I recently started writing for the Helium marketplace. Aside from a few paintball articles tossed up on Bukisa, this represents my first foray into content sites. Although others have recommended Associated Content and other sites, I like Helium because:
- the quality of writing, in general, seems better than some of the other sites
- the topics offered appeal to me
- the "marketplace" provides opportunities to be paid upfront for work.
Contributing to the marketplace is essentially writing on spec, so I'm careful to choose only topics I can use elsewhere if they are not selected for publication, or are so quick or interesting to write it doesn't bother me.
For instance, I wrote about the "Cash for Clunkers" program. I wanted to research the program anyway, and I've been doing so much finance writing lately, I figured the topic is bound to come up in an assignment soon.
Helium provides its members with an opportunity to "rank" stories written by other members. And during this process, I was reminded of the importance of a good lead.
You see, like many other people, I didn't sit and read every single article for ranking. I read the first paragraph and skimmed the rest. In many cases, a strong lead caused me to vote for one story over another.
In SEO writing, writers often neglect a strong lead, focusing instead on getting those keywords in the first sentence or paragraph. Like titles, though, the best leads appeal to real-life readers as well as search engine spiders.
Some examples of strong leads:
Anecdote – Stories engage. Marketing gurus and professionals from Dale Carnegie to Seth Godin have shared this principle. Start your article with an engaging, personal story (yours or someone else’s) and you’ll captivate readers.
Statistics – Startling – truly surprising – statistics capture people’s attention. It’s even better if you can share a statistic and illustrate it or personalize it in some way.
The Question – Some editors dislike the “hypothetical question” device. But if you can ask a question that gives your readers little choice but to answer, “Of course! That’s exactly like me!” you’ve got them hooked from word one.
Amazing facts – Like amazing statistics, it’s sometimes difficult to differentiate amazing facts from ho-hum statements. Test your lead by sharing the fact with a spouse, friend, or colleague. Don’t tell him it’s the first sentence of an article. If he responds with an enthusiastic, “Oh, really?” you have your lead.
My 8-week writing course, for sale for $129 at www.abundantwriter.com, takes you step-by-step through the process of writing a good lead and incorporating it into a query that sells.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Too Busy for Blogging?
Well, so much for bi-weekly, weekly or even monthly posts. Was my last post really written in April?
A compliment from a successful freelancer has sparked me to write again. That, and an article in the NY Times. Because I'm a stubborn SOB, and the surest way to get me to do something is to claim I don't do it. Or, in this case, I'm posting to prove something wrong. (Even though, sadly, evidence claims they are right).
Wow. I need another cup of coffee this morning.
So, writer and college professor Bob Schaller called this article in the NY Times to my attention this morning. I'm not going to say the Times is dead wrong. One needs only to look at the date stamps on my posts to see that, yes, I'm one of those "mom bloggers" who has let life get in the way of blogging.
But please... "homework and swim practice... housework and parenting?" A spot of condescension with your morning coffee, WAHMs?
Judy Nichols, quoted in the article, is described as a stay-at-home-mom and mystery writer. Wouldn't that combination make her a work-at-home mom? When the English language seems to adopt new terminology more often than Lindsay Lohan gets into car accidents, why has this word not reached our mainstream lexicon yet?
And is there a slim possibility Judy Nichols stopped blogging to work on endeavors (like her novels?) that actually make money? Granted, I know some very successful mom bloggers who earn a living wage every month from blogging. But very few do that with their personal blogs. There are ways, between ad sense and affiliate programs. In fact, an ambitious mom blogger can create a whole blog network, which then becomes a business, with employees, advertisers and the whole nine yards.
But that's very, very different from blogs like Judy's "Rantings of a Crazed Soccer Mom."
Or this one.
Am I letting the New York Times guilt me into blogging again? Perhaps.
Hey, whatever works, right?
A compliment from a successful freelancer has sparked me to write again. That, and an article in the NY Times. Because I'm a stubborn SOB, and the surest way to get me to do something is to claim I don't do it. Or, in this case, I'm posting to prove something wrong. (Even though, sadly, evidence claims they are right).
Wow. I need another cup of coffee this morning.
So, writer and college professor Bob Schaller called this article in the NY Times to my attention this morning. I'm not going to say the Times is dead wrong. One needs only to look at the date stamps on my posts to see that, yes, I'm one of those "mom bloggers" who has let life get in the way of blogging.
But please... "homework and swim practice... housework and parenting?" A spot of condescension with your morning coffee, WAHMs?
