Saturday, May 26, 2012

Writing Online Content


It is imperative content writers learn to write quick and snappy paragraphs.  Most readers today are scanners.  The quicker they can absorb information, the quicker they can move on.

For this reason, many conventional writing rules are broken.  Today's writing requires more paragraph breaks so that paragraphs are short and easily readable.  No long explanations are needed.  Getting to the point quickly is key.

ONLINE CONTENT WRITING TIPS

The most popular ways to write successful content include:

  1. Short snappy sentences.
  2. Numbered lists.
  3. Bolded headings.
  4. Modern terminology.
  5. Editing out unnecessary wording and explanations.
Adding a closing statement is still suggested.  End your article with a sentence or two that ties it all in together.  This way your reader isn't left hanging.  When you write your next piece of web content, see if you've included most these tips.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Where to Get Your Web Content

One of the places I sell articles, website blurbs, blog content, etc. is through Constant-Content.com.
 
Finding Constant-Content was really a miracle in the making for a writer like me.  It was even an answer to prayer!  One day I did some Google searching for places to sell articles.  I'd been registered with Elance as a writer for some time by then, but wasn't getting work.  During my search, I discovered a few places other places to try and one was Constant-Content.

I tried writing for Constant-Content and had three articles accepted right away.  They have a tough editing process where every article submitted is carefully scrutinized, so you can imagine how I felt getting those three articles pushed through so quickly.  I then sold my first article within the same month of starting to write and submit to them.  How energizing!

Who buys articles, blurbs and blog content from writers?  There are millions of people who need articles for their websites or online magazines.  They may want articles related to what services they offer or sell, fillers, or fresh content to keep their site optimized.

Writing articles is time consuming and it often makes sense for website owners to purchase the rights to use pre-written articles as they wish.    Some of these buyers spell out the details of what they need.  Others scroll through the extensive collection already written and still available.

Articles generally sell between $20 and $60.



  


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Create Dynamic Tension in Your Writing


New Tips for Writers:

Every good fiction book needs to include pain and conflict followed by detailed attempts at pain resolution, if the story is to be more than grandma's garden variety brand of story telling.

If your story is to captivate an audience willing enough pay money to buy it, you will need to create something that catches the reader's attention. 

Once you have an idea of the pain or list of pains your character or characters either have or will endure, the story can then become the unfolding account of attempts at resolving the pain resolution.  In fiction, the pain and conflict can be outrageous and fantastic; after all, fiction stories do their best when they transport the reader into a new world.

WRITING IN PAIN AND CONFLICT FOR NON-FICTION BOOKS

Non-fiction books and articles can follow a similar format in order to pack an impactful punch.  A non-fiction book or article can talk to a need (pain), but the pain will be more common to the intended reader (how can you sell books or articles if there aren’t enough readers with a similar problem, right?).  The problem or pain will be one the reader wants an answer for and to which he is willing to fork over cash in order to solve.

Once the pain is identified in the non-fiction book, the writer can proceed with telling the stories of typical conflicts a person may experience while trying to resolve his/her pain.  To pack a wallop, the non-fiction book needs to have at least one but hopefully more good takeaways, otherwise the reader may feel the book was a waste of money and give it a bad review or rating, or non at all.


To write with this dynamic tension concept in mind, include these guidelines:


·              In fiction, focus on what the character in the story wants

·              In non-fiction, focus on what the reader wants or for a memoir type story, the pain of the author

·              Address self-created obstacles and questionings

·              Address obstacles or aids created by the immediate circle of relationships and environment

·              Outline obstacles thrown in by the outside world that the character may have little control over

·              Have your character lose some battles and win others—and in non-fiction, have your reader consider a number of problem-solving options

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Writing Tip - Outlining Your Manuscript After It's Written, to Improve Flow


When a writer is compelled to write, she/he will sit down and spew creatively and freely, not worried about sentence structure, punctuation, wordiness and so on.  (Unfortunately, blogging isn't so forgiving and needs editing right away if you are to appear knowledgeable on any level).  

Once a writer has 300 pages or so of wonderful creativity, the problem then becomes how they edit it to ensure it flows and makes sense since no one can read 300 pages in one sitting? Learning to use the Table of Contents feature in MSWord is very helpful for this. I speak here of non-fiction, though fiction would be able to use this as well.  

