Writers Unbound

Good morning readers and writers. My goal today is to get a whole lotta stuff cleaned up and done so I can enjoy Christmas with my 7 year old tomboy and my 4 year old cuddlebug. So that I can move along in that direction, I am bestowing upon you the below page o’ resources, gathered from the past year of my freelance biz.

• Itty Biz always has great info for…well..itty bitty businesses (freelancers take note). Plus they have a pic of a super cute baby in their About Us section, so how can you go wrong?

• Here’s one for the novelists out there: Query Tracker. Members join (free) and use the agent listings. But, it doesn’t stop there. Once you query, you use the system to track your results (yes, no, maybe, etc). Each agent is then analyzed based on the feedback given to Query Tracker members. For example, one agent I looked at had an 83% “no” rate, a 6% acceptance rate and a 4% “maybe” rate. Sure, the data isn’t “scientific” per se, but it’s still another tool for your GET PUBLISHED arsenal.

• I <heart> SiteMeter. For newbies out there, SiteMeter is a service that you place on your blog or website via an HTML code, and it tells you how many people visited your site in a week, where they came from and how many pages they viewed. I am an anti-tech geek (which I am working on), but I promise you: SiteMeter is very easy to use.

• Are you a freelancer? Copywriter? Translator? Wondering if you should form a sole proprietorship, or an LLC? My New Company has tons of free info. 

• Want to turn that resume/list of clips into a more polished document? Why not convert it into PDF? Oh, did I mention…it’s free?

• Last, but certainly not least, if you’re looking for a little fun reading during the holidays, be sure to read Screw You! It’s kinda funny.

That’s it for today you all. Hope I’ve given you at least one new bookmark or tool!

Now, to see what kind of gems are under the tree before my husband gets home….

writers resources

I hate the stereotype of the frustrated newbie author: book sitting half finished on the computer while he slaves away at writing that pays the bills (or the cube farm job that pays the bills, or raising the children while the other parent pays the bills…you get the idea). I think I hate the stereotype because sometimes it’s me…well, except I’m a female.

I have written my book in fits and starts. The chapters are all out of order and discombobulated. The majority of it was written longhand in the mountains of Mexico, or on the plane on the way home, because 1) I was inspired and 2) I was on vacation.

But as soon as I got home, the book sat. And sat. And still it sits.

I’m not even particularly worried about selling or publishing my book. I will be happy just to get the damn thing out of my head (and off my hard drive, and out of my notebooks, and off the ‘memo’ screen of my Blackberry…you see where this is going?)

I am going to finish this book in 2008, dammit. If you’re in this boat with me, here’s some resources and inspiration:

• Walter Mosley (whom I looove) on NPR.
• Advice from Peace Corps Writers (two of my favorite people: peace corps workers and writers combined into one!)
• Do you get the Worldwide Freelance Writer newsletter? They had this link about a young girl who has already written two published books. (I would just like to point out that this girl doesn’t have a job or children to support….I’m KIDDING! )

As always, I wish us all success!

novel, walter mosley, author

Yesterday I ran across a link to Volunteermatch.org. (I can’t recall where I ran across it, unfortunately, but if it was your blog, feel free to leave me a comment.)

I realized that there is an absolute plethora of grant writing needs out there. Everyone needs money! Heck, I’m writing a grant proposal in my other window right this minute.

One of my internships was a grueling (but in a good way) foray into the world of non profits and grant writing. My knowledge went from zero to a complete, competitive $75,000 proposal in 4 months. 

Many non profits are willing to pay (sometimes handsomely) for someone who can write grant proposals. Unfortunately for writers, this often includes the need for someone to interview the organization multiple times, meet with the board, ascertain the needs, price out the needs, create spreadsheets and etc for the needs, price out the hired help that goes with the need, research things like payroll taxes and insurance, research leasing terms and rates, and possibly consider things like heating costs, custodial costs and professional development responsibilities. That’s just a list directly off the top of my head, but my point is that grant writing can often turn out to be more than writing. 

Of course, you could get lucky and end up with an agency that has an accountant and researcher already on staff, and your sole occupation is to string the words together…but, really, how fun and educational would that be?

If you’re interested in grantwriting as a way to put your writing skills to work, here’s some suggestions:

1) Consider taking a class. You could look at local colleges, or you could consider a local non-profit umbrella organization. In Michigan, there’s the MNA, an entity that runs seminars and workshops for grantwriters. See if your State has a similar agency.  

2) Start in a volunteer capacity. This looks great on your resume and website, and gets you the real experience that you need to sell your services.

3) Be ready to play with numbers, figures, laws and etc- not just words!

Do I recommend the business? Heck yeah! It’s not very deluged, as far as writers go (at least not that I’ve noticed). In addition, it feels good to do some work that  you can get behind, instead of simply helping out someone else’s bottom line. Lastly, almost every sector has a non profit piece to it. If you’re interested in business, you can team up with a non profit business development firm. If you’re interested in the environment, there’s no limit to the non profits out there for you to work with. I’m specifically interested in Elementary Education- it was my minor in college and I do a LOT of writing in the field. I’ve found more than a few education- focused non profits looking for grantwriters. 

