Traffic with Properly Formatted and Search Engine Optimized Content
Give your online marketing efforts a boost by learning how to craft reader friendly and search engine optimized articles.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS!
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MORE ON ONLINE MARKETING
Book Marketing – Learn How to Create Your Author Online Presence
Should You Submit the Same Article to Multiple Article Directories?
Creating Content: 10 Online Repurposing Formats
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To keep up with writing and marketing information, along with Free webinars, join us in The Writing World (top right top sidebar).
Karen Cioffi
Award-Winning Author, Freelance/Ghostwriter
Author Online Presence Instructor
Create and Build Your Author/Writer/Home Business Online Presence
http://www.karencioffi.com/author-online-presence-ecourse/
Karen Cioffi Professional Writing Services
http://karencioffifreelancewriter.com/karen-cioffi-writing-services/
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Saturday, June 5, 2010
A Review of When Teachers Talk
Author: Rosalyn S. Schnall
Publisher: Goldenring Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-0-578-00563-8
Reviewed by: Karen Cioffi for BookPleasures.com
Anyone who works in, or has worked in the Public School System will love When Teachers Talk. While I am not a teacher myself, I have a number of family members and friends who are. This book tells it like it is. It reflects the whispers and thoughts of thousands of teachers across the country.
Schnall, a retired teacher with 35 years experience with the Chicago Public School System, realizes our education system is lacking in many areas, including effective and just management of teachers and children. Schnall rose to the occasion and decided to create a survey of teachers within the Chicago system. She focused on principal abuse of teachers.
When Teachers Talk is a compilation of 500 interviews that Schnall conducted with Chicago public school teachers. It covers overt abuse of teachers; the quality of education’s decline; lack of administrative support for teachers; politics and the school system; how the children suffer; teacher attrition; what good teachers feel about the profession; and it touches on those principals who actually do their jobs with humanity, fairness, and proficiency.
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the teachers involved in the survey all wanted and needed to make sure their responses would be anonymous. This was for fear of reprisal from their principals.
When Teachers Talk reveals that it is apparent there is a crisis in the school systems across America. The majority of teachers involved worked under stressful and at times unbearable conditions due to their principals’ abuse. There were some who actually left schools because of the principals’ actions. Some ended up sick from the stress. And, there were those who knew teachers who just up and left the profession as a direct result of principal abuse.
Along with the abuse teachers suffer at the hand of principals is the lack of support from administration and the teachers’ union. Many of the teachers voiced concern that their principals do not support them when it comes to issues with the children or their parents. Knowing a number of teachers, this is a very common complaint. Some teachers work in dangerous areas, and each year it seems the problem and uncontrollable children increase. It’s essential that teachers know the administration is there to support them.
Schnall includes a random survey and interview of ten additional teachers from the largest school systems across the country. This small sample reflects the larger Chicago study. She also includes a section that provides the teachers an opportunity to suggest solutions to this widespread problem.
When Teachers Talk is an enlightening and sobering read. It makes clear our education system is in dire need of repair. I recommend this book; I think it’s vital that everyone is aware of what’s going on and insists on change.
About the author: Rosalyn Schnall holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, and holds additional Certification in Early Childhood Education. She completed thirty hours of Graduate work at Loyola University of Chicago, Graduate School of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, which included a course in “Survey Research Methodology.”
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Related Articles
Who on Earth is Rachel Carson
The Mother-in-Laws' Manual
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Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Article Reprint Strategy: Good or Bad?
While it seems most writers don’t allow their articles/posts to be reprinted by others, I have come across a couple of writers/marketers who generously do allow this practice. They allow their posts to be reprinted by other writers to be used on their blogs or in their FREE newsletter. Obviously, anything being offered to reprint should never be reprinted in something you are selling, such as an e-book or report.
I’m surprised that more writers don’t take advantage of this reprint strategy. The benefits seem obvious – let’s look at four of them.
Four Benefits of Allowing Reprints
1. You have written something that someone else views as valuable.
2. You increase your visibility.
3. You increase traffic back to your site.
4. You never know who will see that article/post or where it will end up.
What About Giving Your E-books Away?