Judy Nichols, quoted in the article, is described as a stay-at-home-mom and mystery writer. Wouldn't that combination make her a work-at-home mom? When the English language seems to adopt new terminology more often than Lindsay Lohan gets into car accidents, why has this word not reached our mainstream lexicon yet?
And is there a slim possibility Judy Nichols stopped blogging to work on endeavors (like her novels?) that actually make money? Granted, I know some very successful mom bloggers who earn a living wage every month from blogging. But very few do that with their personal blogs. There are ways, between ad sense and affiliate programs. In fact, an ambitious mom blogger can create a whole blog network, which then becomes a business, with employees, advertisers and the whole nine yards.
But that's very, very different from blogs like Judy's "Rantings of a Crazed Soccer Mom."
Or this one.
Am I letting the New York Times guilt me into blogging again? Perhaps.
Hey, whatever works, right?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Secret to Beating Writer’s Block
I’ve had kind of a rough month. My working vacation at the beginning of April turned into more vacation and not so much working. Which was fine as far as recharging the batteries and having fun, but left me with a pile of stuff to finish when I returned.
Living out of a host of hotels up and down I-95 for the past few weeks left Ashley particularly clingy; I’ve spent a disproportionate amount of time holding her, at the expense of housework, work or any sort of social life. To add to it all, I’m trying to transition her into her own sleeping space (we’ve been co-sleeping for at least half the night, every night). Ironically, when she’s sleeping on her own, I’ll get a lot more sleep but the interim brings a lot more sleepness nights. (Just when I grew accustomed to five hours being a “good night’s sleep!”)
Enough whining, I promise. It gets better. And it got better. Because I remembered a very important writing rule: Writing breeds writing.
I had fallen out of the groove. I felt like everything I wrote was garbage, I had no ideas, and couldn’t put a sentence together. Finally, yesterday morning, I popped in a Baby Einstein DVD for Ashley and promised myself I’d just write one blog post. I put up a short post for www.paintballsportsmag.com. Don’t worry; I’ll wait while you go read it if paintball is your thing and you’re so inclined.
See? It’s not my best work, but it’s informative, short and useful, and the editor liked it. From there, I did some work on another blog project, finished a review of the Cushi Tush infant seat for Babies Online, and by the end of the night, I felt like my writing wasn’t half-bad anymore. I had also gotten considerably faster.
I’ve been doing this a long time, and it’s the same story every time. Not writing feeds on itself. If you don’t make that commitment to sit at your keyboard and produce something, not writing becomes the habit.
However, writing does the same. And beating writer’s block really is that easy.
Here’s the six-figure secret to becoming a full-time freelance writer: Just sit down and write.
You will probably think what you created was awful. It might be. Or maybe it won’t.
If you’re really unsure, send it to a trusted friend or colleague. If you need a boost in confidence, send it to your mom. The point is, you will have written! And as you write, it gets easier. As you don’t write, it gets harder and harder to begin. So just take that step.
Some people might ask, “Do e-mails count?” Here’s my answer: They count if they count. I use e-mail as such a basic part of my existence, I don’t mentally count them as “writing.” Some people do, and say writing an e-mail is a great way to beat writer’s block. It’s never worked for me but if it works for you, then yes, it counts. If a 140-character Twitter post gets you out of the funk, more power to you!
In more than two decades as a paid writer, this has worked for me every single time. The problem is, when you’re in that funk and can’t write, the obvious answer (to write) doesn’t seem so obvious. I know it’s not for me, until I do it, and then I say, “Why didn’t I do this earlier instead of wallowing in misery.
Post this on your wall as a reminder, if it helps. You can do it!
JUST WRITE.
Living out of a host of hotels up and down I-95 for the past few weeks left Ashley particularly clingy; I’ve spent a disproportionate amount of time holding her, at the expense of housework, work or any sort of social life. To add to it all, I’m trying to transition her into her own sleeping space (we’ve been co-sleeping for at least half the night, every night). Ironically, when she’s sleeping on her own, I’ll get a lot more sleep but the interim brings a lot more sleepness nights. (Just when I grew accustomed to five hours being a “good night’s sleep!”)
Enough whining, I promise. It gets better. And it got better. Because I remembered a very important writing rule: Writing breeds writing.
I had fallen out of the groove. I felt like everything I wrote was garbage, I had no ideas, and couldn’t put a sentence together. Finally, yesterday morning, I popped in a Baby Einstein DVD for Ashley and promised myself I’d just write one blog post. I put up a short post for www.paintballsportsmag.com. Don’t worry; I’ll wait while you go read it if paintball is your thing and you’re so inclined.
