Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Why Should You Be Writing For The Internet?
| By: Deanna Mascle I have been writing professionally for more than two decades. I have worked as a professional writer and editor for newspapers, books and magazines for local, regional, and international audiences. My primary financial support has always been either professional writing (or editing) or the teaching of writing. In fact, my initial foray into writing for the Internet was not intended to be a profitable venture but rather a way to express myself when I made the transition to teaching writing full-time. I knew that after decades of writing daily that I would need that outlet. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my hobby could actually earn more than my professional ventures? That is why I encourage my students and my writer friends to explore Internet writing for fun and profit. There are three good reasons for writers to spend at least a sizable chunk of their writing time writing for the Internet. First, and foremost, if you are a writer then you need an audience. If you are reading this article then you know there is a huge audience accessing their reading material via the Internet. Unlike the reading audience of traditional printed materials, the Internet-reading audience is growing exponentially. More and more people are forgoing traditional newspapers, magazines, and books to subscribe to ezines, web pages, blogs, and RSS feeds. If you can find your audience on the Internet, then that is a very good reason to write for the web. Another good reason for writers to transition to the web is that is where the money is today. While money can be made through the traditional avenues of publishing books, selling articles, or working as a writer for hire it is getting more and more difficult for established, proven writers to make a living and extremely difficult for newcomers to break in at a livable wage. However writers can start up their own business fast and cheap or work for hire to learn the ropes and build up their nest egg. Trying to do either of those things in the traditional publishing world will not find success. Finally, or third, there is a niche for everyone on the Internet. Most traditional publishing methods are limited to a specific region due to the cost of printing and distribution. However neither is a consideration on the Internet, so writers can reach audiences around the globe. This means that what may seem a rather small niche (of say people who collect dachsund sweaters) may well find their audience is hundreds, thousands, or even millions. That means there is a need for articles and publications for these folks. As an avid dachsund sweater collector yourself you are an ideal writer for any publications currently serving this niche and if there aren't any then you have a wide-open field to start your own. These three simple reasons should be enough for any writer to consider writing for the web. The Internet is a great place to break in and get started as a professional writer and the Internet is an even better place for the established pro to profit. Article source: Why Should You Be Writing For The Internet? About: Deanna Mascle shares more writing advice with her blog and newsletter Word Craft Online at http://WordCraftOnline.com |
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Home Business Idea: Personal Memoir Consultant
We all have a unique life story that could be made into a memoir. Writing a personal account of one's life gives future generations the opportunity to get to know the author and what they learned. It provides a tangible record after death which keeps memories alive for surviving loved ones. The process of writing a memoir can be deeply therapeutic as it helps one to reflect on the meaning of life's journey.
Most people never complete a memoir because they lack the skill, time and patience necessary for such a project. This is where the memoir consultant can provide assistance. Helping people transform their memories into a book is both a lucrative business and a fulfilling career.
Landing a job ghostwriting a celebrity memoir would be difficult without the right connections. But what is often overlooked is the huge and untapped market of ordinary people who would like to see their story in print. There are people willing to pay for assistance in this sometimes intimidating task.
This is actually how I got my first paying job as a writer. Just by chance, a family friend asked for some advice on getting a book published. He knew I worked at a typesetting/printing company and that I had an interest in publishing. This was 1988, when desktop publishing was still in its infancy.
The friend had obtained a very rough draft of a memoir of a man who died before completing it. The widow had asked about the possibility of getting the unfinished work published. After reading the diary-like draft, I gave some advice on what needed to be done. An offer was then made for me to turn the little stack of papers into a finished product. The contract made me responsible for every step of the process - from writing to selling the printed copies.
That was my entry into the world of publishing. The advance money provided was enough to buy my first real computer, along with professional desktop publishing software. It took some work, but through trial and error the book was completed and I am still selling copies of it today under my own imprint.
This is a relatively easy business for anyone with adequate writing skills. There are little to no start-up costs. And given the fact that virtually everyone is a potential client, it shouldn't be hard to land your first job. I did it without even trying!
Marketing this service through the internet can easily be done by starting a blog on memoir writing. The readers would all be potential clients. Google Adwords provides an easy way to drive traffic to a website advertising your services. There are also plenty of potential clients in your own town or even in your circle of acquaintances.