I have also seen this reprint practice utilized with e-books, and it peaked my interest. These informational e-books plainly state, in the beginning of the content, that readers may freely pass it along. This technique generates additional visibility and is a great promotional tool and marketing opportunity.
In fact, I recently started taking advantage of this practice with one of my e-books. All the writer needs to do is request permission to offer my e-book as a freebie on their site.
Yes, at present I require permission, but that may change as I begin to write more e-books.
Word of Caution Here
Please remember, it’s essential, when taking advantage of a writer’s reprint offer, to always keep the article or e-book intact. Be sure to use the author’s byline and/or any other text and links that they have as part of the bargain.
It’s a win-win situation: the author increases his visibility and you get an article to use on your blog or in your newsletter, or you get a free e-book to offer on your site.
Drawback to Using Reprints or Offering Them
Obviously, there are a couple of circumstances in which offering or using reprints isn’t advisable, such as: you wrote the article specifically for a magazine or ezine and publishing elsewhere is restricted, or you may not want to use an article with a byline that will send your reader to a site that offers the same services you do (a competitor’s site).
One other possible drawback is dilution. What this means is that if you have your article available on a number of sites, when someone does a search for the topic of your article, it may not be your site they end up going to.
But, all-in-all, this is a practical marketing plan.
Why not try this practice. It will be a supplemental tool to be used along with your ezine article marketing. These two strategies combined will certainly generate and increase visibility and traffic back to your site.
For book promotion tips check out these three articles:
10 Free Surefire Ways to Promote You and Your Book: Part 1
10 Free Surefire Ways to Promote You and Your Book: Part 2
Beyond Book Sales Income: Marketing and Diversification
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program.
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Does Marketing Really Matter with VS Grenier
Does Marketing Really Matter with VS Grenier
Karen thanks for having me as a guest blogger today. I gave the topic a lot of thought over the past couple of weeks. For those who do not know, Karen asked me share with you about marketing my book, Babysitting SugarPaw while I was pregnant. So without further ado here is my story.
When I first got the go on my picture book, Babysitting SugarPaw being published, I started my email blasts. I had press releases sent out, I posted on all my social sites, talked about it in SFC Newsletter for Writers, did radio interviews, etc. I wanted to build the hype about my book before it even became available. Once it did, I did not stop my marketing campaign. In fact, I stepped it up a notch once it came out.
My publisher sent an email blast about my picture book to their contact list with the cover art, my photo, a blurb on the book. I had them send me a copy of the blast so I could do the same with my contact list. I also had post cards made up of the blast to send out. I sent them to every school, library, preschool, daycare, children’s store, doctors, dentist, and bookstore I could think of or find in my phonebook. I did give-a-ways. I had free coloring pages available on my site. I did contest. I sent copies to blog review sites. You name it . . . I pretty much did it and I was not even done yet with the ideas I was coming up with either.
But then things changed, I found out I was pregnant and I was only just getting warmed up with my marketing campaign. I knew this did not mean the end, but it did mean I would have to stay local with most of my in person promos and change some of my strategy a bit. No big deal. We have a pretty big county here in Southern Utah. Plenty of schools I can visit. Lots of kids to share SugarPaw’s antics with at local events. That was until the H1N1 virus decided to show up.
Talk about putting the breaks on my marketing strategy. My doctor did not want me anywhere near public places being pregnant. Heck, he did not even want to me to shop for food if I could help it. That meant no school visits in the fall. No book signings, no library visits, no nothing to help promote my book in person. I was missing out on a lot of local events in my area. Just my luck. Okay, but I still have the internet . . . right? I could still do interviews, guest blogging, radio interviews, Skype visits, blog talk radio, or blog tours, etc. At least that’s what I was hoping for. But I guess the rain wasn’t enough. No, it had to storm on my book campaign.
I ended up sick, even though I avoided all public places and my hubby did all the shopping, with . . . you guessed it H1N1. I was down for the count. Between being pregnant and sick as a dog, there was nothing left for me to give to my book, Babysitting SugarPaw. I watched as my book sales dropped off the charts.
