I’m back in my cave writing. All day, every day. I’ll come out again in two weeks. Meanwhile more of the wonderful advice that I got through HARO.

 

1.      Build your network of support among other writers, publishers and authors!!! Join social networking sites geared to authors and books:  goodreads; librarything; bookmarketing on Ning, Jacketflap, ShoutLife etc.

2.      Put profiles on all the “standard” social media sites:  LinkedIn, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.  Those profiles get views and they are free so it's free publicity to you!

3.      Develop a reviewer profile at Amazon! It will give you credibility in the trade.  In fact, I was shocked when one of my favorite authors, Jim Stovall, emailed me, after he read a review I wrote on his book, The Ultimate Gift, asking if I would like to review his next book, …

4.      Obstacles can be a good thing, the more you keep jumping, the easier it will eventually become!

5.      Use the power of word-of-mouth to ask your network to spread the word about you and what you are doing

6.      Develop a blog presence and following

7.      Starting networking with the local media to build genuine media relationships

8.      Take advantage of all the free online media available with sites like (www.helpareporter.com, the publicity hound, cision, writers weekly, Funds for Writers, etc.)

9.      Build your national platform around your subject matter to become the expert in your topic

–  Stacey Kannenberg   www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

 

They say that everybody has one book in them.  My problem was that I spent 20 years trying to write the wrong one.  The words will flow much easier when you pick a topic which elicits passion in you." – Rick Robinson
Author The Maximum Contribution and Sniper Bid
Columnist at www.onenewengland.com

 

It seems a simple thing – to call yourself a writer. But many people can't bring themselves to do it, or diminish themselves by a "but" to the declaration.
Don't wait until you have something published to call yourself a writer. There is power in the naming, so grab some for yourself. When someone asks what you do, say it proudly: "I'm a writer." Now wait for it – that reaction that an accountant or programmer will never see. The eyes that were already straying snap back to you. "Oh! What do you write?" And you answer with all the passion that you pour into your writing. It doesn't matter if you write copy or comics, romance novels or how-to books. Age is irrelevant, appearance is irrelevant; you are a writer.
– Peg Silloway 
The Silloway Press

 

 

 

 

If you have a day job, keep it and start writing on the side. Don't

chuck it all for writing. Let it build up while having the security of

your day job. That's what I did and I've been a full-time freelancer

for four years.

– Meryl K. Evans

Content Maven for Hire

Writing :: Editing :: Research

Web site: http://www.meryl.net/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/merylkevans

 

 

Words by Melissa (www.wordsbymelissa.com). My Cincinnati-based business was recently featured in U.S. News & World Report. Below is some advice that I often give to new/aspiring writers:

• Get a website. When you admit to a client that you don't have one, they'll immediately take you less seriously. A professional website lends instant credibility to your services. It also serves as a free marketing tool to showcase your samples, testimonials, and the essence of your business.
• Start out slow. It can be tempting to take on any and every job that comes your way, but if you overextend yourself you risk under-delivering — a recipe for dissatisfied clients and added stress for you. Only bid on jobs you feel confident tackling, with deadlines that are realistic for your schedule.
• Set working hours, and a dedicated workspace. Burning the midnight  oil at the kitchen table will get old quickly — and will ultimately cut down on your productivity. Maintaining a clear delineation between work life and home life is essential to your success and happiness.

 

 

Here are a few nuggests from this writer/editor. 

For writers looking to get published, give the editor what she wants.

 Read your work aloud. If your tongue stumbles over the words, so will your readers' eyes. 

All your great ideas will remain ideas until you actually write them down. And they will never sell if you don't submit them to a publisher. 

Don't trust SpellCheck. 

Use the active voice. It makes for more vibrant prose.  

(If you use my contributions, please provide a link to my Website, www.MarcyBlack.com.)

 

 

 

Barbara,
My best advice to new writers, aspiring writers, writers who have hit a slump – Write!  Write everyday.  Write a minimum of 250 words per day about ANYTHING.  And if you get on a roll, and the thoughts keep coming out of your pen, and you pass the 250 word mark, don't stop until it's done. Write!

Thanks for the opportunity to share,
Lucy Adams
Author of If Mama Don't Laugh, It Ain't Funny
Newspaper Humor Columnist
Freelance Writer
lucybgoosey@aol.com

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