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Professional Writers and Editors

For those interested in professional writing and editing. This group is open to all.

Network Leader: Lisa Eldred

Networks > Professional Writers and Editors

Rebecca Thorman As writers and editors, what do you deem is a good pitch? What makes you want to write about the topic? Do you build relationships with companies?

17 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Tracy Slater: Oh, and as for faux pas: sloppiness in the pitch, not getting them hooked in soon enough (so they stop reading), and usually making the pitch more ...MoreOh, and as for faux pas: sloppiness in the pitch, not getting them hooked in soon enough (so they stop reading), and usually making the pitch more than one page.
13 weeks ago

Lisa Lahey: I pitch fiction only. I wrote a brief query based on research about "how to write a good query letter" - that was easy. I summarized the book ...MoreI pitch fiction only. I wrote a brief query based on research about "how to write a good query letter" - that was easy. I summarized the book based on the info in that article and sent it off to a few publishers most of whom were interested. I got signed :)
16 hours ago

Chris(tina) Brady I answered an ad for a co-writer of a non-fiction book yesterday and received a call from the writer last night. The person gave me the name of the publisher with whom he says he already has a ...MoreI answered an ad for a co-writer of a non-fiction book yesterday and received a call from the writer last night. The person gave me the name of the publisher with whom he says he already has a book deal, and he told me about his education and things like that. But his grammar and spelling is terrible! I want to believe this is a legit opportunity, but I can't help wondering if the circumstances and money are too good to be true. How can I check that this is a legit offer?

13 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Chris(tina) Brady: @Lindsay Love, love, LOVE the contract link. I'm totally bookmarking it. Do you guys think it's a bad idea to hold on to my day job until I get a ...More@Lindsay Love, love, LOVE the contract link. I'm totally bookmarking it. Do you guys think it's a bad idea to hold on to my day job until I get a payment and it clears? That's what I'm thinking about doing so that I don't get burned. The guy seems nice enough, and he's encouraged me to bring a lawyer to this meeting that we're supposed to have next week. That said though, I'm just so nervous about everything turning out to be a giant lie!
9 weeks ago

Lisa Lahey: Hi Christina Check his credentials - contact the publisher and his educational institutions to see if he really has a book deal and really did ...MoreHi Christina Check his credentials - contact the publisher and his educational institutions to see if he really has a book deal and really did graduate from whichever schools he said he did. Oh and if he got one of those flaky, online diplomas then you know he's a fraud.
16 hours ago

Ellen A. Feldman How to Market Books Using Facebook: A FAQ MoreHow to Market Books Using Facebook: A FAQ http://www.ellenafeldman.com/2010/02/27/facebook-for-book-marketing-faq/

2 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Lisa Lahey: Hi ellen. how do I take a facebook badge (where do I even find it??) and put it onto my site/blog? Thanks
16 hours ago

Erin Klema Does anyone know of openings for journalists or of any freelance writing opportunities in the Washington, DC area? Thanks!

1 week ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Susan Johnston: A lot of freelance gigs aren't location-specific, but you should check out the Gorkana.com weekly job alert. There were some DC-based journalism ...MoreA lot of freelance gigs aren't location-specific, but you should check out the Gorkana.com weekly job alert. There were some DC-based journalism jobs last week. If you message me your email address, I'll forward it to you.
1 week ago

Lisa Lahey: Have you looked into reporterconnection.com?
16 hours ago

JenG I thought the writers might want to weight in on the idea: are creative types more depressed than others? MoreI thought the writers might want to weight in on the idea: are creative types more depressed than others? http://everydaybright.com/2010/03/12/here-comes-the-sun/

2 days ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Ty Unglebower recommended this

