Author: William Meikle
A lot of beginners go off the rails when they’ve got a nice clean sheet of paper or a blank screen in front of them and they’ve got to fill it with words – meaningful words.
The way to avoid the cold feeling of panic is to have a plan of action. The type of plan that works best for you depends on your personality. Some of you will make structured lists, with every small detail itemized and all T’s crossed. Or you may have a vague set of instructions, sometimes little more than remembering to have a beginning, middle and end. Others of you will find that the best way to work is just to start writing and see where it takes you.
The way to find what will work for you is to plan out some example pieces of work. You might never write them, but the practice will benefit you. For example, how would you go about writing an episode of your favourite TV show, or an article on a local photography exhibition, or a review of a best-seller? By writing a plan of approach, you’ll give yourself an idea of what the final piece of work would require. When I started writing short stories I used to deconstruct famous stories and plan how I’d re-write them.
The planning step also gives you a check as to whether or not you actually want to write the piece. And remember, if you plan not to have a plan, you’ve still decided on a plan. And don’t stop here.
It’s now time to plan your opening sentence. To get readers to keep reading you need a hook, something that will lead them in and keep them there until you’ve told them what they didn’t know they needed to know. Crime writers kill people, romance novelists have people get divorced, good writers hint at a conflict to come but hide it in the middle of something else. Journalists scream at you in huge type and article writers ask you rhetorical questions, all in the first five seconds of reading.
Go away and study the structure of some writing. Look at how writers grab you and reel you in like an expert fisherman.
And ask yourself, “How would I do that?”
Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ – Free Articles Directory
About the Author:
William Meikle is currently planning his ninth novel. Read more articles at his website at http://www.williammeikle.com
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This post is part apology (for republishing free articles as my content), part rationalization (for republishing free articles as my content) and part endorsement (for republishing free articles as your content).
So far I don’t have statistics, but using article directories for free content for my website seems to be helping—a little. As much as I’d love to, I can’t add content every single day, nor even every other day. But I want to get good, useful content onto my website as frequently as possible. There are a number of free articles directories available, to which I’ve submitted a couple of articles myself. (You may find duplicate content across some of these sites, because article writers may submit their articles to multiple directories.)
1. ArticlesBase.com – This is where I’ve found the last few articles I’ve republished. I’ve found their content to be very good: well-edited and well-written. They have 25 main categories, each with a dozen or more subcategories, covering every major blog topic I know. And each article has a textbox with the HTML code for the article, with author attribution, for easy syndication. As well, each article comes with a short selection of tags to save you some time.
2. ArticlePros.com – While I’ve had trouble searching this site for useful articles, I’ve been able to navigate it fairly easily. They have 38 main categories, each with about a dozen or more subcategories. With the large number of categories, it’s a little more challenging to find the one you need. But you can get the article in RSS, JScript, email and HTML formats, making it easy to syndicate; however, the post tags are not included, leaving you on your own.
3. Articleonlinedirectory.com – I have found some great articles in this database. It’s easy to search, and while it has over 50 categories, each category only has a few subcategories. For easy syndication, each article has an “ezine ready” option, including tags.
4. Articlecircle.com – This site has a lot good articles and a good search function to narrow the list of articles. The 37 categories, with few subcategories, are also really easy to navigate, making the search an added bonus. The “print view” link is the easiest way to syndicate the articles, but it’s not readily apparent, and there is no tag list, so you’re on your own again.
5. Articler.com – Many of the “articles” seem to be advertising for specific businesses or industries, but if you poke around a little, you’ll find some gems. The database has 21 categories, with no subcategories; with such limited organization (and some of the categories aren’t ones I’d generally be seeking), you’ll need to do some poking. Also, syndication is a bit of a challenge; basically cutting and pasting the content.
6. GoArticles.com – Again, a database full of good articles, but little to no system for easy syndication. The 40 categories have a few subcategories each, and are fairly logical and easy to navigate. Once you’ve searched or surfed your way to the article you’re going to publish, however, you’re on your own again for syndication and tags.
Given the ease of syndication in the first few sites, they’re definitely preferred, but you’ll still find some great articles on the other sites, if you’re willing to do a little bit of work.
What are your experiences with article directories and free website content?
Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org
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Author: Michael Lee
A technical writer’s work isn’t exactly among the top ten most exciting jobs in the world, but it doesn’t mean that it’s all work and no play all the time. In fact, the best technical writing fields are usually those that are fun to write.
If you have a passion for writing and are looking for the best technical writing fields, your search has ended. This article contains the top three that have high scores both in the profit meter and fun meter!
1) Gizmos and Gadgets
One of the best technical writing fields today is that of gadgets. After all, we are in an age when almost everybody wants to know what the next model of Nokia or the next generation of iPods looks like. Technology is now considered sexy.
As a technical writer for gadgets, this frenzy is to your advantage. Reviews on the latest model of mini laptops are most definitely welcome. Articles comparing different brands of mobile phones are eagerly eaten up by the techno-savvy crowd. And don’t pretend like you don’t enjoy being a gadget guru either!
