7 Tips For Writing Effective White Papers

By Eve B. Rose

White papers are an excellent way to showcase your company's abilities and to prove to prospective clients that you can solve their problems. These documents - first used by governments to argue for policy decisions - are natural vehicles for businesses who want to foster trust and introduce themselves to prospective clients.

Why? Because a white paper is not an overt sales tool. It seeks to educate and persuade. By making a case for a company's strategies, it supports and validates them. An effective white paper can help a company establish itself as a "thought leader."

The development of a white paper is a demanding and time-consuming process. Specialized knowledge and writing ability are essential. For these reasons, many of my financial services clients - pressed for time and short of internal resources - are asking me for help.

Here are seven guidelines to bear in mind when formulating a white paper:

1. Know the audience. Who is going to read your white paper? What are their key concerns? White papers should help people make decisions, so it is critical to know as much as you can about your audience so you can focus on what's most meaningful to them.

2. Do the research. Preparation is essential to effective white-paper writing. Conduct detailed interviews with the experts and read everything you can on the topic, including technical data.

3. Keep it short. An effective white paper can be as short as four or five pages, but it should never exceed 12 pages. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wear out your welcome with your target audience.

4. Identify problems, offer solutions. Your white paper should lay out the problem faced by your target audience and demonstrate how you can help with it. That means you must take a position, argue for it, and present compelling evidence that you can do what you say you can.

5. Focus on the benefits. Your readers don't care how great your firm is or how smart your people are. They want to know how you can help them solve problems or address challenges. Make sure your readers see how they will benefit from working with you.

6. Provide an executive summary. Put an abstract at the beginning of your white paper. Your readers may not have the time to read the entire document and will appreciate having you hit the high points in an executive summary.

7. Be realistic about the time commitment. Build time into your schedule for fact-finding and research, as well as interviews with subject-matter experts. Remember, the white paper will have to make a case for your strategies or solutions, so it pays to invest time in good writing.

Use white papers to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and expertise. In the process, you can win new business and strengthen your existing relationships. Take advantage of the opportunity to leverage this powerful marketing tool.

© Eve B. Rose, ABC, CIMA®

Eve B. Rose, ABC, CIMA® is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience in marketing and organizational communications. In addition to marketing brochures and other collateral, she writes white papers, shareholder report commentaries, newsletter and magazine articles, and management communications - among other things. To learn more about Eve and her services, visit www.everose.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eve_B._Rose

21 Tips For Email Etiquette

By Craig Strachan

Email has become a primary communications medium for many of us. It is (generally) reliable, allows for mass communication, and it lets you respond in your own time.

However, many of these messages are poorly composed, difficult to read, and unclear as to the purpose. Of course, this makes it very difficult to manage the volume of email.

So, here is my list of 21 tips for email etiquette. By following them you should make both your life and the recipient's life easier, and make the volume of email a little easier to manage.

1. Be concise and to the point.

Do not make an e-mail longer than it needs to be. Remember that reading an e-mail is harder than reading printed communications and a long e-mail can be very discouraging to read.

2. Be clear as to the purpose of the email

Make sure that all recipients know exactly why they are receiving the message. Is it for their info, are they expected to respond, if so by when etc. It is very annoying to receive an email when you are unsure what you are supposed to about it.

3. If you are expected to respond to an email, please do

It is very annoying sending a message to people that need to respond, and none of them do. You don't know if they received the message, or if they have received it, and have just not got around to replying. If you are asked to respond, please do so, even if it is just a "I am too busy to get you the info now - will do later...", or a "got it!" response. At least the sender then knows that you have received it.

4. Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions.

An email reply should answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions - if you do not answer all the questions in the original email, you may well receive further e-mails regarding the unanswered questions, which will not only waste your and the other person's time, but it will cause considerable frustration.

Moreover, if you are able to pre-empt relevant questions, your will save considerable time for you and the recipient.

Imagine for instance that a customer sends you an email asking which credit cards you accept. Instead of just listing the credit card types, you can guess that their next question will be about how they can order, so you also include some order information and a URL to your order page.

5. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation.

Improper spelling, grammar and punctuation give a bad impression, and does not convey the message properly. E-mails with no full stops or commas are difficult to read and can sometimes even change the meaning of the text. Use the built-in spell checker in your email program.

6. Make it personal.

Not only should the e-mail be personally addressed, it should also include personal content.

7. Use proper structure & layout.

Since reading from a screen is more difficult than reading from paper, the structure and lay out is very important for e-mail messages. Use short paragraphs and blank lines between each paragraph. When making points, number them or mark each point as separate to keep the overview.

8. Do not write in CAPITALS.

IF YOU WRITE IN CAPITALS IT SEEMS AS IF YOU ARE SHOUTING. This can be highly annoying and might trigger an unwanted response in the form of a flame mail. Therefore, try not to send any email text in capitals.

9. Read the email before you send it.

A lot of people don't bother to read an email before they send it out, as can be seen from the many spelling and grammar mistakes contained in emails. Apart from this, reading your email through the eyes of the recipient will help you send a more effective message and avoid misunderstandings and inappropriate comments.

10. Use a meaningful subject.

Use a subject that is meaningful to the recipient as well as yourself. For instance, when you send an email to a company requesting information about a product, it is better to mention the actual name of the product, e.g. 'Product A information' than to just say 'product information' or the company's name in the subject.

11. Do not attach unnecessary (or large) files.

By sending large attachments you can annoy people and can even bring down their e-mail system. Wherever possible try to compress attachments and only send attachments when they are productive. Moreover, you need to have a good virus scanner in place since people will not be very happy if you send them documents full of viruses!

If you really do need to send a large attachment, check beforehand if that will be ok.

12. Never have more than a few people in the to: field

When sending an email mailing, some people place all the email addresses in the To: field. There are two drawbacks to this practice: (1) many mail services block these messages as spam, and (2) you are publicizing someone else's email address without their permission. One way to get round this is to place all addresses in the Bcc: field.

13. Do not overuse Reply to All.

Only use Reply to All if you really need your message to be seen by each person who received the original message. Rather use the Reply button.

14. Do not copy a message or attachment without permission.

Do not copy a message or attachment belonging to another user without permission of the originator. If you do not ask permission first, you might be infringing on copyright laws.

15. Do not use email to discuss confidential information.

Sending an email is like sending a postcard. If you don't want your email to be displayed on a bulletin board, don't send it. Moreover, never make any libelous, sexist or racially discriminating comments in emails, even if they are meant to be a joke.

16. Don't open an attachment unless you know it and the sender.

Ever!

17. Don't forward virus hoaxes and chain letters.

Do not forward chain letters. We can safely say that all of them are hoaxes. Just delete the letters as soon as you receive them.

If you receive an email message warning you of a new unstoppable virus that will immediately delete everything from your computer, this is most probably a hoax. By forwarding hoaxes you use valuable bandwidth and sometimes virus hoaxes contain viruses themselves, by attaching a so-called file that will stop the dangerous virus.

The same goes for chain letters that promise incredible riches or ask your help for a charitable cause. Even if the content seems to be bona fide, the senders are usually not. Since it is impossible to find out whether a chain letter is real or not, the best place for it is the recycle bin. If you are unsure - check the subject line on Google.

18. Don't reply to spam.

By replying to spam or by unsubscribing, you are confirming that your email address is 'live'. Confirming this will only generate even more spam. Therefore, just hit the delete button or use email software to remove spam automatically.

19. Sometimes a phone call is better.

If you have many points or a very complex point to discuss, it may be quicker to simply pick up the phone and speak to the person. One phone call is sometimes as effective as 20 email messages bouncing between two people. This is particularly relevant when you may be discussing a sensitive topic.

20. Pause before sending a sensitive or aggressive email

Sometimes you receive an email that makes you angry, and the instinct is to react in an angry manner. When this happens, rather wait a few minutes before replying to the email, go and have a cup of coffee or something before sending the message. Often once you have calmed down, you may feel very differently about the response. If you are still angry, it may be better to respond via telephone as per the above point.

