The Goods on Ghostwriting...

Is it a career for you?

Truth be told, the thrill of a byline never gets old. I admit that after many years of professional writing, and hundreds of pieces published, the “magic” has yet to disappear.

In fact, every time I visit a bookstore or newsstand, and see my name reflected between the printed pages, I blush like a smitten teenager. Even now.

But here’s the reality: I’ve got grown-up bills to pay.

ENTER GHOSTWRITING…
For the uninitiated, Ghost Writing is providing creative work without the benefit of a byline. The true author remains anonymous for a fee. Think of it as “role playing” on paper.
Other than copy writing, it's one of the most lucrative forms of writing around.
One friend shared how one of her first assignments paid her mortgage for seven months.

Why do people seek Ghost writers?

• Lack of time to produce quality results
• Lack of strong communication skills
• The desire to collaborate with someone who has expertise in certain areas

Here are some of the most common projects ghostwriters are often used for:

• Books
• Blog posts
• Articles
• Speeches

According to Kelly James-Enger, author of Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks, "An estimated 80 % of celebrity authored books are ghost written." Additionally she states that "Ghost writers can make good money, even in today's economy."
The figures she provides are: book proposals going for $5000.00 to $10,000, and book projects starting at about $10,000.00.

So, if you're tired of finding new ways to fix Ramen Noodles, this might be something to explore this year. Based upon my experience here's what you can expect...

The Practice:
Ghostwriting projects categorically pay in advance of work being performed. If the assignment is long-term (like a book, for instance), payment is usually divided into thirds; with the final payment due upon completion.

The Payoff:
No more chasing down the mailman, or waiting 30-90 days after publication to see a return on your sweat equity. No more "dreams deferred." It also cuts down time spent on collection efforts
and follow-up invoicing.

The Practice:
Clients that hire for a specific project, typically require assistance for other related written projects. For instance, someone in need of a person to help write a book quite often needs marketing and promotional work done as well.

The Payoff:
Repeat business is usually easier to come by than cultivating new customers. It allows writers to "work smarter, not harder."  

The Practice:
In exchange for the use of your work without a byline, ghost projects offer generous pay.

The Payoff:
More pay means that you can be more selective about the other projects you take on. No more writing for content mills or bidding sites.

Ghosting however, is not suited for everyone.
Would you have a "ghost" of a chance at being successful in this field?

You would if you are...

• Able to keep confidences
• A person with a good work ethic
• Able to demonstrate a broad knowledge base
• Able to research well
• Good at managing your time and meeting deadlines

These are a few things to keep in mind as you seek to build your writing business and your bottom line. I highly recommend it. I think you'll find it to be love at first write!

Questions? Comments?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net 

What Oprah's Oscar Snub Can Teach Us...

 

Let's face it: as creative artists, we all desire to be recognized for our work. Contrary to popular opinion, whether it's writing, acting, or performing---it's not as easy as it looks. It can be grueling, lonely, and gut-wrenching at times.

Our life's work can play mind games with us--feeding on our insecurities and self-doubt.  Our loved ones don't always support us in our journey.
We subject ourselves to public scrutiny and rejection. Every day.
Not to mention, it can take years before we become that "overnight success."
So validation makes us feel "heard." It makes us feel understood and appreciated for our efforts and our sacrifices.

I can still remember Sally Field's Oscar acceptance speech many years ago. "You like me, you really like me!" she shouted, as she accepted her Best Actress Award.

Fast forward...
Decades later, and even with a cult-like following, I imagine that Oprah too would have wanted to experience recognition for her impressive role in this important piece of work--Lee Daniel's film, The Butler. Though she hasn't said much in the aftermath, it's hard to believe that she didn't feel somewhat overlooked and undervalued in not receiving an Academy Award nomination.
From some of the comments I read on the Huffington Post, virtual "chats," and conversations with friends who viewed the film, she should have.

So as part of the creative community, and as "online performers" what can we learn here?

Here are a few things to consider...

