In the past few weeks, we have been discussing how to start your writing career, how to maintain your passion and how to deal with clients. Today let us move forward in how to keep your  writing skills honed and relevant to the needs for today.

I am writing with the idea that you have now created your own blog, or have established your business, and are waiting for your future clients to pop their heads into your virtual online office, blog site or to answer your advertisement. While you are twiddling your thumbs, which is most likely what you are doing, you can be pro-active in acquiring more experience, and in developing your skills.

Use Your Downtime as Writing Time

As an established freelance writer, I rarely have down time, but when I do, I get to work. I pull out an old manuscript I have been writing on for a few years. Really! I practice every day in my writing and I continue to let my mind create and expand my perimeters. How else will I become a better writer, a better communicator and a better leader that will take the reins of my business and not be dragged through the proverbial doldrums of waiting on the next loaf of bread?

Research Increases Base Knowledge and Opens  Up Writing Opportunities

If I realize that I am not in the mood to write, I do some form of random research on a subject that I have never studied before. Acquiring diverse knowledge is another great way to grow your business and to be a great benefit to someone who is seeking a writer with that particular niche. I look for things I have always wanted to know, but never had the time to learn. I practice writing in that style until I have perfected it. Creating a sample, I then add it to my portfolio, or submit to a potential customer who has that particular need.

Pass On Projects That Don’t Fit Your Writing Expertise

Freelance writers are definitely a breed all to their own. We can wait, and wait for the right client to come along. I knew someone who wanted to write so badly that she accepted every project ever offered her. This led to exasperation, frustration and unfortunately, failure. That someone was— me. I have learned now to weed out the things I have no interest in and to snatch up the opportunities that match my skills, interests and expertise. Writing is a lot more fun that way. I can now happily say I am constantly busy working at my business and finding a person who needs a prolific writer to help them achieve their lifelong dreams, or to take them to the next level in their business.

Don’t give up. Keep the faith, and work at your writing talent, until you can almost do it while you are asleep. You can hone your skills on a constant basis, no matter how experienced you are. To be a successful writer, one must work at their wordsmithing on a consistent basis.

Best wishes!

Jane Morin

http://www.jemsfreelancewriting.com

 

Filed under: freelance writer

No one knows better than business owners the importance of branding and how it directly affects your profit and loss margins. Poor branding does nothing but drive customers away to your competition and affect your company’s reputation. That is why I make suggestions to my clientele on how they can increase their brand recognition and bottom line in 2013.

Know Your Audience

Wow! The worst approach to marketing is not knowing whom your potential customers are and using the “spaghetti affect” to increase sales. Throwing marketing concepts on a wall like spaghetti and hoping something will stick is expensive and time consuming, as well as detrimental for the business. In other words, some business owners use a variety of ideas and concepts when determining their brand, and thus, find themselves confusing consumers or causing them to ignore their products and services altogether. Nothing is more annoying than not being able to identify a company’s products or services with a simple glimpse of their website, logo or brochure. First, establish whom your customers are and then target your marketing strategy appropriately. Keeping straightforward concepts, as well as easy, recognizable tag lines and marketing tools, will increase your business effectively.

Keeping Your Motto Clear and Concise

I often receive calls from business owners who need help in developing a company motto that is catchy. They often have thought of an idea or two but fail to have expertise in establishing just the right words that sell! That is one of the reasons I love what I do because their success is my success! Sometimes a business owner will want to combine multiple concepts into a company motto. I ward against this because if a motto is not clear and concise, it is difficult to remember. If your brand recognition or business is hard to remember, then I can guarantee you that you are losing business to your competition.

Clean Line Concepts Make or Break Your Business

If your logo or other identifying markers for your company are convoluted or difficult for customers to conceive, all the glamor, color and promotions in the world will end you right back at the drawing board. Take a look at company logos like Nike, McDonalds, LemonStand, or Beeline and other successful company brands that have accomplished significant market concepts that sell.

If you need help in creating a business image that is memorable for your customers or have a need to find someone who can customize your business and create words that sell effectively for you, I can help! I am a wordsmith with a professional marketing background and I network with graphic artists, web designers and other top notch companies that can assist you in creating a successful brand recognition for a fraction of the costs. I also can help with social media, brochure development, B2B and B2C white papers, public relations and more. If you need assistance, just send me an email or give my office a call at (432) 653-0036, and let me help you make 2013 a year to remember!

