Writing Online Articles is a Feather in Your Cap in Becoming a Professional Writer

Writing Online Articles is a Feather in Your Cap in Becoming a Professional Writer
By Lance Winslow

Some professional writers and authors will tell online article writers that these articles are substandard and will not help them break into the print world or help them develop a solid resume as a writer. As an online article author of some 11,000 articles I take exception with this theory and believe it to be incorrect.

In fact if I may be so bold as to state my point in a just-less-than-tirade fashion, we know that many online article authors have had their articles re-printed in many places in print. Indeed, I myself have, there are many other top online article others on the top online article submission websites that have as well. Some online article authors have come forward with their articles being re-printed.

Publishers and Literary Agents are Not Turned Off by Online Articles

Actually, when I was in NY, I mentioned that I had over 10,000 online articles and they looked it up on the Internet while I was there. In Boston, although a specialty publisher of Futurist type stuff, they too, said hmmm when I mentioned it. I never got any you're not professional comments or dirty looks for online article authoring. I did get a so what look when I told them. To say that publishers look down on you for having online article submission, well, that simply is not so.

Further if someone is so downtrodden with rejection letters from Professional Literary Publishers, maybe they need to change their tactics in selling themselves, and stop running redline with the rest of the pack and try new things. Online article authoring could be that new thing and another feather in your cap and listing on your resume as well.

Nobody Said Life Would Be Easy for Writers

I realize that selling your work to a publisher or attracting literary agents is tough work and might get depressing. Hell sometimes you are lucky if you even hear back at all or even get one of those stupid form letters. You know what, Smile, say thank you and make a paper airplane with it and sail it across the room and say to the next, and then next after that. Ask them what they are looking for first, know your customer and sell yourself and your pitch and stop pitching crap no one wants to read?

Every Author Wants to Win

Everyone wants to be an author these days, half of middle aged America is underemployed and wants to be an author, but only the competitive diehards who never give up are going to be published and most of them are going to paid next to nothing for it. Remember; Sun Tzu, fight the battles you can fight, move on and keep moving. Strong survive, weakness walks and professional authors should stop acting like poor sports and attacking online article marketing. If their stuff is so good, why do they care what online article authors do? Ill tell you why, their stuff isnt and the readers are less sophisticated, there is more competition than ever before and fewer people reading. Deal with it, as that is the stuff free markets are made of. What do they want some cheese with that whine?

Online Article Writing Rocks No Matter What Anyone Else Says

Personally, I could care less if anyone says that online article authoring does not count for your credentials as an author, it counts to me, I am proud of it and I plan on putting it on my list of achievements and resume. Because it does show you are serious. Anyone who thinks it shows un-professionalism to write online articles does not understand the future of books in the digital age. Sometimes I think that print publishers do not either, they do I think, they must see it coming too; how can anyone not?

Future of Digital Literature Commeth

You know, look at the Sony Reader, soon there will be lists of books, not in the stores for people to download onto. So you better get those eBooks written and have them edited and ready to rip when they start moving forward with it all? What about the new Google Bar search feature for Digital Books too? Digital is the new, and anything in a digital format is just as relevant as not. To the readers of the future it is very much as important as print. In the future it will only be a matter of quality and not the medium. This is not Print VS Digital; it is innovation and the forward progression of books, reading and reality.

Professional Print Writers and Sour Grapes?

Indeed a good portion of these folks who call themselves Professional Authors are kidding themselves in that not all of their stuff is not that good; well it is not good enough for them to get on their high horses and attack the World of online article authors. It reminds me of nearly every industry I have ever competed in. The so-called industry professionals are so worried about losing their strong hold and anyone offering services for less and anyone who might take away from their fiefdom, that they rail against what they know so little about.

Press On Online Line Article Authors!

There is more than one reason to use online article submission sites, I can think of 10 and establishing yourself and boosting your confidence, resume and your status as an author is one of them. Digital Articles, Digital eBooks and digital everything is where it is at and Multi-media will replace the fine literature of past periods the game is evolving and I suggest everyone who is serious; Play this game to WIN! Sorry, I do not buy T.G.s logic and from personal observation, believe it sends the wrong message too.

I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

Lance Winslow - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

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Writing Short Articles A Few Important Rules!

Writing Short Articles - A Few Important Rules!
By Peter Morgan

Writing short articles should be your rule of thumb when putting together any piece for Web publication. Unlike print publications such as newspapers and magazines, short article writing is a sought after craft, to the point where writing long articles is frowned on.

How short should your articles be?

On the Web 400 to 500 word articles are probably the norm. If you're putting together a newsletter or e-zine the rule of thumb for the short articles you're writing is 500-800 words, and no more than 15 short paragraphs.

The short articles you're writing for the e-zines or newsletters must have short paragraphs, divided by an extra line of white space. Online readers have short attention spans and scan rather than read the articles. They want to see at a glance whether they need to peruse further down the short article you are writing.

Here are some tips to make sure the article you are writing is short.

First, use that Web headline to get the users attention. That is where your benefit should first be written. What's in it for me should be clarified or at least alluded to in the first three sentences. This is the introduction to the short article you are writing.

Two things you must do and know before you start writing your short article are the audience you are writing for, the purpose of writing the short article and the outline for the piece. Knowing your audience will allow you to focus on and narrow the slant of the article, and keep your writing detailed, concise and short.

The outline you prepare should note the four of five key points of the article you are writing - before you write it. Once you have your outline then each paragraph will be about one point listed in your outline.

You may very well have several underlying points for each key point. These underlying points would then make up the short sentences in the article you are writing. No paragraph should include more than five sentences, nor should there be any convolution in those sentences.

Once you're finished writing your short article then go back and make a game out of shortening it even further. In this day of Internet growth, writing short articles can be your freelance bread and butter.

Home based web based business opportunities are becoming more and more popular for article writers and there are some excellent websites that allow you to earn recurring commissions from your efforts.

Peter Morgan is the founder of JV Members Ltd - a new article writing and publishing system - which enables anyone, to run a homebased online business - and it won't cost you a penny! Click Article Writing and Publishing to find out how to earn a recurring income online.

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10 Tips to Improve Your Copywriting Right Now

10 Tips to Improve Your Copywriting Right Now
By Ruth Clare

It is easy to figure out what you want to say. Whats difficult is taking the time to understand what your customers want and need to hear in order for them to act. By trying a few of these simple copywriting suggestions your marketing materials will become more compelling and convincing... and that means better results for you!

1. Pretend you are sitting down having coffee with one person from your target market and write the way you would chat to them.

2. Start analysing all the marketing material that comes your way. What works? What doesnt? Can you see any common threads in the successful pieces? Keep those pieces and make sure your work is in the same ballpark as theirs.

3. Write so a five-year-old can understand what you are saying

4. Give what you say credibility through case studies, statistics, testimonials, research findings, endorsements, credentials or money-back guarantees

5. Ask yourself, What are your customers really buying? e.g. peace of mind

6. Once you have done a first draft, sleep on it before starting to edit

7. Do the so what test. If at any point in your copy your reader asks, so what? that part needs to be more personal, more specific and give more reasons why

8. Overcome all imagined objections by writing them down and responding to them in your copy e.g.Cant afford it = payment plan

9. If you are having trouble getting to the benefit, describe a feature and then write, what this means to you is

10. You can produce good copy if you work hard enough.

To find out more about how good copywriting can connect you with your customers just visit http://www.monodesign.com.au

Ruth Clare is a professional copywriter with a passion for putting the customer first. She runs a graphic design business, Mono Design, with her husband in Melbourne, Australia http://www.monodesign.com.au

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Writing Style: Are You A Real Writer?

Writing Style: Are You A Real Writer?
By Deanna Mascle

I hear it all the time from my students and at the seminars and workshops I lead. The writers that I work with are excited to work with a eal writer. Most people define a eal writer as one who is published. Therefore I, with three published novels and innumerable newspaper and magazine articles under my belt, certainly qualify.

However, the longer I am involved in the business of professional writing and the teaching of writing the more I question that definition. For me, being a eal writer is much more about a state of mind rather than a state of being. I believe very strongly that you need to become a real writer before you can become a published writer for I know that while most (if not all) published writers are real writers that the reverse is not necessarily true. I have known many real writers who have not yet been published but I believe they will be some day -- if they just stick with it.

Real writers are made. No one is born to be a writer although many real writers are born with a drive or need to be a writer and this is certainly a help during the difficult times and challenges that all real writers face. A real writer requires five essential tools.

The first, and most important, is a unique writing process. In order to write well and effectively not to mention to grow as a writer, you must develop a writing process. A nonexistent, or inefficient, writing process can greatly hinder your ability to write but a writing process tailored to your unique strengths and weaknesses can make your writing stronger and easier.