A second source of income could be earned by teaching classes, either on the internet or in person, on hot to write a memoir. There would be no need to hard-sell your services, simply advertise the class as being taught by you, a professional memoir consultant or ghostwriter. Not only will it give you credibility as an expert in the field, it will also provide a steady stream of leads as many of your students will find they need assistance in completing their memoir.
The appearance of POD publishing is a great development for memoir writers. As few as one copy can be printed, eliminating the need for a large investment. Since POD wasn't available when I took my first job, I had to deal with a local printer and low press run. Offset printing might be cost effective if the client already has some renown beyond family and friends. Examples might include, local political leaders, ministers, experts in a narrow field - basically anyone whose fame is limited to a particular locale, industry or group.
The business could specialize in only certain services. One option could be to market it solely as a ghostwriting service. Those who have graphic design skills might make additional money by offering full layout and cover design. Finding the right printing company and negotiating the best price makes one a broker who could charge a fee from the client and also get a commission from the printer. Anyone with marketing and sales skills can assume the role of publisher and earn a percentage of the profits.
Not only will this business earn a lot of money with little investment, it's also fulfilling to help someone through the process. For the fiction writer it offers a chance to improve skills and get ideas for character development. Talented writers will enjoy the challenge of creating a unique and fascinating story out of the lives of ordinary people. Helping someone give life to a lasting document of their journey is a rewarding experience and a great way to make money as a writer.
Most people never complete a memoir because they lack the skill, time and patience necessary for such a project. This is where the memoir consultant can provide assistance. Helping people transform their memories into a book is both a lucrative business and a fulfilling career.
Landing a job ghostwriting a celebrity memoir would be difficult without the right connections. But what is often overlooked is the huge and untapped market of ordinary people who would like to see their story in print. There are people willing to pay for assistance in this sometimes intimidating task.
This is actually how I got my first paying job as a writer. Just by chance, a family friend asked for some advice on getting a book published. He knew I worked at a typesetting/printing company and that I had an interest in publishing. This was 1988, when desktop publishing was still in its infancy.
The friend had obtained a very rough draft of a memoir of a man who died before completing it. The widow had asked about the possibility of getting the unfinished work published. After reading the diary-like draft, I gave some advice on what needed to be done. An offer was then made for me to turn the little stack of papers into a finished product. The contract made me responsible for every step of the process - from writing to selling the printed copies.
That was my entry into the world of publishing. The advance money provided was enough to buy my first real computer, along with professional desktop publishing software. It took some work, but through trial and error the book was completed and I am still selling copies of it today under my own imprint.
This is a relatively easy business for anyone with adequate writing skills. There are little to no start-up costs. And given the fact that virtually everyone is a potential client, it shouldn't be hard to land your first job. I did it without even trying!
Marketing this service through the internet can easily be done by starting a blog on memoir writing. The readers would all be potential clients. Google Adwords provides an easy way to drive traffic to a website advertising your services. There are also plenty of potential clients in your own town or even in your circle of acquaintances.
A second source of income could be earned by teaching classes, either on the internet or in person, on hot to write a memoir. There would be no need to hard-sell your services, simply advertise the class as being taught by you, a professional memoir consultant or ghostwriter. Not only will it give you credibility as an expert in the field, it will also provide a steady stream of leads as many of your students will find they need assistance in completing their memoir.
The appearance of POD publishing is a great development for memoir writers. As few as one copy can be printed, eliminating the need for a large investment. Since POD wasn't available when I took my first job, I had to deal with a local printer and low press run. Offset printing might be cost effective if the client already has some renown beyond family and friends. Examples might include, local political leaders, ministers, experts in a narrow field - basically anyone whose fame is limited to a particular locale, industry or group.
The business could specialize in only certain services. One option could be to market it solely as a ghostwriting service. Those who have graphic design skills might make additional money by offering full layout and cover design. Finding the right printing company and negotiating the best price makes one a broker who could charge a fee from the client and also get a commission from the printer. Anyone with marketing and sales skills can assume the role of publisher and earn a percentage of the profits.