21. Keep the subject relevant

When two people have replied to a single email message many times, sometimes the original subject is completely different to the new subject. Keep the subject relevant, and remember to remove unnecessary clutter at the bottom of the message. It is never read, and just makes the message longer.

Source:
http://www.emailreplies.com/
http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/65mailet.htm

About Craig Strachan: I am a keynote & seminar speaker, as well as a communications coach. I have a Distinguished Toastmasters qualification from Toastmasters International, as well as a BSC in Elec.Eng, and a BSC.Hons in Information Systems.
My passion is to help people to become better communicators, in both their personal and professional capacity.

http://blog.cdssolutions.com is my business blog, where I write about different aspects on communication.

To receive insightful articles on communication, public speaking, PowerPoint and leadership skills, subscribe to our newsletter here - http://www.cdssolutions.com/mailinglist/mailinglist.asp

I am available for keynote and seminar presentations.You can contact me at craig@cdssolutions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Strachan

Learn How To Write The Articles That Journalists Really Want...

By Olivia Stefanino

Why do some people make it as writers while others find themselves consigned to obscurity? One of the easiest ways to achieve "expert status" is to appear in print - but first you must follow the five golden rules that guarantee to showcase you as a professional...

The first golden rule is to understand that your story must be newsworthy and not merely a "puff piece". Copy that simply tries to promote an individual or organisation seldom makes it further than the dreaded journalist's spike! What constitutes a story? Anything that is unusual, noteworthy or simply interesting from a "human interest" perspective.

While it's likely that your headline won't actually make it into print (sub-editors need to be seen to do something to earn a crust) do bear in mind that it must grab the News Desk's attention and should preferably give an enticing indication of what the story is about. - The same also applies to your opening paragraph. For example, "Local Reiki practitioner Jane Smith made 20 pensioners jump for joy at the first of three special back pain clinics she ran last week..." packs much more of a punch than "Jane Smith, who is a Reiki practitioner, spoke to pensioners last week at a talk she gave on back pain."

The second golden rule is to use a picture to tell the story, wherever possible. In the example above, 20 pensioners all leaping off the ground while waving their arms in the air would have made a great picture for a local newspaper (remember that for the local media, "faces sell papers") whereas as a boring photograph of people listening to a speaker would probably have been relegated to the bin (unless you're a celebrity).

The third golden rule when writing for the media is to ensure that you answer the key questions of "who, why, what, when, where and how". Your story will always feel more professional if you stick to the facts and leave out the "purple prose". Sprinkling your copy with lots of flowery adjectives guarantees you'll be recognised as an amateur.

The fourth golden rule is - unless you're writing a commissioned feature - is to make the story to the point, punchy and fairly short - say 350 to 500 words. Say what you've got to say and leave it at that. You can get away with doing some articles - but not all - as "tips lists".

The fifth golden rule is to write specifically for your audience. Press stories require that copy is written in the "third person", whereas material written for the web should be friendlier and feel more conversational. For the media, you'd say: "Local acupuncturists are this week lobbying their local MP..." but for the web, you'd write: "As an acupuncturist who works locally, you're invited to make your views known to our local MP".

1 Make sure you have a real story and not just a piece of self-promotion.

2 Wherever possible, provide a picture which sums up the essence of your story.

3 Answer the "who, why, what, when, where and how" questions in your copy.

4 Make the story short (350 - 500 words), punchy and to point, avoiding the use of flowery language.

5 Write in the right tone for your audience - in the "third person" for the media and more conversationally for the web.

Olivia Stefanino is a leadership consultant, speaker and author of the internationally acclaimed management book, "Be Your Own Guru". Interviewed on more than 25 radio stations and featured in "The Guardian", "Natural Health" & "Red", Olivia is a guest columnist for a number of national and international publications. Download your free e-booklet, "128 ways to harness your personal power!" by visiting http://www.beyourownguru.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

5 Proven Tips How To Find Reliable Information On The Web For Essay Research

By Michael Cedna

These days, the research tool of academic research is the Internet. The problem is that it has become too easy for anyone to leave the digital mark - not necessarily a good thing when you are looking for trusted, authoritative information. This little guide will show the strategies to discern good, quality information from filler.

Tip#1: Does the site have extensive advertising? Many people earn their living exclusively by putting up simple pages filled with ads. The point of such sites is for you to click on the advertisements, not to present the information. Although there is some on-topic information on the page, it usually is quite shallow, and servers as a bait for search engines to lure unsuspecting web surfers.

Tip#2: Look at who is linking to the site. "Tell me who your friends are, and I will know who you are". This proverb works on the Web as well. When in doubt of the quality of information on the web site, take a quick look at the incoming links to the site. Sites with authoritative information attract mentions and links from respected magazines, government reports, and academic studies. To see the links going to a particular website go to http://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com and type link:www.sitename.com.

Tip#3: Check web site history via Way Back Machine. Age of the information can give you good cues on the relevance of the information presented. The Way Back machine (www.archive.org) is the only place on the web that has been archiving almost every website since the web’s early days back in ’96. Besides checking the site’s age to determine its quality, you can track how the views on the subject has changed on the particular topic, much like you’d flip through an old newspaper stack.

Tip#4: Use Wikipedia wisely. Chances are, you have used Wikipedia.org before. Its is a wonderful source of all kinds of information and is perhaps the best place to get an overall understanding of the topic. A word of caution: don rely on wikipedia for politically sensitive information. Since anyone can contribute to wikipedia, people and organizations use it to promote their own agenda. Companies and governments have been caught editing out unfavorable information.

Tip#5: Check if the website is listed in the Open Directory Project. Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) is the largest and oldest volunteer-run website directory. Every website listed there is pre-approved by qualified editors. This means that there is little chance that low-quality websites are included. If you are just starting out your research, it is not a bad idea to start from dmoz.org, some of the initial evaluation has already been performed by the directory editors for you!

Michael Cedna is a writer at EssayClip, a service that sells cheap essays for students that needs help.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

9 Keys To Creative Writing

By Tycho Van Z

The most creative authors inspire generations of people and their work lives on for centuries. Now you don't have to sit and wait for that life-changing idea to appear. Here are 9 creative writing tips and hints.

Hint 1: Write Below Your Standards

Only read what you have written, after you're done writing the text. Allow yourself to write way below your standards. If keep holding back and are correcting yourself all the time, you must be also holding back on your most brilliant ideas.

Hint 2: Listen To Your Mother

Eat a balanced diet with lots of healthy foods, make sure you get enough sleep, and exercise. If you're in top condition, your brain functions in optimal condition as well, which means that you're more likely to get brilliant creative ideas.

Hint 3: Handle The Truth

I recommend getting lots of feedback, because if you don't, you probably don't have a single clue how you're doing. In my personal experience, getting feedback often leads me to great new ideas.

Tip 4: Cross the line

Yes, just forget about the laws. Be free. don't try to be politically correct. Go against the thoughts of everyone on purpose. For example, if you write about a con artist, avoid the cliché and portray him as the good guy.

Tip 5: Get Yourself Back To School

If you're looking for brilliant ideas, try some fun writing prompts. They will help you explore other writing genres and lead you to completely new ideas.

Tip 6: Drop your Pen

Sometimes it's best to take a break. The best and most creative writers also do a lot of research before they start writing. Doing research really enhances your creative abilities, as it gives you more pieces to work with.

Tip 7: Laugh

If you're not having fun writing, then your readers probably won't be amused as well when they try to struggle through your writing.

Tip 8: Get A Life

Leading an exciting life with lots of different things happening gives you an never ending amount of topics to write on. It also makes your life more exciting. Try doing some things you normally would never do. Traveling a lot also helps to generate brilliant ideas.

Tip 9: Choose A Boring Subject

Pick the most lame topic you can imagine, a topic you don't have any interest in whatsoever. The challenge is to find out how to make it interesting.

Success with the writing!
http://www.xomba.com/xombyte/creator

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tycho_Van_Z

Quick Writing Tips

By Steven Francesco Simpson

Writing fast is something that is needed by all students across the world. In an examination its often required that you write a small booklet or something like that. Slow writers are often left behind. There are numerous tips and secrets which can transform a normal and slow writer into a really fast writer who finishes the test before the time limit given.