The second element goes along with the development of your writing process. This is learning your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. What is the most difficult part of writing for you? What is the easiest? The more you know about your own writing then the better equipped you are to take advantage of the areas where you are strongest and to work on the areas where you are weakest.

Another essential element to becoming a real writer is criticism. Writers need to develop the skills necessary to be critical of their own work and to edit effectively. Most real writers also have a support network in place, such as a critique group or critical reader, to assist with this process.

Real writers also need to be readers. Writers must read a variety of authors and types of writing in order to learn more about the language, its structure, and its varied uses. Reading provides inspiration in terms of ideas but also language use and vocabulary. Real writers love language and words and cannot get enough of either. Real writers are readers.

The final essential ingredient for a real writer is a strong work ethic. Real writers practice their craft on a regular basis (usually daily). Some writers only write a few hours a day while others spend many hours writing. The length of time is not as important as a regular writing schedule that is only altered for major holidays or life-threatening illness. Even if you can only carve out an hour a day that is enough time to write a novel if that is your goal. The important part is making your writing a priority and giving your writing muscles a regular workout.

If you want to be a real writer then you must work on these five essential tools of the writing trade: individual writing process, knowledge of strengths and weaknesses, criticism, reading, and work ethic. Once you have mastered these five tools of the trade then you are on the way to becoming a real writer.

Deanna Mascle shares more Writers Resources in her Writing Journal and at http://word-craft.info

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10 Things To Remember When Writing Articles To Market Your Website

10 Things To Remember When Writing Articles To Market Your Website
By Sharon Jacobsen

Whatever you're selling, writing articles to distribute freely amongst webmasters is one of the best ways of getting yourself and your service known.

Although I know nothing much about cheese, for example, I'm sure there are all sorts of ways an article could be angled. Cheese comparisons, the way various cheeses are made, where they originate from, recipes for cheese based meals are all ideas that immediately spring to mind. Some subjects will be easier to find angles for, others more difficult, but everything can be written about.

Well written articles give the reader a good impression of your business. I know I'd be much happier buying cheese from somebody I knew had the ability to make educated recommendations than somebody who knew nothing. Convince the reader that you're educated in your subject. That way, when they have to choose between buying from you or your competitor, your name will be the first to spring to mind.

But what constitutes a good article? Let's see.

* The Number One Rule - DO NOT PLAGIARISE

While it's ok to use other material as a source of research, it is not ok to take somebody else's work and simply re-writing it. Not only is it not ok, it's illegal and, if caught, you can be prosecuted.

Don't imagine that because the Net is huge, you won't be caught. Writers have software that can help them locate their material and if they find anything that's too similar to their own work, they may become suspicious. And quite rightly so, too.

* Use Your Introduction

The average web visitor will spend 7 seconds looking for the information they want. If they don't find it, they'll hit the back button.

Make your article leap out and grab them. Have those first sentences pull them in and make the rest of the article scannable. A quick glance down the page should tell them whether the information they want is likely to be there.

Use sub-headings and bullet lists. Keep paragraphs short and use bold text to make important information stand out.

* Strike The Right Balance

It isn't always easy to know exactly how much to write but in general, try not to be too wordy whilst giving the reader the necessary information along with a smattering of your personality.

A list of dull fact probably won't be read but neither will an article that drones on about the history of Amsterdam when the reader really wants to know about Edam cheese!

* Write Articles, Not Adverts

People want information. Anything that looks remotely like an advert will make them suspicious. Think of your own reactions. Do you trust advertisers to tell you the truth about their products? I certainly don't!

Keep your article informative, perhaps humorous, and interesting. If you must mention your company, do it either in the opening paragraph or wait until the concluding paragraph where you might write something like After 8 years in the cheese making industry, I know only too well just how important the rich, oaken taste is to the truth connoisseur... This lets the reader know that you really know your cheese and leads them to look for more information, in your author bio, about your business.

Subtlety is the key!

* Keep It Simple!

When you're an expert on your subject it's very easy to use jargon that others won't necessarily understand. Even if they do, they'd still be happier if you'd used an everyday word that they're comfortable with.

New writers often make the mistake of believing that big words will impress the reader. Who said readers want to be impressed by your vocabulary? It's your knowledge they're interested in, and the simpler your language, the easier it is for them to identify the facts and educate themselves.

When you have a choice, go with the simple word.

One word of warning, though. Don't be repetitive. If you find yourself using the same little word over and over, then you need to start looking for alternatives which may mean using some of those fancy words I've just said you should drop.

Nothing's ever cast in stone!

* Proofread and Edit Your Work

If your article isn't properly written, don't bother to distribute it. Nobody will take you seriously if you can't spell or use your apostrophes properly.

While the spell check facility of your word processor is useful, you can't depend on entirely on it. Can eye have too deserts next weak, please? would slip through the checker because the individual words are correctly spelled. That doesn't make them right, though, does it?

If your spelling and grammar's a little rusty, use the web's resources to help polish your skills. My personal recommendations are:

Dictionary.com - http://www.dictionary.comGuide To Grammar & Writing - http://cctc.commnet.edu/grammar/

When you've finished writing, go through your work with a fine toothed comb and find every mistake. Then go through it again. Try to keep the writing tight by getting rid of any unnecessary padding.

Proofreading and editing are just as important and the actual writing and can often take just as long.

* Make Use of Your Resource Box

Free articles are used on the understanding that the author's resource box is to remain intact. This is a short informative piece at the end of the article that tells the reader more about the author. Look at the bottom of this article for an example. These are sometimes called author bios.

Your resource box is where you advertise your service. Something like:

Camen Bert has 7 years experience in the cheese making industry and has her own home-made for sale at www.somecheesedomain.com. Visit her store buy speciality cheeses as well as find lots more cheese related information.

Hopefully, if the reader wants to know more, he'll follow the link to read further articles (some of which you'll have used exclusively on your site) and while he's there he'll have a wander around the shop. If he sees what he likes, BINGO! A new customer!

* Be Patient

It takes time to build up a reputation as an expert but if you syndicate your articles to enough websites, people will eventually start to recognise your name and even think of it (or your company name) whenever they think cheese.

Obviously, cheese has been used as an example in this article - the product could just as easily have been car tyres, wedding dresses or fishing rods. The product isn't important - how you market it is!

Sharon Jacobsen is a freelance writer living in South Cheshire, England. She's been writing for as long as she can remember and is happy to help others learn from her own experience. To contact Sharon, or learn more about her work, please visit http://www.sharon-jacobsen.co.uk

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Book Writing: Step 4 of Six Preparatory Steps to Complete Before Starting your Manuscript

Book Writing: Step 4 of Six Preparatory Steps to Complete Before Starting your Manuscript
By Yvonne Perry

Okay, let's take another step toward getting your book ready to write, publish and bring to the market.

The following steps are explained in detail in my subscription-based teleclasses on freelance writing Writers on Call. Let me remind you of the other steps we have been working with.

1. Know What Type of Book You Want to Write
2. Do a Market comparison
3. Complete a Title Search
4. Create an Outline
5. Write a Query letter
6. Start your Book proposal

Now, here is step 4 of my six preparatory steps to complete BEFORE starting your manuscript.

Step 4. Creating an Outline

You hated it in school and now Im asking you to do it again! Coming up with an outline may not be much fun, but it will help you stay focused and organized as you work on your project. Theres a big difference in writing a fiction book versus a non-fiction book and therefore, your outline will differ depending upon which you are writing.

Fiction - If you have a story line in mind it is a good idea to write out a time line to sequence the events in your story. Type a list of chapter titles that fit the time line of your fiction story into a Word document. Put Roman numerals by each one.

Write a short bio on each of the main characters. Now write a paragraph about the scenes/places you plan to create in your story. Keep these in a word document.

Non-fiction Start with the main points you want to cover in your non-fiction book. Simply type them into a Word document and put Roman numerals by each one. If you know how to use the advanced features of Microsoft Word, you can use the outline tool.

Make sure all your main points reflect back to your title. Whenever I feel I am getting on a rabbit trail, I go back to my title and ask, How does this information support my title? Answering that question always gets me back on track and helps me decide if that chapter, quote, paragraph, or research data is necessary. Then I can go to my outline to see where the information will fit best.

Next, write a short summary of what each of those main points is about. One or two sentences are plenty. Put these summaries or character/scene bios into your outline underneath the Roman numeral and hit your tab key. This will indent the text and put a letter a. in front of the paragraph if you have the bullet and list feature enabled in your Word program.

Your outline will need to be adjusted as you write your book, but at least youll have a working idea of what you want to accomplish while you are writing and researching.