Lisa Lahey: Hi JenG: Recently a 20-year study revealed that people with BiPolar disorder and Major Depression are frequently very artistic people. There ...MoreHi JenG: Recently a 20-year study revealed that people with BiPolar disorder and Major Depression are frequently very artistic people. There seems to be a genetic link between creativity and mental illnes. It is likely very true that many writers, poets, authors, artists, musicians, etc are more depressed then than your average joe on the street.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/you-dont-have-to-be-bipolar-to...
16 hours ago

Ty Unglebower How many blogs do you truly follow? I mean truly. http://bit.ly/cK9ELy

6 days ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Melissa Breau: Ty, I follow 24 blogs; I read every single post on 2 of those, and whichever posts interest me on the rest.
4 days ago

Jonathan van de Veen: I read almost everything that is published on 15 blogs at the moment. About half of them posts something at least twice a week. Some post daily ...MoreI read almost everything that is published on 15 blogs at the moment. About half of them posts something at least twice a week. Some post daily and others post infrequently.
4 days ago

Limari Colón Hello! I want to extend an invitation for you to read http://www.limaricolon.com/ Thank you for your ...MoreHello! I want to extend an invitation for you to read http://www.limaricolon.com/ Thank you for your support!

1 week ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Wilson Usman: excellent stuff I believe everyone needs to have a blog even if you are just going to write only once in a while, but just make sure you provide ...Moreexcellent stuff I believe everyone needs to have a blog even if you are just going to write only once in a while, but just make sure you provide some good content. I think your first post was funny...keep it up
6 days ago

Limari Colón: Thanks Wilson! Awesome feedback :)
6 days ago

Ty Unglebower With my apologies to Jimmy Dean, I have to say now that rebels DO need a cause. Check out my blog post on the importance of selective rule breaking. I'd love to hear comments please. MoreWith my apologies to Jimmy Dean, I have to say now that rebels DO need a cause. Check out my blog post on the importance of selective rule breaking. I'd love to hear comments please. http://bit.ly/dtBpPU

1 week ago from Creative Writing and Professional Writers and Editors

Lisa Eldred Anyone looking for a writing/editing job in Massachusetts may be interested in this: MoreAnyone looking for a writing/editing job in Massachusetts may be interested in this: http://jobview.monster.com/Web-Content-Editor-Fonts-Job-Marlborough-MA-U... I adore typography, so if it didn't require moving I'd strongly consider applying for it myself...

2 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Ty Unglebower Week one of my Twitter experiment. Total Tweets: 23. Total New Followers (Defined as those who didn't already know me.): Zero. Total Followers: 2. Number of Comments from "New People" to any of my ...MoreWeek one of my Twitter experiment. Total Tweets: 23. Total New Followers (Defined as those who didn't already know me.): Zero. Total Followers: 2. Number of Comments from "New People" to any of my Tweets: Zero. Number of My Tweets that Have been Retweeted: Zero. Amount of Demonstrable Web Traffic to any of my sites as a result of Twitter: None. Overall Assesment After First Week: Ineffective Means of Spreading my message/brand. I will evaluate again after two weeks of usage.

2 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Rebecca Thorman: You don't have your Twitter listed on your Brazen profile or your blog. That would be a good start.
2 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: Ok, Rebecca. I took your advice, and posted a link to my Twitter account over at TooXYZ.blogspot.com. I thought it was already displayed here on ...MoreOk, Rebecca. I took your advice, and posted a link to my Twitter account over at TooXYZ.blogspot.com. I thought it was already displayed here on my BC profile, but for some reason was not. I believe I have fixed that problem now.
2 weeks ago

David Saint http://davidcsaint.wordpress.com/

2 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Delta Waters Hi everyone! Delta here...I am a nurse who is wanting to do something new to eventually get out of nursing. I am starting a resume writing biz. Google ads just called and i will now own "colorado ...MoreHi everyone! Delta here...I am a nurse who is wanting to do something new to eventually get out of nursing. I am starting a resume writing biz. Google ads just called and i will now own "colorado resume writing" tag & and be on the front page guaranteed. this is the kick in the ass to get my website online soon. But the fear factor is rising. What if i'm not good enough, etc. how did you "feel the fear & do it anyway?" Tips to move through the fear of failure appreciated.