Jane Morin

www.jemsfreelancewriting.com

Filed under: freelance writer

It’s a New Year, and how has your company decided to approach their potential clients successfully through online and print media? I consistently receive emails from potential clients asking me how to create a more successful online presence. I offer them three branding suggestions and usually wind up having my work cut out for me—which I love!  Here are some tips on how blogs, Social Media and SEO Web content  increase sales

Original Content Blogs

As I scan through blogs on the internet about “successful blogging,’ I have found it amusing how some of my own blogs have been copied and placed on other writers sites. Oh, they change a word or two, or re-arrange the content, but in essence, it is my original content being used. I guess mimicking someone else is a form of flattery, but when it comes to online content, you must make sure that your copy is original.  In addition, blogs need to be creative, informative and fun! No one likes reading statistical rubbish without added personality behind it! Let your creativity show the real you—in other words, get out there and shine!

Social Media

If you haven’t taken the time to develop an online Social Media (SM) presence,  you are missing out on a massive networking market that has proven itself time and time again in recent years to increase brand recognition and your bottom line. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more are all powerful tools that you can utilize to reach potential customers and best of all, they are FREE!

SEO Web Content

Web content that Web crawlers ignore is producing a serious problem. I have heard some business owners say, “Well, at least I am on the web.” Yes, but if no one is topping by during their search for specific services or products, you might as well be invisible! There is a cut-throat competition online to rank high in WebCrawler searches. You may have excellent content, but if it was not written with search engine optimization (SEO) practices in line, no matter how interesting it is, your potential clients will never find you.

At JEM’S Freelance Writing, I take every aspect of your online presence seriously. If you need blogs, well written SEO  web content, social media assistance and/or more, I would love to help! Just drop us an email or give me a call personally at (432) 653-0036.  I look forward to helping your online presence not only become more visible, but helping your business grow through sales and brand recognition!

Jane Morin /CEO

JEM’S Freelance Writing, Since 1999

www.jemsfreelancewriting.com

Tags: blogs, branding, seo web content
Filed under: Blogging services, Branding, freelance writer, SEO Web Content, writing business, writing services

Writer’s block can be the death of a project if you , the writer, cannot learn how to defeat it. If you have done any writing for a considerable amount of time, you have experienced the dreaded dry moment of nothing in which to write. How to overcome  writer’s block is especially something that experienced writers have learned all about. Obstacles galore can get in your way of creativity such as phones, kids, pets, illness, lack of sleep, and the list is endless.

There are some quick and not so quick remedies for writers block that you may want to take note of the next time you are hitting your head up against the brick wall.

1. Change Your Environment. Get up from the room you are in and go to another room, or outside. Most of the time stepping away from the project is the key. You will most likely gain a fresh perspective and tension will flee as inspiration begins to rise once again.

2. Get Some Exercise. I like swimming regularly, and especially when I cannot remove the glare of an empty page on a computer screen for one more minute.  Doctors say that if you want the mind to work the body needs to keep moving, and there is some truth to that. Take a walk on the treadmill, or around the block, and make sure to bring your notepad when the cobwebs clear. You’ll be surprised what a little exercise does to the mind.

3. Sleep on It. I have been found waking up in the middle of the night with a compelling phrase or storyline to jot down on the tablet that faithful stays put on the night-stand. Hubby has gotten used to my sporadic moments of inspiration, in that he does not even stir when the light pops on as I reach for my pen. Often my writing solutions occur to me in my sleep. Yup—I’m a dreamer.

Beware! Severe writer’s block is nothing to ignore. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and illness. Do something about it right away, so that your life and your loved ones don’t suffer the consequences. Once you have learned some tips to overcoming writers block, you will be able to free yourself from the intimidation, and sense of failure that it can bring into your life. If you frequently experience writers block, join a writers group and/or collaborate with other writers. The worst thing you can do is worry about having writers block, which often brings on the condition.

Until next time……..Happy writing!

Contact email: jane@jemsfreelancewriting.com

Tags: blogging services, ghostwriter, successful writing, writer's block, writing business, writing services, writing tips
Filed under: Blogging services, freelance writer, Tips on successful writing, writer's block, writing services

Effective Query Letters Increase Profits

 

Have you ever had someone send you a query letter, or seen such a query letter that was so poorly written that it begged to be placed in file thirteen? I sure have, and I have assented. If you are going to take the time to write a smashing article with a new twist that will interest agents, you will need to learn some tips on how to write an effective query letter.

1. A query letter must be highly polished. This means no typos, no grammatical errors, and especially no misspelled words. If you give the same attention to a query letter as you would give a professional, business letter, you should do well. The query letter should be no longer than one page in length.

2. Do your homework. Know what genre in which your book or article fits and where consumers can find it on store shelves. This will enable the agency to better identify your writing style and know what to expect in your existing project. It is also essential to know your competition and to list similar books or works that are much like your own. Best Seller lists will help you better communicate your style and ability to a new editor or publisher.