Ill be teaching a class on the advanced features of Microsoft Word program, so be sure to check my blog http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com for information on upcoming events. Now, go get step 5 of this article series posted at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=YvonnePerry.

All six steps in this article series are explained in detail via my subscription-based teleclasses on freelance writing Writers on Call. You may order the entire CD audio set of all the classes in my 8-week course on How to Write a Book at http://www.yvonneperry.net/Writersoncall.htm .

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor who assists clients with any type of writing project. Yvonne is available to assist your with telling your story or writing your book. Her podcast Writers in the Sky is filled with information about the craft and business of writing. See http://www.yvonneperry.net for more information about her writing services, books, newsletter, podcast and blog.

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8 Myths about Writers and Writing

8 Myths about Writers and Writing
By Dawn Arkin

Have you ever read a book and said I could have written that? Or thought you could write the great American novel and become rich and famous? Or maybe you just want to get all of those ideas out of your head?

When you think of a writer, what comes to mind? A guy hunched over a typewriter, pounding out his story in a darkened room? Someone who can barely function in the real world, who is only able relate to his writings?

The answer is all and none of the above. Writers come in all shapes, sizes and types. So why are there so many myths about writing?

To find the answer to that question, let's examine some of the myths regarding writers and writing.

Myth #1 - All writers make lots of money
Not every writer will make money off their work. Some writers work years without ever selling a single thing. Others never send their work out, which is a guaranteed way not to be published. While making money would be nice, most writers write to get their thoughts on paper.

Myth #2 - All writers are unhappy or crazy or both
Writers are extremely creative people and think in ways non-writers would never think. Most of the writers I know are happy people. They have their up days and down days, just like everyone else. The only difference is they use those emotions in their stories.

Myth #3 - You have to know someone in the business in order to get published
The publishing field is very subjective. What is acceptable to one editor might not be to another. That's not to say no one will ever get published unless they know someone in the business or are already famous. Having a contact would be nice, but honing your craft and making sure you've sent out the best work you can is really the only way to be published.

Myth #4 - In order to write you must have a quiet office devoted to only writing
Writers can write any where; sitting in a coffee shop, waiting at the doctor's office and even standing in line at the grocery store. All a writer needs to get their thoughts and ideas down is a pad of paper and a pencil, and the desire to write.

Myth #5 - In order to be a real writer, you must pay your dues
A lot of people think the only way you can be considered a writer is if you've been writing for many years, or endured many rejections and hardships. Real writers are the people who write. Regardless of how long they've been doing it, or how many times they've been told no.

Myth #6 - In order to write, you must be an intellectual egghead
Writers come from all walks of life. The only requirement is the desire to write. You don't have to be a college graduate to write, you don't even have to have graduate from high school. But you do need an understanding of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Otherwise, you are only writing for yourself.

Myth #7 - To be a writer, you must make writing your number one priority
Writer's have families, jobs, lives and hobbies. Yet they still find the time to write. They juggle all aspects of their life so the can put words to paper. That's what makes them writers.

Myth #8 - Anyone can write the Great American Novel
Anyone can write. This is true. But not everyone can write well. The first draft of any story isn't going to be perfect. Honing your skills as a writer is the only way to be able to write. Being able to accept criticism and suggestions is how good writers learn to be great writers.

Writing is a career bathed in mystery. So many want to write, but don't know how to being, or what to write once they start. The only true advice is to just pick up your pen and start writing. And never stop.

Dawn Arkin is an author on www.Writing.Com which is a site for Poetry Contests. Her portfolio can be found at www.Writing.Com/authors/darkin so stop by and read for a while.

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Writing TimeOriented Articles

Writing Time-Oriented Articles
By Halstatt Pires

The first step in writing an article for distribution is to come up with a subject. To really make hay, you should always look to see if there is a time element you can incorporate as well.

Time-oriented articles are simply those that deal with an event that has a specific deadline. If you really want to see one of your articles republished thousands upon thousands of times, find a deadline that is universal to all or most readers. Lets look at an example

The easiest universal deadline that comes to mind involves taxes. Every year, we are all supposed to file our taxes on April 15. If you are writing articles for a tax site, you easily could start publishing articles about preparing taxes and submitting them in February or March. A simple subject would be tax changes for 2006 or whatever year it happens to be. Publishers will snap up these articles because they are timely and apply to just about everyone.

Another example would be time-oriented articles related to holidays. Obviously, Christmas is the big one, but there are plenty of holidays you can hit through the year. You can approach these articles in a variety of ways, but you might focus on things such as the top 10 gifts for men, girlfriends, husbands, wives, etc. You could write about product reviews as well. As long as the article is submitted to the directories a month or so before the holiday, you should see a lot of interest from the publishers.

Focusing on time-oriented articles has a second benefit that is nearly as valuable as those mentioned above. Simply put, you can re-write articles each subsequent year as new developments occur. Consider our tax changes article mentioned above. Tax laws change every year, so you can write a new article every year incorporating the latest information. If you take this approach, you will find that you have a bevy of subjects ready to go each year that publishers will snap up.

It is often represented that publishers are looking for well-written articles. If you throw a time element into your writing, it will soon become apparent that they are really looking for timely, well-written articles.

Halstatt Pires is with Marketing Titan - providing article marketing services.

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3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting

3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting
By Bruce Carlson

Doing the copywriting for your own website without the proper knowledge and tools is pretty much like flying blind in a snowstorm without piloting experience or instruments.

It doesn't work too well.

A very basic knowledge of copywriting and direct marketing principles will take you a long ways on the Web.

Here are three simple keys to writing better online copy. Armed just with these, you'll have a jump on 90% of the folks out there doing the copywriting for their own sites. And you'll increase the pulling quality of your site's copy today -- even if you've never written a word of copy in your life.

1) Wake up your prospect

In today's overkill ad world most people have become numb to standard sales messages. Television, newspapers, magazines, Internet, radio, etc. all blast us non-stop with advertising. After a while we just naturally tune most of it out.

Copywriting great John Carlton says to imagine that your prospect is a giant blob sitting there on the couch or in a chair. Now what would you need to do to get that blob to take action to buy?

Getting someone to stop... actually read your website copy... AND click through (or fill out a form) is serious heavy-duty action on the click-and-run Web. Your prospect has a million things on his or her mind.

Reading your copy isn't exactly Priority One...

So how do you wake your prospects up and get 'em to read your copy?

The secret is right here in this headline:

ARE YOU TOO BUSY EARNING A LIVING TO MAKE ANY REAL MONEY?

This is from Joe Karbo's sales letter for his The Lazy Man's Way to Riches book. The letter was probably responsible for over a million dollars worth of sales for Joe.

Joe's secret here, and one which you can use too, is based on a simple principle for getting a prospect's attention.

You need to...

2) Enter the conversation going on in your prospect's mind

You should know enough about your target market to know what keeps them awake at night. If you don't yet, then you'll need to find out right away.

In the example above from Joe Karbo, it's about working like a dog and barely making enough to pay the bills. Marketers like Joe who target opportunity seekers understand that frustrations about money cause a lot of people pain.

But what concerns does your target market have? What problem(s) do they need solved? What itch(es) do they need scratched?

You can find the answers to these questions fairly easily. Lurk on the forums where your prospects hang out... Read the online and offline newsletters, magazines and journals they read...

Or better yet, just ask them!

Set up a survey page on your website or else survey them through your newsletter or blog. Or use a Web tool like AskDatabase.

Once you know what your prospects are thinking about most of the time your copywriting job becomes a heckuva lot easier. You'll be on a more intimate basis with your market. Which is never a bad thing...

Good copywriting is wooing your customers in print, after all. Just like you would woo a prospective mate. And the more you know about them the more you'll be able to say the right things!

So now that you know what bothers your prospects you'll need to...

3) Make a compelling offer

This is an area where most website copy really falls short.

Ask yourself this question:

What exactly is it that I want my prospects to do?

You want them to buy! Right? Or at least opt-in to your newsletter... or get your free report... or sign up for your autoresponder series...

In other words, you want them to take an action! You don't want them to browse around, look at your pretty graphics and then click out. The Web is just too too big. And your site is just one tiny place in that giant Web ocean. Once they leave, their chances of coming back are one in a billion. Or worse...

So you need to use your copywriting skills to build an offer that forces them to make a clear decision.

Make it irresistible. Make them an offer they can't refuse, said the old godfather.

He would've made a good marketer.

By making your offer as seductive as possible, you force action. You force that clear decision. With pure lead generation sites this means they give you their contact info. With direct sales sites it means a sale. Or if it's a combination of the two they buy and/or give you their contact info so you can follow up.

If your offer is good enough, then a good percentage of your prospects will be energized.

Your copy will be like a jolt of electricity...Zap!

