Writers Unbound

Happy Thursday. Read these blogs. (Short and to the point, right?)

• Writer Beware: “Literary scams, schemes and pitfalls.” Got a question about a publisher or agent? Wondering if you’ve been scammed? This is a great place to start looking.
• Grammar Girl: Study up! My personal recommendation for better grammar? Add a second language to you repertoire.
• MFABitch: “A litblog for all those bitches who survived their MFA.” I’m guessing if you weren’t a bitch going in, you’ll become one before you get out?
• GalleyCat: Rhymes with allycat (which is mynickname, no stealing!) Keep up with the ups and downs and superdowns of the publishing industry.
• Workerette. I read this blog but don’t communicate in it much, but don’t let that fool ya- it’s really a good read for working mothers (ie writing mums like myself).
• Well, let’s not leave off working men- check out Men With Pens. They recently dived into Why Your Novel Isn’t Written Yet. 
• Indigenous Issues Today. Ok, so this is a personal interest of mine. Simply replace this suggestion with your own personal interest. The point here is to read a blog about something that interests you- not having to do with your work!
• Meagan Francis. This is a local(ish) writer whose columns I tend to read. She also has a book out.
• Inkthinker. Follow this freelance writer’s quest for 100,000 in one year. (My husband, the tax accountant, is frowning over there at her goal. Hope she doesn’t let ‘the man’ take too much of it!).
• Plagiarism Today. If you’re a writer, you need to have a clue what plagiarism is (and what it’s not, which comes a little harder for some apparently).
• The author of Write For Cash has a PhD in feminism. Sounds GREAT to me!
• Here’s one that will make you LOL: Nice Mommy, Evil Editor.
• Last, but certainly not least, Mom Writers Lit Mag.
• Bonus Blog: Like books? Who doesn’t? Visit The Bookstacks.

Happy reading, don’t forget to bookmark!

Good morning readers and writers. It’s Writers Work Wednesday. Let’s get some dollars going.

• Avalon sure is friendly to potential authors. Their ”want list” is almost always updated. They’re currently putting the call out for a guide on travel to Honduras.
• Are you new to blogging? You may want to see if you can get on board with the Families.com blog network.
• Veteran writers based in San Francisco may want to check out this posting.
• Tech and custom car blogger needed. Be sure to bookmark this board, it’s great because it tells you how long ago the job was posted.
• Here’s a magazine I would read: Mexico Xpatz is seeking freelance writers. I’m burned out on writing about Mexico right now, so I won’t compete with you! (I’ll just subscribe and read you later!)
• Habitat Magazine is looking for journalists.
• Novelists: Twelfth Planet Press has put out a call for novellas numbering between 20,000 and 40,00 words.

 Another thing I want to bring up this Writer’s Work Wednesday is this wonderful book I’m reading that WILL get you motivated to query magazines and GET ASSIGNMENTS. I’m not even done with it, yet I CANNOT wait to recommend it to you: Writer Mama by Christina Katz.

Christina takes you through the process of becoming a writer for magazines, from beginning to end (and beyond). One book has never generated so many ideas for me before. I am reviewing it for About.com Freelance Writing, and carefully crafting my review. But don’t wait, get it today! 

Today’s Tuesday Tip for novel writers is to read this article and also to subscribe to the New York Times’ book page, as it’s really valuable.

The article talks about purposeful brand placement in your novel. For example, does your teenage male character only wear Adidas? Is your heroine a Marlboros smoker? Where is the line between description and over-selling in the hopes of sponsorship?

One thing that really got me about this practice is that…once again…it’s being aimed at children. HarperCollins Children’s Books is releasing MacKenzie Blue, a book aimed at girls aged eight to twelve. The main character, MacKenzie,  ”loves Converse,” among other product placements. Surprise, surprise, the “author” is a marketing exec.

Ugh. I am so sick of advertisers attempting to covertly brainwash my kids.

Great article…be sure to check it out.

And, moving on to the amusement file, freelance writers will want to take a look at this hilarious posting on craigslist. I guarantee you’ll feel like shouting BRAVO!

Another bravo for writers comes in the form of the proper use of the semi-colon on the number 5 train in NYC. Apparently the marketing writer paid attention in English class. Bravo to him, the usage is one I often have to research/remind myself. (Bad freelance writer!) 

Happy Tuesday- now go back to your writing!

Hi Writers, Once again I’ve received questions on freelance writing bid sites such as elance and guru.com. They’ve obviously got a bad rep in the freelance world, and I am one of the very few who is happy with my experience.

The main reason for my happiness is one of my biggest customers. I edit materials for a company 4-5 times per year at an hourly rate of $30-80 per hour- depending on the subject of said materials. Obviously that’s a big range, but this is an educational curriculum company, so the subject and level (K-12) has a lot to do with the amount of fact hcecking I have to do. Either way, it’s not a rate to sneeze at!