3. Include a brief overview of your book or article in your own writing style. The agent should be able to read a short overview and surmise as to whether it fits his/her publication needs quickly.

4. If you have other published works that are similar to the one you are writing a query letter for, make sure to mention them and where the agent can preview that work online, if possible.

5. In your query letter, indicate what material you have available to send to the agent.  Many agencies do not open attachments or accept unsolicited material. Following the guidelines carefully will increase your chances in landing the deal.

If you have already written your first novel or short story, or article, and you have a publisher in mind, make sure you follow the tips on how to write an effective query letter. It would be such a waste to have a brilliant project rejected simply because you did not take the time to approach the agent with a professional query letter.

Until next time…..happy writing!

Jane Morin

JEM’S FREELANCE WRITING, SINCE 1999

http://www.jemsfreelancewriting.com

 

 

Filed under: Blogging services, freelance writer, ghostwriter, query letter, Tips on successful writing, Tips on writing a successful query letter, writing business, writing services

Tips on growing your freelance writing market globally.

Okay, so it is Friday, and over 100 degrees where I live. It has been that way for months, as we are incurring a drought. We have not seen any significant rainfall in over a year, cattlemen are selling their cattle for lack of food and water, and reservoirs are dangerously low. As a writer, the drought has not affected me as of yet. You will find that if you learn the keys to expanding your freelance writing market, you will succeed regardless of your local economy. I have plenty of work, and plenty more to do, but I am concerned about those around me whose profits are drying up, and the incessant doom of the economy and ecological condition that seems impenetrable.

What does one do as a freelance writer  to ensure that projects do not dwindle or dry up? The one thing that makes freelance writing a blessing in such times is that you are not confined to your local marketplace. I literally write for folks around the world. One thing, being that since I provide SEO web content , academia, novels, blogs etc., I take advantage of marketing my services where the economy is doing better, or in need of such talent.

For example, let’s say you write on an academic level, meaning you create term papers, research papers, etc. There is a fundamental need for this in college towns on a regular basis. Logically you would market your services in their communities, online in Craigslist, and any other online resources frequently visited by students who may be seeking your talent. You do not have to stay within your freelance writing market area to be successful at this.  Reach out globally and promote your services to college campuses worldwide. You will  quickly see an influx of email in your inbox, allowing you to pick and choose what topics you want to write on. I live in Texas, and I write academic articles for a college magazine in Germany.

In closing, just make sure that you do not lock yourself into your local market as a freelance writer. Once you grasp and learn how to expand your freelance writing market tent stakes, so to speak, you will find your business growing steadily and offering more opportunities than you can imagine.

Have a Great Week and Happy Writing!

Jane Morin
http://www.jemsfreelancewriting.com

Filed under: Blogging services, freelance writer, Tips on successful writing, writing business

Whoa! This has been an extremely busy year as I have a regular set of blogs that I write for six different customers, and I have taken on an autobiography. This is not to mention the occasional side job of developing web content for web pages and other article writing and business writing. Have you developed a plan to grow your freelance writing business?

It can be immensely frustrating, especially when you starting out, not having enough customers to make writing worth your while. What you need to do is to develop relationships with businesses and know what makes your writing stand out among your competitors.

What Sets You Apart From Your Competition?

For me, that would be my affordable rates and versatile ability to write on just about any topic. When I first started writing for a living, I actually wrote a book for a customer.  Yes, I was nervous that I would mess it up, but it wound up being a great seller!  Of course, I am a ghostwriter for most the book projects that I write. Nevertheless, as I look back, I see a large variety of genres that I have been responsible for, and that feels good! My writing has stretched my initial limited view of ability in comparison to when I started.  Know what makes your writing service different, and then market that.

Do It Right the First Time

A key facet that has provided me enormous success is that I do the job right the first time. When I deliver a supreme product, I am often asked to do another job immediately.  It is so important to work at writing, and not just jot words down on paper.  If you want repeat business, you must ensure that you supply professional copy to your clients. Amateur writers are coming out of the woodwork, offering their service for less money and usually doing a poor job at delivering a quality product. The reason that I know this is because I am usually contacted after someone else has already messed up a project.  My customers know that I will deliver a top-notch product to them , and they will keep coming back for more!

Practice and Seek Out Knowledge on Writing

There are forums, and online classes that you can take that will improve your writing skills. If you are serious about making money writing, then you need to be all the more serious about obtaining the knowledge.

If you need a professional writer to review your project and develop content that will jump off the page, feel free to contact JEM’s Freelance Writing at jane@jemsfreelancewriting.com.