That blob on the couch might actually get up and do something...

So make your offer hot. Load it up with perceived value. Tell 'em how your product is going to make their life better. And give 'em a good deal!

To summarize...

Wake 'em up by entering the conversation already in their minds, and then make 'em an offer they can't refuse. If you do this, you'll instantly increase the power of your online copywriting.I guarantee it!

2005 by Bruce Carlson

Want to become a better online copywriter? Signup for Bruce's The Dynamic Copywriter and see howeasily you can improve your online copywritingskills and boost your sales!

http://www.dynamic-copywriting.com

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Grow Your Internet Business And Increase Web Site Traffic By Writing Articles

Grow Your Internet Business And Increase Web Site Traffic By Writing Articles
By Donovan Baldwin

If you're a writer or have an internet business, I've got good news and better news and best news. If you are or wish to be a writer and have, or wish you had, an internet business, it's all best!

There is a new type of advertising for internet businesses these days and it is very effective. Even better, it is easy, and best, it is free!

Many people roaming the internet MAY be searching for your business, MIGHT find it, and PERHAPS might go through your web site to make a purchase.

However, it's a big internet business ocean, and chances are, you, like me, are a small frog in this big pond.

Don't get me wrong, I make a comfortable income in six figures from my internet business, but I am NOT Ford, Verizon, or even Jimmy Dean Sausage. Those are big players, and you and I cannot effectively compete against them head to head on a daily basis. If I advertise my brand of sausage, and someone searches for sausage, they will probably wind up at Jimmy Dean's web site, and will buy Jimmy Dean's sausage!

If, on the other hand, someone is trying to find information on healthy breakfast foods or foods that can be used in a weight loss program, and I just happen to be able to provide that information, AND I JUST HAPPEN TO HAVE A LINK (NO PUN INTENDED) TO MY BREAKFAST SAUSAGE, I might just have made a sale.

That's where this new type of advertising has come in.

At first, the internet seemed to be a vast market with everybody trying to sell things. Over time, another picture has emerged. People are roaming the internet daily in search of information! He or she who can provide the information is going to rise in the respect of the information seeker, and is going to have the opportunity to introduce his or her product or service to the information seeker. And, as is common on the internet today, the information seeker is usually not looking for an encyclopedic article on all aspects of a topic. They want one or two specific pieces of information or answers to certain questions they may have.

Additionally, search engine businesses have realized this, and many of the most effective search engines are giving higher priority to web sites and pages which provide the informational content their customers are seeking.

This new, free, effective advertising technique I mentioned above is based on this. You provide the information people are seeking in small simple articles, and include information about your product either within the body of the article or in an informational tag of some sort. The search engines are happy to find the information you provide and follow links from the informational site back to your internet business web site, thus increasing your visibility and ability to attract traffic.

So far, so good, but you are still the small internet business in the huge pond full of leviathan internet businesses. What you do is get a lot of other fishes to help spread your message across the internet pond.

There is on the internet a huge array of web sites which specialize in accepting articles from authors who have written these small informational or entertaining articles. Once accepted, these articles are posted on their web sites for their visitors to view. Many of these are high traffic web sites and you have the chance of having your article viewed by many visitors. If the web site where you post your article is visited by a search engine, and many have very high rankings with major search engines, your article will eventually be indexed by the search engine and probably the web site you have linked to as well.

Additionally, and this may be the best part, this site where you have posted your article will be visited by thousands of people looking for content to include on their web sites or in their e-zines. They are not looking for Herman Melville or Alexandre Dumas, they are looking for short informational articles which provide valid information to their web site visitors or readers. If your article fits their needs, some of them will use it, distributing your article...AND LINKS...across the internet ocean.

So how hard is it to write one of these articles?

I just did.

It includes practical information on a subject of interest to a great many people. It is on a subject I know something about, but, even had I only known a little bit, fifteen minutes research on the internet would have provided the information I needed. It took me less than an hour to complete (not counting stopping to play with the cats, Big Foot and Amber, and letting Diamond, the dog, outside). Now, I am going to spend a few minutes at EzineArticles.com, SubmitYourArticle.com, the Warrior Forum, and at one of my own internet business web sites where I post many of my articles, and at my internet business blog where I will also post this article. Within a few days, it will be on a few web sites, following the process I have outlined, and working for me twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year.

Guess I'll go have breakfast now. Love my internet business!

You have a great day.

The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service. He has worked as an accountant, purchasing agent, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, instructor and long-haul, over-the-road truck driver. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He has been an active internet marketer since 2000, and now makes his living online. He has blogs on the subjects of Internet Business and Marketing, Writing and Poetry, and Real Estate Investing.

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Article Writing and Marketing: How to Quickly Bang Out an Article

Article Writing and Marketing: How to Quickly Bang Out an Article
By Jeff Herring

Have you ever needed to bang out an article very quickly? Here are a few tips and tools for getting an article done fast.

If you just need to bang out an article and/or write anarticle very quickly, you can use my 7 tips formula.

It's really quite simple and powerful

One of the nice things about my 7 tips formula is that you can blow through writer's block very quickly.

In your area of expertise, come up with 7 tips on howto do something. You can also narrow the topic evenmore within your area of expertise by picking a more,specific, narrow or niche subject, and creating 7 tips forthat specific area.

Once you have your 7 tips, write a line or two or threeexplaining the first tip. You can use examples, quotes,case studies, etc Then do this same thing for thesecond tip and the third tip, and so on until you have done all seven.

There you are - you have just banged out an article, quickly and effectively.

Can't think of 7 tips? OK, that happens to all of us from time to time. Start with 5, or 3, or however few you can come up with.

Then let it grow from there.

Visit http://www.TheInternetArticleGuy.com for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscribe to our monthly Article Writing & Marketing Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to check out my Article Templates for 20 article writing templates.

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10 Things that Keep You from Writing Your Book... and What You Can do About It

10 Things that Keep You from Writing Your Book... and What You Can do About It
By Denise Wakeman

9 out of 10 professionals and small business owners have at least one book or information product inside their head, but lack the time and organizational skills to get it out into digital or print form.

You may cringe when you read this list of ten things keeping you from writing your book, because it rings too close to home for you. You may have already written a book or an e-book, or have come close to starting it. Its hard, we know it, and weve been there too. But go ahead and read this list, see if you can identify, and lets discuss a possible solution to the book writing problem.

1. I cant seem to find the time.

2. Every time I sit down to write I go blank.

3. I need an uninterrupted time period to immerse myself.

4. I need clarity on my message, but theres no one to consult with.

5. I dont know where to start or how to organize all the chapters.

6. Im afraid of losing clients and having my business suffer if I take time away from it to write my book.

7. I agonize over the writing, the grammar, the sentence structure and punctuation.

8. I know what I have to say, just cant put it into written form without losing clarity and impact.

9. I keep thinking about all the time involved in writing the book, and wonder if it will ever bring me the results I want.

10. Once I get it written, I have no idea how to get it formatted, let alone marketed.

Ok, you know why you haven't started writing your book. Do you know why you need to write a book?

Why You Need to Publish a Book

Here are a few reasons why writing and publishing a book is important to you as an independent professional, small business owner, or solo-preneur:

1. Having a book, whether in digital, soft-cover, or hard-cover establishes you as an expert in your field.

2. People buy from people they know and trust; reading your book is one step in creating client confidence and relationship.

3. Once people buy and read your book, they will want more of what you have to offer in the way of services and knowledge. Your book can attract readers into your sphere of potential clients; once they have bought your book, they are ready to buy other services from you.

4. Having a published book is a great marketing tool, and people will actually pay for your expertise.

5. Books are one of the major sources of passive income for professionals; once it is published it can continue to generate sales for you, over the years and while you sleep.

6. If you dont get a book out soon, your competitors will have the edge, because many of them already have one and even two books out.

7. If you are a speaker, they make great bonus gifts and back-of-the-room sales.

8. They provide a platform for you to expose your readers to your mind and your heart, showing not only what you know, but how much you care. You can reveal your deepest philosophies through your writing, as well as your personal stories.

Three Solutions to the Book-Writing Problem

Of course, there is no problem if youve got a lot of money. You just hire a book writer. There are many of them listed at Elance.com. Some professionals do this, especially when they need to get something published fast and there are not a lot of complex issues to put forth. But is this really what you want to do as a professional who has an important message to convey?

Here is a list of solutions:

1. Hire someone to write your book for you (you can always rewrite it in your own voice and add your own stories). When finished, hire a publisher and then a publicist to market it.

2. Hire a writing coach who will walk you through the steps, chapter by chapter (again, for a substantial fee). Then when finished, hire a publisher and a publicist.