Advice ranges around the grip, mental attitude and time given. The grip needs to be held hard to write fastest. But when holding the grip hard you should not push down on the paper to hard. So you should hit the paper softly and be able to glide the pen around the letters. Also holding the pen not far off the paper when using spaces works well. As you can quickly move to the next word.

Mental attitude is very important when trying to pick up the pace and get a lot faster which will benefit you a lot. The main thing is to try to calm down nerves, by drinking a glass of hot chocolate or taking a few deep breathes or something like that. If your calm, you will write fast and often you may need to rush at the end of your work.

Time given is an important aspect as well. Often if your given twenty minutes to complete a task its not required that you write a lot. So do not try to write a lot if its not required. Often it could be a two page essay in that period of time.

For better writing skills visit http://www.studyadviceforstudents.comhttp://www.studyadviceforstudents.com offers a lot of great tips for students that will help on achieving higher marks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Francesco_Simpson

Looking At Academic Book Publishing Tips

By Francisco Segura

If you are ready for an academic book publishing, you might be nervous, especially if it is your first book publishing. However, when it comes time to publish your book, making sure that you are in the right market and that you have every advantage possible will help you to be less nervous and more confident in your book. One of the things that you can do to have every advantage possible is to look at the academic book publishing tips to make sure that you are going to have the best chance of being heard with your writing.

There are many academic book publishing tips that you might want to think about. First of all, you have to be absolutely sure that your book is exactly what the market is looking for. Be sure that you have gone through your guidelines from the publisher and that you know exactly what you are doing when it comes time to go through your book publishing. You want to be sure that you have followed each of the recommendations to be sure that the book you are turning in is exactly what they need it to be. This is very important because, as you will see, the academic book publishing tips all revolve around making your book as good as possible.

Next, you want to be sure that the academic book publishing tips you are following are actually going to get you the book deal. This means that you want to check with others to see what they have written about the academic book publishing tips and to see if these tips really do get you the book deal. This is also very important because, when you are ready to do your academic book publishing, you want to be sure that you can actually get the book out there in the market. Therefore, the tips that you will get should have been tested and should have been tried and true as well.

Remember that the book publishing tips are going to be your only outlet, so you want to be sure that you are doing them right. The other thing to remember is that you should be focusing on the content of your book and making sure that it is not disputable.

This is often the biggest thing that you want to think about when it comes to your academic book. You absolutely have to have the content for your book is correct, or it will get completely eaten up by the publishers and you will not be able to see the end of it. You must have your content correct, even if it means that you have to double check it and be sure that it is what you are looking for.

This is one of the most important things that you can do when it comes to publishing an academic text. Your content has to be indisputable. If you can do this, you will have a good chance of getting the book actually published.

Francisco Segura owns and operates http://www.bookpublishingfacts.com Book Publishing

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

You Can Be An Author

By Arvinder Singh

You should write a book." For years, I had been hearing this comment. Writing an entire book seemed completely overwhelming, and so, for a long time, I contented myself with writing short articles. One day, inspiration for an article hit me and, as I started writing, paragraphs began flowing out at an enormous rate. Before I knew it, a rather lengthy piece was developing. It was too long to be an article, so, I decided it would not hurt to try self-publishing a little booklet. Was I ever surprised! The first printing of this 32-page black and white booklet sold out within a week.

All of us have an area which we have more knowledge and experience than the person next to us. What many do not realize is that there is often a hungry market out there ready and willing to pay for the information we have to offer. Yes, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to see a book to completion and printing, but it is well worth it.

Some things I have learned through the experience:

1. Start small. Don’t attempt to tackle a 400-page work for your first publication. You will also save yourself a bundle on printing if you keep it small. I recommend a booklet under 50-pages to launch your career as an author.

2. Enlist the help of others who are more experienced. If you know someone who has published anything, ask their advice and help. You will gain invaluable information from them and save yourself many headaches. In addition, request assistance from others for editing and proofreading. No matter how meticulous you are, it is always good to have other eyes review the final draft before it goes to the printer.

3. Be prepared to deal with disappointment. When you put your heart into something only to hear, "We're not interested," it is easy to take it personally. But, you must continually remind yourself that this is part of the package deal in self-publishing. For every "yes" you receive at least five "no's" (or so it seems). Learning to humbly and graciously accept rejection, not let it get you down, and keep pressing forward is an absolute must in self-publishing, especially at the beginning.

4. The more you market, the more you sell. You can publish an excellent book, but unless people know it is available, you cannot expect many buyers. The possibilities for marketing are endless. Check out all the books on marketing your local library offers. These will give you some great starter ideas. Send out an e-mail to friends, family, and business associates announcing your book’s publication date and offer a limited-time pre-publication special. Join self-publishing groups and let them know about your book. Ask others to promote your book. Be pro-active and do not be afraid to try novel ideas!

For More Free Resources visit http://www.onlinepublishingsite.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

How to Pitch a Story

By Elizabeth Kirwin

How to Pitch a Story

Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a story is worthy by “pitching a story?” I have. I’m a baseball enthusiast, and it makes a lot of sense to me. When the editor is at bat with you, he or she has a few swings to make before making a connection – through the story idea (ball) that could end up being a base hit or a home run. Naturally, everyone wants to hit a home run when they go to bat with an editor. Sometimes publicists and writers do have to walk to first base for the story assignment. Here are some helpful tips on how to pitch a story to an editor – and how to at least hit a single, double, or triple – if not a home run on occasion.

Use an Editor’s Time Productively

Time spent on the telephone with an editor is more like a gift from God. If you want to be successful at purveying a story idea, it’s best to have the information you want to convey rehearsed, or in note written form prior to your call. Try not to spend more than 10 or 15 minutes speaking about your story idea. Always ask the editor, “Is this a good time for you?” before beginning your pitch. Another great way to reach an editor is by a well-written e-mail pitch. In either case focus the presentation or conversation on your story idea(s). If the editor is interested, he or she may ask more questions. If not, the editor should tell you.

Facts, Sources, Images

The editor needs to be interested in the theme of your story. A quick 2-3 sentence synopsis should offer an original focus or angle on a topic related to the publication. For example, if I wanted to pitch to Ms. magazine, I’d want to have a feminist event, profile, or feature idea that would be appropriate. Identify potential research sources for your story, or elaborate upon contacts with experts in the area, to let the editor know you are capable of tackling the subject. This expansion on your topic is key to keeping the editor’s interest. Many magazine and newspaper editors will also ask you up front about the availability of photographs to go with the story. Be prepared answer this question with some viable suggestions for photos and a creative approach. By now you’ve sold the story idea. So, don’t forget to ask about the availability of a staff photographer from the publication to assist with photos.

Where do I Find Stories to Pitch?

Whether you are working for yourself or an organization or company, you have your comfort zones. These are vendors you are doing business with, your immediate environment, and social functions that seem aligned with your work. Go outside of your usual boundaries, experiment in other social venues, and talk to people as often as possible. I look for story ideas when I’m on assignment with a story. Because I write daily, I know that one story will inevitably lead to another. I also pick up story ideas in the bar, at the university where I work as a teacher, from other clients, from students, local activists, or during outdoor group activities such as hiking and camping. I listen closely to what people say, and I carry around my favorite pocketbook sized bungee notebook to record my thoughts and story ideas. When I have an editor on the telephone, or am lucky enough to meet one in person, I act like I did when I played ball: I just start pitching.

Tools of the Trade

Once, I had a bead collection I acquired from a friend who was sick of beading. She said to me, “if you just look at the collection long enough, you’ll have ideas.” This is what I did, and this is how I made my necklaces.

