7 Steps to Savvy Copywriting! Timely Tips for Greater Success

Contrary to popular opinion, you can “teach an old dog new tricks.”
I discovered this morsel of wisdom some years ago, when I navigated new waters as a copywriter.
Truth be told, I knew as much about copywriting back then as I did Bar Mitzvahs.

It just wasn’t a part of my creative repertoire. So when I came across an ad posted on CRAIGSLIST.ORG, my initial reaction was to bypass it for the cardinal rule of writing…”write what you know.” Right?
But, as a strategic writer, and true businesswoman, I’m always looking for ways to expand my portfolio, my client base, and my bottom line.

(And you should too).

Days after seeing that ad, I shot a quick Email to express interest in taking on the project, as well as online samples of various works.

After all, it seemed interesting and easy enough…

Here was my mission...

A new clothing designer from India was seeking someone to create web content for a site she was launching, along with some product descriptions.

Rather than concentrate on my lack of experience,
I decided to draw from my relevant exposure---

1). as a person who loves fashion
2). as someone who, in my former life, worked for a P.R. firm
3). as someone who has had success writing greeting card copy
The end result?

With a little ingenuity and some creativity, I produced some great concepts that won me a new fan and a new client!

HERE ARE SEVEN SAVVY PRINCIPLES I LEARNED ALONG THE WAY...

1. SPEAK THE LANGUAGE!
Regardless as to your knowledge base, “project” an expert image by using acronyms, lingo, and key concepts that are unique to the industry of which you are writing. For example, substitute words like pants and blouses for separates and coordinates. If you don't know the lingo, simply conduct Google searches, or take a visit to your local library to learn more.

2. TEST THE WATERS.
If at all possible, use the product or service you are endorsing. You’ll come across as much more convincing and credible if you speak from experience. It’ll also be much easier to convey a sense of passion.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
A simple Google search here will also give you background information and success stories of your client from which to develop the “big picture”. It also shows resourcefulness.

4. GET DETAILS IN WRITING.
This prevents miscommunication and wasted efforts. It also serves as a protective measure to ensure getting paid without drama or delay.

5. HAVE AT LEAST ONE CONVERSATION ON THE PHONE OR IN PERSON.
Ah, the Internet! It has revolutionized the way we interact and increased our efficiency immeasurably. However, many people still like that personal touch. Speaking on the phone, or in person, also allows you to assess your client’s personality, which can go along way towards future relations.

6. GIVE THEM MORE THAN THEY EXPECT!
Ideally provide multiple samples from which they can choose. Also, show some initiative by devising other ways that you can assist them in marketing their business even before they ask.

7. REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF PACKAGING.
Make sure that the finished product always reflects positively on your client and your business!

As the expression goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Your turn. Thoughts?


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

How to Succeed in Selling Your Words

Guest post by: Anjali Amit
I will write you your tale
Good sir, without fail
If you would but put money in my pail.

That’s an old, old ditty but the sentiment it expresses is still current. We all write tales, others and our own, hoping to make enough to put bread on the table. I started down the word-strewn road rather late in life. Although I have not reached the dreamed for six-figure income level I’d like to share the steps that garnered me my first guest blog post.

1. Go where your passion leads you.
Think about it, it is the same advice given to incoming college students: choose a major that interests you. A deep and abiding interest can turn any knowledge into a paying opportunity. It is hard to write well on a topic you are indifferent about.

2. Contrary as it may seem, once you have chosen your topic read other (but related) subjects.
The advantages of such reading are many:
a. You get a broader perspective. Say you want to pitch an article on the latest aircraft to an aviation magazine. You read all about that particular plane. Now if you read about the physics of flight you will be able to give a much more detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the plane.
b. You will get fresh ideas. To continue the example, after understanding the physics you may decide to write a second article on the Coriolis Effect.
c. You will know all the angles that have been dealt with and so will not end up
writing an article, even unconsciously, that has already been written.
d. It will help you decide where you want to pitch your article: blog, magazine , newspaper, or scholarly journal.