3. Bite the bullet, put your business on hold for a few months, and devote your time to just getting it written. You will have to turn it over to a book designer and get it formatted; search for the right publisher such as self-publishing or print-on-demand services, and then market it yourself.

Expensive? Yes, all three solutions are expensive. They each have their advantages and disadvantages.

The Fourth Solution

There is another solution! What if there was a way to help you get your book down in print and ready for formatting in 90 days?

What if you could do this by following a system that organized you chapter by chapter, included testimonials, input from peers, professional editing resources, design and formatting resources at low costs, and only took a half-hour of time per day?

Could you afford to invest that much time and energy out of your busy day? Would it be worth it to you even if it meant an hour a day for 90 days?

If you already have a blog that you use to communicate with readers online, you can use your blog to write your book.

The blog format is perfect for organizing your ideas, chapters and getting feedback from readers.

If you dont have a blog yet, you may wish to create one. They are simple to set up and use (we recommend Typepad.com). It can be used to stay in touch with clients and to write your thoughts in an informal way. A blog is like having a conversation with people interested in your subject or expertise. Once your book is finished and formatted, you can then use your blog to market it. You already have a built in audience, hungry for your content.

To read more about how this system works and how you can benefit, go to this site: http://www.blogtobook.com the way you think about writing your book will shift and you'll see it in a whole new light!

Denise Wakeman of Next Level Partnership, and Patsi Krakoff of Customized Newsletter Services, have teamed up to create blogging and marketing services for independent professionals. Their latest program is the Blog to Book Project: How to Use a Blog to Create a Book in 90 Days or Less at http://www.blogtobook.com. You can read and subscribe to their blogs at http://www.buildabetterblog.com

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Free Creative Writing Examples #21 Read Swashbuckling Book

Free Creative Writing Examples #21 Read Swashbuckling Book
By Kat Jaske

. . . Because we were willing to experiment and change our treatments. We rarely amputated, and we listened to advice from all sides, even from Asians. Nor did we ever drink before we went to work. You know what? Laurel glanced at the musketeer and he told her he didn't know what. I've come to the conclusion that bloodletting often kills a man, and that more often than not, amputations that are done to try to save a man's life actually kill him. Of course Laurel well understood what could drive a doctor to drink. Those things she had seen in her not too distant youth had caused her none too few a nightmare.

What other strange notions have you come across in your travels, lad? Porthos said as he joined them.

Oui, I admit my father and I are very eccentric, but what we did saved men's lives, she defended, taking offense at the suggestion in Porthos' tone that she was most definitely not what she should be. We learned to use strong alcohol to wash out wounds and to pour that same alcohol on every instrument that we used during surgery. We took to frequently washing our hands and faces with soap and water between patients. Oh don't look so scandalized. She frowned at the two men. It worked, and it was this knowledge I used to save Athos. If you'll notice, he has recovered very quickly and with very few complications. None that I can think of, to be precise.

I suppose you also advocate full-body bathing as often as possible, Porthos commented, his tone clearly derogatory. Madame was very easy to provoke.

As a matter of fact, I do. I believe in full-body bathing with soap and water at least once or twice a week when possible. Sometimes more frequently.

Wherever did you pick up such a strange notion? Don't you know that bathing causes sickness and chills, drains life away? Porthos informed her, deliberately baiting her further.

Well, I'll have you know that I've been bathing in this manner all my life, and I am rarely ever sick. And the Asians have been doing so for centuries, and they live significantly longer than most Europeans. Barring war, that is.

Where did you become such an expert on Asians? Athos changed the subject before Laurel took it into her head to go after Porthos and do him some mischief.

Before I was born my father used to frequently travel to the Indies and was an active participant in the spice trade. He made a fortune in it because he adapted to the Asians' way of life. He followed many of their practices and won their respect. Eventually, he hired a half dozen Asians to come back to France with him and serve in his household. So I grew up with an Asian nursemaid and other Asian servants. I cannot think that the Asian traditions I have followed would hurt anyone, she concluded. She was beginning to suspect Porthos might have been baiting her. Would fit perfectly well with the big man's personality.

No wonder you're such a queer little thing, Porthos interjected, and Laurel looked as if she'd like to shove his words back down his throat no matter how much bigger he was. All thoughts he might have been baiting her fled from Laurel's mind.

I'm not little, you hulking elephant. And call me queer if you must, monsieur, she threw back at him, deliberately slighting his rank as much as possible. Of course, I think that men are afraid of change, afraid of a woman or anyone for that matter who is proud to be independent and not ashamed of who and what she is. She spat out the last words with all the hurt anger that was pent up inside her being.

Christophe, Athos tried to break through her tirade, but she was determined not to stop. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around to face him. Christophe! Christophe! he cried, shaking her until she shut up. You are creating a scene and could well blow what is left of our cover with this tirade. I suggest you finish it in private. Each word became softer so that only she could hear it.

The young woman took several deep breaths and stood up straight, trying to regain her composure. Very quietly, with fiery intensity, she told Porthos, I am who I am. I will make no apologies for that. I'm an eccentric, just like my father, and I'm very proud of that. I've got every reason for my pride, just like you, or Athos, or Aramis, or D'Artagnan take great pride in the unique people you are. She choked on a word before going on. But I suppose that makes me a freak who cannot fit into society anywhere, beyond the pale and not a true lady or woman. At least you have somewhere where you belong, monsieur. I don't even have that. So at least allow me my pride in myself, my accomplishments, and my heritage, she finished and rushed from the room to the streets and lost herself in the crowd. At least she had gotten the last word.

D'Artagnan joined his two companions after almost being bowled over by Laurel as she stormed out of the room. What happened with Christophe?

Christophe lost his temper again, Athos finally answered, his eyes looking for Laurel's form. Her temper might well end up getting her killed just as his own temper had nearly killed him about eleven years earlier, before he had learned to better control it. That and her penchant for trying to help through direct challenge when other methods other than frontal assault might well have worked better.

Let me know when Christophe gets back. I want to talk to him immediately, Athos told his companions and then made his way to his room, flinching as he jarred his still tender shoulder.

Kat Jaske is an English and French teacher in Las Vegas, where her high school selected her award-winning, swashbuckling novel, For Honor, as the featured book for the 2006 Reading Incentive Program. This is an excellent example of creative fiction writing. You can get free downloads or order the book from web site http://www.forhonor.com

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188 Step Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Screenwriting Story Structure Secrets

188 Step Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Screenwriting, Story Structure Secrets
By Kal Bishop

FORWARD

The 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979).

THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY

THE 188 STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).

d) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:

(simply go to http://www.heros-journey.info/ for full details)

*****Conscious Agreement*****

The Hero consciously agrees to Journey and Transform, post the Unbearable Antagonism. Methods include:

Explicit Statement. An Explicit Statement or Declaration of Intent is heard. In The Matrix (1999), Neo has a choice between the blue and red pill. In Star Wars (1977), Luke explicitly states that he wants to join Obi Wan and become a Jedi Knight like his father.

Implicit Statement. Even if the Hero is unwilling, the Explicit Statement may be implicit in the Hero's action. In Gladiator (2000), Maximus' family has been brutally murdered. He will seek revenge.

*****Devolved State*****

This is a total expression of the Hero's Ordinary World and Ordinary Self. It is a benchmark. In Tsotsi (2005), Tsotsi is part of a criminal gang, which is something he will leave behind by the end of the story. In Get Carter (1971- the superior version with Michael Caine), we discover in the first scene that Jack Carter's Outer Challenge is to discover who killed his brother, his Inner Challenge is to escape from his criminal associates / past and his Romantic Challenge is to wrestle Britt Ekland away from the mob boss.

*****Push into the Middle Cave*****

Pushes and Pulls are an underrated aspect of storytelling. Pushes and Pulls force the Hero et al from one stage of the Journey to the next.

A push or pull of some sort will drive the Hero inward, from the Outer Cave into the Middle part of the Cave. There will be resistance or obstacles to the Middle Cave (resistance to change is natural). In An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), the recruits have to do push-ups.

*****Antiheroes in the Final Conflict - Devolution*****

Heroes evolve and Antiheroes devolve. During the Final Conflict, devolution is expressed in a number of ways. For example, In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), the papers say that Clyde left his brother. This is not how he wants to be remembered.

Learn more

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

The Complete 188 stage Heros Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.monomyth.info/

188 stages of the Hero's Journey can also be reached from http://www.story-structure.org/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

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Freelance Copywriter Secrets: Make More Sales Writing Cliffhanger Copy

Freelance Copywriter Secrets: Make More Sales Writing Cliffhanger Copy
By Charles Brown

Freelance copywriter, writing web content, copywriting tips

Some things in business are counter-intuitive. One example is the long sales letter. After decades of research, the results are in, longer sales letters sell better than short sales letters.