USING THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE

Here is how to set up a Table of Contents (TOC).  In my version of Word, I go to Insert, then Reference, Index and Tables, and choose Table of Contents (TOC).

Choose to Show 4-5 levels and choose Show Outlining Toolbar.

Then go to your document and highlight your titles assigning levels.  For instance, Level One might be Part One, or Chapter 1.  After highlighting the title, go to the outlining toolbar and choose Level 1.

Proceed with each sub-title, assigning levels. 

To use a table of contents for editing purposes, I recommend allowing hyperlinks – which means when you Control-click on a heading in your TOC it will take you to that section.

When using this as an unofficial table of contents for editing purposes, you can even add levels that simply explain what the page or chapter is about. 

When you’ve gone through the entire manuscript, then go back to Insert, Reference, TOC and choose Modify.  It will put your TOC all together for you. 

When editing your manuscript, the TOC will help you see the existing order and help you identify if there is flow, identify changes and jump to sections easily.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Unpaid Work of a Writer



It is hard to make an income doing freelance writing.  A lot of work is done on spec.


On another note, with all the new dictionaries springing up I found this one which I can see meets a niche of its own.  Should be very useful: http://www.investorwords.com

Friday, April 6, 2012

To Write Well You Must READ

To develop as a writer:

Read.  When you read, watch what other publishers have done with punctuation.  There are so many rules around, but today, many are changing the rules.  Many are leaving commas out, for instance.

Read to develop your style.  Read to develop your vocabulary.  The Urban Dictionary may be a valuable resource to use.  Don't depend on Microsoft Word's grammar checker.  It is often incorrect and often isn't up-to-date with new words.

Read to stay current so you can write current.

Read online articles, magazine articles, books, blogs.

Practice writing summaries of what you've read.  Learn the art of highlighting and re-writing--putting things into your words.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Writing You, Your, They, Their - What's Best?

When you're writing articles for web content use, it is suggested you don't write in first person.  That means no "I" stories.  Of course, if your blog is personal in nature you may.

Another tip is to use "we" loosely.  Apparently, once you personalize your piece, you turn a few readers away. 

Generalizing for a wide audience is best. 

Using "you" is good.

It is also best if you don't use the term "one", such as in this sentence:
  • When going to the hair stylist, one might decide to bring his own shampoo.

There are ways to work around that.  Use the word "person" or "people", for instance:
  • When going to the hair stylist a person may want to bring his own shampoo.
  • When going to the hair stylist people may choose to bring their own shampoo.

Change the sentence around even more:
  • You may want to bring your own shampoo when you go to the hair stylist.
  • When you go to the hair stylist, you may want to bring your own shampoo.
  • Clients may want to bring their own shampoo when they go to their hair stylist.
Using He or She

Now, the problem with the sentence above that used "person" also required the term "his" or "her".  (If you say a person, it is never "their".)

You can, however, use "their" or "they" in a similar way as "you", if used correctly.  Example:  Whenever you visit the veterinarian, always thank him; he studied hard to get where he is.  OR  When you visit veterinarians, always thank them; they studied hard to get where they are.













Friday, February 17, 2012

Virtual Editing and Proofreading

Virtual editing and proofreading is something a good writer can get into as a sideline.  If you're good at proofreading (that is pointing out sentence structure errors, punctuation problems and mis-use of words), you could start an online business.

Ask your clients to send you their document in MSWord as an email attachment.  Then use the "track changes" feature in MSWord to make changes.  Return both a marked-up copy to show the suggested changes, and a final copy by return email.  Rarely is a hard copy needed.

Ask for payment by cash, cheque, or PayPal.  If you can live on a trust system, you can send them their document or part of prior to payment being mailed or delivered.  People will want to have their work in hand before they release money. 




Sunday, November 6, 2011

Let it Simmer

Sometimes when we begin selling our writing we think we've conquered it and can write fast and put it out there just as quickly.  Also, knowing how long it takes to research, write and edit makes it tempting to try and do quick jobs in order to increase our dollars per hour earnings. 

Yes, writing and editing can be time consuming.  If you are writing on consignment, with no promise of pay, it can be challenging to earn a living.

Still, it is really best to let your piece simmer at least over night, if not over a few days, before publishing it or sending it to your client.  Usually, when re-reading your work with fresh eyes you will see glaring errors and discover changes to make that would make it read better. 

Why waste rejection when you could wait a day or two and send in a stellar piece?