Today, I thought I wil share a little bit about myself here. Won't you be bored if I go on giving you tips and how-to's without actually knowing who I am? Therefore, I have decided that I shall start sharing about my writing experiences every now and then so that you will have a venue to know me more. For a start, I was looking back today about where I started taking my writing seriously.
I had not written anything after I graduated in 2005 for 3 years. Absolutely nothing. When I realised that I was not able to even put pen to paper after I attempted to write something worthwhile in 2008, I was horrified! The words were just not flowing or I could just not form anything. Then I realised the importance of writing regularly and that regularly has now changed to everyday!
Writing is a way of communicating your thoughts with others. For me, I write better than I speak. Somehow I feel that I convey better when I write it down. Maybe I talk fast and the listener is not able to catch or I am actually quite bad at vocals. So, for me, writing opens up a lot of opportunity to convey a lot of things. Can you imagine being tightlipped for the rest of your life and having no other means of communicating with anyone? I am not sure of you but to me that is like a life in prison. Writing is where I found my solace. Looking back, I cannot imagine how I led that 3 years without writing anything.
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Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Bring Out The Best Writing in You - Free Write!
“The sun was rising when I openend my eyes this morning. The colors were beautiful. I lay in my bed looking at the spectacular scenary and pondered what it would be like to be part of the clouds that is receiving the first ray of the sun. The colors were beautiful. I just could not describe them as I am not very much in color or their names. I just know they are beautiful. As I was deeply pondering I felt my daughther snuggling next to me. She was waking up but was actually delaying the process by just snugglng closer to me. I hugged her and whispered good morning. She opened he eyes and looked up to me and smiled sweetly ad sheepishly. She replied Good morning mummy and snuggled even closer.”
As you would have realized by now, the paragraph above obviously contains errors in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation and others. These are intentional as this post is all about “Free Writing!”
Free writing is a method where you actually write about anything and everything that comes to your mind without stopping. If you are writing, you keep writing and if you are typing, you keep typing. If you are the rare sort who dictates your articles, you keep dictating without stopping. You must not stop for any reason; be it grammar, spelling or structure errors that occur along the way. You simply go on.
In order to gain maximum value of free writing, you need to ensure that you time it. Let’s say 10 minutes. For these 10 minutes, you must not be disturbed by anything for anything. Keep an alarm clock, if you must. Start and continue writing about anything that comes to your mind without stopping. Stop once the alarm rings even if you are in mid-sentence. There is no need to finish it.
Once done, go over your free written work. You will be amazed what you could actually come up with when you let your mind wander without disturbing the line of thoughts.
Free writing actually is the best way to get rid of your writer’s block. You can even use this as a daily writing exercise to keep your writing polished.
As you would have realized by now, the paragraph above obviously contains errors in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation and others. These are intentional as this post is all about “Free Writing!”
Free writing is a method where you actually write about anything and everything that comes to your mind without stopping. If you are writing, you keep writing and if you are typing, you keep typing. If you are the rare sort who dictates your articles, you keep dictating without stopping. You must not stop for any reason; be it grammar, spelling or structure errors that occur along the way. You simply go on.
In order to gain maximum value of free writing, you need to ensure that you time it. Let’s say 10 minutes. For these 10 minutes, you must not be disturbed by anything for anything. Keep an alarm clock, if you must. Start and continue writing about anything that comes to your mind without stopping. Stop once the alarm rings even if you are in mid-sentence. There is no need to finish it.
Once done, go over your free written work. You will be amazed what you could actually come up with when you let your mind wander without disturbing the line of thoughts.
Free writing actually is the best way to get rid of your writer’s block. You can even use this as a daily writing exercise to keep your writing polished.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
For a Freelance Writer "A Good Idea is Worth Its Weight In Gold!"
More often than not, a new freelance writer faces the trouble of idea generation. Even seasoned writer's face this problem. In my earlier post Writers Block Solution, I outlined 6 steps you could take in order to get yourself of out the idea lapse situation. A quick run through of what you can do are as follows. For elaboration, read the full article form the link above.