See? It’s not my best work, but it’s informative, short and useful, and the editor liked it. From there, I did some work on another blog project, finished a review of the Cushi Tush infant seat for Babies Online, and by the end of the night, I felt like my writing wasn’t half-bad anymore. I had also gotten considerably faster.
I’ve been doing this a long time, and it’s the same story every time. Not writing feeds on itself. If you don’t make that commitment to sit at your keyboard and produce something, not writing becomes the habit.
However, writing does the same. And beating writer’s block really is that easy.
Here’s the six-figure secret to becoming a full-time freelance writer: Just sit down and write.
You will probably think what you created was awful. It might be. Or maybe it won’t.
If you’re really unsure, send it to a trusted friend or colleague. If you need a boost in confidence, send it to your mom. The point is, you will have written! And as you write, it gets easier. As you don’t write, it gets harder and harder to begin. So just take that step.
Some people might ask, “Do e-mails count?” Here’s my answer: They count if they count. I use e-mail as such a basic part of my existence, I don’t mentally count them as “writing.” Some people do, and say writing an e-mail is a great way to beat writer’s block. It’s never worked for me but if it works for you, then yes, it counts. If a 140-character Twitter post gets you out of the funk, more power to you!
In more than two decades as a paid writer, this has worked for me every single time. The problem is, when you’re in that funk and can’t write, the obvious answer (to write) doesn’t seem so obvious. I know it’s not for me, until I do it, and then I say, “Why didn’t I do this earlier instead of wallowing in misery.
Post this on your wall as a reminder, if it helps. You can do it!
JUST WRITE.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
When Stories Touch Us
Wow.
I read and copyedited a very disturbing article this morning before I even had my morning coffee. It drove home the real reason I write for a living.
I often joke that I’ll write “anything that pays,” and to some degree, that’s true. In the past few months,, I’ve written about cosmetic dentistry, digital signage, make-up and diaper bags. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of these topics but, with the possible exception of diaper bags, , none of these topics exactly touches mylife or my passion. (Makeup used to fall into that category. Ah, how life changes!)
On the other end of that spectrum, I’ve interviewed the band director at Columbine High School, cancer survivors, and people whose lives have been changed in ways big and small by the charity efforts of others.
This morning, I copyedited an article about a little girl in India named whose father burned her mother to death. Sushmita suffered third degree burns on her body, and emotional scars—as you might imagine—that last to this day.
As a new mother, the very thought of this turned my stomach. An organization called the Asian Christian Academy, however, took Sushmita into their House of Joy for children, where she has begun the healing process.
When the ACA brochure comes out, which I contributed writing to and also copyedited, I hope and pray it will move people as that story moved me, to give ACA the funding it needs to continue to do God’s work and spread His Word. I’m honored that Dr. David Fletcher invited me to be a small part of ACA and its mission. I am grateful that God chose to connect me with Dr. Fletcher so that I could use my talents in this way.
Why do I write? I write for a living.
But why do I write? I write because I want to share stories that can change small pieces of the world.
Writers: What stories have touched you lately? Please tell us here.
I read and copyedited a very disturbing article this morning before I even had my morning coffee. It drove home the real reason I write for a living.
I often joke that I’ll write “anything that pays,” and to some degree, that’s true. In the past few months,, I’ve written about cosmetic dentistry, digital signage, make-up and diaper bags. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of these topics but, with the possible exception of diaper bags, , none of these topics exactly touches mylife or my passion. (Makeup used to fall into that category. Ah, how life changes!)
On the other end of that spectrum, I’ve interviewed the band director at Columbine High School, cancer survivors, and people whose lives have been changed in ways big and small by the charity efforts of others.
This morning, I copyedited an article about a little girl in India named whose father burned her mother to death. Sushmita suffered third degree burns on her body, and emotional scars—as you might imagine—that last to this day.
As a new mother, the very thought of this turned my stomach. An organization called the Asian Christian Academy, however, took Sushmita into their House of Joy for children, where she has begun the healing process.
When the ACA brochure comes out, which I contributed writing to and also copyedited, I hope and pray it will move people as that story moved me, to give ACA the funding it needs to continue to do God’s work and spread His Word. I’m honored that Dr. David Fletcher invited me to be a small part of ACA and its mission. I am grateful that God chose to connect me with Dr. Fletcher so that I could use my talents in this way.
Why do I write? I write for a living.
But why do I write? I write because I want to share stories that can change small pieces of the world.