Good luck! 

grants, grant writing, grant proposals

Everyone’s talking about goal planning, and I had to get on board when I was invited to post my goals on Writing-Goals. I dashed off a set of 4-5 for that posting, but I’ve been thinking much deeper, and came up with a more comprehensive list for 2008.

My advice is to have a sounding board. My husband, of course, has a personal stake in seeing my writing business thrive. Luckily, he has a head for business, a business degree, and works in finance. However, a fellow writer or independent business person will do just as well.

Secondly, I feel that just listing abstract goals isn’t enough. I’ve broken my goals into ways to achieve them- step by step.

I also wonder about having date ranges for these goals. This will keep you on track in general. However, for me personally, I’m worried about my Masters program starting in the Fall of 2008. I’ve taken some of the classes in the past and I know how they can suck you dry. I’ll want to have the majority of my goals done before August.

Last, I feel that you have to be willing to bend. Let’s say, for example, that you suddenly sell your first novel. There’s a lot of work involved in getting that draft onto the shelves. I assume it will change your entire life and direction. There would be no shame involved in letting some of your goals go in order to focus on The Great American Novel. ;}

 Feel free to post your goals or your tips for creating goals in the comments.

With the introduction of the Amazon Kindle, everyone’s talking about e-reading.

After handling a good friend’s new Kindle and then bugging the CompUSA guy about the Sony Reader, I’m leaning toward the second generation Sony Reader.

My reasoning is a tad bit less “techie” than most reviews about this online, but comes almost exclusively from the perspective of an avid reader. Here goes:

The Sony is significantly less bulky and easier to carry than the Kindle. A lot of this comes from the fact that the Kindle has a keyboard that is (IMHO) pretty darned useless (keeping in mind that I played with it for only a couple minutes).

I feel that the screens are pretty much on the same level. My understanding is that the Kindle has a bit more options as far as font and size, but I was quite happy with the default settings of the Sony.

The Sony has speakers, so you can use it while driving (seems dangerous to drive around with headphones on!).

As far as convenience goes, I would like to point out that I’ve ran into the Sony at multiple stores, including the local grocery-store-with-an-electronics-section. My understanding as far as the Amazon goes is that you have to get it online. However, I did notice 2 day shipping was free.

Lastly, the Kindle costs 1$100 more than the Sony.

My money’s on the Sony, and the Sony is on my Christmas list

Happy e-reading to you. Be sure to download some of these classic books!

kindle, sony

Thank you kindly to those who followed our markets series that wrapped up yesterday. 

Moving on, I am currently reviewing “The Anti 9-5″ for my freelance writing site at About.com. It’s about leaving behind the cubicle farm for the “freedom” of freelancing.” Haha. While I adore the book, I do have a shot of reality I’d like to share!

For all those considering freelancing as a career, hoping for some of that “freedom,” I’ve decided to share with you a rundown of a day in the life of a full time freelancer:

• 7:30 Up and out the door. Since we’re down to one car for the next couple days, I have become the official chauffeur. Drop off child #1, drop off husband, drop off child #2.
• 9:00 Stop at Office Max and pick up ink for the printer that decided to suddenly die with no warning at 11:30 last night.
• 9:30 Back home. Let dog out, feed cats, print grad school applications and etc to get into the mail by 10a. Yeah, um, the deadline is Friday.
• 10 Time to “start work,” although I’m not sure what that means I’ve been doing since 7:30.
• 10 to 12 Work on editorial management of regional magazine. I have a meeting today at 4:30 with the magazine’s publisher. I showed up at the last meeting with not enough done, and the guy’s flying to Guatemala for a month on Thursday! Needless to say, he’s a bit antsy about the issue’s MLK print date.

So, this two hours of work consists of: managing his magazine, managing my email and other projects who are poking me for attention, researching for a subject interview for this afternoon, and researching for a client call also coming up this afternoon. In addition, I haven’t done any subject interview for over a year, so I have to cough up my recording equipment and digital camera.

• 12:30 Shower and prep for the interview
• 1:40 Leave
• 2:00 Realize I forgot my laptop, which I need for my 4:30 meeting with my publisher. Crap.
• 2:10 Arrive at interview. Early. Hoping he will be ready. Early.
• 2:40 Subject arrives…late.
• 3:10 I should leave the interview right now. We arranged a half hour, which should be enough for a half a page with the research already done and a stock bio covering the first paragraph.
• 3:15 Ok, I really should leave now.
• 3:30 Finally leave. Call my daughter’s school and let them know I am on my way to pick her up.
• 3:45 Pick kid up, 15 minutes late.
• 3:50 Coach kid not to make a peep during 4 pm phone interview.
• 4:00 Potential client calls. Did I mention I’m still in the car?
• 4:10 Arrive home, gather laptop, get back in car to head to next appointment. Yup, still on the phone interview with client.
• 4:30 Pick up hubby. Still on the phone interview. Yes, we still only have one car. But at least now he can drive while I talk.
• 4:34 Phone interview over.
• 4:35 Dropped off at meeting with publisher at local internet cafe.
• 5:15 Publisher has family emergency. Is called away. I eat dinner alone while waiting for my family to pick me up. They are finishing up their dinner down the street.
•  5:30-8 Family time.
• 8: Children to bed, back to work.
• 9: Conference call with About.com’s fellow channel guides.
• 10-11: Back to work (typing this post, among other things.)

