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Writer's Worth Week: Question of the (Tues)Day

2012-05-15T18:59:10Z

As promised yesterday, I'm answering one question per day during Writer's Worth Week. My theory is that, if you have the knowledge about this career that you need, if you have the access to a professional that's "been there, done that," if you have a resource to go to when you have those pesky questions or are standing at a crossroads, you'll be more likely to understand and build your worth as a writer.

So let's get to it.

A couple days ago, reader Christine asked why I thought over 14 magazine weren't interested in her pitch for a really unique article.

There are a couple of reasons that this pitch may not be working, Christine. Getting an article placed in a magazine is a tidy little formula of {great story + great pitch + correct magazine}. Any one of these three factors might be off.

Story:

Perhaps your story is not as interesting as we both think. Or, perhaps this particular topic has been overdone and had its heyday. This is really an easy problem to solve by massaging the story. Consider finding a new tack, or connecting the story to a recent news item or event in the cultural milieu. However, I tend to think that every story has some home.

It's Writer's Worth Week- What Are YOU Worth?

2012-05-14T10:07:34Z

Writer's Worth Week was started five years ago by Lori Widmer, who has been a constant and vocal advocate of professional writers everywhere. It was motivated by the desire to show writers that there is NO need to accept pennies for work, and to consistently devalue this career.

My two cents about Writers Worth Week: This is a business, people. I've consistently and repeatedly shown you the innards of this career (for over 4 years now). I patiently answer questions via email and this blog. I give out free advice that many other pro writers will charge you coaching fees for. My point is that no one who reads this site should devalue this career, in any way, ever.

In honor of Writer's Worth Week, I'll be contributing a post to Lori's blog (asap, Lori, I swear), and answering a career question here every day this week and next (it's two weeks! yay!).

Got a question? Ask it here!

It's Writer's Worth Week- What Are YOU Worth? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 10:07:34.

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What? Free Books You Say?

2012-05-02T16:24:40Z

Hey readers, you can't pass this up! Writer Mama Christina Katz is hosting an every-day-in-May book giveaway on her blog.

And these are some great books, too. Day 2 was Writer for Hire, 101 Secrets to Freelance Success by Kelly James-Enger (and, by the way, HOW did I miss this book when it published? Today is the first time I'm hearing of it. HELLO ALLENA!) All you have to do is answer Christina's question in the comments, and you're entered.

Man, can't imagine her postage bill after mailing 30 books in 30 days... Hello, tax write off.

What? Free Books You Say? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at 16:24:40.

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Ready to Pitch? Not So Fast!

2012-04-30T23:50:04Z

So, you've got an incredible idea for a magazine article, and you've perfected your pitch? You're ready, right? Not so fast! Before you pitch that article, you need to make sure that you've targeted the best possible outlet. Here's how to make sure you know your magazine inside and out.

Ready to Pitch? Not So Fast! originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 23:50:04.

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How Exactly DO You Get Freelance Writing/Editing Jobs?

2012-04-30T23:13:44Z

A reader asks how exactly one procures the actual freelance writing or editing job? What is the process?

How Exactly DO You Get Freelance Writing/Editing Jobs? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 23:13:44.

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Got a Publishing Rights Question?

2012-04-30T22:37:03Z

So do many of my readers! Check out this FAQ on selling first rights.

Got a Publishing Rights Question? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 22:37:03.

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Interested in Screenwriting?

2012-04-30T21:52:41Z

I've had several readers ask for information on writing for TV or movies, and have been at a total loss. Luckily, screenwriter Anderson Sterling provided this wonderful guest article on the screenwriting genre.

Interested in Screenwriting? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 21:52:41.

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Need to Talk With Writers Who've Used Social Media in a Unique Way

2012-04-26T19:25:19Z

Hi readers. Wow am I slammed lately! But, I'm not complaining. It actually feels good.

I'm writing an article on the ways that we can use social media for Connection, Promotion, Research or Practice. I need to talk with writers or authors who have used social media in a unique way for any of those purposes. I'm also looking for some social media success stories among writers and authors.

I'm willing to talk on the phone, via chat, or email. Whatever works for you. I am hoping for some unique examples to share with readers.

Send me an email (allena at gardenwallpublications dot com) or poke me on FB or Twitter (@allenat). Thanks!

Need to Talk With Writers Who've Used Social Media in a Unique Way originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 at 19:25:19.

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Stalkers and Crazies; The Realities of Writing in Public

2012-04-15T16:53:38Z

I recently had another article published at Huffington Post parents, talking about my biracial kiddos and how we deal with the 'race' check box on forms and etc.

Well, this morning I got one of the most FUN emails, ever. Period. It was from a person with (shall we say) fringe beliefs about mixing race and how I am a betrayer of my race for marrying outside of it. And it said other stuff. But all along those same lines.

(Side note: Yes, I know there is one human "race," but I'm using the term colloquially. Substitute "ethnicity" if you wish.)

I'm getting a lot better at dealing with the fallout that inevitably happens when we publish in public spaces, especially when we publish about touchy subjects. Last December I talked about another article in HuffPo (and, admittedly, I DID play the bad guy in that article). That one was a doozy, but I was ready for it.

If you publish, you will have to deal with these things. It just is. Even if there's not a hopping comments section, you'll still need to watch out for that lone ranger who follows the internet trail to your other blogs, email, or etc. In addition, you you also have to deal with off-topic comments about things like your looks, typos, word choice, talent, etc. (I'm sure these people WANT to contribute more constructively, but simply are unable to do so due to their own limitations :) . )

Guess I'm giving you a heads up, new writers.

My advice?

Realize that a lot of the time, what people say about you is more about them.
Don't write on controversial subjects if you can't handle the heat.
Think twice before you visit the comments section. You're a writer, not a community manager. Your job is done when you turn in the copy.
If you do visit the comments section, attempt to keep it constructive, and move the conversation back to your main/article point.
Use your publicity or notoriety to pitch another piece!

Stalkers and Crazies; The Realities of Writing in Public originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Sunday, April 15th, 2012 at 16:53:38.

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Question- Informal Video Intro on Freelancer's Website?

2012-04-12T13:39:54Z

Several potential clients are electing to speak via Skype recently. and one told me that she simply felt more comfortable hiring someone that she's "met" face to face.

This got me to thinking: whatever happened to all the video introductions on freelance writers' websites? I know there was a time when that was quite a popular part of the basic website, because I had one, too, a couple years ago. Where did mine go?... Hmmm. Can't recall.

What do you think? Is there space/need for a one minute, informal "Hi I'm Writer X" on a freelance writer's website? Is it appropriate? Must it be formal and scripted? Where would you put it?

Or, did it fall out of fashion for a reason?

Post Script- I swear I read somewhere that Google likes videos on websites (and by "likes" I mean, ranks better).

Question- Informal Video Intro on Freelancer's Website? originally appeared on About.com Freelance Writing on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 13:39:54.

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