1. Validation comes in many forms.
Whether it's an Oscar, a Pulitzer Prize, or a Blog Award-- however, the most important validation is the "vote" of approval we give ourselves. Believe in you. Recognize that we all are a "work in progress." Give yourself time to grow. Permission to explore. Confidence to fail. And keep improving your "craft."

2. Don't expect everybody to like you.
Even amid our best efforts, we get the worst feedback. Editors can "snub" us through their rejections. Blog readers can "heckle" us in their blog comments. A reviewer gives our book a negative write-up. It happens. There's great truth to the expression: "You can't please everybody."

3. Recognize that good work matters, even when it's not formally "recognized."
No matter what the medium-- a blog post, magazine article, or stage reading, give a "stellar performance." You just never know who might be reading or listening, and ultimately impacted by your work. Here's a case in point: a few years ago, I got a blog comment from an "unexpected" reader. A fourteen year old girl from a small town, who identified herself as being "100% Irish," shared how she had been following my Blog and really loved what I had to say. Because of it, she said that she had aspirations to become a writer when she grows up. How cool is that? :-)

4. Don't seek perfection; seek excellence.
I don't personally like every movie or project that Oprah has been affiliated with. But as a whole, she should be proud for championing important causes, impacting change, and being a really "solid" actress.  If you were to judge your work overall as a "whole," would you be proud? Are you "creating" from a place of authenticity? Are you keeping your audience's needs in mind?

5. Don't be bitter, be better.
Sometimes failure can be our greatest teacher. Remain open to the lessons that obstacles and setbacks can teach us; not just about our art, but also developing in character.

This concludes today's performance, here at Pen and Prosper.
I hope that I shared something that will inspire you in the creative process and encourage you throughout your week.

Remember, you don't have to be in the "spotlight" to shine.

Until next time...


Thoughts?




   

8 Tips to Peak Performance When You Feel You've Plateaud!

“If you wait for inspiration, you‘re not a writer, you‘re a waiter." ---Anonymous

Anybody that’s ever been on a diet knows how tremendously frustrating it is to plateau.  The dieter, say for instance, pledges to lose 25lbs for an upcoming class reunion, or a wedding, or to have a bikini-ready body by summer, or fill in the ___________blank.
With a little “engine-that-could” determination, some lifestyle modification, fewer carbs, and a few scheduled trips to the gym, things begin to look promising.

After a six-week weigh in, there’s definitely a noted difference. She/he loses a little weight and gains a lot of confidence. Then perhaps two or three months down the line, a strange phenomenon happens. It stops.
Progress screeches like fingertips on a chalkboard. And no matter how hard the work out, the inches and pounds just won’t budge.

A similar scenario can happen with writers; particularly those of us who have been at this craft for awhile.
Perhaps it has even happened with you. If so, don’t lose heart.
If you feel as if you’ve been on a treadmill going nowhere, here are a few timely tips to keep you motivated, make more money, and reach greater heights in 2014.
So, gear up.
　
8 Tips to Optimize Your Performance and Move Forward

1. STreTch.
Challenge yourself. If you’ve always written 800-word articles, try writing 2000 words. If your weakness is conducting interviews, reach out to someone with whom you already have an established relationship and request to profile them. You could start out with doing a”5Qs With…” type of interview. If you’re an aspiring novelist try NANOWRIMO this year. Step it up.
　
2. Don’t let your creative muscles atrophy.
Even if it’s not for pay, make writing a part of your regular routine. It can be writing in a journal, or penning a blog post on your pet peeves. Experts advise that scribes write daily, but if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, at least develop a habit of writing regularly every week, at the same time.

3. Develop a “winner’s mindset” with positive thinking and positive affirmations.
Prize fighter Muhammad Ali was famous for his mantra: “I am the greatest!” He would chant it before each fight…and it became a reality. “As a man thinketh, so it is.” Remember that rejections are not necessarily a reflection of your worth as a writer. Stay in the ring.

4. Never stop “training.”
Training can be formal or informal. For example, an online class could be a formal method of honing your craft, or you could connect with an author you admire through social media and seek a mentoring relationship.