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Shannon Coffey: I would focus on getting that website up. You're about to get a bunch of traffic, you better have somewhere for them to sit! ;^) As they say over ...MoreI would focus on getting that website up. You're about to get a bunch of traffic, you better have somewhere for them to sit! ;^) As they say over at Threadless.com: "Figure out what you need to do and get shit done." I love that. Good luck!
3 weeks ago

Delta Waters: Props to you guys for helping this grrl out. advice i can use. now...time to get shit done...
3 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower I have mentioned the launch of my recent blog. (www.tooxyz.blogspot.com). I'm debating if I want to ...MoreI have mentioned the launch of my recent blog. (www.tooxyz.blogspot.com). I'm debating if I want to promote it with Twitter.
Now, I hate Twitter, and don't have a personal Twitter account. I'm not convinced that it is a marketing life-blood as people are claiming. Business oriented tweets seem phoney and turn me off fast. (And others, I bet.) But maybe posting the first sentence of each of my blog entries would drive traffic to the blog? Thoughts?

4 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Jillian Duchnowski: Ty - I'm on twitter and still trying to figure out how to use it correctly/effectively. I have used Twitter somewhat as a reporter (tweeting ...MoreTy - I'm on twitter and still trying to figure out how to use it correctly/effectively. I have used Twitter somewhat as a reporter (tweeting through high-profile trials for my local newspaper). From a writing perspective, I will say you can say more than you think in 140 characters. And that space restriction will help you think more about word use and writing concisely. Not a bad thought process to have on a regular basis..
3 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: Thanks to everyone for their continued opinions on this subject. My views on Twitter as a whole are unchanged. However, I have decided to give it ...MoreThanks to everyone for their continued opinions on this subject. My views on Twitter as a whole are unchanged. However, I have decided to give it a trial run, to see if it is effective at all in the ways many, (but not all) people claim it to be. I won't be taking everyone's advice, because I will be using Twitter my way, not the "conventional" way. But for those who may want to see how I do in this experiment, I can be found at "TyUnglebower".
3 weeks ago

Shannon Coffey Stumbled upon this Kickstarter project by Gibbs Smith editor Michelle Witte: http://bit.ly/dAFPWB. She's trying to ...MoreStumbled upon this Kickstarter project by Gibbs Smith editor Michelle Witte: http://bit.ly/dAFPWB. She's trying to open a children's/young adult bookstore in Centerville, Utah. We could definitely use more of those.

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Lindsay Keegan My (very simple) freelance website is currently hosted with Yahoo Small Biz, and I'm thinking about moving it. What do you guys use aside from your blogs? I need one that includes email. Thanks ...MoreMy (very simple) freelance website is currently hosted with Yahoo Small Biz, and I'm thinking about moving it. What do you guys use aside from your blogs? I need one that includes email. Thanks for your suggestions!

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Shannon Coffey: I'm a big fan of BlueHost.com. I've been using them for several years to host wordpress blogs and other things. They've got a crazy number of ...MoreI'm a big fan of BlueHost.com. I've been using them for several years to host wordpress blogs and other things. They've got a crazy number of features, and unlimited storage, etc. Plus their customer service is pretty responsive, usually just a few hours to get back to you. Here's their pricing info: http://bit.ly/HQ9PO. Good luck!
3 weeks ago

Elisabeth Ericson: I signed up with DreamHost a few weeks ago and have had a very good experience so far.
3 weeks ago

Limari Colón Good morning guys :) Do any of you know about any job offers in NYC related to the Publishing Industry? I don't care if it's delivering mail, I just want to start! Thanks ;)

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Limari Colón: Thanks! Already twitted them hahahaha
3 weeks ago

Lo: Take a look on Craigslist New York, sometimes you may find literary agency's looking for receptionists, assistants, etc. Also Mediabistro.com and ...MoreTake a look on Craigslist New York, sometimes you may find literary agency's looking for receptionists, assistants, etc. Also Mediabistro.com and publisher's weekly note open positions...
3 weeks ago

Ashley Shute What is everyone's opinion on the firings at b5? Any? Here's the link: MoreWhat is everyone's opinion on the firings at b5? Any? Here's the link: http://www.inquisitr.com/61912/b5media-to-launch-new-celebrity-site-wedn... It was crazy news as I have worked with a handful of those that were fired.