We all naturally think brevity is the best way to go, but the numbers dont lie.

The reason is that if someone is interested in your offer, they naturally want to read more. Questions form in their minds and they want answers to those questions. So as long as your long copy prompts those questions in their minds and promises to deliver answers to them, your chances to sell to those individuals goes up.

Of course this assumes your long copy is well-written.

Go back to what I just said earlier. As long as your long copy 1) prompts the reader to ask questions, and 2) promises to answer those questions, you will sell.

I did NOT say to answer those questions right away. Curiosity is one way to keep your reader in an excited state long enough for you to give your entire sales message.

One effective way I have seen is for copywriters to put phrases like, Find out how you can , on the next page. Or, Learn how to keep this from happening to you on the next page.

These sales letters refuse to let go of the readers interest and actually read like a cliffhanger.

I like to use a technique I call The Cart Before The Horse Technique. All I have to do is mention a string of benefits or warnings, and promise to reveal the answer shortly.

Heres an example: Did you know that there is one food item that can help you lose about a pound or more a week if you eat one with every meal? Did you know this food item also tastes delicious, makes a perfect snack and has so many nutritional benefits that it can add years to your life? What is this wonderful food? It is .the apple.

Bet you didnt know all that about the apple, did you? And I bet you werent about to stop reading until you found out what food I was talking about.

Write longer sales letters. Excite your readers curiosity and promise to answer their questions shortly. Do all that and you will see your sales climb through the roof.

freelance copywriter, writing web content, copywriting tips

COPYRIGHT(C)2006, Charles Brown. All rights reserved.

Download your free copy of 99 Ideas For Writing Irresistible Web Content, written by Charles Brown, a Dallas, Texas based freelance copywriter who writes web copy, advertisements, white papers and direct mail. Subscribe to his Freelance Copywriter Secrets at http://dynamiccopywriting.blogspot.com or contact him at 817.715.3852 or **charbrow@gmail.com**.

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Ghostwriting: NonFiction Books

Ghostwriting: Non-Fiction Books
By Laura College

One of the most effective ways to advance your career is to write a book. Just look at all of the politicians, C-Level executives, marketing managers, psychologists and economists who have published books and experienced success. Writing a book establishes you as an expert in your industry, which is why so many people are writing books these days. But do you have the time, ability and knowledge to actually sit down and write a book?

If not, a ghostwriter could be the answer to your prayers. A ghostwriter is someone who writes your book for a flat fee, after which you can publish the manuscript under your own byline. You own all the rights to the manuscript, and the ghostwriter works strictly behind the scenes.

Here are a few things that a ghostwritten non-fiction book can do for your career:

Authority Once youve written a book, you will gain authority over the subject matter. It will definitely give you a leg-up over the competition when it comes to the expert status in your industry.

Public Speaking Very few people are asked to speak in public unless they have written a book. Thats simply the facts. When youve had a ghostwriter pen your book, youll be asked to speak at conferences, seminars and lectures.

Job Opportunities Imagine how much better your resume will look once you have Author as one of the categories! It shows that you are knowledgable and experienced, and might put you ahead of the competition.

Raises Your current employer will be impressed with your accomplishment, and it might be just the bargaining chip you need. Your expertise will be suddenly indespensable to your employer.

Dont let your fear of the writing stop you from achieving your dreams. Hiring a ghostwriter to write your non-fiction book can set you on the path to success much faster than almost any other activity. Although it does involve an investment usually of at least $12,000 you can earn ten times that amount in an advance from a publisher, and the fame will be invaluable.

Laura J. College is a professional ghostwriter with more than ten years' experience writing fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. Her work can be found all over the Internet, and she is currently accepting ghostwriting clients. Check out her website at http://www.laurajcollege.com.

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Writing Your Book Fast 7 Simple Secrets

Writing Your Book Fast, 7 Simple Secrets
By Bob Burnham

Most people assume that it will take years to complete a book. Of course, assuming this is true, it means that the majority of aspiring authors just dont have the time or motivation to complete a book.

However it doesnt have to take years. In fact, it shouldnt. You should be able to write a book in less than two months.

Here are 7 Secrets for writing your book in record time:

1.Establish a writing plan.
Your writing plan is an organized structure for your book. How long is it going to be? What are the titles for the chapters? What points do you want to discuss in each chapter and if youre writing fiction, then what is the plot. If you dont have a well defined plan for your book, it is significantly more difficult to see it through and to get it done fast. I discuss exactly how to craft an effective writing plan in my book, 101 Reasons You Must Write A Book How To Make A 6 Figure Income Writing & Publishing Your Own Book

2.Save research for the end.
One of the most time consuming aspects of many books is the research. Authors spend days, months, and even years compiling their research before they sit down to actually write. Dont do this! Save your research until the end. As you write, make notes on where you need specific facts or information. Finish your manuscript first. Then conduct the necessary research. This eliminates any time wasted researching material that you dont need for your book.

3.Dont edit as you write.
Hours of time each day can be saved if you dont self edit as you write. Save the editing for the second draft. Your first priority is to complete your books first draft in as little time as possible. Dont correct your spelling, dont correct your grammar, and dont even correct incomplete or inaccurate thoughts or statements. This can all wait for the second draft.

4.Set aside time every day to write.
This is important, even if you can only set aside ten minutes a day to write, you must write every day. The consistent progress and commitment to completing your book will have your book done in no time.

5.Dont try to make it perfect.
Quite often, authors let themselves get stuck in the quest for literary perfection. It doesnt exist so dont let yourself fall into the trap. If you do, youll simply lose time trying to find that perfect word or perfect description.

6.Plan your attack.
You know how long your book is going to be and youve established a book plan so how quickly do you want your book to be completed? If youre planning on a 200 page book and you can commit to 10 pages a day then youll be done in 20 days. Of course you have to stick to your plan to make it happen!

7.Write when you are most productive.
Not a morning person? Then dont decide to write in the morning. Makes sense but youd be surprised how often people will try to get up early to write. It is very important to write during your most productive time of the day but also the time of the day when youre most likely to follow through on your plan.

Writing and publishing your own book will create miracles in your life and it is a lot easier than most people realize.

Bob Burnham
Entrepreneur, Consultant and Author of 101 Reasons Why You Must Write A Book

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Copywriting: Drafting Rules for Professionals

Copywriting: Drafting Rules for Professionals
By Dina Giolitto

As a professional contractor who wears many hats, you owe it to yourself and your clients to be as organized as possible. In a previous article, I discussed the importance of delivering an organized draft that your co-creators can easily work from. Following are some suggestions for freelance copywriters who wish to streamline their copy submission process and ensure a crisp, clean draft every time.

General Copy Drafting Rules

1. Do not deviate from the standard fonts, Arial or Times New Roman, 10 or 12 point.

2. Submit all copy with ONE SPACE after a period, NOT TWO.

3. Save all copy drafts as a Word document.

4. Make sure that SMART QUOTES and all autoformatting is shut off before typing your copy into a fresh Word document. That means NO auto indents, NO auto bullets, NO fraction symbols, etc.

5. Use BOLD, ITALIC or UNDERLINE where necessary. You may also html tag these as so < b > bold < /b > if the client has requested it.

6. Every draft should be spellchecked by computer and by eyeball.

Setting Up Your Copy Draft

Develop a Standard Copy Draft Template. Use this template to set up each initial copy draft you create. Be sure to include the following:

A Header that lists:

1. The client's name or company name
2. The author (your name)
3. Today's date
4. Project description
5. Draft Number

A Footer that includes the page number.

(To add page numbers, go the top menu and click INSERT and then PAGE NUMBERS.)

When creating a new document, follow the drafting process as outlined below.

1. Open up the Copy Draft Template on your desktop
2. Immediately do a Save-As and rename the document as follows:

XXXdescripdraftX

In this naming conventention, the three Xs represent the first three letters of the client's company name. The label descrip should be replaced by a qualifier. DraftX will be the draft number.

Sample filename for Rocky's Hot Wings menu copy, draft number two:

ROCmenudraft2

In creating additional revised drafts of this copy, use an identical file naming format, replacing only the X value at the end of the filename.

Note: If for some reason you don't have access to your Standard Copy Draft Template, you can create your own document from scratch provided the following is included:

Before you being typing, prep your document by doing the following:

1. Turn off the SMART QUOTES feature.

The reason for this is because HTML and PDFs do not interpret curly quotes and curly single quotes or apostrophes correctly. This will CORRUPT your text with weird-looking symbols throughout.

Despite what your college professor may have told you, MAKE SURE YOU USE STRAIGHT QUOTES () AND FOOT MARKS(') in all of your copy drafts for any client jobs.

