A freelance writer knows how much time and effort they put into your writing. Therefore, you wouldn’t want someone to take strong>your or your client’s entire blog post or article without permission, would you? Artists that upload stock photography probably feel the same way. They would appreciate credit and a link when applicable. After all, they took the time to create a perfect photo that ties your blog or article together.

When you purchase stock photography from sites such as iStockphoto, Dreamstimes, Getty Images, or some other site, you own the right to use the photo. Of course, it’s best to read the license agreement twice in order to understand your rights to the photo. Since you own the photo you may not consider giving credit to the artist but it would be nice if you did. It’s a great way to acknowledge their work and say “thank you.”

FYI: Some artists require you to give them credit along with a link to their website. They’ll also request that you send them a link to your work so they can see how you used their photo.

Give credit the artist to avoid copywriting issues. Freelance writers that use Stock Exchange may be shocked to know that some artists do require you to give them a link to your site so they can see how you used their photo. You won’t know this if you don’t click on their profile. Most people who download photos probably don’t click on the profiles. The next time you download photos from Stock Exchange, make sure you click on the artist’s profile.

You can find images on Google but this isn’t recommended for many reasons. The photos are usually low res and won’t look good next to your post. The obvious reason is copywriting issues. You may not have the right to use the photos. Contact the owner of the photo to make sure you can use it.

Another alternative for freelance writers is to purchase Art Explosion. This art CD is available in 300,000, 600,000, or 800,000. You’ll receive vector and photo images. Some of the photos have been updated while others have not. If you’re looking for modern pictures this may not be the CD for you. Some of the pictures look like they’re from the late 1980s and the 1990s. Cell phones aren’t as gigantic as they used to be!

Before you use photos, make sure you have the right to do so — due diligence goes a long way. Freelance writers who know graphic artists may be able to get customized photos for a great price. Whatever you do, credit the artist and appreciate how their photo enhances your blog or article.

Rebecca

Where do you get your photos? Share.

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Some people love DIY projects. From putting in a new floor to painting the entire the house, these folks persevere no matter what. That’s great but what about when it comes to DIY websites and templates. These can be websites or templates that are already created but require a few tweaks here and there (think WordPress templates). What happens when you’re not thrilled with the color the schemes? How do you change them? What about font and line spacing? There’s nothing worse than small font that you can’t read!

Web design can leave freelance writers feeling lightheaded. It’s overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. Perhaps you don’t know what “HTML h1 to h6 tag” are. What about CSS style sheets? The thought of this language may leave you feeling defeated.

Freelance writers who understand HTML could “tweak” templates without any problem. But they may not be exactly what you want, especially color schemes. Sometimes you can’t upload a custom logo because you don’t understand how to do it. This can be frustrating.

Where to find templates

• WPSkins
• TopWPThemes
• StyleShout
• Free CSS Templates
• Themes Preview

If you’re lucky, you’ll find a template that was created by a web designer who was thoughtful to include “instructions or “Read Me” text. Sometimes designers will include their email address and website. You’ll be able to contact them if you have any problems.

If you’re thinking about creating a web design from scratch, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you proceed. Hiring a web designer may be more ideal for you if the thought of web coding makes you swoon. There are many web design tutorials on the internet. If you feel up to it, design or redesign your website. Good luck!

Rebecca

Who designed your website? Share.

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Some writers look down upon other writers who self-publish their work. Writers who have an agent are with one of the famous publishing houses may think they’re better than self-published writers. Why? You could earn decent money from self-publishing. If the writing is good, it doesn’t matter if it’s self-published or not. Your work can still reach millions of people and help or entertain them. What’s the problem with this?

You may not be published with Harper Collins or some other big name published company but that doesn’t mean your writing is to be disregarded. Since you self-publish you probably pay closer attention to grammar, punctuation, and spacing. Have you ever read publications and wondered who edited them? Too many dashes (–) or exclamation points (!) can overwhelm the pages.