Not only will this business earn a lot of money with little investment, it's also fulfilling to help someone through the process. For the fiction writer it offers a chance to improve skills and get ideas for character development. Talented writers will enjoy the challenge of creating a unique and fascinating story out of the lives of ordinary people. Helping someone give life to a lasting document of their journey is a rewarding experience and a great way to make money as a writer.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Single Most Important Factor in Making Money as a Writer
There are a number of elements which determine whether your writing is going to sell on a continuous basis. Obviously you aren't going to sell much without basic writing skills. There's nothing worse than picking up a small local newspaper filled with typos, grammatical errors, and a structure that leaves the one guessing what the article is trying to say. It may be permissible in a personal blog, but unless you are writing poetry or an experimental piece, a higher standard is expected.
Being relevant to the market audience is another must. The information or story should hold some value to the reader. And having a writing style which communicates that message in an entertaining way will increase its popularity and bring readers back.
But even the best writing portfolio will not make any money sitting unread in a computer file. This is why marketing is essential for success. If you are lucky enough to have a publisher with a big marketing budget it will be less of a priority. But even in the world of traditional publishing houses, the writer is usually expected to contribute in some way to promotion.
Self-publishers and online writers will have to take a much more proactive and hands-on involvement in marketing if they expect to make any money at all. Fortunately, the internet offers the opportunity to reach the entire world with little or even no investment.
But even if all the above is achieved, there is one other element which no writer can survive without: Passion. There has to be a passion for writing to be successful in this business. Making money in this industry is tough. A freelance writer isn't going to get very far if that is their only motivation.
Long hours and low earnings can make flipping burgers seem like a lucrative alternative. The constant rejections and lonely hours spent working at home will make those who just want a get rich quick opportunity wish they hadn't quit their corporate job.
Passion will provide the motivation to get through the inevitable periods of self-doubt, writer's block, and lack of income. A strong enough desire to live the life of a successful writer, no matter what, will compensate for weaknesses in other area. It will give the aspiring writer the perseveranceneeded to overcome any obstacles.
To earn a full-time income, a love of writing must be at the top of priorities. Rather than looking at it as just another business opportunity, hobby, or dream, writing must be integrated into every aspect of life. Look at the entire universe through the lens of a writer. Every feeling, person, and thing, no matter how mundane, should be perceived as something that could be described in the written word. The writer's hat is never removed, even while sleeping.
A rewarding career as a full-time requires the boundless enthusiasm of passion. Anyone who has this can succeed.
Being relevant to the market audience is another must. The information or story should hold some value to the reader. And having a writing style which communicates that message in an entertaining way will increase its popularity and bring readers back.
But even the best writing portfolio will not make any money sitting unread in a computer file. This is why marketing is essential for success. If you are lucky enough to have a publisher with a big marketing budget it will be less of a priority. But even in the world of traditional publishing houses, the writer is usually expected to contribute in some way to promotion.
Self-publishers and online writers will have to take a much more proactive and hands-on involvement in marketing if they expect to make any money at all. Fortunately, the internet offers the opportunity to reach the entire world with little or even no investment.
But even if all the above is achieved, there is one other element which no writer can survive without: Passion. There has to be a passion for writing to be successful in this business. Making money in this industry is tough. A freelance writer isn't going to get very far if that is their only motivation.
Long hours and low earnings can make flipping burgers seem like a lucrative alternative. The constant rejections and lonely hours spent working at home will make those who just want a get rich quick opportunity wish they hadn't quit their corporate job.
Passion will provide the motivation to get through the inevitable periods of self-doubt, writer's block, and lack of income. A strong enough desire to live the life of a successful writer, no matter what, will compensate for weaknesses in other area. It will give the aspiring writer the perseveranceneeded to overcome any obstacles.
To earn a full-time income, a love of writing must be at the top of priorities. Rather than looking at it as just another business opportunity, hobby, or dream, writing must be integrated into every aspect of life. Look at the entire universe through the lens of a writer. Every feeling, person, and thing, no matter how mundane, should be perceived as something that could be described in the written word. The writer's hat is never removed, even while sleeping.
A rewarding career as a full-time requires the boundless enthusiasm of passion. Anyone who has this can succeed.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
So You Want to Make a Living as a Writer?
For those of us who are not celebrities, or salaried writers in corporate media, earning a living from our own writing can seem like an impossible dream. Like other creative fields, the competition is extremely tough and only a tiny percentage will ever earn enough to live off their craft. The stereotype of the starving artist sacrificing everything for their art, only to die in poverty, is a romantic notion that has become embedded into our collective consciousness. So much so that some of the most talented beginners will sabotage their own possibility for success because of the mistaken belief that good art can never be profitable.