 

Filed under: Blogging services, freelance writer, ghostwriter, Tips on successful writing, writing business, writing services

It is Monday again, and I hope all of you had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.  I am back in the office after a brief trip to see the kids and grandchildren. Upon my return, I had five emails of potential clients to take care of and four blogs to write. My daughter- in- law asked me, “Mom, how do you do all that and stay organized?” I answered, “For sanity purposes, it is necessary to remain organized and on schedule.”  The importance of organizing your freelance writing business will make the difference between success and failure.

Maybe your writing business is not as busy as mine, but you can learn now, while things are manageable to become efficient with you time, so that when things go crazy, you won’t! Learn the difference between urgent tasks, long term goals, important projects, and maintenance tasks. Here are a few great tips.

1. Urgent tasks: Write everything down, notes, reminders, calls, etc. Make sure to follow up. Do not rely upon your mind to remember information, especially if you are doing a plethora of writing tasks in one day and going in different directions.

2. Long term goals: Plan, schedule, and calendar your days by prioritizing tasks. Don’t just post projects on the calendar; make sure you are allotting sufficient time to accomplish your writing jobs.

3. Important projects: Use a Dictaphone if that is easy for you. I use mine to discuss projects with my clients (especially books) and to remind myself of things I do not want to forget. It has become a handy tool that is worth the extra money. I always ask my clients if I can record the conversation for that purpose and I have never had one refuse.
4. Maintenance tasks: Make sure to schedule time for job hunting – daily, especially if you have a lot of time, which means you need a writing job.

Once you organize your freelance writing business, you will be able to spend more time being creative and less time looking for your creations.

Until next time….happy writing!

Jane Morin

Filed under: freelance writer, Tips on successful writing, writing business, writing services

Using social media to draw in potential customers

Many of you have probably noticed that my blogging has gone to a once a month posting this site. My other job responsibilities are keeping me on a stringent schedule.  One of those is (7 blogs a week).  That is not all bad, as I do have a bucket full of work to do. However, not posting weekly may cause less traffic to the site, but it is a tradeoff that I am willing to take at the moment?  Why?  Mainly because my paying customers are priority, as it should be with you. One thing that has really enhanced my business is my relationships on Twitter.  If you have not connected or taken advantage of this giant social media site, you are missing out on potential clientele.  Twitter revolutionized my business.

I have been grateful for the comments, emails and suggestions sent to me regarding this blog. It is wonderful to hear that so many of you have started a blog simply by adhering to some of the guidelines you have seen here at JEM’s Freelance Writing.  I have taken a few additional steps to grow the business and it has paid off well.  As mentioned above, I have a twitter account and using that account has enhanced my business potential.  Are you familiar with Twitter?  Do you have some extra time to respond to folks when they tweet you?  Does all this sound foreign to you?  To learn more about Twitter, and to see if it is a feasible solution for your business visit http://www.twitter.com

Do you need some extra help in understanding social media and how to utilize it to grow your business?  Social Media Marketing for Dummies is a great tool to use when you first start out.  If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me an email through my contact page.

Until Next Time….Happy Writing!

Jane Morin

Filed under: freelance writer

Yes….2012 is here, and with it comes some of the same kind of writing jobs you may be used to doing. However, a new year predicts a new freelance writing market. If you have not heard the latest, freelance writers are making up a considerable amount of the writing jobs across the nation and internationally.

What’s a freelance writer? I’m glad you asked!! A freelance writer is a professional writer who works out of their own office while managing their own writing career. No clock punching, no long commute to the office, no crabby clients to deal with (unless you are a failure at writing) and no huge budget for work attire.

Ah yes, just simply using your word crafting skills to support yourself and make others look good! As a ghostwriter, that is my job. Lizzy Jones once said, “I does duh work, and she gets all duh credit!”

Freelance writing is needed more now by corporations and business professionals than ever before. With the economy in a consistent downturn and the job market remaining unfavorable, freelance writing can be a blessing in more ways than one. Many companies cannot afford an in-house staff member to take care of all their writing needs, web content, article publishing, newsletters, business papers, etc. The overhead alone can be very substantial. Thus, outsourcing the work to a freelancer is a win-win situation for all. No exorbitant fees or overhead for the business owner is needed. Meanwhile, you the freelancer, continue to work out of the comfort of your own home office, or recliner as I do.

I hope that you will truly consider becoming a freelance writer if you aren’t already doing so. A new year predicts a new freelance writing market and there are plenty of jobs to go around! If you need assistance, simply drop me an email and I will be happy to send you some job tips!

Happy New Year and happy writing until next time!!!

Jane Morin

Filed under: freelance writer