Writers: What stories have touched you lately? Please tell us here.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Freelancer’s Four Most Profitable Words
Most of the freelance writing and editing work I receive comes through word-of-mouth and personal connections. Every few months, I’ll hit pot luck with a gig through Craig’s List or another job Web site and really hit it off with the client. But most of the time, I get to know my clients before they become my clients.
The four most profitable words in my freelance career:
“Do you hire freelancers?”
Who do I ask?
1. Since I often do marketing work as well as writing magazine articles, blogging and writing Web content, I often ask people at PR firms who pitch stories to me if they ever hire freelancers. Many do.
2. If I hit it off with an interview subject who owns their own business and has their own Web site, I ask if they are looking for anyone to write for them.
3. And of course, I sometimes make cold-calls or e-mails to interesting trade magazines asking: “Do you hire freelancers?” Trade magazines often don’t have their writers’ guidelines posted online or listed in writer’s markets and sometimes you can’t tell by studying the masthead if they ever work with freelancers.
By asking this question in a cold call, I save myself the trouble of constructing a query, or even outlining my qualifications, only to hear, “Sorry, we do all our writing in-house.”
By asking interview subjects, I am targeting specific clients based on a rapport we’ve already developed. Since my gut instincts about people are pretty spot-on, this minimizes my chances of getting one of those “problem clients” we all dread.
If a PR agent is pitching me a story, chances are they are already familiar with my work and they like what they see. I have nothing to lose by asking if they’d like to work with me in a different capacity.
Sometimes, the people I ask aren’t hiring right now, but they will keep it in the back of their minds. Other times, they didn’t know they were looking for freelance help, but when I plant the idea in their mind, they grab it! Sometimes, you achieve that serendipitous moment when, indeed, a person is seeking freelance help, and there you appear, right in front of them!
Like so much freelancing advice, this, too, boils down to the JHS (Just Hit Send) philosophy.
“Do you hire freelancers?” Just. Ask.
The four most profitable words in my freelance career:
“Do you hire freelancers?”
Who do I ask?
1. Since I often do marketing work as well as writing magazine articles, blogging and writing Web content, I often ask people at PR firms who pitch stories to me if they ever hire freelancers. Many do.
2. If I hit it off with an interview subject who owns their own business and has their own Web site, I ask if they are looking for anyone to write for them.
3. And of course, I sometimes make cold-calls or e-mails to interesting trade magazines asking: “Do you hire freelancers?” Trade magazines often don’t have their writers’ guidelines posted online or listed in writer’s markets and sometimes you can’t tell by studying the masthead if they ever work with freelancers.
By asking this question in a cold call, I save myself the trouble of constructing a query, or even outlining my qualifications, only to hear, “Sorry, we do all our writing in-house.”
By asking interview subjects, I am targeting specific clients based on a rapport we’ve already developed. Since my gut instincts about people are pretty spot-on, this minimizes my chances of getting one of those “problem clients” we all dread.
If a PR agent is pitching me a story, chances are they are already familiar with my work and they like what they see. I have nothing to lose by asking if they’d like to work with me in a different capacity.
Sometimes, the people I ask aren’t hiring right now, but they will keep it in the back of their minds. Other times, they didn’t know they were looking for freelance help, but when I plant the idea in their mind, they grab it! Sometimes, you achieve that serendipitous moment when, indeed, a person is seeking freelance help, and there you appear, right in front of them!
Like so much freelancing advice, this, too, boils down to the JHS (Just Hit Send) philosophy.
“Do you hire freelancers?” Just. Ask.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
“Filler” Income for Writers: Taking Surveys
I’ve always believed in diversification with my business. That’s why I write feature magazine articles for print and magazines, blog posts, catalog copy, press releases, keyword articles and, well, anything that pays.
But, for the past several years, I have also earned money taking surveys. This isn’t full time income for me, by any means. I equate the extra cash to the “cashback rewards” I earn by using certain credit cards (and then paying them off that month.)
Like cashback rewards, money I earn from surveys has a knack of showing up in my Paypal account or mailbox right on the day when I could really use that extra $10 - $50 for a treat.
I like surveys because I can do them while I’m drinking my morning coffee, before my brain is in gear to start anything that looks like a writing project.
Could I earn filler income by posting articles on Associated Content and the like? Of course I could. But the way I see it, my writing talents deserve better pay than what those sites offer at this stage in my career. If I’m writing, I want to be paid what I deserve for my writing. I don’t mind making a few dollars a day just for clicking buttons to take a survey, though. I hardly consider it work. I want something different—a diversion from writing—for my filler income. We've all seen the ads to "earn money taking surveys," and it turns out, you really can!