This company found me through iFreelance last Spring, and has used me for about a year now.

Last fall I met a mortgage/real estate broker who offers short ebooks on his website. I edit and format his ebooks for $150 per book. They usually take me anywhere from 1-4 hours. Again, not bad. This customer found me on elance and has used my services twice.

You do have to invest money in a bid site. That alone can throw people off. I don’t particularly like paying for jobs. I struggle with it every day. However, when I did my 2007 taxes, I used my records to compare the cost of elance to the customers I obtained from elance. The cost was about 6%  of my total elance income.  

Bid sites can work. However, you need to be smart about how you use them. Here are some ways to make bid sites work for you.

• Begin at the beginning. Veteran writers are not going to get the rate they  deserve on bid sites without any feedback on the bid site. That’s really silly, but that’s the way it works. Join a site when you are just starting out, that way you don’t have to compromise your rates.
• DON’T COMPROMISE YOUR RATES. Come up with your bottom hourly rate and stick to it. Most of the complaints about bid sites focus on the low paying buyers. Who cares? Ignore them. 
• Focus on the companies. I have found that the most reliable and best paying buyers are mid-sized American or UK-based companies.

I think my success with elance is due to these 3 guidelines. I have noticed that little by little, as my company grew, I needed elance less and less. I generally use elance for some quick turnaround projects that I need to meet my monthly income goals.

Good luck. And, if it’s not working for you— DON’T waste your writing time on it.

Ahh, I love Thursday Thirteen lists, I love talking about books, and I like blogging. Let’s get on with the Thursday 13 list o’ the day!

• Lady Chatterleys Lover by DH Lawrence: Whew. Have I read it? Mutiple times. Why I recommend it? Well, it’s racy. It’s a good time…er, I mean..read ;}
• Twelfth Night by Shakespeare. Ok, so it’s a play, but Twelfth Night has been banned in at least one school because one of the main characters disguided herself as a man. (Oh the carnage! geez) Have I read it? Yes, in college I studied it extensively. Would I recommend it? Yes, although if you’re not up to the challenge, you may prefer the movie with Helena Bonham Carter.
• Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya was banned in one school in Arkansas because of its depiction of paganism. I would especially recommend it to those interested in Latino literature. 
• The Awkening by Kate Chopin. I haven’t read it, I’m sorry! But it is very much on my list. It is banned due to…you guessed it…sex. Oh my. <–Note sarcasm here.
• The Bluest Eye and
• Beloved both by Toni Morrison were two of the most alarming books I’ve ever read. More sex, and again being hcallenged in Arkansas. Who else is picking up on this pattern?
• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I can’t recall if this is a book or a short story, as I read it in an anthology and I recall devouring it all in one sitting. Best read with
• Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I adored this book, too.
• The Satanic Verses. Ok, so I haven’t yet read this famous banned book, but it is most definitely on my list.
• How is this for irony? Read Farenheit 451, a baned book with themes about banning books! Oh, the hilarity.
• A couple to read with your kidlings: A Series of Unfortuante Events and
• Harry Potter series and
• The Lorax.

Happy Reading to you!

Hello, is it Wednesday? See, I wouldn’t know, because I am actually dripping these posts ahead of time in an effort to be a more efficient freelance writer.

Either way, it’s time for some writing work for you!

• Copywriter needed at a company with a really cool name. This is a virtual position.
• If you’re in Chicago, you may want to check out this op from Mintel.
• Poetry Coach needed. Must have a college degree.
• WRG is hiring hiring again. This is a virtual position.
• A POD Publisher needs production help.
• If you have a creative mind, you can make some extra money with Sandbox International.
• Got a niche you that you know a little something about? About.com is looking for Guides for many of its niche sites. Minimum pay is $725 a month.
• McFrank needs an advertising copywriter.
• A Tech Writer is needed by a software company. This one requires a degree.
• Eh. I don’t like this one so much, but I will put it out there for you to check thoroughly.
• Here’s a short term opportunity for writers in North Caroline. I wouldn’t mind having Wake Forest on my resume! I’ve been called an education snob though. Hmm, on second look, I’m not positive this is for the University though.
• Several positions are listed this week at Editors Only classifieds. Don’t let the name throw you off- I saw several postings seeking freelance writers.

As always, I wish you the best of luck! (And I do so sincerely, as there are literally thousands of writing positions out there, and I am willing to share! : }  )

I’ve neglected you, dear non-fiction writers. But have no fear, I’m dedicating today’s Tuesday Tips to YOU.