For writers, I recommend they look at as many hard copy and on-line publications as possible. Don’t forget to obtain a copy of the current Writers Market. It’s a useful publication for profiling buying publications. I suggest the budding writer look into publications in sync with their personal interests. For example, I enjoy backcountry hiking and camping. I would probably want to contact outdoors magazines to pitch them some stories. I also have an interest in local newspapers, travel, educational, and holistic healing magazines. I’ve pitched to all of these types of publications. When you find a publication you really like, write down the editor’s name, e-mail, phone number and start to pitch. There’s also a great writers’ site called www.writingformoney.com. For $8 per month you can review an interactive on-line listing of publications which are currently buying new work. With these links, you can visit the publications directly, read about them, and e-mail the editor your pitch. The longer you look at these tools of the trade, the more ideas will percolate.

Hit a Home Run

You want to hit a home run with an editor and land a story? Well, try going to bat with two to three story ideas instead of just one. Or the story you’ve developed can be pitched at different angles, which may make it more suitable for your publication of choice. Make sure to view at least several articles from the publication itself before pitching an editor, so you can have an idea of that editor’s taste in material and style. All of these tips should help you land a great story, and even more in the future. As with baseball: practice. With practice, you’ll learn how to pitch like an expert.

About The Author: Elizabeth Kirwin has published work in national magazines and newspapers. She is co-owner of Sidhe Communications http://www.sidhecommunications.com in Asheville NC. She develops web sites, newsletters, brochures, and other marketing materials for companies and health care ogranizations nationally.For more information, e-mail ekirwin@bellsouth.net. ekirwin@bellsouth.net

What Do Directors Look For In A Script?

By Nick Smith

I’m currently directing an independent feature called Captain Felder’s Cannon.

During preproduction, one of the writers asked me whether I wanted all the setups numbered. She wanted to break each scene down into shots, camera angles, to take the movie that she imagined and convey it on the page.

This raises the question: what does a director NEED from a script? How much depth should a screenwriter go into, in terms of adding angles and camera moves?

It’s important for a writer to communicate the way a scene should look and the way the viewers will see the action.

But if that writer expects every image to remain intact, from their mind’s eye to the final product, they’re going to be disappointed. There are too many people involved – designers, cinematographers, moneymen, and even the humble director.

I told the Captain Felder co-writer that I only needed the scenes numbered, with camera angles kept to a minimum.

After all, she was providing a READING SCRIPT – something that the actors could follow as well as the crew – not a SHOOTING SCRIPT, with all the technical directions included.

Unless you’re asked to provide a shooting script, the only reason for you to include camera directions is if you can find no other way of depicting an image.

There’s a scene description in Tom Schulman’s screenplay of Dead Poet’s Society where Keating (the Robin Williams character) gets onto a desk and quotes Walt Whitman.

It’s a rousing scene in the movie; in the screenplay, it’s conveyed with one simple, matter-of-fact line of text.

Schulman knew it wasn’t his job to decide whether the camera should tilt up to Keating, or track or pan. It was his job to write a script in simple language that was entertaining to read.

As a director, I changed the order of the shots and scenes for production purposes.

They’ll be put back in their original order in post production, and I’ll be paying close attention to the original screenplay during the editing process (another good reason to keep the reading script simple).

The script itself is easy to follow, with a strong story and some powerful images; as a basic template for shooting a movie, that’s all I or any other director could possibly need.

About The Author: Nick Smith

Visit Nick's Screenwriting Insider website at http://www.ScreenwritingInsider.com to get your free ebook: "5 Screenwriting Myths Exploded".

Copyright (c) Nick Smith. Reprinting this article is permitted with this footer included.

Why We Don't Write Our Books

By Suzanne Falter-Barns

In the ten years that I’ve taught people how to get on with their books, I’ve noticed a phenomenon that I’ll call “Author’s Block.” Would-be writers can, indeed, sit down and work when pressed to it. The problem is that they’re not so sure they want the pressure of being an author. But they do want to. But they don’t. And so on.

Ah, the agony of getting on with your book.

Well, I’m here to diffuse that situation with a list of what I think are the key reasons we don’t immediately set down to write. Perhaps this will help the next time you find yourself polishing doorknobs instead of sitting down to write.

 We lie to ourselves about why we can’t write the book. We think our stalling is about lack of time, or too much pressure at work, or not enough solitude in the evening. But guess what? Chances are a deeper, darker reason may be at play, like ‘I’m not supposed to be bigger than Mom’ or ‘What if this thing really takes off?’

 We fear the impact our book could have. Sometimes when I coach writers in my self-help author’s crash course, I’ll ask them what’s impeding progress. And after some probing, it will come out that they’re afraid of the big exposure a book can have if it takes off. I’m here to assure you that should that happen, (and chances are your book will not unleash wild mobs of millions) you will be able to handle it. How do I know? On that deep level where psyche meets karma, you won’t create a reader more than you’re ready to receive.

 We think our book doesn’t matter, so why bother? One writer I know put this so succinctly: “I’ve tried getting up at 5AM to write, and staying up late, and leaving my home, but none of it works. I have this tired feeling that none of it’s going to amount to a hill of beans.” In fact, writing and publication can be an entirely self-determined activity these days. If the publishing pundits don’t go for your book, there’s always self-publishing and e-books on your website. In other words, your book does matter, and you really have no excuse. (Acid test: if the book keeps on patiently urging you to sit down and write it for months and even years, chances are you’d better do it.)

 We think we don’t know how to write a book. Guess what? Neither does any other first time writer. And that may be a wonderful thing because you don’t com in with a carload of expectations and demands from your process. You’re just open, like… well, a nice blank book. All you really need is your intuition, and the will to write your book as honestly as you can.

 We have no support. You need someone in your corner, cheering you on, to get through the long and somewhat tiring process of birthing a book. That’s why my Self-Help Author’s Crash Course is not an e-book (believe me, it would be easier!) but a 12-week teleclass series. Because these writers need a place to show up and be accountable for their progress. They need someone to keep saying, ‘Yes, you really can do this.” That’s how tricky and difficult our minds are when it comes to big challenges.

 We’re afraid we’ll run out of material. There isn’t a writer out there who hasn’t had this fear. And I’m here to say that if you just stay loose and open, and willing to receive the ideas, they will show up. All you have to do is commit – really sit down, and begin to bring that book into being – and the work will magically appear. Sometimes it won’t flow that easily, and sometimes it will scare you with it’s speed and power. But it will, indeed, show up.

 We think ‘Who am I to write a book?’ And yet, you are the perfect person to write your book, because you’re the one chosen to receive this material. (You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to believe this.) I personally believe that books are given to us when we’re ready to receive them… and when we do, our lives are changed by that process.

 We fear uncomfortable moments. Ah, but that’s the most exciting thing about writing your book. You will be given challenges and lessons that just seem untenable along the way. And if you’re committed enough, you’ll rise above them and so become stronger in the process. This is especially true for self-help books: we write what we need to learn.

I’m here to urge you to just get on with your book. Not only do you deserve it – so do we.

About The Author: For more information on how you can find the support to turn your book idea into a publisher-ready book proposal, go to http://www.howmuchjoy.com/selfhelpbook.html info@howmuchjoy.com

You Don't Need to be Perfect, But Your Writing Does

By Dana Blozis

How to Proofread, Edit and Fact-Check Your Own Work

Having written since I was a kid, I've met many authors, writers and journalists along the way. While we don't all fit the stereotype of the robed, sleepless, alcoholic writer hunched over a typewriter in the attic, we do have much in common. In addition to being the winners of spelling bees and hoarders of dictionaries and other books, we love words. We love to read them, hear them, speak them and write them. We love them to a fault.

We must have the right words in the right place at the right time. And, perhaps more importantly, they must be written flawlessly. We won't accept typos, spelling errors or grammatical snafus, because mistakes interrupt the flow and the meaning of our words. As a result, we expect perfection and we don't tolerate errors from ourselves or others. This philosophy makes it difficult to be a writer at times, but we can't help ourselves. We are obsessed with perfection.

Living this way can make it difficult to meet deadlines, however, as we await the ideal word, headline or introductory paragraph. Sometimes we must settle for less. Sometimes we even have to settle for pretty good. It's a harsh reality, but at some point, we have to complete our latest assignment or project and turn it in so we can get paid. We have to let go of the perfection we covet, because it isn't going to bless us with its presence today.