2. Turn off all AUTO FORMATTING.

Auto formatting is of absolutely no use to someone who plans to format text into their own style sheets or graphic design. It is more trouble than it's worth so DO NOT hand in formatted text of any kind.

Do not tab, bullet, auto-number, auto-correct, auto-cap, make fractions out of or otherwise format your text.

Label Your Sections

While not every project will require you to divide it into sections, items such as e-book copy, catalog copy and web copy will. If you're working on something that will be presented visually in pieces, label each section of your copy with an appropriate descriptor. Use a BOLD font or some other qualifier to indicate section descriptions.

Note: your section descriptors should not be confused with your headlines. Do something different to the section descriptors and apply that treatment uniformly throughout the piece. For example, if your headlines are bolded already, you may want to ALL-CAP your section headers to eliminate confusion.

For example, if you're writing web copy, you might title your descriptors as so:

HOME PAGE
ABOUT US PAGE
PRODUCTS PAGE
SERVICES PAGE
CONTACT PAGE

You can also label your headlines and subheadlines so that whoever is picking up your copy can be sure of how to lay it all out. For example:

TIPS PAGE

Headline: Web Copywriting Basics
Subhead: Master the Tricks the Pros Use

Formatting Lists

Some projects such as taglines, banner ad ideas and headline brainstorms will require that you submit them in list format.

Type your lists at 12 point and don't skip a line between each listing. The customer will likely be paying by the page, so he'll want his money's worth of creative input.

Editing An Existing Draft

You may be required to edit a draft occasionally that someone else will make changes to. If this is the case, use the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word. As you edit, your suggested revisions will show up in the document as crossouts, replaced text and word additions in a different color than the original text.

You may also be required to make the final revisions on a document that has already been edited with the Track Changes feature. If this is the case, open the document on your desktop, do a Save As, and rename the document to the next consecutive draft number.

You will have to go up to the Track Changes menu again and uncheck the boxes so that you'll be able to make your revisions without crossouts and colored edits showing up.

After you've shut off this feature, implement the requested changes as per normal draft creation. Don't forget to SAVE every few minutes!

Preparing a Document for Email Transmission

Note: Before you send your copy draft document, be sure that it's saved as a Word document on your desktop and not in your Temp folder. If you leave it in the Temp folder and then make draft revisions, you can count on losing track of where those revisions are later. They may even be deleted accidentally!

After saving your document to the desktop, attach it to an email message with appropriate intro text.

Your email subjectline should be titled to reflect the client name, project description and draft number.

Sample Email Subjectline:

Rocky's Hot Wings Menu Copy Draft 1

When you make future revisions and subsequent drafts of this client's copy, retain the identical email subjectline and delete the RE: from the subjectline, as this will mess up the sorting of your emails in your inbox as well as tick off the person who is on the receiving end of the work.

Your next draft of this same file should be named:

Rocky's Hot Wings Menu Copy Draft 2

At some point you may want to ask questions, qualify what you wrote, make a suggestion or otherwise comment along with copy you submit. The ideal place to do this is in the email itself, as a brief memo. Be sure to include your contact information such as email address and phone number at the bottom of the email for quick reference.

Storing Your Files

For your own peace of mind, it's wise to store existing drafts in their own properly labeled folders on your Desktop or wherever you prefer to keep your work files. You never know when a client will want to go back to square one and if you know where square one is located you can save yourself a lot of anguish.

If you have any questions about setting up, submitting or sending copy drafts, please contact Dina Giolitto, Copywriting Consultant, at http://Wordfeeder.com.

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

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10 Simple Steps for Writing Better Articles

10 Simple Steps for Writing Better Articles
By Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D.

Yesterday while I was writing about a secret writing tip that has made my writing easier and faster (Make a List), I ended up with a list of 10 steps I go through each time I write an article.

That's how powerful the Make a List technique is for writing. You can actually create additional articles while writing the first one.

So, here's my new list of 10 simple steps for writing better articles:

1. Figure out the keywords you need to use in your next article.
2. Write a draft headline or general subject title (you will revise the title later).
3. Make a list.
4. Write one or two sentences about each point on the list.
5. Write an introduction that tells people why this is important to them.
6. Create a dynamic headline. (Use a headline/copywriter's manual if you need help)
7. Write the conclusion. (Don't forget a call to action.)
8. Include links in your resource box or author's information paragraph
9. Submit to EzineArticles.com and other article directories.
10. Repurpose the article for your ezine, blogs, and other uses (use it as a special report subscribers can download when they sign up for your ezine.)

The Eleventh Step

There really should be an eleventh step here: What other lists did you see while writing the first article? Is there another article you could develop based on the first article? There usually is.

For example, I just created another article while writing this one: how to create dynamic headlines. Step #6 is worthy of expanding into its own article.

See how this works? Just walkin' my talk...

For more leading edge ezine tips go to http://www.coachezines.com. You can also subscribe to Newsletter Nuggets at http://www.newsletternuggets.com. To learn more about using ezines and other tools like blogs, go to http://www.blogsquad.biz. Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D. is writer and Internet Marketing expert with over 7 years experience marketing online.

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Writing Articles That Capture The Reader's Attention

Writing Articles That Capture The Reader's Attention
By Rahn Naro

Extra, Extra, Read All About It

Sex Sells... Writing Articles That Capture The Readers Attention, Imagination and Interest.

Okay Ill admit it, this article has nothing to do with sex, but everything to do with being sexy, or to put it in context, to write a sexy article.

What?

Hey, dont get your dander up, this isnt a how to on writing for Penthouse or Playboy, it is about borrowing a wee bit of their philosophy and writing something with sex appeal. Let me go on record as saying, Im not promoting pornography, Im a down-to-earth sort of guy and while I believe in freedom of choice, that IS NOT my choice. But I do believe in enticement or to put it another way, the art of persuasion.

There are sexy women, sexy men, there are also sexy cars, boats, airplanes, shoes, clothes and the list goes on. What we want to do is write a sexy article, it has to have power, persuasion and content, but it can also have sex appeal.

One of the best headlines Ive ever read was written by a now famous Internet Marketing Expert that read

Sex Sites Are Not The Only Ones That Can Pull In $5000 A Week Using The Power of Instant Access

The article had nothing to do with sex, but it was certainly a sexy headline, it had the allure of money and since we live in a cash society, money is an important factor in our lives, in a word, its sexy.

Interesting can also be sexy and it is VERY important that anything you write be interesting. Actually the list continues, interesting, informative and unique.

Lets face it, there are thousands of writers and thousands of articles covering pretty much every phase of internet marketing, or life, all you have to do is look. Thats not meant to dampen your spirts, rather give you a bit of perspective.

Hey, the worlds greatest book, The Bible says, ...there is no new thing under the sun.

Thats not said to ain on your parade or stop you from writing, but when you write, write with passion, write from your own unique perspective. Write not only with your head, but your heart as well. Write with honesty and unless youre doing an editorial, write without bias.

Okay, since this is a text article, and no pictures are allowed (least thats what they told me) then Ill have to resort to an example.

Which of the following two paragraphs would be most likely to engage a readers attention, one or two?

A local firehouse unveiled their new engine Thursday and the event was well attended by the local community and press. A spokeman for the Fire Department said the new engine would allow quicker responses and safety in the surrounding area. Rides were scheduled for local school children, many of which enjoyed the experience thoroughly.

Sunlight gleamed and children beamed as local firehouse 492 unveiled the latest addition to their fire-fighting arsenal, a state-of-the-art shiny red firetruck. While wide eyed children anxiously awaited their rides, a spokeman detailed the safety benefits and heightened response time the engine allowed.

Did you guess #1? God, I hope not, that means I spent all this time for nothing. Number two seeks to engage the reader while still describing the same scene and information. And that is the key, ENGAGE the reader, make them want to turn the page or read the next sentence or paragraph.

With a little bit of practice (and a handy spell checker) most anyone can do it.

All of us have stared at a blank sheet or paper or a glaring monitor silently screaming input, input, when that happens, take a break, a brainstorming break.

People want to know what you know. Especially if youre an expert. Not an expert? Then become one by reading, researching and studying the subject that interests you. If it interests you, youll learn, if you learn, then eventually (maybe an hour, maybe a month) youll be able to write with authority about that subject. To sum it up, write about what you know, How To Do Something Better, Easier, Faster has and always will be an ideal subject.

The example concerning the fire truck was a narrative, thats not always necessary, but a point by point list of specifics is. What do you know about that fire truck if you were writing the article.

Its new (fewer chances for failure)

Its modern (taking advantage of latest innovations)

It provides quicker response time (less chance of fires becoming out of hand)

It allows more safety in the community. (peace of mind for the residents)

And so on until youve told your readers what they need to hear and understand.