Here are a few links to places that offer courses for writers who want to expand their knowledge base and their bottom line.

Inkwell Editorial provides training on SEO Writing
http://www.seowritingjobs.com/seo-copywriting-training/

Writers College offers classes in an array of genres
http://www.Writerscollege.com/

So does the Coffeehouse
http://www.Coffeehouseforwriters.com/
 
5. Vary your routine.
To stay motivated and progressive, sometimes it becomes necessary to shake things up a bit. For instance, I try to post on my Blog on Tuesdays and Sundays; I work on ghost writing and client-related projects on Mondays and Fridays. In between, I answer calls for submissions to various anthology projects. No two days are the same. It keeps the creative juices flowing and provides an interesting creative mix. Varying your routine could also include changing the location and/or environment that you typically create in. Get the idea here?
　
6. Find a goal buddy.
It’s not unusual to find athletes that partner with each other for added encouragement, fun and accountability. In fact, people work out together in teams at the gym all the time, to “spot” each other and even to compete. It works for writing too. Ideally it should be someone who is honest and reliable. There’s also an online tool that helps you to set, monitor, and achieve your goals for free.

See Goal Buddy here:
http://www.goal-buddy.com/

7. Take a “time out.”
This may seem counterproductive, but it’s true. Optimal performance in any endeavor requires that we give our body and mind sufficient “down-time” to go the distance.
Author Donna Goodrich shares in her book, A Step in the Write Direction: “Get away from writing for awhile. Take a walk, or a nap, go for a drive, work out at a gym, take a weekend vacation. It will recharge your creativity.” Have you ever noticed that singers may take years between releasing albums before they resurface?

8. Don’t lose sight of your past victories.
In times when you feel you’ve lost your touch with writing, it helps to reflect upon past successes. Whether this entails taking out your prized clips, reading fan mail, or looking at a profitable month’s PayPal Statement, keep proper perspective. In the words of Dr. Phil, “The best predictor of the future is the past.”
　
Follow these timely tips for a year with winning potential and new heights.
You could very well become a lean, mean writing machine!
   

Are you in? Thoughts?

What We Can Learn From the "Little Engine That Could!" Tips to Move Forward...

 

Sometimes as writers and bloggers, our goals seem a bit lofty.

Perhaps it's to win a prestigious award, or to pen a best selling novel, or to earn six figures in the next 12 months.

We start out with the best intentions, as we chart our course and prepare for the journey.
But later we become discouraged. We lose steam. There are many detours along the way: a financial setback, rejections, self-doubt. The load becomes heavy. Our view becomes clouded. We can't seem to see "the light at the end of the tunnel."

Sound familiar?  Don't let obstacles take you off course.
Just look at the "Little Engine that Could."
Raise your hand if you remember the story. :-)

For those that don't, here's a brief 4-1-1.
It's a kid's story that is said to have origins back in the 1930's.
It tells the tale of how several large engines were asked to pull a long train over a difficult mountain; they all refused.

All except a little blue engine, who with a little positivity, "forward" thinking and determination, was able to get the job done.

Here are a few lessons we can take from it, as we move forward in our careers in 2014.

1. There's great truth to the adage: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." Do something. Join a writer's group. Find a mentor. Take a class. Start a blog. Stop wasting time. You'd be surprised how a small investment of your time can yield major results. 
2. When you feel like you're losing steam, keep going...take a break as needed, but don't give up. Change your routine. Or your scenery. Or simply reframe your thoughts. And don't forget to be your own cheerleader by celebrating small successes and victories along the way.
3. Don't be intimidated by your size. Are you a blogger with a small audience? Do you feel "little" in comparison to the big sites that get loads of comments and awards? Know that there's a place for you too in your niche. You don't have to have a big audience to make a big impact. Always do your best and be authentically you.
4. Think positively. Remember, "As a man thinketh, so it is." Our history is full of "famous" people that were told that they "couldn't"--actors, athletes, and entrepreneurs like Lucille Ball, Walt Disney, Michael Jordan---but they refused to allow others to define their dreams. You shouldn't either. Don't let negative people derail you.
5. Carry your weight. Don't expect others to do the work for you. Ask for help when needed, but know that the road to success comes from plugging away and pushing ahead through your own efforts. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year. Consistently.