Our editors, however, see it differently. They will expect perfection, not because they are masochists but because it makes their jobs easier. If our work is flawless, they have less to do. They can focus on another writer's work or planning their next issue or project. To endear ourselves to them (and to get more work), we must dutifully comply. The issue is trying to balance our desire to be perfect with the reality that we will never be. We can come close though by carefully proofreading, editing and fact-checking our work prior to submission. Here's how.

Proofreading - checking for spelling, punctuation, grammatical and formatting errors - can be a tedious, cumbersome task, particularly when attempting to proof your own work, but it can be done. I usually proofread on my computer screen first, making edits as I go. When done, I print off a hard copy and go through line by line, reading out loud as I go. I find that I notice errors in print that I don't see on screen, and reading out loud helps me to find words that I've missed or used incorrectly (e.g., there instead of their). For really important assignments, I'll ask someone else to proof it as well. In fact, I have an editing buddy with whom I trade proofreading help. I have also tried reviewing the copy backwards and reviewing for a different item during each pass through the text. For example, the first time I read through it, I might focus on spelling, the next time on grammar, etc. Make sure you have your dictionary and grammar guide handy too during this stage.

Editing. In addition to proofreading, I also copyedit my work, meaning I check for misplaced modifiers, review style, check for flow, etc. This process is more intense than proofreading and can take awhile. It is also difficult to do immediately after finishing an assignment, so I will set it aside until morning when I can look at it with "fresh eyes." Often major errors will jump off the page, begging to be corrected. During this phase, you'll need to have your handy stylebook out (AP, APA, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.) to be sure that you've followed the appropriate guidelines for things like capitalization, numbers (figures versus text) and references.

Fact-checking. Many publications, particularly magazines, will fact-check your work. In other words, they'll verify the spelling of proper names, check dates, key facts, website addresses, phone numbers and more. While publications often hire someone to do this task, by doing it yourself first, you can save the publication time and money, again making it easier to work with you. When I fact-check my writing, I first double-check the spelling of all names and places. I look at reference materials (brochures, bios, business cards, etc.) that I've been given, and I search online. If I am unsure, I'll phone the original source to confirm a spelling. I do the same thing with dates. For key facts, I do an Internet search, marking my source to either provide to the fact-checker up front or for my own reference should I be questioned later. This was particularly helpful when I wrote an article about a coal mine explosion in the early 1900s. My editor wanted to confirm that a particular mining town was second in size only to Seattle. Before she was willing to allow me to make that statement, she wanted verification.

In spite of these techniques, we are human and it is still possible that an error will occasionally slip through the cracks. However, if you are diligent in your attempt to submit well-written, well-documented work without obvious errors, your editors and publishers will be more likely to turn to you rather than the other guy - you know who I mean - the writer who thinks he's brilliant but who can't spell his way out of a paper bag. Make sure you are the one they turn to for stellar, (nearly) flawless work.

Happy Writing!

Copyright (c) 2007 Dana Blozis

About The Author: Dana Blozis of Virtually Yourz is a freelance writer, editor and marketing based in the Seattle area. In addition to writing for publication, she writes, edits and markets for small businesses and nonprofits. To learn more about her services, visit http://www.virtuallyyourz.com .

7 Great Writer Tools

By AJ Dowell

The writer's toolbox is a great asset. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that for every type of project, use the correct tool for the job. You wouldn't use a kitchen spatula to lay cement. Below is a simple set of tools that make my writing easier.

1. Post-it notes. I use the free download-able Post-it note software program for the desktop. Instead of having pictures on my computer screen, Notes are a great reminder. And I use the regular Post-it notes too. I have writing notes, book and article ideas, to do list, and more. You can put 6 notes easily on your computer screen. Each time I sit down at the computer, I'm not lost because my notes help guide me. It even helps with writers block. Get guided with Post-it notes.

2. A computer with Internet access. I've read countless books and articles about how authors should use index cards and spread them out across the floor to organize them. This may work for some, but not for me. This is the age of technological breakthroughs. The personal computer is here. A computer with Internet access can find information quickly and easily. The Internet is a super fast library of information. I've found lost friends and old classmates on the computer. I've found publishers and writing assignments. Once you learn to type, it's so much faster than writing notes, manuscripts, or whatever it is you write. And job hunting is super easy on the Internet. Fill out one resume and have it sent to thousands of employers. My favorite part of using the computer is being at the coffee shop or my favorite fishing hole with my laptop, glancing at the pole once in a while, then back on the computer. It's nice and peaceful there. You should try it if you haven't already.

3. Writing software. I use New Novelist software, which is awesome to use, and easy to learn. It has several tools and makes writing easy. Lucinda Hawksley, the great, great, great- granddaughter of Charles Dickens, is the editor of New Novelist, and she's done an amazing job. I also use Movie Magic Screenwriter software. It makes formatting super easy.

4. A stand-alone word processor. Most folks already use Word or Word Perfect. This is almost a must. Many times I use it just to copy and paste into emails or other programs. Some programs don't copy and paste into the web like Word or Word Perfect. For simple letters, and small projects especially, a good word processing program is best, and the program will help you format letters, etc.

5. A quiet place to think. No! Really! I can't write when the television is on or when I constantly hear the phone ring, or traffic, etc. Some writers can hear chaos all around them and write their hearts out. I'm not one of them. Have you heard of the writer that rented the cabin in the middle of nowhere to write a novel? He obviously needed peace and quiet to think through the work. It helps.

6. A comfortable chair. After I started writing more often, my back started giving me problems. I found out that it was sitting in a chair for too long. It is a good idea to get up and move around once in a while. A comfortable chair makes the difference between a productive session, and a painful one. By all means, save your back. Work in comfort. Even when I'm on the riverbanks, I take a very comfortable, collapsible chair. If you don't get enough exercise, a comfortable chair with good lower back support is a must.

7. The Brain. Learn to use it. Train the brain and you will go far. For many years I made the same mistakes over and over again until I learned some control. If you are not any better off now than you was 5 years ago, then you haven't learned to tap into that super organ, the brain. Become an organized, task oriented individual that has conviction. You must have a dream bigger than you are. Something needs to drive you. Without a vision, people perish.

Use all the tools that work best for you to get the job finished. Experiment to see what works best. For some, it's index cards, and for others a computer. Prayer never hurt anything either. Make it 8 tools.

Copyright © 2007 - AJ Dowell

AJ Dowell offers writer resources such as office supplies, novel software, writing classes, web hosting, freelance jobs, and more at http://linksforwriters.com
AJ helps people become independently wealthy with the help of his mentors and website http://www.dowellandassociates.com/

Save time with http://adowell1.ordermygift.com and give the perfect gift every time.

Never confuse motion with action - Ernest Hemingway

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AJ_Dowell

How to Write Your Own Content

By Hans Hasselfors

If you have a small budget or you are very interested in creating your own content you should make yourself familiar with the necessary steps required when writing content for business use.

Create a Draft

When you start writing you should begin with a draft of your information. Regardless of whether you are writing a paragraph or a book you should write down the basic thought or information that you are trying to put across to your audience.

Many times a writer will go back to the draft for reference or as a starting point if the first efforts are not satisfactory. By preparing a draft you will not need to worry about whether you remembered the points that needed to be covered or what the purpose of the writing was.

You may only need a few words or brief sentences for your draft. Writing your thoughts as well as your references or quotes down ahead of time will free your mind to create compelling content without trying to hold all the important details in your head as you work.

If you are writing an article or report you should just write the thoughts down as they come to you for your first draft. You can go back and edit it when you've put everything on paper. If you're writing longer content, such as a book, you need to create a table of contents along with a brief summary of each chapter as a basis for getting started.

Do not be concerned with proofreading or accuracy on your first draft. If you need to do more research or check a fact you can go back and do it later. Getting started can be the hardest part for most writers. Avoid getting caught up in making it perfect the first time and you will find it much easier to progress from beginning to end without too much stress.

Make it Clear

When you've finished your first draft you will need to read it over from start to finish and make notations of areas that need clarification or rewording.