1. Keep a Word Journal
2. Draw Inspiration from Within
3. Engage in Research
4. Review Past Works
5. Entertain Yourself
6. Take a Nap
I was doing my daily research online and came across this book entitled "Get Paid To Write!: The No-Nonsense Guide To Freelance Writing
." When I scanned through the content's page I was very much interested to see a topic on "Ideas and How to Get Them." The chapter outlined various other methods you could use apart from the 6 mentioned in Writers Block Solution.
You can read a limited preview of the book from Google Books. The chapter is found on Page 40.
Also, if you are interested in buying the book, click on the image below.
1. Keep a Word Journal
2. Draw Inspiration from Within
3. Engage in Research
4. Review Past Works
5. Entertain Yourself
6. Take a Nap
I was doing my daily research online and came across this book entitled "Get Paid To Write!: The No-Nonsense Guide To Freelance Writing
You can read a limited preview of the book from Google Books. The chapter is found on Page 40.
Also, if you are interested in buying the book, click on the image below.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Have you Started using Twitter Yet?
What is it that makes Twitter so powerful and attractive? How could you, as a freelance writer, make use of this platform to better your standing?
Twitter is a micro blogging, social networking site with a very simple chat-like interface. Chat interface has been around for long and many of us are comfortable and familiar with the usage. This is the first factor that brings the user closer to the platform than any other socila networking site.
Next, Twitter functions like a mobile phone. Ever sent SMS before? If yes, you would know that SMS has its character limitations. Similarly on Twitter, you are limited by 140 characters. Say what you want to say to whoever you wish to in precise, concise manner. No one has the time to go through grandfather stories to understand what you have to say. Make it quick and if there is enough meat, interested parties will bite and follow up on your message.
And yes, twitter is like an open market. Anyone can see your tweets and you can view any other person's tweet unless privacy settings are changed. The search functions and other widgets that support Twitter are immense and so useful that you have a very powerful promotional and marketing tool sitting right in front of your screen. That too for FREE by the way. As such, if you are still not bothered to find out how Twitter can help your freelance activities, you are losing out.
So, as a freelance writer, how could you utilise such a powerful platform? What could you possibly do with an application that is so powerful? Check out Beginners Guide to Twitter for Freelance Writer to find out more.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Is my Freelance Rate too high? - Know and Set Your Freelance Rates Right
Setting your freelance rates
Somehow I feel that every new freelancer faces the problem of setting their rates right. When I first started out, I had the same issue with setting my freelance writing rate as well. Therefore, I am speaking from experience. I am not saying that I have it figured it out by now. However, I roughly know what to charge for what and for which client now.
To some, it can be an extremely daunting task to figure out what to charge. You may feel that you will get short changed if you charge too low or you may lose assignments or even clients if you charge too high. Well, the chances are there for exploitation as well as loss of assignments and clients.
However, you are as good as your rate and you rate is as good as how you perceive your talent and specialisation to be. You have to make your own gauge and sell your skills accordingly. Here are some ways you can start deciding on what rate could be effective for you.
Start researching
The best way to do it is to ask around. There are various freelance writers’ forums where you can catch freelance writer’s discussing about their rates. When you join in or browse around, you will come across some users who seem to have “made it.” Take a look at their profile or their blogs (surely they will have it in their about me pages or their signatures) and check if they have any rates table.
You can also join freelance portals where many freelancers bid for various posted projects. This is a good way of finding what is the supply and what is the demand. If you are looking to build your portfolio and establish contacts, this is a good place to begin. From here, if you are comfortable, you can start small and then make your progress as your reviews and confidence grows. Freelance.com, GOFreelance, Elance and oDesk are platforms you can create an account at to start.
I started with Freelance.com and have written 300-500 word articles for mere $1. However, as the clients came back to me for more work, I knew that my style of writing and the quality of wok was appreciated. Thereby, I did not have any problem with increasing my rate with serious clients.
Now, how do I identify serious clients? You indicate that your rates are higher and they still stay with you because you provide quality service. Those are the serious clients. Anyone who runs when you say the rate is up is looking for cheap labour.
Understand your own needs
Each freelancer has his own needs, goals and milestones. You have to decide what are yours and work your rates accordingly. I believe you are in freelance business because of the lucrative market available and the possibility of having income in the short and long run. Therefore, you have to decide how much you are comfortable earning every month and set your rates accordingly. In order to do this, you have to decide how much work you are willing to accept with content research, writing, proofreading, editing, re-writing etc all included. With this, you can work backwards and find a comfortable rate.