3. After the choice of topic start the market research.
Now you are sure what you want to write about and will not be swayed by the latest market demand. It is good to be aware of the market, but obsessing on the latest, greatest trends only weakens your writing.

4. Craft your best essay.
Then put it aside for a day. Soups and essays are tastier the following day. Reread it. Make the edits you think are essential, and send it on its way.

Some market links:

Funds for Writers http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ provides the most carefully curated links.
FirstWriter http://www.firstwriter.com/ has categorized its links so you can hone in to the particular market you are looking for.
Media Bistro http://www.mediabistro.com/ is a veritable gold mine of information, with detailed market analysis and advice.
ProBlogger http://jobs.problogger.net/ lists blogging and other writing opportunities.
Poets &Writers lists Literary magazines and poetry markets.

This is just a very tiny sample of what is available on the internet. Do exercise caution. Not all postings are for honest and fair opportunities. And as Hope Clark says, do not undervalue and underprice your writing.

Thoughts?

Image: SPFF

What's Your Favorite Book...Turned Movie?

Of course it goes without saying, to those of you who are "regulars" here, that I am an avid reader.

Check the archives at Pen and Prosper, and you'll certainly uncover countless book reviews and high praise for this declining practice. Kids of today don't know what they're missing out on, as they often opt for other forms of entertainment like video games, music videos, and You Tube activities to engage their growing minds and experience a form of escape. To each his own.

Reading is "fun"-damental. But, I'm also a big movie buff as well. Yep, I am.

In fact, one of my favorite simple pleasures, (particularly during the fall season), or when I have had a grueling week, is to unwind in front of a good movie-- accompanied by a soothing, hot cup of herbal tea, or some decadent chocolate. Whether it's a chick-flick, a clever comedy, or a movie based upon some one's life, I'm in! 

I love the relaxation it provides. Not to mention, it's a way to get some creative ideas going for writing topics.

Last week, quite by accident, I actually ended up viewing a few popular movies that were initially produced as books. 

• I checked out Steve Harvey's "Act like a lady, think like a man."
• Made a reservation with "Reservation Road"
• And mentally noted great scenes from "Message in a Bottle"...

They were each entertaining in their own respect. And might I add, that Michael Ealy, (of Act Like a Lady movie) is one fine piece of art. Just sayin'. :-)

Anyhow, this got me to thinking. From classics like Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, to Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird", to modern-day titles, books that evolve into movies provide a different experience for today's audiences.  Sometimes they allow for an interpretation that is more broadly based.

Sometimes they allow us to discover more about the writer's message.

Worth mention as well, is a great read on what I like to call "movie therapy" 

entitled, "Cinematherapy-the Girl's Guide to Movies for Every Mood" *by Nancy Peske and Beverly West.

So, I'd like to know, "readers"-- how do you feel about books made into movies? What would be your favorite? Do tell.

Image: SPFF

A Guest Post by Literary Agent, Michael Larsen

Creating a Literary Ecosystem: The 7 Essential Elements of a Fulfilling Writing Career


Gaia, the Earth, is an ecosystem—a unique, miraculous, self-sustaining combination of elements that evolved out of each other. You can create a literary ecosystem: a balanced, organic, evolving, sustainable, inter-dependent, international, environmentally sensitive community.
Your system will be unified by passion, interest, service, connection, and commerce. The seven circular elements of your literary ecosystem will be:

• Passion---your excitement for creating and communicating your work

• Products and services---as much scalable, first-rate work in your niche as you can generate in different forms and lengths that you re-purpose in other media

• Pre-promotion---test-marketing your work in as many ways as you can

• People---win-win relationships with engaged, committed, growing communities you serve who want to help you, because they know, like, and trust you

• Platform---your continuing visibility, online and off, with your communities and potential buyers about your work

• Promotion---using your passion and platform for sharing the value of work to serve your communities

• Profit---what you need to achieve your personal and professional goals and maintain the system

The importance of each element will vary, depending on what you write. Promotion will be more important for a book than a blog post.