Finding typos within the pages of published books may put a smile on your face. They do happen; no one is perfect. Self-publishers will pay attention to typos. There’s nothing more embarrassing than releasing your book only to later discover typos or have readers email you about the typos they found. This does happen!

There’s nothing shameful about self-publishing. In fact, many writers are choosing to go this route because it’s becoming easier thanks to technology. You can list your book on Amazon.com, tweet about it on Twitter, create a Facebook Fan Page, open a MySpace account, and create a website/blog about your book and later Digg your own blog posts. The amount of marketing you can do for your book is unlimited, and you can do some of it from the comfort of your home. The cost is minimal, especially if you have family and friends who can help out.

Perhaps you’re a self-publisher who wants to do a book tour. This requires more funds but think about the people you’ll meet. You can start in your backyard and increase your territory as your book takes-off. Another marketing tactic is to teach your book. Many self-help authors are doing this. They turn their books into teaching engagements. This is yet another opportunity for people to get to know you. If you have a Masters or Ph.D. behind your name this increases your credibility!

The next time you hear someone bash self-publishing or frown upon your self-publishing just ignore them. Some writers stress themselves out and are glued to their computers waiting to hear from agents and publishing companies. They check their email every second to see if their manuscript was accepted. Unfortunately, these people don’t realize there’s something called a paradigm shift. This means if you’re obsessed about something you’ll push it away from you! That’s all right because all the self-publishers out there will be on their way to success and could get picked up by publishers!

Rebecca

What’s your experience with self-publishing? Share your experience.

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The number of blogs on the internet increase every day. What makes yours unique? Many blogs have the same theme. Perhaps they’re about freelance writing, blogging, Paris, SEO, interior design, graphic design, screenwriting, or whatever your niche is. How do you make your blog stand out with so many other similar blogs out there? This can be quite the conundrum!

Freelance writers are no stranger to blogs. They have their own and write posts for clients. It’s their job to make sure the content is unique and strikes a nerve with readers. No one wants to read a blog post that could put you to sleep faster than a sleeping pill! Hook the reader and reel them in so they keep coming back for more.

Writing a blog can be tedious if you’re writing on the same topic as everyone else. How many “how to” posts are really needed? Be original and break out of the mold. Use a different angle if you must write a “how to” post. Provide information that hasn’t been written about yet. This may take some research time but you can do it.

Tips to creating a blog that won’t make you gag

1. Write unique posts in your style, tone, and voice. Forget about copying your writer because that’s too boring.
2. Create attention grabbing headlines and back them up with solid information.
3. Change your color scheme one in awhile. You may get bored with the look of your blog or could use a makeover. Freshen your blog with a different a color scheme and layout. It could help with your ranking.
4. Breakout of the “how to and tips and tricks” blog posts. There’s more to blogging than “How to do this or How to do that.” Be bold and daring and write posts that make readers stop and think or at least present a “How to” post in a different manner such “Create Your Blog and Attract Readers to Your Site.”
5. Find your niche. If you’re not passionate about your subject matter it will show in your blog posts. Make sure you’re passionate about what you do and have fun with it.

Blogging can be your worst nightmare if you don’t like to write. This why hiring a freelance writer is a good idea. They’re creative people who think of ideas you didn’t even know were possible. They weave your keywords into each blog post which can increase your page rank. They can also find a photo to accompany your blog to make it stand out.

If your blog is making you gag, then it’s time for a change. Step back and reevaluate why you created a blog in the first place. What’s your goal for the blog? What do want to accomplish with a blog? You may want to consult a freelance writer who’ll critique your blog and provide you with solid feedback. It could be the investment you make all year!

Rebecca

What’s your blog about and how is it unique? Share.

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Photo by Ivana from Stock Exchange

What do you do if your client wants a bio, to revise their bio, or wants an article written on their latest product or service? The solution is to interview them. You can do this over the phone, face-to-face, or through email — whatever the client prefers. Your client can use the interview to post on their website and you have a guideline for writing a stellar bio or article.

Interviewing doesn’t have to be scary — it can be a lot of fun. Freelance writers who want to exercise their inner journalist will enjoy interviewing. It’s a nice break from writing and you may discover a hidden talent. Once you develop your interviewing skills, you could add this to your freelance services.