Sometimes the information you write down makes sense to you but is not clear to others. This can easily happen when your writing is based on information you already know but are taking for granted that your audience is also aware of. Even if your readers SHOULD have some knowledge of your topic, if you don't clarify the basis for your comments they may find the information confusing or misleading.

Carefully read over your information or ask for an objective opinion. If you must do the final check for yourself it is easier to catch mistakes if you leave the information for a while and go back to it later for a fresh look. Try to look at it from the perspective of your reader and determine if they would understand the language or explanations easily.

Accuracy and Proofreading

When your writing is finished it is important to check it for accuracy. Are dates, statistics or facts accurate? Are you using proper spelling, especially for names and places?

It is very easy for readers to double check your information when they are browsing the internet. If something strikes them as being 'off' they may actually go see if what you state is referenced somewhere else on the internet.

Proofreading should always be done before publishing your content. Using a spell checking program on your computer will catch most spelling errors but you should try to have a second party review the final copy to catch mistakes that you may have overlooked.

Writing your own content can give you a great sense of accomplishment and ownership. While trying to maintain a professional writing style can be very important, it is also effective to allow your own personality and style to shine through and permits your audience to connect with you.

As interesting as the writing process is, there are some warnings to keep in mind when you choose to write for yourself.

Learn more about the many benefits of using content. Visit at: http://www.SubmitYourNewArticle.com, and download our free report "The Importance of Content" from the members area!

About the Author: This article was published by Hans Hasselfors from http://www.SubmitYourNewArticle.com. Visit our article directory for more articles about writing.

5 Questions To Generate Great Ideas

One of the handiest bits of "equipment" to the idea searcher may be an inquisitive child. The best place for him may prove to be, not the quiet spot on a mountain top he dreams of, away from people, but in a battle of wits with his children. The number of questions a child can ask is astonishing. Why are handkerchiefs square? Why is soap slippery? Why is a clock called a clock?

A list of questions has been devised to keep you moving on a straight track instead of foggily in a circle. These questions will help you quickly analyze an ordinary problem; enable you to see all around it completely, get at its hidden values, give you many fresh ideas, talking points and idea-seeds.

Every newspaper reporter is familiar with the five questions - what, who, when, where, why. These are a good beginning for any analysis of a situation. Using these, you should seek every possible association of your subject - the subjects closely related to it in any practical way.

What?

Begin any search for ideas with a definition. Just what is the problem or the thing? Of what is it composed, and of what other materials might it be made? Thus the use of plastics for metals saves vast quantities of useful natural resources. What is the purpose, and can an additional purpose be found for it, as a truck that moves from town to town and also houses its occupants (the trailer); or a hassock that opens on top and provides space for little oddments inside.

Who?

Who are the people concerned. Every product or idea is good only as far as it is suitable, and available to the people for whom it is intended. You must know the buyer, the audience, the user, the reader, or whatever group you wish to appeal to. You must keep your idea within the range of their capacity to use, enjoy and pay. Think of the people - their needs, tastes, comforts. Think too of the people who will be engaged in producing the product. This often opens up new angles.

When?

When is it used? Can it be used at another time? For instance basic dresses, which may be worn day or evening by a simple change of accessories. Or a canned fruit, which may be preserved in summer for use in winter. Or a book of the month plan which functions recurrently.

Where?

Some ideas can be transplanted from another part of the world. A few years ago someone traveling in Japan found that the natives used only paper handkerchiefs. The practice impressed the traveler for its sanitary, disposable quality, and when he returned, he invented a modern, better way based on this idea, and gave us Kleenex. He also gave us by way of his advertising, countless additional uses for the same product, and was among the first to awaken other people to the value of paper for kitchen and household uses.

Why?

Can you find additional reasons "why" for its use, other virtues or values to exploit in it that make a stronger idea? Some products have such values that are never even realized by users. Thus few people who used a certain well-known soap, knew that there was a reason why there was a little indentation in the top of it. But when the piece was well worn down, you could fit it into this recess of a new cake the two wet pieces merging and thus eliminating waste scraps. Look for these plus values.

How?

Another important question is How. By analyzing all the processes and methods, new ideas and improvements may be discovered. Thus, crinkled hairpins or bobby pins that stay put. Another manufacturer roughened his paper clips, causing them to hold papers together more securely, and made a large fortune on this small improvement. Consider how it was made and whether it can be made a more convenient way, as windows, which may be washed from inside the room.

With these simple questions as your basis, you will be able to generate any number of great ideas. Good luck! About the Author: Discover The Secret Brainstorming Techniques To Solve Problems, Quickly & More Effectively Than Even Before! Click here for FREE online Ebook http://www.brainstormtechnique.org/

Write Your Book to Stand Out In the Crowd and Sell

By earmabrown

Have you felt your message was insignificant in an over crowded market place? A client of mine said, "I'll probably never write a book because there are already too many books on every subject I can think of."

The truth is many successful authors have felt their message insignificant in the LARGE scheme of things. But at some point they had to realize what I'm about to tell you, "With all the great books in the marketplace, there's only one voice that's uniquely yours.

I am convinced there are people waiting for your perspective, your solution, or your message. They're waiting to be inspired, entertained or helped by YOUR book."

The way to make your book stand out in a crowded market is to target a niche market related to your book's topic. Identifying a niche is really hot in the marketing world right now and rightly so.

Simply put, to target a niche market in your book's topic area: Identify a problem/solution and research your competition. Then develop a different approach. With all the books in the world on your topic, it's not enough to know the solution. You must present the solution in a different way than existing books do.

Develop a way of making your book different. You need a different viewpoint, a niche, or a different spin on perhaps the same information. Examine the problem again. Look at the solution your book solves with the goal of coming up with a way to present your knowledge differently than existing books.

Here are seven simple ways to do this:

Market Segment. You can develop a niche by focusing on an occupation, sex, or age group, i.e. Lose 14 Pounds in 2 Weeks: A Guide for Women Above 40, Lose Weight Safely Before, During & After Pregnancy.

Broadening Market. Consider appealing to a broader market: Lose 14 Pounds in 14 Days: A Guide for Working Class Men & Women.

Focus. Attack a big problem by emphasizing a particular tool or technique that you have experience with. For example, show how heart attack survivors can lose 14 pounds in 2 weeks by eating only fish, white meats and walking 10 miles a day.

Program. I love this one. Base your solution on the way you solve a large problem by breaking it into steps, i.e. Write Your Best Book Now: An 7 Step Program for book writing.

Expertise. Base your niche on your market's previous experience with a topic, i.e. The Last Business Book You'll Ever Need!

Goal. Organize your existing information around benefits of achieving the goal: Free Again, Healthy Again!

Affinity. Perhaps you have a relationship with a high visibility organization that has benefited from your ideas; you can reframe your knowledge by leveraging off your association: The Bank of America Financial Program or the Southern Methodist University Weight Loss Program.

You may have noticed in each one of the above examples of the same market, the contents of the book would probably be the same! The books would contain the same basic ideas, suggestions, tips, etc.

For example, all the books about diets would probably stress the importance of eating right, choosing the right foods in right portions and daily exercise. Yet, each book presents a different viewpoint targeting a different market.

So BE BOLD; have no fear about approaching the same subject as existing books. Focus in on your unique ideas and viewpoint. Remember, according to the writer of Ecclesiastes, "There's nothing new under the sun."

Bernice Fitz Gibbon said so eloquently, "Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were only thought up only little more than a century ago." Now go start your successful book journey. Make it different. Make it count. Make it yours.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the AuthorEarma Brown, 12 year author and business owner helps small business owners and writers who want to write their best book now! Send any email to iscribe@writetowin.org for free mini-course "Jumpstart Writing Your Book" or visit her at How to Write a Book for more book writing tips.

Article Tags: write a book, how to write a book

Make Your Book Pay You Back In Book Sales

By earmabrown

There are lots of ways to create revenue from your book including creating an ebook. But everyone has to start somewhere. Use these seven tips to get started making your book pay you back for your investment of time and money:

1. Find a Niche

Look for something about your book that's special or different. You can use that special difference to help promote your book with increased customer awareness and loyalty. People tend to find books, products and services interesting that are unique. They talk about them and tell their friends about them.