Your ecosystem has to keep learning from and contributing to your communities, the hyper-connected human family, and the planet. Your system will continue to build synergy as long as you sustain it by enriching its soil with content and communication.
Make cultivating your ecosystem a lifelong quest. You will accomplish more than you can imagine.

About Michael Larsen
Michael Larsen-Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents / Helping Writers Launch Careers Since 1972 larsenpoma@aol.com / www.larsenpomada.com / 415-673-0939 /1029 Jones Street / San Francisco, 94109

The 10th San Francisco Writers Conference / A Celebration of Craft, Commerce & Community / February 14-17, 2013 / www.sfwriters.org / sfwriterscon@aol.com /
http://sfwriters.info/blog /@SFWC/ www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoWritersConference

San Francisco Writers University / Where Writers Meet and You Learn
Laurie McLean, Dean/free classes/www.sfwritersu.com/sfwritersu@gmail.com/@SFWritersU
415-673-0939 / 1029 Jones Street / San Francisco, 94109

Why Every Writer-preneur Should Watch Shark Tank to Increase Their Business I.Q. & Their Bottom Line!

Mark Cuban, (millionaire owner of the Dallas Maverick’s basketball team) used to eat mustard and ketchup sandwiches, he was once so poor.

An interesting bit of information I picked up on a recent episode of the popular reality T.V. program, Shark Tank.

Despite the distinction of being dubbed the “Boob Tube,” if we’re smart in what we opt to watch, this medium can be enlightening as well as entertaining.

For example, courtroom programs have greatly expanded my knowledge of contractual law and general liability. While “doses” of Dr. Phil have imparted wisdom on dealing with relationships and life management skills.

But when it comes to writing and the entrepreneurial life, nothing comes next to “Shark Tank” for today‘s serious scribe.

For the uninitiated, Shark Tank is a popular reality show produced by ABC TV that airs every Friday.
The program allows entrepreneurs with startups from various industries, to pitch their products and services to five “filthy rich” investors for the purpose of financing their dreams. These Sharks include a real estate mogul, a branding expert, and several technology experts turned business owners. If the entrepreneurs are successful, they garner needed capital, increased visibility, and important alliances to take their businesses to a whole ‘nother level.

WHY SHARK TANK IS A MUST-SEE FOR SERIOUS SCRIBES

Let’s face it: creative folks are categorically bright, but not always the best business managers. Take for instance, the many song writers, entertainers and celebrities that have gone broke after making millions, because they allowed someone else to manage their money, and made bad decisions regarding their careers. I remember when one of my favorites, (Barry Manilow), had to actually go back out on tour and almost start from scratch to survive financially.

A similar fate happened to best-selling author, Iyanla Vanzant, who shared on Oprah show that she was forced to declare bankruptcy due to contractual issues, and being sued, along with poor real estate dealings. She stated, “I had six bank accounts, and I didn’t know what they were for, where the money was.” Vanzant contends she was a millionaire with a welfare mentality.

Where does the Shark Tank come in?
Besides being hugely entertaining, the show is educational as well. Here’s how it helps today’s writers to navigate the business waters and stay afloat.

 It allows writers to analyze and apply strategies that contribute to the success or failings of other entrepreneurs.
For example, a bone of contention for many of the investors is when start-up owners have bad “valuations”. Meaning that the amount they’re asking for is either too high or unrealistic, given the track record of previous sales. Writers can compare valuations with the fees charged for creative services. If they’re “valued” too high or unrealistically based, (due to the level of experience), we can lose potential clients. About.com provides useful tips for writers in assessing fees. Check it out here:
http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/finances/f/rates.htm

 It helps writers to look at their businesses and creative ideas from an objective standpoint.
The Sharks help “dreamers” to recognize that not all good ideas are necessarily marketable. In other words, the key to being a well-paid writer is to solve a problem, or to provide value through the pieces that you pen. It’s simply not enough to string words together and hope for the best. Objectivity is crucial. For some writers, a critique group can help with needed feedback and an unbiased look at their work.