Knowing the client will help you with the interview. Look at their website, social media sites, and read any material they’ve written. Pulling information from these marketing materials will help you create interviewing questions.

Listening and understanding your client are the keys to getting a profound interview. Forget about interrupting your client when they’re speaking. Wait for pauses then interject and ask questions. The interview will flow better if you do this.

Tips and tricks to interviewing

1. Be natural when you interview someone. Think of it as having a conversation with a friend and you won’t get nervous or make the client nervous.
2. Ask journalistic questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how and prepare questions ahead of time. However, if you allow the interview to unfold, you’ll intuitively know what questions to ask.
3. Be professional. If a phone interview is scheduled for 2 pm EST and you live in another state, make sure you’re familiar with time zones. Its embarrassing to have a client call and ask you if you forgot about the interview.
4. Expect the unexpected. If the interview gets off course, gently guide the client back to the interview.
5. Phone interviews. Your client may prefer a phone interview because they’ll be relaxed and in their own environment. You may want to use a program called Audacity which is a FREE audio editor and recorder. It works great for phone interviews.
6. Email interviews. If your client prefers email, make sure you know what program your client prefers, i.e., Notepad, the new or old version of Word, or some other program.
7. Face-to-face interviews. This provides you the opportunity to see your client and their facial expressions. Bring a recorder, notebook, and pen. You may want to bring an extra recorder and batteries to ensure the interview is recorded — sometimes technology malfunctions. Make notes as you conduct the interview because they could prompt you to ask additional questions and write down key points.
8. Listen. Know when to interject with questions by listening to definitive pauses.
9. Forget about a set time limit. Avoid using a time limit unless your client is under time constraints. Plan for an hour but if the interview is flowing ask your client if you they’d like to keep going.
10. Transcripts. Some clients will ask for a transcript of the interview. You can either transcribe it yourself, use a transcription service, or hire a local transcriber.

Remember the interview may be posted on your client’s website so ask interesting questions that will engage your client and readers. Boring questions are the fastest way to dash your hopes of a poignant interview. Ask open-ended questions that you can build upon if necessary. Stay away from questions that require a “yes or no” response because they don’t add anything to an interview.

Freelance writers have fun with an interview. Make sure your client is relaxed because it will make the interviewing process easier. Be prepared with you questions, but don’t be afraid to ask questions that you think of as the interview progresses. Good luck!

Rebecca

What was your favorite interview? Share your experience.

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The U.S. population uses slang terminology every day. Webster defines slang as: 1) language peculiar to a particular group as argot or jargon; 2) an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech. Freelance writers may want to limit the use of slang because it’s possible only U.S. citizens will understand the message. If you’re goal is to reach a global audience then you want to be mindful of the words you use.

Freelance writers may use slang words (guilty of this — my bad) in their writing, but how many people will understand the meaning? U.S. readers will understand what the words mean, but readers from other countries may not understand. Or, you could end up offending readers. Remember that certain words and signs (thumbs up) have different meanings in other countries. What the U.S. considers acceptable may not apply to other countries.

Slang terms can make writing more colorful, but you may want to save it for your best-selling novel. If readers don’t understand what you’re saying, you could receive many emails from readers asking for an explanation. Of course, this is a good way to get dialogue going between you and your readers.

List of slang terms

Awesome
Bomb
Bogus
Bummed out!
Bummer
Busted
Chill out
Cop out
Cut it out!
Dude (still used today)
Hang out
Loaded
Oops!
Pal
Unreal

Sometimes slang can “cheapen” writing. You may be trying to be cool, but the execution of your use of slang could make your writing look amateurish. If you’re trying to revive your writing, consider taking a writing workshop or attending a conference. You can learn a lot from the speakers and other writers.

If you’re writing dialogue for a character in a novel or screenplay then you may want to consider using slang if it’s appropriate for the character. Otherwise, be professional in your writing and forgo using slang. Sometimes it just happens. When it does recognize it and find another word to use. Think of it as a challenge or a form of exercise for your brain!