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Rory Moulton: It certainly could've been handled better. But if you think that's bad, Google "Baltimore Sun layoffs" and read about their misadventures in ...MoreIt certainly could've been handled better. But if you think that's bad, Google "Baltimore Sun layoffs" and read about their misadventures in downsizing. One guy left for lunch only to find that upon returning his office key card had been deactivated. A sports reporter was notified via email in the press box while covering an Orioles game. Sadly, having said goodbye to almost half my editorial staff in the last 18 months (some got the axe on xmas eve), I've become immune to these stories.
3 weeks ago

Julie Schwietert Collazo Hi, writers and editors-

I'd like to invite you to join in the conversation among freelance writers and editors at the blog, Cuaderno Inedito (MoreHi, writers and editors-

I'd like to invite you to join in the conversation among freelance writers and editors at the blog, Cuaderno Inedito (http://www.cuadernoinedito.wordpress.com). I'm a writer and editor who stokes conversation among other freelancers issues as diverse as healthcare and finances, professional competition and "secrets", and ideal writing environments.

We'd love to have you join the discussion.

Peace,
Julie Schwietert Collazo

3 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Ty Unglebower Applied to another freelance writing position with a nearby weekly newspaper. The whole process is more of the standard "Apply to this announced position and wait," sort of thing than I have done ...MoreApplied to another freelance writing position with a nearby weekly newspaper. The whole process is more of the standard "Apply to this announced position and wait," sort of thing than I have done for a while.

Whatever the result though, I feel better about applying in the conventional way for a job than I have in a long while. I think because I now have more of a public portfolio to refer them to now, as opposed to the private work, (redacted) that I have often had to use for samples.

4 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Isao Kato I heard someone say that as a professional, keeping the deadline is more important than perfecting the work. I am a technical writer so there the answer is most likely yes, because the subject ...MoreI heard someone say that as a professional, keeping the deadline is more important than perfecting the work. I am a technical writer so there the answer is most likely yes, because the subject changes frequently and we also have more chances to fix what we have written. But I would like to know if that applies to general writings - magazines, books, web - any idea?

4 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Jonathan van de Veen: I personally write for my own blog and for a larger website as a technical writer. I tend to spend more time on writing for that website (per ...MoreI personally write for my own blog and for a larger website as a technical writer. I tend to spend more time on writing for that website (per article) then I do on writing for my own blog. The reasons are that I find my own blog should be more personal and also the articles I write for the website I get payed for.
In both cases the deadlines are flexible, but when I write for my blog I tend to push Publish a lot easier.
4 weeks ago

Isao Kato: @Brianne Thanks, I like Hit post now, fine-tune later advice.
@Chris, a slip of the tongue leads to 20 customer service calls for us tech ...More@Brianne Thanks, I like Hit post now, fine-tune later advice.
@Chris, a slip of the tongue leads to 20 customer service calls for us tech writers. Not terrible compared to media though.
@Emily, yes I am leaning toward it too. Only if we have someone responsible for reviewing the manuscript...
@Ty, having a passion is critical and amid the deadline wars I lose it sometimes and somehow it appears on paper...
@Jonathan, I do the same: my blog is my creative outlet and my pressure release tool :)
4 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower Hello all. I have been away fro quite some time. But for all the right reasons...more work to do! I wanted to let everyone know that today I am launching a second blog. Too XYZ. It's a sort of ...MoreHello all. I have been away fro quite some time. But for all the right reasons...more work to do! I wanted to let everyone know that today I am launching a second blog. Too XYZ. It's a sort of open ended personal success blog wherein I will be sharing my frank assessments, stories, advice and observations on ways to succeed for those who just don't quite fit the mold. Thoughts on freelancing, networking, being an introvert, and my personal journeys. www.tooxyz.blogspot.com.