A time breakdown:

1. 4 hours family time
2.  7.5 hours work time
3. 3 hours ”other”- shower, travel time, pets

;-} So that’s my life…not that I’m complaining! Hope I’ve infused some reality into your view. Best of luck!

Greetings readers and writers. Last week we began this 5-part series on finding markets for your magazine articles. I hope some of the resources I gave were new and useful to you.

My challenge today: to gift unto you a good variety of personal bookmarks of “potential markets” that I have earmarked while browsing the net/applying for jobs/chatting and networking.

All of these “potential markets” had a call out for new material or a blog post, or were the subject of freelancers discussion within the last 6 months.

Most of these links are directly to their “writers guidelines,” which is, of course, your best jumping off point.

Now, onto the list, in no particular order!

• From Brave New traveler, a list of over 50 travel magazines that want to publish you!
• Babble.com Writer’s Submissions page.
• Chicken Soups Calls. Ok, not particularly magazines, but a good place to sell short, personal essays.
• Skirt Magazine writer’s guidelines.
• Faith, Hope and Joy: The Unexpected Side Effects of Cancer is accepting short personal essay submissions until December 31.
• So you want to contribute to Grandparents.com?
• Highlights Magazine seems to release new calls every couple months.
• National Parks Conservation Association has writer’s guidlines available.
• Wow. Poets and Writers has a large, varied listing.
• Back 2 College is a magazine aimed at adults reentering college to start or finish a degree.

Well, I have many, many more. If you’re not seeing a particular genre in which you’re interested, leave a comment and I will be happy to see what I can come up with!

markets, writers, submissions

Hello and welcome back! We’re in the midst, nearing the end, of a market-finding series, suggested a week back by a reader who wanted to know where/how to sell more stuff. I’ve focused this series on targeting magazines.

I’m going to deviate a bit and look at Ezines today. If you’re a regular reader, you know that I gave a general intro to ezines here, including pros and cons, which I think are worth another read.

However, the bottom line in that post, in relation to markets and market series, is that ezines might just be worth your time, especially if you are a new writer. (And, honestly, even if you’re a veteran.)

Instead of rehashing the whole old post (please, take a look at it), I’d like to highlight some of my fave ezines, and perhaps jog your query writing hand in the process . I may have mentioned some of these in past posts or my other blogs, as I am drawing from my bookmarks here.

 Women on Writing: Pretty self explanatory title, huh? It’s a very chatty read, be sure to match your writing style to theirs.

Work Home You: I’m am such a fan of this magazine, and honestly, it’s on my query list, if I could just find a minute!

The Muse Marquee: I will admit that I’m not sure if MM accepts queries from outside readers. However, I also admit it’s one of my faves, so hopefully you’ll garner some inspiration anyway!

As always, BEST to you!

ezines, magazines, getting published

A couple days ago we began a series on finding markets, specifically targeting magazines/trade journals.

My second most trusted resource for finding markets, after the Writers Market, is Places for Writers. Places for Writers regularly posts calls for content from journals, magazines and other print outlets nationwide (perhaps even worldwide!)

Places for Writers is at the top of my bookmarks for several reasons. For one, it is updated often. However, past calls are easily accessed through their archives.

Secondly, Places for Writers doesn’t just post a magazine and some bare bones info. Instead, they regularly give details and hints about the print outlet, what they are looking for, and how to approach them.

Third, the remainder of their site is also a great resource. They’ve got links to writing contests, and even a section specifically devoted to young readers.

Be sure to check them out when shopping around your next piece! 

writers markets, places for writers, getting published

Last Friday, we began a series on finding markets for your writing, and are focusing first on articles/magazines and perhaps some non-fiction essay markets, which can be found in similar ways.

We started at the beginning, sort of conquering “the chicken or the egg” riddle and found a decent mix of writers here and throughout the net who tend to oscillate between beginning with the targeted market or beginning with the piece.

Today, we’re going to begin finding a market for that (hypothetical) piece that you’ve got burning a hole in your hot little hand…er…hard drive….

Enter: The Resource of All Resources. The Writers Market.

For those new to the writing and publishing world, the Writers Market is a huge print resource listing a downright feast of magazines and trade publications. Each entry also provides hints and tips for each entry regarding how to approach with an idea, who to direct pitches to, what to avoid, and how to get the editor’s attention. Honestly, as a resource, it’s one of the best out there.

Writers Market is also made of an online component- a subscription-based service that basically provides the same thing, but also adds in newer listings, updates, and software that helps you track your submissions. 

Veterans, don’t fret! I know your Writer’s Market is thumbed through and flagged up! Tomorrow, we’ll continue our series on finding markets, and perhaps you can jump in pass along some of your favorite little gems!  

writers market