 It teaches the importance of collaborative partnerships. Many times the sharks pair up with other panelists when they feel that they lack the expertise to buy into a business for which they have limited background knowledge. It creates a win/win situation for all parties. This principle can work well for writers who might seek the creative assistance of photographers or graphic designers to expand their services. Craigslist.org has loads of listings from which to choose.

 It teaches writers to persevere through rejection.
The Sharks can sometimes be very biting and harsh in their feedback. So can editors. “Mr. Wonderful,” for example, can be compared to Howard Stern when it comes to his sensitivity and interpersonal skills on the show. It’s not unusual, during a presentation, for him to shout “stupid idea” or “that’s a waste of my time.” Still, the presenters press on, and some are even able to negotiate deals with the other panelists. The take-away lesson here?
When one editor fails to see your worth, don’t personalize it. Don‘t be bitter, be
better! Keep your wits about you. Eventually, you too will find an “investor.” For some publications, I have had to submit for four or more years before actually landing a sale. “If at first you don’t succeed.” Also, for developmental and strategic purposes, it’s important to analyze and record the nature of your rejections. Are there any commonalities? Do editors often gripe about your grammar? Do they frown down on your fragments? The more you know about your creative weaknesses and mishaps, the
more conscious you are in future dealings, and the less likely you are to repeat them. This approach will ultimately increase your acceptance rate.

 It establishes the importance of sizing up the competition.
Every business owner has competition. It doesn’t matter where they’re located or what they do. Writers are no different. Just because we’re typically a supportive community, doesn’t mean that we don’t “compete” in the truest sense of the word. For example, bloggers may compete for today’s busy reader’s time and ad revenue shares. While ghostwriters may go head-to-head for limited job listings on popular job boards. With this in mind, how do you stack up? Are your credentials impressive comparatively? Are your clips from national publications? Have you won any creative awards? Does your portfolio reflect diversity? Are you a “shutterbug” with the ability to enhance your articles with photos? These are things to consider.


When it comes to writing and business you've got to learn to sink or swim!

Thoughts? Any Shark Tank fans out there? Talk to me...


Image: Shark Tank

1 Amateur Mistake to Avoid!

Guest Post by Sarah Webb

To quickly spot an amateur, ask them what they’ve read lately.

A serious writer will have trouble answering because they’re currently reading so much--books, newspapers, magazines, literary journals, blogs, etc.

A writer merely dabbling in the practice will have trouble answering because they haven’t been reading.

One of the worst mistakes amateurs make in their writing careers long before they ever start typing is not reading enough.

Just how important is reading?

According to Stephen King, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

Did you catch my emphasis? The reason so many amateurs are flooding the market with bad stuff is they’re doing a whole lot of writing but not a whole lot of reading.

Even though advice from Stephen King, one of the most prolific and well-paid authors ever, should be fairly sobering, I’ll tell you why it’s actually good advice.

• Karma (or Reciprocity). Writers write so others can read. Only a selfish, narcissistic, and arrogant person would expect the world to read their writing without being compelled to read someone else’s. Surely that’s not you.

• Cultivate a Love of Written Language. The more you read, the more you’ll discover a passion for written language. Without passion, your writing, career, and life will implode.

• Malnourished Minds Don’t Work. Reading offers ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to stretch your imagination and creativity. It’s an excellent remedy to writer’s block, if you believe in such a thing.

As promised, here are five ways you can avoid this egregious, amateur mistake and build the professional writing practice you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Reading about your craft.
Books on writing, like Stephen King’s, are not only excellent examples of well-crafted expository writing, but they offer practical advice that will help your writing and career in tangible ways.

2. Read about your niche.
If you have a niche blog, or you’re working on stories or poems based on a particular topic, make sure you consume tons of material on that subject.

3. Read broadly.
Venture outside of your niche. Read about anything remotely interesting-- good, bad, man, woman, child, scientific, funny, famous, foreign, local, classic, or contemporary. There’s strength in diversity, you learn from everything, and you may enjoy something you didn’t expect.

4. Read deeply.
To really get the most out of reading, read like a writer. Study the author’s choices, technique, style, and organization. Analyze. Question. Reread. How’d they reel you in? How’d they end?