Heed these timely strategies to cover more ground and go the distance in 2014.
I think you can! I think you can! I think you can!

Thoughts here? Anything you would add?

What's Your Biggest Freelance Frustration...?

It's Wednesday, "hump day" and thus far it's been a busy week.

I'm "haunted" by Ghost Writing deadlines,  immersed in calls for submissions, researching markets, and other creative projects.

But, don't get me wrong; on most days, I wouldn't trade this way of life for the world.

How about you...?

Still, with all the "warm and fuzzy" feelings it can bring, there are times when it makes me wanna' scream.
I'm guessing...you too? :-)

Like last week, when I was mired down in computer glitches, Blogger mishaps, and my first rejection from a new market I've been dying to break into.

 And did I mention all the frantic checking of my emails, for an updated status on some long-labored-over submissions I sent out in great hopes?

If I had to sum it up, these would be my top four frustrations (in no particular order):

1. Computer glitches
2. The "feast or famine" cycle
3. Rejections
4. Time spent waiting on responses

Well, that's my story...what's yours?

What is it about freelance writing that frustrates you, freaks you out, or that you just can't seem to get a handle on? And how do you handle it?

Maybe we can help each other here...and save a lot of money on therapy. :-)

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

The Blog Audit $$$ How Would Yours Measure Up?

I'm a firm believer that in order to be more successful and progressive in 2014, it is crucial that we review and revisit the prior year's status. As they say, "Those who fail to learn from the past are destined to repeat it."

In other words, are you headed in the "write" direction? Or have you had many detours on the road to success? What would you do differently or sooner?
Did you spend too much time "socializing" on social media and not enough time actually writing? And how about your finances?  Would you categorize them as more "feast" or "famine?"

The more we can ask these questions honestly and look at how we fell short of our goals, the more we strengthen our positioning in the future.

Accordingly, each year, I conduct a blog audit to assess my efforts and projects here at Pen & Prosper. And I invite and encourage you to do the same.
Just like conducting an audit of your finances and yearly taxes allows you to be more strategic and purposeful, so too does a blog audit.

On board?

Here are some questions and metrics to consider:

1. Do you have more followers to your blog this year than last?
(My goal is to have 300 "listed" Google Connect Followers by June.) And how about readers' comments?
2. Are your page views on the increase or decline?
3. Did you find it more difficult to come up with weekly topics to post? (If so, you may want to reach out to other bloggers for guest posts).
4. Have you been able to monetize your site through ads?
5. How about your site's appearance? Do you feel that now it is more reflective of your intended direction and your true "brand?" (I've done a Blog "makeover" about 6 times over 4 years.)
6. Have you won any awards or been recognized through any commendations for your Blog? (Pen and Prosper was chosen as a "Power 100" Blog for modern writers in January).
7. How was your Google Page Rank?
 
How about your writing career...

1.  Fewer or more clients than last year?
2. Higher rates than last year, or about the same?
3. How about your productivity? Are you cranking out more than last year? Is your rate of acceptance higher? (I found that last year I made more progress with my clients' projects than my own). I'm seeking more balance in 2014.
4. When you do a comparative analysis, do you feel more successful in 2013 or 2012?


Analyze your efforts. How do you fare? How was your year in review?
What can you learn from the facts and figures you're now confronted with? What would you do differently? Or are you on track?
I've shared my figures and failures...would love to hear about yours.


Image: freedigitalphotos.net

"Kids, Don't Try This at Home" Why Freelance Writing Ain't for Everybody

It's a mess in the Midwest.
The temperatures are frigid, we're buried in snow, and many businesses are closed or at a slow crawl.
It's on days like this that I feel particularly blessed to be able to work from home.