2) Cars and Bikes
There’s just something about a shiny new car or bike that gets people’s hearts racing. This is a more specialized area of writing though and is less commonly found on the Internet compared to the field mentioned above.
However, there are magazines you can apply which specialize in such topics. Automobile shows, for example, also give you something to look forward to. As a technical writer, you are invited to these events regularly. You also get to see some of the rarest, fastest and most innovatively designed cars and bikes in your area.
3) Computer Software
Computer software is also one of the best technical writing fields today. People have a constant need to upgrade their programs, and large and small companies are always ready to give them options.
As a technical writer, you get to sample these programs and review them either for a blog, Web site or magazine. You can even be assigned to create a how-to manual necessary for every computer software that comes out.
There are a lot of opportunities for technical writers to earn money in this day and age. Indeed, the best technical writing fields are often those that are most fun.
About the Author:
If you want to easily earn $10,000 or more every single month through freelance writing jobs, then go to http://www.20daypersuasion.com/5figurewriter.htm and discover the secrets to earn massive amounts of money continuously… even if you’re not a gifted writer. You can also make money blogging on your spare time!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Best Technical Writing Fields: Writing Your Way To Fun And Money
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Author: Brian Scott
If you have specialized knowledge other than how to be a great writer, then technical writing may be for you.
Technical writing combines your writing talent with a specific area of expertise, such as IT, graphic design, education, engineering, the automotive industry, etc. You could be writing for others who are already familiar with the field, or you could be writing to teach others.
How much does technical writing pay?
Technical writing freelancers often get paid very well, anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour or more. Technical writers command a higher rate of pay because it takes much more than polished writing skills to do the job.
Where can I find technical writing jobs?
The Internet is the ideal resource, especially if you’re just getting started. Check out websites like computerjobs.com, IFreelance.com, or rentacoder.com. These sites offer many postings by companies seeking freelance technical writers in a variety of industries.
I also recommend you post your resume on an employment site like CareerBuilder.com or Workopolis.com. Because you have a specialized skill set, know that there will be people actively looking for you. Having your resume on this type of website will greatly increase your chances of getting a well-paid technical writing gig.
Another technique is to do some brainstorming. Ask yourself if you have a specialized skill set or knowledge base. If so, what companies are in your area that could use a writer with skills like yours? Contact those businesses directly with your resume and a letter explaining how difficult it can be to find a good technical writer and that you’re available to help with any upcoming projects they may have.
What type of work will I be doing?
In IT, technical writers are often creating software or hardware manuals from scratch, or writing about coding. In the education field, you may be writing textbooks or creating PowerPoint slides for online learning programs. You could also be writing assembly manuals for machines, preparing reports for a pharmaceutical company, or creating do-it-yourself manuals for home repairs, etc.
In any technical writing job, you’ll need to have good writing and communication skills on top of your area of expertise. Technical writing projects are often collaborative, meaning you’ll have to deal with other people and complete the project as a team. Even if you’re working alone, your client will want to know how you’re progressing and whether you’re on track with what he or she is looking for. Expect lots of communication, either over the Internet or by phone.
How do I properly respond to an ad for a technical writer?
To maximize your chances of success, your response should include:
- A note about how valuable you feel the company is
- A summary of your qualifications in the field of expertise
- An overview of your superior writing ability
- Any related experience you may have
This response could be in a cover letter accompanying your resume or in your bid on a freelancing website. Read the sample ad below to see if you could make a compelling candidate:
We are an online learning company specializing in business skills. We teach administrators, HR people, etc. to effectively coach employees and streamline day-to-day business. We design online courses and downloadable presentations. We need a writer to help us with our upcoming courses for next year.
In order to make maximum impact, your response needs to hit each of the four points above. For example, you might respond like so:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’ve taken a look at your website and I must say that your material is very impressive! It’s clear that you provide a lot of value to the businesses that use your services, and I would welcome the opportunity to join your team.
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce with a Human Resources designation. Throughout my education I designed various studies of employee behavior. Recently, I’ve been working as a consultant helping companies optimize employee productivity. I believe my skills may be of benefit to your company.
In addition, I am an accomplished writer. I have written articles, reports, and web content. My clients are always pleased with my work because it is grammatically flawless, concise, and easily accessible to readers.
Thank you for considering me for this position.
Sincerely, (name)
That’s it! Just remember that you have a unique combination of highly sought-after skills, and you’ll have your first technical writing job in no time.
About the Author:
Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance technical writing jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – All About Freelance Technical Writing Jobs
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Seriously, I had a dream about useful communication. I think by the time I tell this story it will seem pretty trivial and uninformative, but it’s a story I really feel like telling.
In my dream the other night, I was part of a team transferred to an existing department. I seemed to be in a hospital and I seemed to be a doctor, but not being a doctor nor working in a hospital, I’m not certain.
The existing department had a ritual of singing a particular song at the beginning of meetings and my team was expected to sing it. This was supposed to be some kind of team-building exercise. Unfortunately, no one on my team was familiar withe the song. And, like the national anthem at sporting events, only a few people around us seemed to be singing, and were mumbling. The whole affair seemed to be some weird Gregorian chant.