Suppose you want to earn $1000 per month and you are willing to accept 10 assignments from each of your 5 clients for the current month. That would be 50 assignments for $1000. That would bring you a rate of $20/assignment. This is a rough gauge as you will also have to adjust according to the word count, amount of research, type of writing etc.
Build Relationships
Starting small should only be a priority if you are good at building relationships. Understand the client’s requirements first before embarking on the project. Understand the client’s needs as well as the client. There are various types of clients and you can read all about them here.
Be a Professional
You have to give quality service in terms on-time delivery of the assignments free of grammar, spelling and structure errors. Make your invoice look professional. Have a logo, a disclaimer and terms or service clearly stated. Follow up professionally. Ask questions about the assignments and provide valuable feedback. Behave professionally and your worth will shine through.
Summary
It is a popular notion that once you start small you will remain small. Not really. Why? This is because, you need to set foot in the freelance writer’s industry and if your rates are high even before you prove your worth you will not be given a chance. However, take care that you do not remain small for a long time.
Somehow I feel that every new freelancer faces the problem of setting their rates right. When I first started out, I had the same issue with setting my freelance writing rate as well. Therefore, I am speaking from experience. I am not saying that I have it figured it out by now. However, I roughly know what to charge for what and for which client now.
To some, it can be an extremely daunting task to figure out what to charge. You may feel that you will get short changed if you charge too low or you may lose assignments or even clients if you charge too high. Well, the chances are there for exploitation as well as loss of assignments and clients.
However, you are as good as your rate and you rate is as good as how you perceive your talent and specialisation to be. You have to make your own gauge and sell your skills accordingly. Here are some ways you can start deciding on what rate could be effective for you.
Start researching
The best way to do it is to ask around. There are various freelance writers’ forums where you can catch freelance writer’s discussing about their rates. When you join in or browse around, you will come across some users who seem to have “made it.” Take a look at their profile or their blogs (surely they will have it in their about me pages or their signatures) and check if they have any rates table.
You can also join freelance portals where many freelancers bid for various posted projects. This is a good way of finding what is the supply and what is the demand. If you are looking to build your portfolio and establish contacts, this is a good place to begin. From here, if you are comfortable, you can start small and then make your progress as your reviews and confidence grows. Freelance.com, GOFreelance, Elance and oDesk are platforms you can create an account at to start.
I started with Freelance.com and have written 300-500 word articles for mere $1. However, as the clients came back to me for more work, I knew that my style of writing and the quality of wok was appreciated. Thereby, I did not have any problem with increasing my rate with serious clients.
Now, how do I identify serious clients? You indicate that your rates are higher and they still stay with you because you provide quality service. Those are the serious clients. Anyone who runs when you say the rate is up is looking for cheap labour.
Understand your own needs
Each freelancer has his own needs, goals and milestones. You have to decide what are yours and work your rates accordingly. I believe you are in freelance business because of the lucrative market available and the possibility of having income in the short and long run. Therefore, you have to decide how much you are comfortable earning every month and set your rates accordingly. In order to do this, you have to decide how much work you are willing to accept with content research, writing, proofreading, editing, re-writing etc all included. With this, you can work backwards and find a comfortable rate.
Suppose you want to earn $1000 per month and you are willing to accept 10 assignments from each of your 5 clients for the current month. That would be 50 assignments for $1000. That would bring you a rate of $20/assignment. This is a rough gauge as you will also have to adjust according to the word count, amount of research, type of writing etc.
Build Relationships
Starting small should only be a priority if you are good at building relationships. Understand the client’s requirements first before embarking on the project. Understand the client’s needs as well as the client. There are various types of clients and you can read all about them here.
Be a Professional
You have to give quality service in terms on-time delivery of the assignments free of grammar, spelling and structure errors. Make your invoice look professional. Have a logo, a disclaimer and terms or service clearly stated. Follow up professionally. Ask questions about the assignments and provide valuable feedback. Behave professionally and your worth will shine through.