5. Read a lot.
You must repeat items 1-4 as often as possible. Every day.
The defining characteristic of an amateur is lack of experience. Other than writing a lot, the fastest way to boost your experience and knowledge of written language is to read a lot.

So, what have you read lately, and how has reading been a part of your writing practice?

Bio:
Sarah L. Webb is teaching college writing in Louisiana, working on a collection of architecture poems, and blogging about books on writing and other off topic issues at S. L. Writes.

Don't Query, Be Happy! A Post & a Preview of my Upcoming Class...

STRATEGIES AND INSIDER’S TIPS

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, what you will find as you embark upon a writing career, is there are many different schools of thought, techniques, and tools by which to achieve success. No two experiences are totally alike.

Therefore, the information that I am providing you is not to be regarded as “gospel”, but rather as a guideline to hone your craft and increase your cash!
It’s based upon my experience as a veteran freelance writer, columnist and former senior editor of a regional, lifestyle publication.

These same strategies and insider’s tips have been the basis for building my writing portfolio--- which to date consists of over 600 articles, columns, short stories, essays and poems collectively. All accomplished without a single query.
Not even one.;-)Nada.

In fact, many are surprised to discover that I’ve never been “formally” trained in writing, and my college degrees are actually in business management.

The secrets to my success?
Diligent self-study.
Additionally, I'm a self-proclaimed efficiency expert. I have had to juggle more balls than clowns at a kid's party! And my business background has helped immensely.

From a “strategic perspective,” I’m convinced that queries do not allow the average writer to work smarter, not harder.
Consider this.
By the time YOU craft the “perfect” query, submit it to an editor, wait for feedback, take his or her suggestions upon advisement and submit the final piece, I’ve written several pieces, submitted them, gotten paid, and more than likely am working on selling reprint rights, or slanting them for other publications.

Are you with me here? :-)

Time is a commodity. And much like money, how you spend it will determine the quality and longevity of your career.

With this in mind, I share with you the following tips, principles and strategies to save you time, effort and mental wear and tear.

What Jen recommends…

1. UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTION OF A QUERY
A query is simply a letter that serves as a pitch and an introduction to an editor or publisher to get permission to submit your work for publication. It’s that simple. As such, no matter how cleverly you craft them, if the idea is not a good one, or has been recently covered, or your style does not meet his/her editorial needs and preferences, you won’t get published. Bottom line.

2. INSTEAD OF PERFECTING YOUR QUERY, PERFECT YOUR CRAFT
Read. Study the works of writers in your chosen genre. Dabble and diversify. Work on your grammar and spelling.
Talk to other writers and share ideas. Follow industry happenings. Participate in contests. Find a mentor. Any effort is a step forward.

3. RECOGNIZE THAT IT’S OKAY TO FORSAKE RULES...NOT PROTOCOL
In other words, it’s okay to start a sentence with the word “but” and to use a fragment here and there if it helps your flow. But if a publication states that it does not accept submissions without queries, then don’t send one.

4. KNOW THAT SUBSTANCE IS JUST IMPORTANT AS “WRITING TIGHT”
Many writers, in an effort to impress editors with lean writing, cut and dissect their work until it has the same “flavor” and appeal as fat-free food. Don’t be one of them. Make sure that the reader has some take-away value and a sense of satisfaction and closure from your work. Never take short cuts on quality.

5. BE REAL ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Like a compass, it will help to navigate and guide your career path and increase your efficiency.

6. KNOW THAT SUCCESS IN WRITING IS JUST AS MUCH ABOUT STRATEGY AS IT IS ABILITY
Think outside the box. Think on your feet. Think like a business person. Identify your competition. And make sure that your strategy includes goals and a game plan. This field is very competitive and requires much more than a command of English and a few creative ideas for survival.

Thoughts? Agree or disagree?

SPECIAL NOTE: Jen will be taking a back to school break from September 3rd-September 10th. Feel free to leave comments in the interim to keep in touch. :-)

Image:Freedigitalphotos.net