2. Prepare to Put In the Time

I dislike being the one to tell you. But you have to put in the time necessary to see the rewards. Despite what many tell you, there really is no instant way to make money with your book. Successful authors know they reap the benefits as a result of constant development, refinement, marketing and hard work.

3. Get Real, Market and Advertise

Whoever told you "Build (publish) it and they will come." lives on the set of "Field of Dreams" starring Kevin Costner. Anyway, know your book customers won't just come to you. You have to go get them. You must use, test online and offline methods to see which works best for you. Then synch them all together to create a successful marketing campaign. To start, make sure all your print materials have your website address on them.

4. Be Yourself!

People will respect your honesty. Your credibility will grow along with your profit line as they see you do what you say. Promise only what you can deliver online and write your content using clear, short, yet friendly language. The better your site visitors can understand what you offer, the more they will pull out their wallet and make a purchase.

5. Make Your Customer Service Sing!

Whatever book you've written it cost you valuable time and money to find new book customers. Don't throw them away with poor online service. If a prospect emails an order or an inquiry, respond as quickly as possible. Courtesy and efficient service wins relationships and maximizes any potential for sales.

6. Provide Premium Content

Invest in your book's website with premium content and update regularly. Set aside some time monthly to update your website. If you don't have the time to update yourself, hire a web service company to do it for you. Contact your choice of webmasters for an affordable web maintenance quote.

A stagnate book web site usually does not produce. Even if you just change a few headlines, testimonials, fresh article or report. Customers who return will want something new to examine. Reward them with premium frequently updated content.

7. Maintain Your Professional Image

Make sure your book's website reflects the same quality and professionalism you have inside your book. Things that detract from your website and book's image are poor graphics, sloppy text, and poorly aligned pages. Be sure to leave white space; don't fill every spot with a message. It will confuse your visitors.
Invest in the construction of your website. It will pay you back with loyal visitors and customers. Build a cheap-looking, unprofessional site and it will reward you with visitors that don't take you seriously.

Are you ready to see a good ROI (Return on Investment) from your book? It's time to make it pay for its keep. Remember to find a niche, put in the time, market and advertise, be yourself, provide premium content and maintain a professional image. Implement the seven tips outlined above consistently and make your book pay!

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the AuthorEarma Brown, 12 year author and business owner helps small business owners and writers who want to write and market their best book now! Visit her at http://www.writetowin.org/ for more free articles and ecourses on writing and marketing your book.

Article Tags: book marketing, how to market your book, sell more books

Is Your Policies and Procedures Writer Qualified? Here are 8 Things to Look For

By mediawyse

Writing policies and procedures is an art and takes skill and a person with a desire to "take charge" and do what's right to write, publish, and implement policies and procedures that are easy to read and apply. Few writers have made the realization that policy and procedure documents are easier to read when they are in an easy-to-read format, with logical sections that contain the "who, what, why, when, and how" of business processes.

Many writers don't have the passion it takes to be a good policy and procedures writers and simply take the easy route. For example, they might throw a few paragraphs together and call it a policy or procedure. Others will accept policy and procedure drafts from employees, glance at the content, publish them and be done with it. This is unacceptable behavior for effective policy and procedure writers.

Effective policy and procedure writers "take charge" and are passionate in their work. They want to do what is right and best for the readers. They know that when the policy or procedure is published that their job is just beginning. They know that they must assure the policies and procedures are being read and applied; they know that they need to be on the look out for improvements and revision opportunities.

There are eight characteristics that can assure success as a policy and procedures writer:

1. Well-rounded education and Minimum of 5 Years of Experience. A college degree in liberal arts or any major that offers a diversity of courses. Several English classes can help. A business degree is useful. A journalism degree is only suitable when it's coupled with a diversity of courses to give the person a well-rounded education.

2. Knowledge of core business processes. Understanding of the core business processes in your company's industry and the know-how and interviewing skills to identify and understand them. Examples of core processes in a manufacturing company include human resources, sales, payroll, assembly, quality control, accounting, engineering, administration, and information technology.

3. Flowcharting skills. Experience in drawing flowcharts based on information collected in interviews. This experience can be learned from programs like MS Visio, a flowcharting program by Microsoft.

4. Team facilitation and meeting skills. Experience in facilitation, team leadership and the deployment of team quality tools.

5. Writing ability. Writing and editing experience is a must. At a minimum, you should be able to write good paragraphs, spell correctly and understand the basic rules of grammar. A writing class can be helpful.

6. Familiarity with forms analysis/design. Nearly every procedure references and/or uses a combination of print, online, or web forms. For this reason, the policy and procedures writer should have basic forms design experience.

7. Strong drive to succeed and results oriented. A key trait for a policy and procedures writer is the drive to do well and to take pride in accomplishments. A "first-rate" policy and procedures writer has a strong drive to do things right.

8. Ability to say "no." The ability to say "no" to anyone including management is difficult for some writers. This is another key trait because the policy and procedures writer should be able to do what is right rather than being directed by someone who may not have all the facts or who may be driven by politics.

Successful (and effective) policy and procedures writers "take charge" and are not in the habit of entering into company politics. These writers take pride in their work and have the company at heart. They have the necessary skills and experience listed above and more. They are constantly striving to become better at their jobs. Make sure to consider the above eight personality characteristics when looking to hire a new policies and procedures writer, your company will thank you.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the AuthorFor the best assistance in writing your own company manuals look no further then provider CompanyManuals.com. Visit them online to browse book selections on how to write company manuals and start writing your own company policies and procedures today with detailed step-by-step directions and sample plans.

Write Your Book Now and Conquer the Giant Called Procrastination

By earmabrown

Write your best book now! Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project, lately? Many writers get hung up with wrong thinking about writing and completing their books.

Knowledge and know-how can be formed into easy steps that will destroy the power of procrastination. Using the amazingly easy steps below writers can conquer the giant procrastination and speedily write their best book now:

1. Maintain your momentum. Unseasoned writers may play the martyr and push through just to put something on paper or give up and try again another day. We would never get it done like that. When you get stuck simply close that chapter; pull out your chapter outline and choose another chapter.

Don't give in to writers block. Move on to work on the chapter you feel passion bubbling for at that moment.

2. Rewrite and Re-organize. Be a professional. Don't be lazy and save all the editing for your editor. Make your manuscript the best it can be. My advice is to avoid re-writing during your first draft.

Concentrate on finishing each chapter then use your tracking time to self-edit: Check your ideas for flow, grammar, spelling, and chapter endings. Work on your chapter titles and lead in introductions.

3. Learn to Delegate. Don't succumb to the idea that you have to do it all yourself if you want it done right. Discern your talents and delegate the rest. Know when to let go of your chapters and book. Don't self-edit and pick your book apart word by word.

Learn to use your skills at the highest level possible. Some of the mechanical tasks of proofreading ask a family member, part-time employee or again a friend to help. Let go faster and profit sooner.

4. Work Efficiently. Embrace technology. If you don't know how something works, find out. Take a class. Read articles. Learn how to use your software to make things easier and faster. At least take the time to learn about the shortcuts in your current software. Welcome to the new millennium! Remember, don't run from technology; make your software work efficiently for you.
5. Print Out and Back Up Daily. Don't believe a computer crash can never happen to you. Save your work somewhere besides your computer hard drive, floppy disk, cd, DVD. Make a hard copy of your manuscript. Print out changes as you work.

Even so, nothing can happen until that first draft is completed. Procrastination is ultimately based on fear of failure. It has stopped countless of book projects and stolen the vision of many more.

Don't allow procrastination to become a giant towering over your book dreams. Go now; sign-up for a free course, pin-point your topic, write your table of contents or simply write your first draft.

Whatever you do, do it now and release your important message to the world. Best wishes for your greatest success yet.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the AuthorEarma Brown, 12 year author and business owner helps small business owners and writers who want to write their best book now! Earma mentors other writers and business professionals through her monthly ezine "iScribe." Send any email to iscribe@bookwritinghelp.com for free mini-course "Jumpstart Writing Your Book" or visit her at http://www.bookwritinghelp.com/

Have You Considered Writing For Pay?