What survey sites do I currently use?
MySurvey.com
This was the first survey site I ever signed up for, and I’ve earned $120 total just for taking easy surveys. I do this while I’m watching T.V., drinking my coffee in the morning, letting story ideas percolate. There are no catches that I’ve found with this site, no money to lay out, nothing to ever purchase. You don’t need to supply a credit card number – ever.
When you earn 1,000 points (surveys range from 10 points to 200 points), you can “cash-out” for a $10 check, donate the money to a charity of your choice or “buy” merchandise from their rewards store. You can also put the money into a raffle to win prizes like flat screen televisions. I always cash out or, if I’m feeling generous, donate the money.
I’ve also received free samples of household goods like paper towels and cat food. The real money from Mysurvey.com comes from referrals, which earn 150 points each, but you have to send an e-mail to get people to sign up.
Bottom line: I definitely recommend this site, as it’s fun and hardly takes any time. Post a comment if you’d like an e-mail from me with a referral link.
Vindale Surveys
I recently signed up for this survey site through a link on Twitter and so far, I love it. In one week, I’ve earned $24, all while drinking my morning coffee and getting geared up for the day. If you’re sitting in front of the computer, anyway, and have a few minutes to spare, why not sign up?
In addition to cash for taking surveys, I have also received:
- all three of my credit reports FREE
- FREE business cards from Vista Print
- $5 in FREE Postage from Stamps.com
What should you be aware of?
In many cases, you need to supply a credit card number and sign up for a free service, which you must cancel before the trail period expires or your card will get charged. In my experience, you need to call an 800 number to cancel, so expect that to take a few minutes out of your day.
I simply jot down on my calendar the date I need to cancel (actually, I mark down a week earlier, to give myself some extra time.) As soon as the survey is “verified” and the money is in my Vindale account, I call and cancel.
Stamps.com put cookies on my computer that Spysweeper caught, so I would make sure all your spyware is up to date.
Like other survey companies, you can also earn money through referrals: $5 per referral.
Bottom line: If you are well-organized and not susceptible to sales pitches, you can earn $100 a month or more with Vindale and it won’t take a lot of time out of your day. Highly recommended! If you like what I have to say, please sign up through my referral link. Fortunately, I’ve kicked my cup-a-day Starbucks habit, but I’m sure I can find a good way to spend five bucks. Two canisters of organic baby cereal, maybe?
Valued Opinions
Like other survey companies, Valued Opinions sends notifications to your mailbox when you have a survey.
After a week of being a member, I just received the first survey I was eligible to participate in today. One of the “qualifying questions” asks if you are employed by a media firm or a member of the media, and disqualifies you if you are. I have to learn to lie on these surveys!
I just spent about 30 minutes taking a survey about frozen foods and earned $3. Not fantastic, but if I had nothing better to do, I wouldn’t mind. Again, if you’re vegging out in front of the television with no pressing chores, it’s some money. But realistic, $6/hour is nothing to write home about, even in the realm of doing surveys online.
Also, I wasted quite a bit of time answering survey questions only to find out, 5 questions in, that I didn’t qualify. If you don’t qualify for a survey at MySurvey.com, you still earn 10 points for trying.
When your account at ValuedOpinions reaches $20, you can redeem the money for a gift certificate to a popular online retailer, including Amazon.com. So you’re not earning hard cash, either.
Still, what writer can’t use an extra $20 to spend at Amazon?
I’ve been a member for one week, and have only earned $3 so far. There is no referral program that I can find for signing friends up at Valued Opinions.
Bottom line: If you have absolutely nothing better to do, $6 an hour to spend on books, magazines and other fun stuff isn’t bad. Or if you just enjoy taking surveys and sharing your opinion and feedback with product manufacturers, sign up. What have you got to lose? No credit card required.
Dollarsurveys.net
Dollarsurveys.net deposits $1 in your Paypal account weekly for each survey you take. A reminder arrives in your e-mail every day reminding you to try for that day’s survey. So far, I haven’t qualified, and, like ValuedOpinions, you waste time answering questions only to find out you don’t qualify.
In theory, you could earn up to $30/month if you qualify for every survey and take a survey every day. There is no referral program to increase your earnings. No credit card is required, in my experience, which is a benefit.
Bottom line: You have nothing to lose, why not start your morning with a short survey and earn a dollar?