My book, Babysitting SugarPaw came out July 2009. I have actually ended up only selling a couple hundred copies over the past several months. But do not think because my marketing campaign not going the way I would have like when the book first came out is going to stop me. Just because it has almost been a year, I am not going to give up on my book. Now that I’ve had my baby girl and I’m not sick anymore with that awful flu, it’s time to dust off my marketing strategy and get the hype going again about, Babysitting SugarPaw. Just because a book campaign did not go the way you would like does not mean you should give up on you book. It just means you need to rethink, redo, or adjust it. In my case, it means do all the things now I could not do before.
Books can only do so much on their own. A great book cover and blurb will help if someone picks it up at the store, but it is the author who really makes the sales happen. A long time ago, publishers used to put effort into marketing new releases. Now they focus on their best-selling authors. But if you want to be a best-selling author, you are going to have to work at it because no one is going to do it for you. If you want to see thousands of your books selling, you are going to have to work at marketing your book and building your name.
If you really think about it, why do you know the names of Hollywood Stars, Singers, Book Authors, or any celebrity for that matter? It’s all about the marketing.
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Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Virginia. You're the second person I know who got the H1N1 virus while pregnant. It's tough enough being pregnant, to have that horrid flu on top of it . . . it's no wonder your marketing plans took a hit. Did they give you tamiflu? The gave it to my daughter's friend.
Okay, forward march.
A Bit About Virginia S. Grenier
VS Grenier is the Founder & Owner of Stories for Children Publishing LLC. and Editor-in-Chief of Stories for Children Magazine, SFC Newsletter for Writers, and SFC blog Families Matter. She is also a children’s author and freelance editor for Halo Publishing; in addition, to running her own editorial and critique services.
VS Grenier was voted one of the Top Ten Editors of 2007 and 2008 in the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Poll, won 2nd place for her article, “Yes, Virginia, There IS a Santa Claus” in the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Poll for Best Nonfiction of 2007, and won 7th place for her article, “Dinosaur Tracks in My Backyard” in the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Poll for Best Nonfiction of 2008.
VS Grenier learned how to hone her writing skills at the Institute of Children’s Literature, and has been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators (SCBWI), the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), and Musing Our Children. Her works include Babysitting SugarPaw, the Best of Stories for Children Magazine Volume 1 anthology and over 30 short stories, articles, and crafts for children along with newsletter articles for writers.
“Having others read what you have written and giving feedback not only makes you a better writer, but you start to understand how a well written story’s voice captures the reader, drawing them into your world of ink,” states VS Grenier.
A California girl at heart, she currently lives in Utah with her husband, their three children, and the family’s big fat cat Speed Bump and miniature schnauzer Taz.
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A little bear named SugarPaw hopes to get rid of his babysitter, Bonnie Whiskers, by getting her into trouble after making changes to his rules chart. As this loving story unfolds, SugarPaw learns about honesty and friendship. Babysitting SugarPaw, with its child-centered plot on getting to know others, is the perfect book for little ones scared of being left alone with a babysitter for the first time. This book will delight three-to-eight-year-old readers, especially those who like to create mischief.
“The prefect book for children who will have their first babysitter soon and also for someone who is going to be a babysitter for the first time.” ~MommyPR.com
You can get your very own copy of Babysitting Sugarpaw at:
http://vsgrenier.com/BabysittingSugarPaw.aspx
Halo Publishing
Amazon
And be sure to get a copy of SFC Anthology:
SFC Anthology Amazon
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Virginia, this book sounds delightful; it's on my to get list for my grandsons. Thank you for being my guest today!
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To find out more about Virginia you can visit:
Author website
Stories for Children Magazine
Stories for Children Publishing, LLC
SFC Newsletter for Writers
SFC Blog: Families Matter
The Writing Mama
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Be sure to stay tuned, this is just the beginning. The Writers on the Move's June Tour had daily features; check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/2c4wzc8
And, please stop by the June 2nd guest spot featuring Robert Medak: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
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Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Self-Publishing Guide, 2nd Edition
The Children's Writers' Coaching Club
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer
http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
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