The One, Two Punch - Set Em Up -Take Em Down.

Present a credible point of view, then show how that cant possibly be correct based on current market studies, technology, innovations or whatever your point is. For instance, Can The Fire Department Actually Prevent The Spread Of Wild Fires? While extolling the virtues of the fire department, the new engine, etc., youd point out the fact that safety begins at home and only education and safety can actually prevent fires.

Prove it.

Dont just tell them why you think something is true, show them. Find real life examples of how fires have been started by the careless campers, and while numbers (statistics) can be used, keep them to a minimum, your article (unless it actually is) isnt a year end corporate earning report, it's geared toward educating people. Remember that and use the case studies as a springboard to explain your (the correct) point of view.

Quotes.

Whenever possible, weave a quotation from someone of authority into your article. In our example about the new fire engine, you would have quoted the Fire Chief as he explained the benefits and safety of the new engine. Prepare your questions ahead of time. You can still be spontaneous, but have a plan in mind then deviate when and if necessary.

What Does The Future Hold?

What are other cities and communities doing in this same area. Till next time netpreneur(s), remember

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to fear that you will make one.

Rahn is an accomplished authors, director and world traveler. During those travels, hoping from one flight to another, bivouacking under spartan conditions, he honed his ability to write and weave a carefully crafted tale. Rahn recently completed Mind Mastery (a CD that teaches how to access the hidden reaches of the mind and unlock its potential). You can read more of his writing at Find-Read-Discover.com. One of Rahn's books Unleash The Power Of Your Subconscious is available as a free download (sample chapters) at Unleash The Power Of your Subconscious.

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Hero's Journey Monomyth (188 Stages) Screenwriting Tools Value of Structure

Hero's Journey, Monomyth (188 Stages) Screenwriting Tools, Value of Structure
By Kal Bishop

FORWARD

The 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979).

THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY

THE 188 STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).

d) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:

(simply go to http://www.heros-journey.info/ for full details)

*****First Threshold Trial*****

Past the Fish out of Water stage, the Hero always undergoes a Trial in the Outer Cave of the First Threshold, In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Clyde gets the groceries at gunpoint.

*****Hero Guardian*****

The Herald and Hero meeting is never quite as easy as it could be. There is always a block of some sort. Often Guardians block the Heralds from meeting the Hero. But obstacles can be expressed in many ways. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), the boys resist going into Joe's camper.

Learn more

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

The Complete 188 stage Heros Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.monomyth.info/

188 stages of the Hero's Journey can also be reached from http://www.story-structure.org/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

**********************************

Kal Bishop, MBA

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Writing Your Dream Book

Writing Your Dream Book
By Vivian Case

Do you dream of your name in lights? As the author of a fantastic novel? You read the bestsellers thinking, I could of written this! Or maybe you can spot all the errors the author made and know you could write something so much better. But then you sit down to put your great idea to paper (or screen as it may be), and boom. Nothing comes out except a few jumbled run on sentences describing...nill.

Don't be discouraged - but do be practical, for writing, like any truly worthwhile creative process is difficult. Just as the artist must first learn to train their mind to see creatively in order to draw, the writer must learn the rhythm of how to write.

Sometimes the only thing a prospective writer needs is a bit of encouragement - maybe in the form of the right motivational book, or the encouragement of a trusted friend or teacher. But maybe that motivation isn't forthcoming - how do you keep going? The sad truth is most would-be authors give up well before the first chapter.

So you say you don't want to be a statistic. You really are determined, comitted to being successful. Well I will tell you the formula for success, step-by-step. We will break each step down so you understand it's importance. Here we go.

First of all, lower your standards. Yup, that's right - you heard me - let that perfect, gleaming idea of perfection fly out the window. Your goal is to be sub-standard. Now before you trash this article, listen to the logic of this crazy scheme. After you've done your outline, plotted a few characters, and of course found your best idea, just write. Don't review and edit as you do so. Write fabulous run on sentences, terrific misspellings and other grammatical errors, and horrifying plot inconsistincies. Why? Because this is your rough draft, and darn it - it should be rough! Every terrific author out there will quietly admit how very much their first rough draft resembled absolute crap. And you can too. Then - when the horrific thing is in place - go back and rewrite that monster until it really is shiny and beautiful.

Reward Yourself. Set up a system and chart your progress. For every goal you reach reward yourself - a new book, ice-cream, a massage, taking a long bath - whatever motivates you to keep writing. This is a really important step - don't overlook rewarding yourself!

Set a goal and stick to it. 45,000 words? Terrific. 10,000? Great. Whatever your goal, break it up into smaller weekly goals or even daily ones. And again, keep track of your progress.

When your goal is reached, it's time to edit that dream novel into something readable. Join a writer's workshop. If there aren't any in your area, you can join an online one. Or set up a blog. The key is to create a support community as you go through the ups and downs of the editing process. Give yourself a time limit to finish editing your book. Some need a month, others need a few years, some take much longer. A year is a pretty good time frame.

When you have your novel polished to perfection, it's time to get it published. Here is where your support group is really necessary. Don't overlook self-publishing, but be careful to choose a reliable publisher.

Once your novel is published, don't go on permanent vacation! Set up a website, blog with your readers, go to book signings - and of course: Start the next one!

About Me: I'm a mid-twenties gal living in the Rocky Mountains. Obviously I love writing stuff, and have several blogs scattered around the 'net as well as my writing site, http://www.novelwriterworld.com . My hobbies include gardening, weblogging (or blogging for short), shopping and writing sci-fi and fantasy.

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Huh? Writing Articles That Communicate

Huh? Writing Articles That Communicate
By Lynn Kinnaman

People arent reading as much these days. Maybe its because there are so many words, yet so few that say anything.

Writing is not about perfect grammar. But just as a poorly built boat wont keep you afloat, writing that has numerous misspellings and awkward sentence structure will fail to communicate.

Its not hard to write an effective article, but it does take a little effort on your part.

First, abandon the classroom mentality. An article is not a book report, neither is it a thesis. Think of it as a letter to a friend. Conversational, informative, friendly, upbeat.

The average adult reads at a fifth grade level. Simple words, clear concepts and logical presentation will help you make your point. Of course, to accomplish this, you first need to know what you want to say in your article.

Having a defined goal helps you to focus, and keeps you on target. This is especially important if you are writing a short article, although longer pieces benefit from it, too.

Once you have your purpose, you will naturally be thinking of the components of the piece. Imagine you are on the bottom rung of a ladder, and each step is a point you wish to make on your way to the conclusion. You dont climb a ladder two steps up, one down, skip one, three up. You progress logically, each step leading to the next.

An outline can help you plan the process. It doesnt have to be formal to be useful. The goal here is to include everything thats important and do so in a logical fashion.

To make your writing stronger, avoid passive sentences and extra words. For example, compare the following:

The winner should be the man who is the best.

May the best man win.

Again, in school you aimed for volume, padding your writing in order to meet the word count or page criteria. You spent years perfecting poor writing skills. Now you need to unlearn them and build your sentences like arrows; strong, swift and accurate.

Dont be intimidated by punctuation. Its important, but you are not being graded on it. Spelling and grammar deserve more attention, because if you ignore them, you can quickly lose a portion of your audience.

The conclusion should echo the beginning. If you set out to prove a statement, the conclusion should summarize what you proved. If you began with a visual description or motif, the ending needs to acknowledge it.

If youve planned this correctly, you arent putting the final touches on ten minutes before the mail goes out (ah, you were the one typing the term paper the night before it was due, werent you?)

The ideal situation is to be able to set the article aside for 24 hours or more, then pick it up and read through it with fresh eyes. Youll find a few things to revise that you missed previously.

Okay, youre done.

Not so fast, Shakespeare.

The final step is to read your article out loud. Not to another person. A dog or cat will do fine. In a pinch, a sofa or table works. Youre really reading for your own ears. Youll discover, as you read, where the structure is awkward, or the sentence lacks impact. Or where you have put repeat words. Read mindfully and youll improve your work.

Its great! Now you can show it to your friends and family, or send it off to that professional publication or newsletter. You have an article you will be proud to see in print, and, more importantly, a piece that is worth reading.

(If you are ready to publish your writings, consider ebooks. Theyre an affordable way to publish! Find out more at http://www.winningmediapublishers.com)

Lynn Kinnaman has written and published non-fiction books, travel guides, as well as numerousmagazine and newspaper articles. She has taught classes on writing, preparing effective resumes and job-hunting techniques. Lynn has been an editor, business owner, marketing manager and advertising executive for companies both large and small. She has designed advertising and marketing campaigns, incorporating print, radio, TV and Internet marketing with successful results.

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