But, for the past several years, I have also earned money taking surveys. This isn’t full time income for me, by any means. I equate the extra cash to the “cashback rewards” I earn by using certain credit cards (and then paying them off that month.)
Like cashback rewards, money I earn from surveys has a knack of showing up in my Paypal account or mailbox right on the day when I could really use that extra $10 - $50 for a treat.
I like surveys because I can do them while I’m drinking my morning coffee, before my brain is in gear to start anything that looks like a writing project.
Could I earn filler income by posting articles on Associated Content and the like? Of course I could. But the way I see it, my writing talents deserve better pay than what those sites offer at this stage in my career. If I’m writing, I want to be paid what I deserve for my writing. I don’t mind making a few dollars a day just for clicking buttons to take a survey, though. I hardly consider it work. I want something different—a diversion from writing—for my filler income. We've all seen the ads to "earn money taking surveys," and it turns out, you really can!
What survey sites do I currently use?
MySurvey.com
This was the first survey site I ever signed up for, and I’ve earned $120 total just for taking easy surveys. I do this while I’m watching T.V., drinking my coffee in the morning, letting story ideas percolate. There are no catches that I’ve found with this site, no money to lay out, nothing to ever purchase. You don’t need to supply a credit card number – ever.
When you earn 1,000 points (surveys range from 10 points to 200 points), you can “cash-out” for a $10 check, donate the money to a charity of your choice or “buy” merchandise from their rewards store. You can also put the money into a raffle to win prizes like flat screen televisions. I always cash out or, if I’m feeling generous, donate the money.
I’ve also received free samples of household goods like paper towels and cat food. The real money from Mysurvey.com comes from referrals, which earn 150 points each, but you have to send an e-mail to get people to sign up.
Bottom line: I definitely recommend this site, as it’s fun and hardly takes any time. Post a comment if you’d like an e-mail from me with a referral link.
Vindale Surveys
I recently signed up for this survey site through a link on Twitter and so far, I love it. In one week, I’ve earned $24, all while drinking my morning coffee and getting geared up for the day. If you’re sitting in front of the computer, anyway, and have a few minutes to spare, why not sign up?
In addition to cash for taking surveys, I have also received:
- all three of my credit reports FREE
- FREE business cards from Vista Print
- $5 in FREE Postage from Stamps.com
What should you be aware of?
In many cases, you need to supply a credit card number and sign up for a free service, which you must cancel before the trail period expires or your card will get charged. In my experience, you need to call an 800 number to cancel, so expect that to take a few minutes out of your day.
I simply jot down on my calendar the date I need to cancel (actually, I mark down a week earlier, to give myself some extra time.) As soon as the survey is “verified” and the money is in my Vindale account, I call and cancel.
Stamps.com put cookies on my computer that Spysweeper caught, so I would make sure all your spyware is up to date.
Like other survey companies, you can also earn money through referrals: $5 per referral.
Bottom line: If you are well-organized and not susceptible to sales pitches, you can earn $100 a month or more with Vindale and it won’t take a lot of time out of your day. Highly recommended! If you like what I have to say, please sign up through my referral link. Fortunately, I’ve kicked my cup-a-day Starbucks habit, but I’m sure I can find a good way to spend five bucks. Two canisters of organic baby cereal, maybe?
Valued Opinions
Like other survey companies, Valued Opinions sends notifications to your mailbox when you have a survey.
After a week of being a member, I just received the first survey I was eligible to participate in today. One of the “qualifying questions” asks if you are employed by a media firm or a member of the media, and disqualifies you if you are. I have to learn to lie on these surveys!
I just spent about 30 minutes taking a survey about frozen foods and earned $3. Not fantastic, but if I had nothing better to do, I wouldn’t mind. Again, if you’re vegging out in front of the television with no pressing chores, it’s some money. But realistic, $6/hour is nothing to write home about, even in the realm of doing surveys online.
Also, I wasted quite a bit of time answering survey questions only to find out, 5 questions in, that I didn’t qualify. If you don’t qualify for a survey at MySurvey.com, you still earn 10 points for trying.
When your account at ValuedOpinions reaches $20, you can redeem the money for a gift certificate to a popular online retailer, including Amazon.com. So you’re not earning hard cash, either.
Still, what writer can’t use an extra $20 to spend at Amazon?
I’ve been a member for one week, and have only earned $3 so far. There is no referral program that I can find for signing friends up at Valued Opinions.
Bottom line: If you have absolutely nothing better to do, $6 an hour to spend on books, magazines and other fun stuff isn’t bad. Or if you just enjoy taking surveys and sharing your opinion and feedback with product manufacturers, sign up. What have you got to lose? No credit card required.