Which brings us to today's post...

The other day, while browsing books at a used bookstore, I picked up a paperback that I hoped would provide some useful marketing tips to enhance this year's efforts and start off on a "good foot."

Many of the chapters were interesting, and the author provided some good strategies for today's writers and entrepreneurs. But then one chapter really didn't sit well with me.
In fact, it was as frustrating as a child proof cap.

Let me explain.  It read something like this: "If you have an Internet connection, a computer, a home phone, and have good English skills, you can become a freelance writer."

Sure, you can start it. But you'll have as much success as that diet you started last year. Or that DIY project in your garage. Or that promise you made to start working out at the gym regularly.
Remember? :-)

Though a career in freelance writing isn't rocket science, it's certainly not for everyone. And it definitely requires more than an Internet connection and a command of the English language.
If only it were that simple...
I think that this type of mentality is why so many fail at this line of work, and why freelance writers continue to battle for better pay and the recognition deserved.

Not to be a "Debbie Downer" here, but "serious" freelance writing is not child's play.
With this being the case, I thought this would be a great opportunity to address what it takes to be a "successful" freelance writer who can go the distance.

Pencils ready...?

1. Discipline
Sure, it's nice to be able to work from home, make your own hours, and not have to deal with a.m. traffic, but can you produce without someone watching over your shoulders? Not everyone can.
Watching the daily soap operas can be lovely, but if you can't pay your monthly electric bill because you've mismanaged your time and resources, you'll be sitting in the dark. Hello? Anyone home?
Truth be told, many freelancers work on holidays and long after your typical "business hours" to get things done or meet a deadline.

2. A business mentality
Let's face it. Creative artists are not always as business oriented as we should be. It's the reason so many become true "starving artists." Don't believe me? Look at the many writers, actors, and singers that go broke because they spend lavishly, or let others mismanage their funds, or forget to save while they are having fun. Best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant admits to having a "welfare mentality" despite her fortune, and reportedly shared on Oprah Show that she had multiple bank accounts that she didn't even know what to do with. As a freelance writer, you'll need to know how to send out invoices, set rates, set up a Paypal account, pay taxes. Are you up for this?

3. Time Management Skills
Dividing 24 hours by family obligations, appointments, household chores, needed sleep, etc. can seem like one of those complex math equations back in school. But, real writers have this and more. It can be a struggle to juggle. Consider interviews, deadlines with editors, research, marketing...let's just say you better take your "Wheaties."

4. A Thick Skin
Even with the best of intentions, and words that you carefully carve out with the precision of a skilled surgeon, someone will have something negative to say about your work. Sometimes it's a blog reader. On other days, the heat could come from an editor. You've got to keep a level head, a clear focus, and stay in the kitchen!

5. Passion
You gotta' love it. Seriously, folks. If not, this gets old real fast.
Passion will carry you through low pay, rejection, fatigue, doubt, and weeks of surviving off Ramen Noodles. :-)

6. Smarts
Today's scribe must be smart. And not just book smart. You must also be strategic with a broad knowledge base. Why? Editors are becoming more demanding. Writing is becoming more competitive, and everybody is trying to do more with less. Can you be resourceful and come up with different ideas, week after week, month after month, year after year? Can you conduct research and know what to include to give your articles added value? Can you convince a publisher to invest in your book concept? Do you have the skills to engage an audience through blogging, to help build your platform? If so, move to the head of the class.

7. Curiosity
Though curiosity may have "killed the cat," it's crucial to your survival. A good, professional freelancer is always asking questions of others and self. He wonders what makes things tick. He imagines the possibility of things. He thinks outside the box. He's always probing and pondering. How about you?

Many find the idea of being a writer rather "glamorous." And it can be. But most days it's more grit than glory. If you're looking for a career that will bring you glamor, may I suggest the fashion industry? :-)


Despite the frigid weather, keep warm thoughts. Until next time...

Thoughts? Agree or disagree? Which category presented today poses the most difficulty for you as a freelancer?