• Unlike fiction writers, non-fiction authors should query before finishing the entire manuscript. Writer’s Digest says that this is because publishers have very specific niches to fill with non-fiction books.
• Go out of your comfort zone: try fiction. Don’t worry- I say the same thing to fiction writers: try non fiction.
• Here’s a personal tip from a voracious non fiction reader: For goodness sakes get to the point. I’ve noticed that non fiction writers are more likely to make me wade through stuff before finally settling on their point. Please don’t do that to me. I only have so much time in the day.
• Bow to the fact-checker. Or become one yourself. Chances are that you’re an expert (or at least knowledgeable) in your chosen topic. However, you still make mistakes. Trust me, you do. Learn to let go of your work-to a point- and you’ll avoid many issues.
• Your proposal matters even more. Since you are presenting a professional take on a subject in your field, publishers will expect that much more effort and professionalism out of you. I’ve personally seen some really good fiction squeak by despite really bad introductory materials. I doubt it happens nearly as often in non fiction.
• Last, but certainly not least, read Successful Nonfiction by Dan Poynter. I ran across it last weekend and almost read it all in one setting. Not only will it help you get your book into a publishers hands, but parts of it are really enlightening. He includes a lot of little stories and anecdotes about the publishing world that you are sure to find interesting. I did!

There you go, non fiction friends. Best of publishing luck to you! 

Ok, so I actually cleaned out the mailbag when I did FAQ Friday last week. However, I did have a fellow writer ask me an interesting question regarding my personal blog post showing a picture of my office. I thought those who write at home may find the answer somewhat interesting.

Allena, I saw the gorgeous picture of your office at this link. I am working on starting up my freelance writing business, and wondered how much such a set-up set you back? I mean, I know it’s completely deductible, but do you feel that it is worth it for a writer to set up a home office?

Well, I’ll start at the end. I do think it’s “worth it” as far as the deduction goes. My writing business really didn’t make all that much profit last year, my first official “full time” year, but I still made enough of a profit to have to pay taxes. Which I didn’t like much, I may add. Had I been able to write off this office, it would have helped me out alot.

You read that right- I don’t get to write off my office. It’s not used exclusively for my business. My husband’s office is also in here, along with a treadmill and a storage closet. I wish I could write it off. I want to write it off. I just can’t. I’ve looked into some rearranging of the rooms in my house, but have not yet come up with a solution for this.

Meanwhile, I just enjoy my office as is, treadmill, tv and all.

Thanks for the mail! Keep sending Q’s here or to gwpublications@gmail.com.

Dear Writers Unbound, I noticed you stopped writing about Writing Contests. Do you not recommend them anymore?

and

Allena,

We have a writer’s contest we  thought your readers might be interested in here at ________________. The entry fee is XX and the winners will receive their work published in our anthology.

and

Writers Unbound,

I recently entered a bunch of writing contests and got absolutely no response. I’m wondering if I should throw in the towel on this whole “writing” thing. If I can’t even win a $50 contest, how will I ever get anyone to publish my book? Are these contests a good indicator of a writer’s quality?

Hi everyone. Actually, I took over this blog in October, so any mention of writing contests since then was from the writer before me.

But, do I recommend contests? I sometimes do. I simply don’t write about them as much because I lack time to enter them myself! As with any writing endeavor, you’ve got to carefully consider what you spend your time on. Do some background work on any contests that you are thinking of entering, check out their past winners, and make sure that your time is worth it.

For example, the contest above that I’ve been asked to advertise to you, dear readers, seems a bit scammy to me. Past “winners” were lacking in core quality and the “prize” isn’t really all that.

However, don’t misread me. There are contests that I’ve been interested in and would endorse. Some of the big name contests, often run by Universities or well known publishers will be able to pull out some really talented writers from the pack. On the other hand, losing these contestsdoesn’t necessarily mean that you’re completely out of the game. You have to remember that there’s a certain amount of subjectivity in each one. 

I’ll be sure to pass on any good contests/links in the future.

I know I know: I write about freelancing way too much. Let’s veer away from that for a bit, shall we?

On Monday, my 7 year old had the day off school, so it was just her and I here at home, which she doesn’t get a whole lot of. I was helping her fill out her iPOD with song selections from the the video library on cable TV. I was happy with her tastes in music: J. Lo, (Latina) and Ingrid Michaelson (talented writer) among others. (Although I’m a little dismayed with her crush on Justin Timberlake- but, hey, she’s 7, she can’t be perfect. Yet)

I was also pleased that she wanted to read the captions during the videos. Sometimes the words just pop, you know, and you can tell the songwriter is also a poet. People like Tori Amos come to mind here. I was happy to introduce my little to-be writer to the concept.

I was reminded of this one teacher I had in high school who actually got my younger brother interested in poetry by exploring Pearl Jam lyrics (yes it was the 90s).

Another place I’ve found some inspiration lately is from my photo albums. My WIP is set mostly in Mexico, and it helps to access the photos and get me into the right frame of mind.

I’ve mentioned my WIP before, and that it’s set in Mexico, partially, and that I wrote it in Mexico. I’ve talked about this before. I’ve really got to make it come to fruition, so that I don’t reread this post someday and want to kick myself.

I’ve really got to get rid of the IP part of my WIP.