Dollarsurveys.net
Dollarsurveys.net deposits $1 in your Paypal account weekly for each survey you take. A reminder arrives in your e-mail every day reminding you to try for that day’s survey. So far, I haven’t qualified, and, like ValuedOpinions, you waste time answering questions only to find out you don’t qualify.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
WRITER FOR HIRE: My Resume
Dawn Allcot
DawnAllcot@gmail.com / www.allcotmedia. com
631.278.4217 (cell)
FREELANCE WRITER / EDITOR / PUBLIC RELATIONS / GHOSTWRITER
* My ability to generate ideas, create clean copy on tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks has earned me thousands of writing credits and regular assignments. Since 2001, editors have counted on me to turn in complex assignments under strict deadlines.
* My background in magazine editing since 1997 means I know what editors want. I can take the reins of a project and guide it to completion, or write snappy copy to a client’s specifications.
* From press releases to web copy to feature articles, I approach every project with professionalism and enthusiasm.
NICHE SPECIALTIES:
Preferred topics include: audiovisual and lighting technology, particularly in the house of worship market; pregnancy & parenting; work-at-home business management; freelance writing; health/ fitness/beauty; Feng Shui; paintball; music & arts education.
ALLCOT MEDIA: Freelance writing, editing, proofreading, marketing
December 2001 – Present (full-time)
CURRENT / RECENT CLIENTS
* Regular contributor to print publications, including: Church Production, Worship Facilities Magazine, Sound & Communications, Club Business International;
* Blogger/writer for BabiesOnline.com;
* Business/marketing columnist and blogger for Paintball Sports Magazine;
* Published in Cup of Comfort for Sisters and Sacred Water, personal essay anthologies;
* Proofreader for LI Performance Poets Association Literary Review;
* Contributor to The Complete Guide to Paintball, fourth edition;
* Media Coordinator for Special Ops Paintball Elite Weekend and SPPL tournament series;
* Other clients include: iPrayerWorks, Aadvert International, the FitAdvocate, Ken Lauher, Makeup.com, BabiesOnline.com, AbsoluteWrite.com, and FamilyResource.com.
SOFTWARE
* Working knowledge of QuarkXpress, InDesign, Photoshop, Wordpress, Blogger
WEB 2.0
* Write and maintain writer’s blog at www.allcotmedia.com
* Well-versed in social media w/ strong existing social network
* Experience in writing keyword articles for SEO optimization
OFFICE EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE
Global Media (May 2004 – March 2007)
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 / 631.580.7772
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (May 2004 – March 2007)
Paintball Sports Magazine
* Re-designed monthly newsstand publication, in collaboration with art department;
* Improved editorial content, resulting in increased circulation and advertising sales income;
* Consistently met strict editorial/photography budget while maintaining the highest standards of creative quality;
* Created new features and departments designed to target our main demographic (males, ages 15 – 45) and showcase the “paintball lifestyle;”
* Generated article ideas, wrote multiple departments and features, managed freelance staff;
* Promoted magazine at dozens of national events.
Testa Communications (August 1997 – October 2002)
Port Washington, NY / 516.767.2500
Held several titles at multi-property, multimedia publishing firm. Details below.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (May 2000 – October 2002)
Band & Orchestra Product News
* Consistently completed magazine on time and under budget;
* Developed positive relationships with industry members, advertisers and readership through trade show presence and consistent phone contact.
* Oversaw production of all editorial content for magazine and companion website;
* Managed a staff of freelancers and two assistant editors;
EXECUTIVE EDITOR (April 2000 – July 2000)
Club Systems International
* Worked with publisher to launch, from concept and design to editorial content, monthly trade magazine focused on the sound, lighting and video systems in nightclubs;
* Edited first two issues of magazine while simultaneously editing B&O Product News;
* Promoted magazine at trade shows;
* Developed a freelance staff and fostered industry relationships.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR (July 1999 – May 2000)
Band & Orchestra Product News
* Introduced the “Making More Music Makers” scholarship program, coordinated the contest, secured sponsors and judged hundreds of entries;
* Worked closely with editor to generate story ideas, write features, report news, and establish an industry presence.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (August 1997 – July 1999)
Sound & Communications, DJ Times, Music & Sound Retailer, B&O Product News
* Spearheaded communication and idea trade between staff;
* Promoted to Associate Editor, B&O Product News, Staff Writer, Music & Sound Retailer and Managing Editor, Sound & Communications Blue Book, all within six months.