If you’re a writer who doesn’t use slang, you deserve some props!
Rebecca

How many times have you used “slang” in your writing? Share your experience.

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Photo by Dave Dyet from Stock Exchange

Some freelance writers would rather have root canal than pitch their ideas to magazines or newspapers. For some reason the thought of this scares them to death! Okay, that’s a bit melodramatic. But most writers keep their brilliant ideas locked in their head. Get over the fear of pitching your article ideas because life’s too short!

You can pitch your article ideas to editors of magazines as long as you know what you’re doing. Make sure you have a “snappy” opening line or headline. You want to write a line that will catch the eye of editors and make them want to read more.

Make sure your pitch is short and to the point. Most editors require a paragraph. Before you send your pitch, read and re-read it and do a spell check. Make sure grammar and punctuation is spot on because you want to avoid sending a pitch that’s filled with errors.

If you want to be published in a magazine or newspaper, you must pitch your article ideas. Editors won’t magically appear at your door and knock on it. You must seek them out. Do a Google search for publications that you’d be interested in writing for. You could also search Amazon.com for publications. Of course, you could submit your ideas to your favorite publications.

Tips for creating pitches

1. Make sure your ideas are fresh or at least have a different spin to them.
2. Read the submission guidelines twice! Before you send your pitch, make sure you do everything that is requested of you.
3. Respect editors and know they’re busy people. If the guidelines state “no phone calls” respect that. Send your pitch and expect the best!
4. Write a creative, eye catching pitch that will make editors stop what they’re doing and contact you immediately.
5. Set a goal for yourself. How many pitches do you want to do each week/month? Find someone who’ll hold you accountable so you reach your goal of being published in a magazine or newspaper.

Editors are busy people so make sure you don’t call them every week asking if they read your pitch. This tactic could backfire on you. Most editors will take 6-weeks before they get back with you. Be patient, they’ll get back to you. However, if 6-weeks pass, pick up the phone or send an email. Good luck!

Rebecca

How many pitches do you send out per week or month week? Share.

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I’ve been receiving questions about eBooks lately, specifically “how many pages are they?” When eBooks first came out, they were meant to give readers fast information. The introduction of the Kindle, iPhone, and other technologies like it means publishers offer digital downloads of books — they refer to these as eBooks. However, a true eBook was meant to be no more than 60 or 70 pages at the maximum. Most readers want to get in and get out!

Publishers offer digital or electronic downloads of books, but technically these are not “true” eBooks because they’re over 100 pages! These are simply electronic downloads. This may be confusing, but eBooks really were created to give readers “down and dirty” information in the shortest amount of time.

eBook Tip: You could include photos in your eBook to add the dynamics of it. Make sure you have the right to use the pictures. Copyrighting is a hot topic and you want to protect yourself. Make sure you have permission from the artist to use their photos. If you purchase royalty free stock photography, make sure you have permission to use the photos for commercial use.

eBook Tip #2: Pull out excerpts from your eBook and include them on the left hand side of the pages. This will break up the look of your eBook. You can also include quotes on the left hand side of the pages as well.

If you’re creating an “eBook” consider your target audience. Who are they? Will they read 100 pages or more electronically? Maybe? Maybe not? You may want to “test” the waters with an eBook that’s 60 pages and see how many readers download it. If you provide unique, useful content then you won’t have a problem.

If you’re creating an eBook, you may want to keep it under 60 pages. When you write your 400 page New York Times #1 Best Seller, it will be turned into a digital or electronic download for the iPhone, Kindle, and electronic gadgets like these. In the meantime, you may want to keep your eBooks as short as possible. In fact, some eBooks are less than 20 pages! Whatever you decide, make sure you provide readers with information that will be of use to them otherwise they’ll find someone else and consider them to be the expert. Good luck!

Rebecca

Have you created an eBook? How many pages is it? Share.