Summary
It is a popular notion that once you start small you will remain small. Not really. Why? This is because, you need to set foot in the freelance writer’s industry and if your rates are high even before you prove your worth you will not be given a chance. However, take care that you do not remain small for a long time.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Writer's Block Solution
Writer's block can strike anyone. While those who have never faced it wonder how anyone can be affected so much that there is block of idea flow, those who have experienced it cringe that it should never happen to them ever again. The feelings are strange. One moment you are all set and ready to start writing and then you feel that you just cannot write or nothing you write seem to be satisfying!
The result of this, most of the time, are anger, frustration, unwanted stress. The after effects of these would be an unhealthy mind till the writer's block is removed. The causes of writer's block could be anything. So long as you know how to deal with the situation when you are faced with one could be much beneficial to you than anything. I have written an article based on this. It is entitled "How to deal with Writer's Block"
A quick runthrough of what you can do are as follows. For elaboration, read the full article form the link above.
1. Keep a Word Journal
2. Draw Inspiration from Within
3. Engage in Research
4. Review Past Works
5. Entertain Yourself
6. Take a Nap
Writer's block need not be a tiring or frustrating event. In fact, a writer's block could be a blessing in disguise. Try the recommendations and share what you find. I would love to hear from you :)
The result of this, most of the time, are anger, frustration, unwanted stress. The after effects of these would be an unhealthy mind till the writer's block is removed. The causes of writer's block could be anything. So long as you know how to deal with the situation when you are faced with one could be much beneficial to you than anything. I have written an article based on this. It is entitled "How to deal with Writer's Block"
A quick runthrough of what you can do are as follows. For elaboration, read the full article form the link above.
1. Keep a Word Journal
2. Draw Inspiration from Within
3. Engage in Research
4. Review Past Works
5. Entertain Yourself
6. Take a Nap
Writer's block need not be a tiring or frustrating event. In fact, a writer's block could be a blessing in disguise. Try the recommendations and share what you find. I would love to hear from you :)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Biggest Mistake a Freelance Writer MUST avoid
There are many ways you can come across as an unprofessional writer to your potential long term client. What can this do to your freelance writing career? It could end your writing career there and then. I may be exaggerating here. However, it is true that some of the mistakes freelance writers make can be completely avoided if only some form of proofreading and editing was done after writing. You would have if you are serious about your work.
So, what is that one biggest mistake that a freelance writer makes that can make the freelance writer look unprofessional and lax about his work?
SPELLING MISTAKES!
This is actually quite commonsensical. You wouldn’t think otherwise as you would have been told time and again from your various English Teachers that to watch your spelling. You have been spelling words since you can remember. Now that you have made the choice of freelance writing as your hobby or your career, you have to give that advice a listening ear.
You may not have had the luxury of a spell checker in the past. Now that you do have that luxury, there is no reason for you to come up with a written piece that is full of spelling errors!
Therefore, ensure that you avoid this biggest mistake in your freelance writing career. Some client may not mind your mistake. If you happen to find them, it is good for you. Most clients who are serious about their reputation will come after you if you hand in work that consists spelling errors. Mistakes do happen and if you have done your share of proofreading and editing, you are still okay. However, if you have not taken precaution from your side, this is going to be a habit that you will find very hard to break. And that is going to cost you a lot in the long run.
So, what is that one biggest mistake that a freelance writer makes that can make the freelance writer look unprofessional and lax about his work?
SPELLING MISTAKES!
This is actually quite commonsensical. You wouldn’t think otherwise as you would have been told time and again from your various English Teachers that to watch your spelling. You have been spelling words since you can remember. Now that you have made the choice of freelance writing as your hobby or your career, you have to give that advice a listening ear.
You may not have had the luxury of a spell checker in the past. Now that you do have that luxury, there is no reason for you to come up with a written piece that is full of spelling errors!
Therefore, ensure that you avoid this biggest mistake in your freelance writing career. Some client may not mind your mistake. If you happen to find them, it is good for you. Most clients who are serious about their reputation will come after you if you hand in work that consists spelling errors. Mistakes do happen and if you have done your share of proofreading and editing, you are still okay. However, if you have not taken precaution from your side, this is going to be a habit that you will find very hard to break. And that is going to cost you a lot in the long run.
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