* Wrote news, product sections, and feature stories;
* Acted as Administrative Assistant to Editorial Director.
EDUCATION
Long Island University, Southampton
English/Writing major, staff writer for campus newspaper
DawnAllcot@gmail.com / www.allcotmedia. com
631.278.4217 (cell)
FREELANCE WRITER / EDITOR / PUBLIC RELATIONS / GHOSTWRITER
* My ability to generate ideas, create clean copy on tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks has earned me thousands of writing credits and regular assignments. Since 2001, editors have counted on me to turn in complex assignments under strict deadlines.
* My background in magazine editing since 1997 means I know what editors want. I can take the reins of a project and guide it to completion, or write snappy copy to a client’s specifications.
* From press releases to web copy to feature articles, I approach every project with professionalism and enthusiasm.
NICHE SPECIALTIES:
Preferred topics include: audiovisual and lighting technology, particularly in the house of worship market; pregnancy & parenting; work-at-home business management; freelance writing; health/ fitness/beauty; Feng Shui; paintball; music & arts education.
ALLCOT MEDIA: Freelance writing, editing, proofreading, marketing
December 2001 – Present (full-time)
CURRENT / RECENT CLIENTS
* Regular contributor to print publications, including: Church Production, Worship Facilities Magazine, Sound & Communications, Club Business International;
* Blogger/writer for BabiesOnline.com;
* Business/marketing columnist and blogger for Paintball Sports Magazine;
* Published in Cup of Comfort for Sisters and Sacred Water, personal essay anthologies;
* Proofreader for LI Performance Poets Association Literary Review;
* Contributor to The Complete Guide to Paintball, fourth edition;
* Media Coordinator for Special Ops Paintball Elite Weekend and SPPL tournament series;
* Other clients include: iPrayerWorks, Aadvert International, the FitAdvocate, Ken Lauher, Makeup.com, BabiesOnline.com, AbsoluteWrite.com, and FamilyResource.com.
SOFTWARE
* Working knowledge of QuarkXpress, InDesign, Photoshop, Wordpress, Blogger
WEB 2.0
* Write and maintain writer’s blog at www.allcotmedia.com
* Well-versed in social media w/ strong existing social network
* Experience in writing keyword articles for SEO optimization
OFFICE EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE
Global Media (May 2004 – March 2007)
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 / 631.580.7772
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (May 2004 – March 2007)
Paintball Sports Magazine
* Re-designed monthly newsstand publication, in collaboration with art department;
* Improved editorial content, resulting in increased circulation and advertising sales income;
* Consistently met strict editorial/photography budget while maintaining the highest standards of creative quality;
* Created new features and departments designed to target our main demographic (males, ages 15 – 45) and showcase the “paintball lifestyle;”
* Generated article ideas, wrote multiple departments and features, managed freelance staff;
* Promoted magazine at dozens of national events.
Testa Communications (August 1997 – October 2002)
Port Washington, NY / 516.767.2500
Held several titles at multi-property, multimedia publishing firm. Details below.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (May 2000 – October 2002)
Band & Orchestra Product News
* Consistently completed magazine on time and under budget;
* Developed positive relationships with industry members, advertisers and readership through trade show presence and consistent phone contact.
* Oversaw production of all editorial content for magazine and companion website;
* Managed a staff of freelancers and two assistant editors;
EXECUTIVE EDITOR (April 2000 – July 2000)
Club Systems International
* Worked with publisher to launch, from concept and design to editorial content, monthly trade magazine focused on the sound, lighting and video systems in nightclubs;
* Edited first two issues of magazine while simultaneously editing B&O Product News;
* Promoted magazine at trade shows;
* Developed a freelance staff and fostered industry relationships.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR (July 1999 – May 2000)
Band & Orchestra Product News
* Introduced the “Making More Music Makers” scholarship program, coordinated the contest, secured sponsors and judged hundreds of entries;
* Worked closely with editor to generate story ideas, write features, report news, and establish an industry presence.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (August 1997 – July 1999)
Sound & Communications, DJ Times, Music & Sound Retailer, B&O Product News
* Spearheaded communication and idea trade between staff;
* Promoted to Associate Editor, B&O Product News, Staff Writer, Music & Sound Retailer and Managing Editor, Sound & Communications Blue Book, all within six months.
* Wrote news, product sections, and feature stories;
* Acted as Administrative Assistant to Editorial Director.
EDUCATION
Long Island University, Southampton
English/Writing major, staff writer for campus newspaper
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