Tips for the Work at Home Writer
by Jamie Edson Opielski
Are you a seasoned writer? Aspiring? Looking to be?
As a writer, you have so many options at your feet as to what kind of writer you are or would like to be. The niches, genres, markets and the world of writing itself is absolutely huge. The toughest part for all writers is getting your foot in the door. Whether you are an article writer, copy writer, novelist, freelancer- whatever it is you do you have got to get your writing noticed in order to land jobs, contracts and returning clients. As a Copy Writer, Columnist, Poet/Author, Creative Writer myself, I have put together some tips and resources for you to get that writing foot going in the right direction.
Articles
Whatever your forte you should write articles. Why? Because people do read. Submit your articles and other writings to Free Article Directories. Many of these directories allow you to submit poetry, press releases and more.
Submit to Newsletters. Many web sites are always looking for content to put into their newsletters, though you are not getting paid for it- it does get you noticed. Not to mention that newsletter with your article in it may be going out to thousands and thousands of subscribers.
Web Site Content. Just like newsletters, there are web masters out there that need a columnist or writer, but do not have the resources to pay you. You should consider taking advantage of it, your article or work will be placed on a web site for many readers and passer bys to see.
Message Board Communities
That's right, message board communities. There are tons out there,
so join in! In fact, joining and posting on a message board is how I landed my first copy writing client, landed a columnist spot and started as a Virtual Assistant with Bizymoms and Kindersigns. Cool huh? Plus I have gained many great friends who have referred me to their friends as a writer which in turn pulled in more clients for my business. So what are you waiting for? Get to posting!
Marketing through Online Networks and Communities
It never hurts to have too many web pages to showcase your writing talents. It is a great and fun way to build relationships with other writers and those who are seeking their expertise. Many of these are free to join. Remember-- the more you join in, the more opportunities you have to get recognized.
Take for instance ekwa for writers http://www.ekwa.com/writers_home.html this is a great way to market and showcase your books, poetry, articles, short stories and so much more! The capabilities with ekwa for writers is tremendous. Plus the support you'll get from ekwa is phenomenal!
I personally use ekwa for writers for my writing business and for my book. I'll see you there!
Another network is EditRed. EditRed allows you to showcase your writing and books, enter competitions, comment on others work, etc.
Ryze. Ryze is a network of many people, with different businesses. There are groups to join, friends to make. Once again you have a web page to market with.
MySpace. Myspace has a lot of writers and published authors. They are all doing the same thing- networking their books, announcing their events. Plus there are Publishers lurking about :
Care2. Although it is not specifically geared towards business or writing, you can still display your writings and make friends from all over who are always excited to see your success.
FreelanceWriting.com. This is an amazing resource for writers and freelancers. Go visit and create a portfolio, check for jobs and visit there often.
There is an endless sea of networks out there to join. The above are just a few that I personally use. The best thing for you would be to do a search on your forte/niche/etc and see what comes up for you. You'll be amazed at all the people who are out there doing the same thing you are!
Press Releases
No matter what kind of writing you do, you can still announce it through a press release! Announce your copy editing business, freelance business, copy writing business, character letters business, announce your book or compilations. Announce that your web site has just had a make over. Whatever it is- it is news! Even if you have a monthly newsletter, it is a great way to gain subscribers. Many Press Release Directories are free, many ask for donations. And many have rates. Your choice.
Submitting for Jobs/Contracts
I won't beat around the bush, so I'll tell you like it is. If you are sending your manuscript to a major publisher, sending your article to a big time magazine, etc, it isn't cotton candy. You'll hit a lot of rejections, maybes and every once in a while a YES! But it takes a lot of persistence and re-submitting to get you to that yes. So take it in stride, suck it up and submit… then re-submit. In the end it pays off.
Simple Marketing
Marketing. A word that makes many cringe and dread the actual work that has to be done. Let me share with you a few simple marketing strategies that I have used personally.
-
Email. Send an email out to everyone on your list. Put a note in there to forward the email to their family and friends. Be sure your email signature contains your web site's URL, etc.
- Tell your friends and family to help spread the word.
- Send out Press Releases.
- If you belong to an association, they will usually mention your announcement in the member news.
- Link Exchanges. Exchange links with everyone that you can.
- Advertise. There is some very low and no cost advertising out there. You just have to look for it.
- Flyers. Set out flyers at local doctors offices, restaurants, libraries, etc
- Business cards. Pass your business card out to everyone. You can do the same as you do with the flyers, leaving them at local places. Give extras to family and friends to give out as well.
- Newsletter. You can send out your own newsletter, advertise or write for another's newsletter.
- Network. Spend some major time online creating accounts, introducing yourself, making offers.
Just a few ideas to get you going. You'll be surprised how effective
'word or mouth' (friends/family telling others) and emailing can
be.
If you want to get somewhere in the writing world you have to work for it, and I mean really work for it. You have to be persistent and never give up or else you will never succeed.
©Jamie Edson Opielski
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©Jamie Edson Opielski
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Comments
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