Finding Good Freelance Writing Jobs Online

by Terri Rains

There are many places online where you can find a freelance writing job, but you have to know where to look to avoid the scams and deadbeat clients. Because the online world is fairly anonymous, it sometimes happens that a client will order a set of articles, only to take off with them -- and your money. Many freelancers who have been in the business long enough know the names to avoid and connections to make. If you are new to freelancing however, keep in mind the following tips when searching for a job.

Clients - It's a good sign if a potential client has a positive reputation with other freelancers. However, it is always a good idea to ask around about somebody you are not familiar with. Often, new content buyers will stiff several writers before the word gets out that they are someone to avoid. It is not unreasonable to ask for your fees upfront if it is the first time working with a particular client.

Contracts - New freelancers often do not realize the extreme importance of having a contract with their clients. A contract can be as simple as an email detailing the specs of the job, but be sure each parameter of the job is covered: fees, deadline, and details of the deliverables. Having a contract is smart business, and helps you avoid any disagreement over payment.

Communication - The sign of a great client is one who frequently and openly communicates with the writer. If it takes three days to hear from a new client after sending an email or making a phone call, you should proceed with caution. In addition, be sure they are specific about the job they want performed -- vagueness makes it easy for a client to claim you did not perform your end of the bargain.

Writing web content is fun and satisfying, but it can be difficult to find a steady stream of reliable clients if you do not know where to look. Using the tips above will aid a new freelancer in the search for a good content opportunity. Once you have written for a while and have made enough contacts with other writers, you will have more confidence in turning down questionable offers. Unfortunately, other writers may have had to deal with unsatisfactory clients for you to know to avoid them, but their experience will guide you on yours.

Writing is powerful, no matter who you are or what you do. Get some of the best information and perspective on writing right away.

And for an inspiring, eye-opening lesson in action and focus, I wholeheartedly recommend this site: http://blindmentor.com

Getting Your Book Published - How to Choose the Right Editor For You and Your Manuscript

by L Murdock
There are a lot of things you should consider when hiring an editor to help you hone writing chops and polish your manuscript.

• Experience/skill level/past successes (How did your editor become an editor? Who has he or she worked with?)
• Pricing structure/total cost (Make sure you're getting what you're paying for!)
• Personality (Do you click?)
• Areas of expertise (Does the editor know your genre? If your book is too close in plot to another book on the market, would the editor notice?)
• Business philosophy (Can you ask questions after the edit is complete? How accesable is the editor before/during/after the edit or eval is complete? Is this a person you can count on?)

The process can certainly be confusing, but following the 5 steps below should keep you on the right track.
1. Go with your gut. For a full-length book, you'll likely be working with an editor for at least a few weeks; I've worked with some of my writers over several years and several books. The editing and evaluation process works best and will be the most valuable to you if you can develop a friendly, easy relationship with your editor. Early conversation - whether by e-mail or phone - should leave you feeling confident that you're working with someone who wants to help you succeed. If you don't feel comfortable with one editor, move on to another.
2. Get a second opinion. I always recommend that writers ask for references, particularly when they're looking for an editor to perform a good deal of work (line edits, developmental editing, extensive copyediting, manuscript evaluations and critiques, etc.). Go ahead and ask an editor if you can talk to one of his or her previous clients - they'll be able to give you unique insight into the process and the value of the services you're considering.
3. Do your research. Google the editor's name and/or business name. Look for any complaints or warnings other writers may have published online. At the very least, ask the editor about any troubling posts. Of course, Google has its limitations - don't worry too much if you find that your editor's name brings up a whole cast of strange characters - there are at least 5 other Lindsay Murdocks that pop up on my GoogleAlerts - one of them actually lives only a few towns over!
Also, although I've mentioned it before, I have to reiterate - check any editor you're considering hiring against the Preditors and Editors database. Not all freelance editors are listed there - but if an editor does have complaints against him or her, chances are those complaints are documented on this site.
4. Take a taste. When you order an expensive bottle of wine at a restaurant, the server will have you take a sip before serving the rest of the bottle, just to make sure you like it. An editor should do the the same - offering you a sample edit so you can see precisely what you're getting for your money. I offer a free ten page sample edit or evaluation to ALL potential clients. Most editors I know will do the same.
5. Get it in Writing. Some editors use written contracts, some don't. At the very least, get a detailed description of what you're getting for your money, what your options are, what deliverables you can expect when, how much it's going to cost, and when payments are due. Ask questions and get answers. Remember, your editor is a professional who will be working for you.
BONUS: Be nice, and expect the same from your editor. We're all in this together!
Good luck!