My team certainly did not feel like they were part of the larger group in this so-called team-building event; I chose to speak up about it. (Generally in my dreams, I’m unable to speak at all.)
I was very eloquent in my argument that if this was to be a team-building exercise then it would be more useful to ensure that the whole team be involved. The department could have:
- supplied my team with the lyrics to the song,
- ensured that their members knew the lyrics and would sing them clearly,
- chosen a song that would be familiar to a larger group, including my team, or
- found some other way to welcome us to the team.
This reminds me of my audience analysis post, without being directly related. It’s essential to any communication to know your audience; if anything, know what they already know and speak to what they don’t. And people will be much more engaged when the communication is obviously intended for them.
Image by Free-StockPhotos.com
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How long is something considered to be “new”? In this age of Twitter and blogs, days? Hours? Minutes?
Television networks tend to advertise their shows as “all new.” But for how long are they new? We watch the episode and discuss it the next day around the proverbial water cooler, but what then? Then it’s old. Whoever missed the episode or had to record it is out of the loop and will probably not have the chance to discuss it again after having watched it.
Blogs and tweets are pretty much old as soon as they’re posted. In the volume of tweets from the people I’m following, I see maybe 20% and only read about half of them; but only because of the volume. And with the volume of blogs available to me, I can read through less than 20%. Once read, both the blogs and the tweets are old.
Which brings me to technical writing, documentation and communication. Monday I discussed the problem with the dictionary changing because language changes, and Ron Creel responded to Friday’s post by adding that books are only useful if they’re actually used. So even my important writing resources can quickly get old. (Even an editor can fail to respond to changes, and then even your edited work is old before it’s written.)
So how to stay new and relevant? (This may seem contrary to my earlier comments.)
- To highlight updates in other areas of your documentation, use blogs or news messages.
- To publicize your blogs and news messages, if available to you, use Twitter or Facebook.
- To draw people back to otherwise old communication and documentation, update a “hints and tips” section of your website or newsletter.
- As you get comments on your communication or documentation, update your frequently-asked questions.
- Solicit feedback from your technical support department and add to or update the frequently-asked questions and troubleshooting guides.
Without having to update your existing documentation, you can always keep it fresh and new by directing users or readers back to older content. Because it is “old”, users or readers may have forgotten it or be implementing it incorrectly, this is a chance to set them back on the right path.
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Well, perhaps the value of your dollar, and definitely the value of my time.
I was reading a friend’s personal blog (he lives halfway across the country and it’s an easy way to keep up-to-date) and he mentioned an issue with an IT consulting and repair job that he had. He works in IT for a larger company, but contracts out his spare time for consulting and hands-on LAN administration. His quote was for a certain amount of work, as described by the client, but now more work needs to be done and the client is not willing to pay for it. My friend doesn’t want to get screwed out of payment for the work he’s already doen, but also doesn’t want to get taken advantage of.
The situation I’m in relates to a proposal, of sorts. The posting was for a parttime job, but the response was, “How would you do X?” I didn’t really understand what X was, but I responded with an answer. (Roughly $45 worth of consulting.) The nature of X was further clarified and I’m in the process of a new response now. (Adding another $60 worth of consulting.) Unfortunately, none of this work is necessarily leading to a paying job, and I’m not completely sure that my contact is looking to me to do the work. I have a feeling that he’s trying to get as much information as possible and then get one person to implement several people’s “suggestions.”
So, the question is, “Where does one draw the line?” Do I start by providing a free estimate, and write off the cost as the cost of doing business? Or do I ensure that my preliminary analysis is paid for, then contract to do the work?
In my situation, I’m willing (for now) to provide the advice free of charge and see what comes out of it. At least, I have some more experience with the analysis, consulting and reporting. But in future, I think I will be clear about how much free advice I will dispense before it becomes paid consulting.
For my friend, I would suggest finishing the project, take whatever they’ll pay and learn from the experience. I would also advise that in future my friend save himself some time and provide a free (or acceptably priced) estimate, with a written report, including estimated costs. If the recommendations of the report are accepted, then he can contract an acceptable price to do the work. Or the client can get another opinion or contract someone else to complete the work.
Where do you draw the line?
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I love writing and I’ve been looking at ways to expand my audience, so I’ve been looking into freelance writing. But, man, there are a ton of freelance writing scams out there!
Some of the sites I found require an “application” or “registration” fee (e.g., freelancehomewriters.com). Really? Shouldn’t the site be making money from me writing for them? Then I found a lot of blogs and posts (e.g., freelancedaily.net, Scams, Warnings, Deadbeats) that actually document the scams as well as the deadbeats who just don’t pay for the work.
I found a pretty good eHow article about avoiding freelance writing scams; step 7 was pretty much number 1 for me:
If they ask you for money, then writer beware. The basic principle of any job is that the employer pays the employee, not the other way around.
Searching for information about freelance writing scams led me to Men with Pens and essentially an admonishment to save my money. Generally, if someone’s willing to share their “get rich quick” system with you for a “low-low price!”, it’s a scam: they’re getting rich by stealing your money!
My top 3:
What are yours?
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