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Photo by Herman Brinkman

They say reading and writing go together, but I’m not so sure how true that is today. I’ve been working a temp job as a scorer of the tests students take in elementary, junior high, and high school. It’s been an experience and eye opener. The bottom line is children definitely need help with reading comprehension and writing (grammar and punctuation). It’s sad how the educational system in the U.S. has been on a downward spiral for the past 20 years when compared with countries such as China.

I’m appalled at how deplorable the majority of the 9th grade student’s did on the reading comprehension test. I’m more appalled at their spelling skills. Some will argue that “texting has a lot to do with it.” I disagree. If education is taken seriously then texting will have no bearing on reading and writing scores. Half of the 9th graders couldn’t spell one syllable words such as “again”. Unless the majority of the students were dyslexic, there’s a problem in the schools in the U.S.

Hiring a freelance writer as reading and writing tutor makes sense. Who better to improve test scores than people who write for a living? And, the majority of freelance writers are voracious readers. It makes send to hire a freelance writer to tutor kids in reading and writing. They’ll be able to show kids that reading is fun and how it invokes the imagination.

Reading and writing are important and they go together. If children can’t read and write how will they function in the world? They won’t be able to attend college/university, apply for a student or car loan, or fill out a job application. These are basic essentials to surviving and thriving in the world today. They may as well forget about owning their own business if they can’t read and write.

The main role of teachers is to teach children. If they’re too busy disciplining kids because they have behavioral issues it takes away from the learning environment. Parents, it’s your job to discipline your kids. Provide them with structure, organization, and discipline so they’ll be able to function in school and not be disruptive in class and to other students.

Parents need to take an interest in their children’s education and future. If you’re not involved and aware of how well your kids are doing in school, where does that leave them? Will it become the job of society to take care of them for the rest of their lives? Most people won’t be happy with this outcome. If the U.S.’s educational system doesn’t improve now, it could be the beginning of the end!

Children need reading and writing skills — that’s the bottom line! Parents can hire a freelance writer to tutor children. You’ll be amazed at how well their test scores improve. If you’re not strong in writing essays then you definitely want to hire a freelance writer. Stop setting children up for failure!

Unfortunately, most people don’t like to read or write. If that’s your case, please don’t pass that onto your children. Children may have a passion for reading and writing. Put your feelings aside and let them blossom into a successful readers and writers. It’s their life, not yours!

Rebecca

How well do your children write? Share your thoughts.

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Many freelance writers suffer or have suffered from writer’s block. There’s a cure for it — pay attention to your surroundings and keep your eyes and ears open! That’s all you have to do. You could be grocery shopping, over hear a conversation, and have one or more ideas for a blog post or article. You can’t lose!

Freelance writers can obtain many ideas just by observing your surroundings or paying attention to the news. What are the top news stories? Could you create a blog post or article from them? It’s not recommended to watch the news all of the time because it’s usually bad; however, if you need ideas, you may want to turn in from time to time.

Your family and friends could supply you with a wealth of material for blog posts and articles. You may be skilled at tuning out your family, but you may want to tune back into them. They could be experiencing something in their life that could make for sensational writing. However, you may want to ask your family and friends if it’s all right if you pitch an article based on what it is they’re going through in their life. This is up to you.

Where to find your next blog post or article

Grocery store
Networking event
Current events reported on the news
Your child’s school
The bank
Family and friends
The mall
Hotels and resorts
Restaurants
The park

Writer’s block doesn’t have to plague freelance writers. By observing your surroundings, you can come up with many ideas. In fact, you may have too many ideas that you won’t be able to keep up with pitching and writing stories!

Observing your surroundings comes in handy. Be present in all that you do because you may miss your next big story! For example, if you attend an event, make sure you fully engage in the event. Keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure you really listen to people because they could hold the key to your next writing project.

The next time you’re feeling the “writer’s blocks blues,” drive to the nearest grocery store or gas station. You never know what ideas are waiting to be brought to life. Make sure you bring your recorder or carry pen and paper with you. It would be unfortunate if you missed out on great writing ideas!

Rebecca

How do you handle writer’s block? Share your experiences.

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