Lindsay is a freelance editor and publishing consultant specializing in Manuscript Evaluation and Manuscript Critique. Read more on her blog at http://www.murdockediting.blogspot.com or her website, http://www.murdockediting.com

Website Copywriting Tips to Help Your Content Resonate

by Paul Leonard

Contrary to popular belief, being a website copywriter isn't easy. In fact, successfully copywriting content for your website can be downright tough, even without the added complication of SEO. Use the appropriate language and people will remember you - and everything you say - for all the right reasons. Use the wrong language and you could inadvertently be saying goodbye.

If you're dealing with customers face to face, it's easier to get your language right. For instance, if you own a shop, your customer is right in front of you. You can see who they are, how old they are, what mood they're in. You can pick up on all sorts of visual cues and tailor your language accordingly, without even really thinking about it.

Website copywriting is different

It's stating the obvious, but communicating with your online clientele as a website copywriter is different. You can't see your customers. You can't gauge how they are reacting to what you say, your products, your prices, anything. With this in mind, and assuming you've already done some due diligence research into your market, here are some simple website copywriting tips to make your content more engaging and effective.

The power of 'you'

Remember, as a website copywriter you're talking to a person - one customer, not some vague group or demographic. Personalize your copywriting by using 'you' to address your audience. 'You' immediately means you're talking directly to the person who's in front of their monitor looking at your website. You're engaging with them as an individual, while also giving your content a warm and inviting tone.

Using 'you' also helps you get into the right headspace. As soon as you make sure you address your reader as 'you' you'll automatically find yourself using more appropriate and conversational language. This is especially helpful if you're used to copywriting more formal documents, such as official letters and contracts instead of advertising or marketing material.

The first person, not the third

You can usually tell when a company has written their own marketing or website content in-house - more often than not, inexperienced website copywriters write in the third person. Rather than 'we' their copy refers to the business by its name, subsequently referring to the business as 'it.'

For example:

"Acme Grommits is an international grommit manufacturer with distribution centres throughout the world. Its reputation for excellence is unparalleled."

This is a copywriting mistake.

Firstly, it can be confusing and misleading, especially in situations where you're talking about partnerships or alliances with other companies. Before you know it, your reader doesn't actually know which business 'it' is.

Secondly, it simply doesn't engage your reader. It gives your copy a detached feel. Using 'we' and 'our' and 'us' in conjunction with 'you' creates a more immediate link between your business and your online audience, like so:

"Here at Acme Grommits, we're one of the world's leading grommit manufacturers, with an unparalleled reputation for excellence. You'll find our distribution centres throughout the world."

Ask questions

People like to be asked questions. Questions make you feel important and involved. That's why using website elements such as feedback forms or email surveys as a two-way conduit for dialogue with your customers is so effective. By involving your customers and asking for their input, whether it be feedback on your website or recommendations on what products they would like to see, you're developing a relationship.

The same applies to your website copywriting. Using questions within your copy, even if they are rhetorical, not only engages your audience, it makes your content feel more natural. After all, we all use questions when we're trying to make a point, don't we?

Strike the right tone

Before you start copywriting, consider your business as a brand in the context of the marketplace and your competition. If your business were a car, what make and model would it be? Is it a Mercedes or a Ford, a Ferrari or a Volvo?

By asking yourself these questions, and thinking about the style and tone of language other brands use to communicate, you'll be able to identify the right copywriting style and tone for your business and website. Big-name brands put a huge amount of money into researching their brand and the language they use to differentiate themselves, so you should take the time to consider your website copywriting style and tone too.

Use your imagination

This is the most important bit; the best way to ensure you're doing a good job as a website copywriter is to imagine your customer is sitting in front of you. Imagine you're talking directly to them. If it helps, picture someone you know who fits your demographic - a neighbour, a friend, whoever.

Imagine you have 10 seconds to make the right impression and convince them to find out more about what you and your business has to offer. What do you say? Just as importantly, how do you say it? By going through this exercise, you'll find it easier to write more convincingly, and that's half the battle when it comes to being an effective website copywriter.

Paul Leonard is a freelance advertising, website and SEO copywriter and founder member of Caboodle Copywriting, a freelance copywriting team based in Perth, Western Australia (WA). He has extensive international advertising and website copywriting experience, having worked with brands including Harrods, IBM and Amnesty International. To find out more about Paul and Caboodle Copywriting, visit http://www.caboodlecopy.com/