There is nothing wrong with writing simply for the love of the craft. Many teachers, lawyers, and waiters are content to have a stable income from their jobs while working on their novels, poetry, and essays on the weekends. But there are others of us who become depressed at the very thought of spending eight hours a day slaving for something that isn't our passion. The demands of a job cause us to lose our focus and soon we find there is not enough time or energy left to pursue our creative endeavors. Eventually our project gets stored in a file and forgotten. Years may pass before it is even looked at again.
Our society also tends to view the salaried job as as a label which defines our identity. Humans have a need to place everyone in categories and occupation plays a huge role in portraying who we are. We ourselves may know we are writers, but unfortunately many people won't until it becomes our main source of income. Family and friends may not understand your need to spend so much time writing when it isn't your job. They may even view it as selfish and try to make you feel guilty for not spending that time with them. Potential publishers may assume you won't have the time to produce an adequate amount of work due to your day job and pass you over. For some, the lack of respect, combined with the inevitable rejection slips and stress of everyday life becomes so demoralizing it causes them to give up on their dream.
Some writers are perfectly happy working on their short stories or memoirs without any need for compensation or recognition beyond a small circle of readers. They often produce great material that deserves a wider audience unless by luck it falls into the the right hands. The writer who wants to make a paying career in this field does not have the option of passively waiting for the possibility that one day he too will be discovered and given a huge advance check with a spot on the bestseller list. It would be easier to just play the lottery because the odds are about the same.
If your goal is to make a living at the writing game you will have to be proactive and willing to make it happen, not just hope that it will. Like all creative fields, the most talented writers aren't necessarily those who make the most money. The top earners are the ones who understand how the market works and use that knowledge to their benefit. These days it is important to realize that the traditional publishing industry is extremely difficult to break into, but it is also on the decline. The opportunities for new writers are in the new forms of media that are developing. You must keep up with the constant changes because what works one day might not the next. Any motivated person with adequate writing skills, a few good ideas, a little creativity, some self-discipline, perseverance, and the willingness to learn how to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in this rapidly changing field is capable of making money. It may not be the easiest career path, but if writing is your passion then you will find it is the most rewarding.
There is nothing wrong with writing simply for the love of the craft. Many teachers, lawyers, and waiters are content to have a stable income from their jobs while working on their novels, poetry, and essays on the weekends. But there are others of us who become depressed at the very thought of spending eight hours a day slaving for something that isn't our passion. The demands of a job cause us to lose our focus and soon we find there is not enough time or energy left to pursue our creative endeavors. Eventually our project gets stored in a file and forgotten. Years may pass before it is even looked at again.
Our society also tends to view the salaried job as as a label which defines our identity. Humans have a need to place everyone in categories and occupation plays a huge role in portraying who we are. We ourselves may know we are writers, but unfortunately many people won't until it becomes our main source of income. Family and friends may not understand your need to spend so much time writing when it isn't your job. They may even view it as selfish and try to make you feel guilty for not spending that time with them. Potential publishers may assume you won't have the time to produce an adequate amount of work due to your day job and pass you over. For some, the lack of respect, combined with the inevitable rejection slips and stress of everyday life becomes so demoralizing it causes them to give up on their dream.
Some writers are perfectly happy working on their short stories or memoirs without any need for compensation or recognition beyond a small circle of readers. They often produce great material that deserves a wider audience unless by luck it falls into the the right hands. The writer who wants to make a paying career in this field does not have the option of passively waiting for the possibility that one day he too will be discovered and given a huge advance check with a spot on the bestseller list. It would be easier to just play the lottery because the odds are about the same.
If your goal is to make a living at the writing game you will have to be proactive and willing to make it happen, not just hope that it will. Like all creative fields, the most talented writers aren't necessarily those who make the most money. The top earners are the ones who understand how the market works and use that knowledge to their benefit. These days it is important to realize that the traditional publishing industry is extremely difficult to break into, but it is also on the decline. The opportunities for new writers are in the new forms of media that are developing. You must keep up with the constant changes because what works one day might not the next. Any motivated person with adequate writing skills, a few good ideas, a little creativity, some self-discipline, perseverance, and the willingness to learn how to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in this rapidly changing field is capable of making money. It may not be the easiest career path, but if writing is your passion then you will find it is the most rewarding.
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