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Writing Etc. – June 15, 2006
ISSN: 1545-5580
Tips, Techniques, and Resources to Transform You From An Average Freelancer to A Highly Paid Professional.
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Notes from Minnesota
How to Syndicate Your Writing by Beth Ann Erickson
Paying Markets
You Speak Out: Submit Your Questions!
~~~~~Highly Recommended~~~~~~~~~~
While many freelance writers struggle to earn a decent wage, Bob Bly has proven again and again, year after year, that it’s not only possible to earn far more, it’s possible to transform words into a $100,000 per year freelancing business.
And he shares all his secrets within these pages. Secrets like:
- The hidden market most freelancers overlook that can boost your income to unbelievable levels
- The “quiet” magazine market that’s easy to break into and often pays very well
- How to ask for (and get) the fees you deserve
- How to use Bob’s “positioning” techniques to set you apart from your competition
- How to write a “bullet proof” book proposal
- 22 rules for successful self promotion
- Insider secrets to effectively use the Internet to reach your income goals
- How to do more... in less time
Bly goes on to list resources... books, websites, organizations and magazines... that are designed to help you succeed as a freelance writer.
Bob Bly’s Guide to Freelance Writing Success is an indispensable resource for the serious freelancer. Bly’s track record is impeccable. And now he’s spilling his secrets.
Buy your copy today: http://filbertpublishing.com/bob.htm
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Greetings from Minnesota!
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Writers are truly the nicest, most compassionate, and fantastic artisans on the planet.
A huge “thanks” goes out to each and every one of you who sent their condolences on the death of my little Rat Terrier Wonder Dog.
I miss that little stinker like nobody’s business.
But life moves on.
I’m hard at work, pouring all my energy into my first love: writing.
In fact, I’ve got a super surprise for you this coming week. Keep an eye out for a very special issue of Writing Etc. early next week.
In the mean time, please know how much I appreciated every kind word you sent. I’m sure Lucy, the Rat Terrier Wonder Dog, felt your love as well.
To your success always,
Beth
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~~~~~~~~~~~~ Feature Article ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How To Syndicate Your Writing
By Beth Ann Erickson
Your Q&A:
Your latest issue suggested Promotional Trick #5: writing and syndicating a local column. For the past two years, I have been writing a twice-weekly outdoor adventure column for a regional newspaper. Now, how do I go about syndicating it?
Answer:
Writing a regular column that appears in a local, a regional, or even a national publication will build your credibility. Credibility as a writer will open more doors than you can possibly imagine.
With your name appearing in front of your target audience on a regular basis, you gradually become the expert that they’ll call when they need something written for them.
Make sure you include a strong byline at the end of every column you write. Make sure that your reader clearly knows what you write, and that you’re available to write on a freelance basis.
Submit your columns faithfully for a while, then start working to get them syndicated. Once your work is appearing in a number of publications, your column income will rise PLUS, you’ll have more potential clients contacting you.
OK. So how do you get the ball rolling on syndication?
You can self-syndicate by pitching your column to individual publications. You can find appropriate publications by researching your library’s copy of Gale Directory of Publications. If an editor accepts your pitch you simply submit your columns following their guidelines, bill the publication, and then collect your fees.
Not hard, really. But if you syndicate to a number of publications, you can fast find yourself in the middle of a bookkeeping nightmare.
Your other option is to pitch your column idea to a syndicate. King Features, News America, and Tribune Media Services will act as your broker, pitching your column to several newspapers at once. You can find more syndicates to pitch your idea to at WritersMarket.com and the Annual Directory of Syndicated Services in the July issue of Editor and Publisher Magazine.
A note on syndication: competition is utterly fierce. It’s in your best interest to do whatever you can to build a readership, some notoriety, a large clip file, and a slew of upcoming columns before you approach a syndicate.
As with all areas of writing, it’s wise to start small. That way you can work your way through the growing pains and enjoy your success.
Next Time: RSS or “Real Simple Syndication.”
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Beth Ann Erickson is the “Queen Bee” of Filbert Publishing. She’s also the author of soon-defunct Jumpstart Your Writing Career (http://filbertpublishing.com/jumpstart.htm ) and the upcoming 101 No Cost and Low Cost Techniques To Promote Your Writing Biz. Keep your eye out for it in 2006. She’s also a busy copywriter, speaker, and publisher of Writing Etc., the free e-mag for writers.
P.S. You can use this article free of charge on your own website or zine. Just don’t make any changes and be sure to include the entire byline. Enjoy!
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Paying Markets – check ‘em out!
The verdict’s in! By overwhelming majority, the Paying Markets section stays a vital part of Writing Etc. Thanks for your input!
Fuse
http://www.fusemagazine.org/write.html
Metropolis
http://www.metropolismag.com/html/about/submit.html
Relix
http://www.relix.com/coguide.phtml
Somerset Studio
http://www.somersetstudio.com/html/you_can_be_published.html
Campus Life
http://www.christianitytoday.com/teens/features/guidelines.html
Guidepost Sweet 16
http://www.guidepostssweet16mag.com/guidelines.html
Star IQ
http://www.stariq.com/Pagetemplate/T1-Secured.asp?pageid=141
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You Speak Out: Q&A
Hope you enjoyed our Q&A session!
Got a question you’d like answered? Send it here: http://www.filbertpublishing.com/tinc?key=TTjJjZfx&formname=question
We answer each and every freelance question in the order they come in. You’ll get your answer in an upcoming issue of Writing Etc.
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We Recommend:
Writing For Dollars! The FREE ezine for writers featuring tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. Receive the FREE ebook, 83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to subscribe@writingfordollars.com -*- http://www.WritingForDollars.com
WRITERS FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has a NEW fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing markets from North America, Europe, Australia and other places. It's free, so come and try it out here: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
Are your book sales in a slump? http://BethAnnErickson.com
E-Mag And Web Site Owners! Did you know that Filbert Publishing has an entire cache of articles you can use FREE. Just click the “Freebie” link to your left.
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Writing Etc.
Box 326
Kandiyohi, MN 56251
Maurice and Beth Erickson, Publishers
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© 2006 Filbert Publishing
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