6 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Scott Bravard: Ty, I like your premise. "Too XYZ to fit in, yet too XYZ to conform." Exactly the way I feel most days. Looking forward to future posts.
6 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: Thank you both for your support, and for anyone else who checks it out. I have gotten some positive feedback so far for the blog in its infancy.
5 weeks ago

Jeremiah Bourque I'm looking to turn a book I've just completed, an expansion on Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," into something at least somewhat profitable, preferably with the most modern marketing techniques, since ...MoreI'm looking to turn a book I've just completed, an expansion on Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," into something at least somewhat profitable, preferably with the most modern marketing techniques, since I plan to finish language learning books later and I need to get the process mastered one way or another. I realize it's a lot to ask suggestions for but, I thought this would be one of the better places for it. Thank you.

8 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Melissa Breau: That's a great first start (your first link) for a book proposal. They general have several more parts however. I'll post an outline of one in the ...MoreThat's a great first start (your first link) for a book proposal. They general have several more parts however. I'll post an outline of one in the next day or so on my website then come back and link to it. I think you may be wrong - I think you might be able to find a publisher (based on your summary).
6 weeks ago

Melissa Breau: @Jeremiah - I wrote up the post on writing a book proposal as promised. Check it out here: More@Jeremiah - I wrote up the post on writing a book proposal as promised. Check it out here: http://mbreau.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/writing-a-book-proposal/
6 weeks ago

Melissa Breau Melissa Breau

SO I just started a blog to promote myself as a freelancer. Opinions? I crossed Julie & Julia with freelancing ... check it out. More Melissa Breau

SO I just started a blog to promote myself as a freelancer. Opinions? I crossed Julie & Julia with freelancing ... check it out. www.jargonwriter.wordpress.com

6 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Marian Schembari How effective do you think those freelancing websites are? I've found that it's really more about knowing people than bidding or applying online. What do you guys think? Have you ever gotten a ...MoreHow effective do you think those freelancing websites are? I've found that it's really more about knowing people than bidding or applying online. What do you guys think? Have you ever gotten a paid writing gig this way?

8 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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JR Moreau: I've gotten very few gigs from applying to gigs I see on websites. The value I see in them is simply for networking. All of the best gigs I've ...MoreI've gotten very few gigs from applying to gigs I see on websites. The value I see in them is simply for networking. All of the best gigs I've ever had were referrals through people I've gotten to know through various channels- freelancing websites being one of them. You've really gotta find the best people in each community and reach out to them.
8 weeks ago

Isao Kato: I heard from a playwright friend moonlighting as a part-time editor that online bidding system generally doesn't work, especially sites like ...MoreI heard from a playwright friend moonlighting as a part-time editor that online bidding system generally doesn't work, especially sites like odesk.com where many writing gigs are corporate blog articles with hideous payment. Like JR said, I guess focusing our energy on referrals through networks might be a much better way.
7 weeks ago

Mehnaz Thawer I have a question for you lot: Does anyone know any good job sites that lists publishing jobs?

10 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

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Mehnaz Thawer: You guys rule! I knew of some of these but not some others. Thanks so much.
9 weeks ago

Marian Schembari: Definitely Craigslist, but it's also useful to check the publisher's website directly. Many of them require you to apply online directly to them, ...MoreDefinitely Craigslist, but it's also useful to check the publisher's website directly. Many of them require you to apply online directly to them, but it's also the first place where you'll hear of a job opening.
8 weeks ago