By wahbws

Writing for pay as a way to make money from home may seem like a good idea however there are some considerations to make before jumping headlong into such a venture. While most people know if writing from home for pay is for them, there may be a few points worth considering. Som here are some pointers that may help you decide if writing for pay is for you.

For starters, you need to enjoy writing. It is reasonable to say that nobody can pay you enough money to do a job you do not like. Do you have difficulty composing a letter? Do you relive that anguish some felt from high school when it comes to writing an essay? If so, you may wish to seek an alternative way to make money from home. However, if you do enjoy writing and have basic grammar skills, writing from home could be a viable income source for you. Keep in mind, writers spend a lot of time at home working alone. Do you prefer to work solo or does working in groups appeal to you more? Perhaps you had not considered this point. Working from home can be a lonely business in addition requiring you to be a self starter.

Being a writer also means completing tasks under a deadline which by default means writing under pressure. Should you get a 1000 word article assignment, can you complete it within a day if needed? It is also important to have excellent research skills. If you get an assignment to write an article on a topic that is completely foreign to you, do you know how to find accurate good quality information about the subject and render it into an interesting article? Can you do this quickly?

Many professions require a thick skin, and writing is no exception. How well do you handle criticism and rejection? As a writer for hire, you are being paid to write something for someone else. You may think it is the best piece of writing since Shakespeare, but your opinion doesn't count. The customer is always right and if your customer doesn't like what you have written, you will need to start over or take the article in a new direction. Is that something you could handle?

Have you considered that being a ghostwriter means you won't receive credit for your work? It is a common practice that the ghostwriter is unknown, hence the term ghostwriter. You may be asked to write several articles or make several blog entries while someone else takes credit for your work. Is this acceptable to you?

Should you choose to give it a go, you may discover that working from home as a freelance writer proves to be both lucrative and enjoyable.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the AuthorRobert Paul Williams is the Editor of Work At Home Business Website. Come Browse Our Free Article Library. Stay Informed with the Latest Home Based Business News, Success Tips & Strategies

Three Tips to Help You Get Into Freelance Writing

By wahbws

Writing as a freelancer can be difficult to get into unless you are willing to put forth the effort and determination to make your success in the field.

The internet industry is an absolute boom for freelancers mainly because website owners need content. It is a must to continually provide fresh new content to website visitors if you are to keep pace with the competition. While online markets will not pay as well or carry the same clout as a magazine for example, they are a great way to get started. Given the fact that the cyber world moves a lot faster than the traditional printing world, your articles can be published sooner. The more pieces you have published, the easier it will be to land bigger jobs in the future. Try visitng http://www.elance.com/ to get a better feel for contracting your services as a freelancer.

Target your local newspaper when looking for freelance writing jobs too. Newspapers have strict deadlines, and can certainly use freelancers from time to time. Writing for a newspaper can be hectic. They do have strict deadlines and you may get an assignment on a moment's notice. However, if you do a good job and complete your work on time, the editor at your local paper could open the doors to bigger newspapers and magazines for you.

Additionally, consider there are literally hundreds and hundreds of small, regional, and trade magazines being published today. A great tool for writers is http://www.writersmarket.com/. It is a database full of information on markets that buy freelance work. Market is a general term for a magazine or newspaper. The editors at smaller magazines are often times more open to working with people that have little experience.

Keep in mind that, contacting a market and offering to write for them is often called a query. Each market will have different guidelines to accept queries. Some markets may accept queries via email whereas some will want them by regular mail. Always use the proper name of the person you are sending the query to. You can find this information on the company's website or through http://www.writersmarket.com/. It is also important to know the market you want to write for. For example, if you want to write an article containing tips on how to avoid malaria for a travel magazine, make sure that magazine hasn't published a similar article in the last year.

After you have written several pieces for smaller markets, you can navigate your way into writing for larger publications. Give each venue a shot to see how freelancing works for you.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

What is Freelance Writing?

By wahbws

Have you ever wondered what exactly is a freelance writer? You've probably seen a variety of television programs where a particular character works as a freelance writer of some sort or the other. A freelance writer is an independent contractor who writes for a variety of publications, in plain: self employed author. Freelance writers typically write for magazines, newspapers, and online markets. Using a freelance writer allows the publication to publish a variety of voices with different points of view and experiences. It also saves the publication money since they are paying the writer per assignment without providing benefits.

When working as a freelance writer, there are plenty of markets out there ready to employ your writing skills. The internet boom has made the demand for writers even greater as the demand for fresh quality content to be published on websites ever increases. Newspapers, both local and national routinely rely on freelancers. In the industry the term is known as "stringer reporters". Since newspapers have strict deadlines, if a story suddenly pops up and the staff writers already have other assignments, a freelancer will be called. Assignments can be given out on short notice and the work can be hectic, but writing for a newspaper is a great way to open doors to bigger opportunities.

Many people dream of freelancing for national magazines as they do hire freelancers. This can be a tough market to break into since so many people are vying for a limited number of jobs. It is best to start out with smaller regional or trade magazines and once you have several "clips", copies of your published work, you can break into the national magazines.

Typically, a freelance writer will think of a story idea and write a brief synopsis and send it to the publication's editor. This is called a "query". Different publications have different guidelines for accepting queries; some will accept them via email and some will only accept them via postal mail. If you are going to send one via snail mail, enclose a self addressed stamped envelope; if your material gets rejected the editor will send you the rejection slip in your SASE. Rejection is a big part of a writer's life. Remember, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting your story idea. It doesn't necessarily mean you are a bad writer, it just means it is not the right time for that particular publication to publish that type of story.

Pay rates vary wildly in the freelance world. Some publications pay upwards of $1 per word and some pay one cent per word, and some do not pay at all. As a beginning writer, you will be earning fees on the low end of the scale, but as more of your work is published and you gain experience, you can begin asking for more money.

Contrary to what Hollywood portrays, you don't have to live in a big city filled with murderous tales of intrigue and sleuthing to enjoy a career as a freelance writer. If you want to work from home and enjoy writing, you can have a successful career as a freelancer right from your livingroom while in your pajamas.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

The Trouble with Real World Grammar Rules

By DLB777

Common wisdom dictates that if a grammatical "mistake" becomes common enough, it is no longer a mistake. The rules of grammar supposedly adapt to real-world usage. Real-world usage aside, the pervasive use of "me and so-and-so" in our culture drives me nuts!

It used to be, "George and I went to the store." Back in the old days of 30 or so years ago, if someone said, "Me and George went to the store," the listener would quietly come to the conclusion that the speaker was a bit slow.
Nowadays, turn on the television and the newscaster is saying, "Me and ... blah, blah, blah." Talk radio hosts say it. Even educated people such as lawyers and CPAs have embraced the "me and my client" culture.

You know what's even scarier? I have intentionally included the "me and George" error and other grammatical mishaps in this article and ran it through Microsoft Word's spelling and grammar check. Guess what? It didn't even catch the errors!

Is this sloppy grammar just the product of a narcissistic "Me, me, me culture?" Are we just getting dumb? Or am I way behind the times and getting dumb as a result because I am not using real-world usage?

Frankly, it's been many years since I suffered through a semester of grammar class. I can see or hear what's off with a sentence but do not know what the error is specifically called. So, here's the practical, common sense rule as I understand it from second grade:

Take out the third person and see if the sentence makes sense. If you're saying "Me and George went to the store," keep George out of it and try this: "Me went to the store." Sounds ridiculous, eh? Conversely, split up the proper form and we have, "George went to the store," and "I went to the store." You can do this with a variety of sentences to easily figure out what makes the most grammatical sense.

Common sense aside, those of us who are offended by the constant "me and so-and-so" grammar can at least take comfort in the fact that pronoun variations such as "Me and him went to the store" or "Her and me went to the store" have not yet skyrocketed to the top of the common usage charts.

Now that this irritant is off my chest, me going to the store. Maybe George wants to go, too.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/