Notes in the Margin

by Suzan L. Wiener

Have you ever wondered how some writers get editors to give their queries the go-ahead and have their articles accepted over and over, while others just founder in a hit-or-miss effort? What’s the secret? Knowing how to target your audience, and knowing exactly who you’re writing for.

Here are the tips I follow to help me break into a publication and have a better shot at it.

Know the publication backwards and forwards. Make sure they haven’t done the article recently. Editors can’t put a similar article in even if they like it a lot. Don’t be afraid to stretch your imagination.

Network with other writers to get ideas and find out what is going on in the writing world. Even if you haven’t done that a lot, it is a good idea to start. Never be shy when it comes to finding out information that will be invaluable to you. Website forums are a rich source of potential markets.

Have confidence in yourself as a writer. Hit the big markets like Ladies’ Home Journal, Elle, and Glamour. Remember, all they can say is no. If one editor doesn’t like it, perhaps another will.

Strive to give the editor something different that will make them sit up and take notice. Make your query/submission an eye-opener and they will have to buy it.

Pretend you actually have an assignment already, and work as though you are doing it as an employee in their company. This will give you more of an edge than someone who is writing an article without any target at all.

Don’t just send in one article. Try sending in submissions to various publications so you will have a much better chance of getting that most-wanted acceptance. You won’t spend time worrying about one article since you will be writing a lot.

It’s always easier to write about subjects with which you have some familiarity. That being said, there’s nothing to stop you from trying something new, provided that you’re willing to put in the time to do quality research. Nothing will turn an editor off faster than a writer who presents an article which contains facts that are known to be wrong or ideas that are misconstrued due to inadequate or faulty research.

Learn the language. Most subjects have key phrases that all readers understand. Look for them during your research. Using them correctly will help make you part of the “in” crowd in an editor’s mind.

By targeting your potential audience, you should be much more successful in your desire to be a full-time writer. You will save effort, and you won’t be wasting time and postage sending to markets which won’t be receptive to your work. Above all, never give up.

****
Suzan L. Wiener has had numerous articles on writing, stories and shorter pieces published by many major publications such as Canadian Writer’s Journal, MetroSeven, The Writer’s Ezine, Verses, Complete Woman, Mature Living, Mature Years, Reader’s Digest, and the Saturday Evening Post.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Rachel Hartman

Do you find yourself sitting down to write an article and then having a difficult time getting started? To avoid typing and editing, do you often surf the ‘Net, play computer games, or constantly check e-mail? Are you having a hard time focusing on the task at hand?

Many writers, especially aspiring ones, struggle with the actual writing process. It can be difficult for a beginning writer to stare at a blank page and even more grueling to fill it. Allow me to share a technique that will help you combat your writing anxieties: I call it the 45:15 rule.

The basic concept of the 45:15 rule is to provide a working structure for your writing commitment. The first step is to set a timer and work for 45 minutes. This is followed by a 15-minute break. This cycle repeats itself for the number of hours that you choose to dedicate toward writing each day.

One of the biggest advantages of this process deals with organization. By allocating specific time periods to writing and to relaxing, you are establishing a structure in which to function. Even if you cringe at the thought of formal structural settings, consider this to be nothing more than a guideline for creativity. Your ideas will flow on to the page for 45 minutes, and then you can take 15 minutes to let your imagination recharge.

Another benefit from this technique is that it helps you become efficient. Before I started using this technique, I was easily distracted when trying to write. I would look at news on the Internet, answer all phone calls, and allow other tasks that I needed to do sneak into my thoughts. However, with the 45:15 structure, I am able to directly focus on my work for a straight 45 minutes. The other things to do can fit into the break time. Others that have incorporated this technique into their schedule report similar benefits. It improves focus and allows you to do more in less time.

Finally, be careful not to make your break time turn into a stress session! Use all or part of the 15 minutes to get away from the computer. Go outside and get some fresh air, do a few mindless chores, or simply grab your favorite beverage and stretch your legs. Enjoy the time and let your mind think about other topics, not the work you just left behind. When you sit down again at the computer, you will feel much more relaxed and ready to go.

If you are beginning to delve into the writing world or are struggling with the writing process, this method may be just what you need. Try it for two weeks and then reevaluate. Adjust it to fit your needs. The most important factor is not that you strictly follow the technique, but that you find something that routinely works well for you. Remember that slow progress is the key to true success and enjoy the journey, one 45-minute session at a time.

*****

Rachel Hartman is a freelance writer who has lived and traveled extensively in Mexico for the last seven years. Contact her via e-mail at rachelmhartman@gmail.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Jennifer Gomoll

It’s been said that brevity is the soul of wit. If you agree, writing one-liners may be the freelance opportunity for you.

Nearly every mall, card outlet, and gift shop sells novelties. Whether in-your-face buttons or get-off-my-butt bumper stickers, these items make people laugh. In many cases, they also make money — for freelancers. One-liners tend to go for at least $50, so if you have a quick wit, find out where the opportunities are! You can start by going to the stores that sell funny items, and check out the company names printed on the ones you like. Use a search engine to find them online, as well as other freelancer-friendly novelty companies. Don’t forget to look for t-shirt companies; snarky slogans printed across rebellious chests are big business these days.

If there aren’t any writer’s guidelines on a company’s website, write or email a request for them. Request a catalog, if one isn’t available for download online. Study each company’s needs carefully. What topics do they cover? Is the humor racy or “clean”? What kind of people buy their stuff? Which subjects have been done to death, and which might they like to see more of?

If you’re having trouble drafting slogans, try one of these five basic formulas. (These sample one-liners may not be all that hilarious, but you’ll get the idea.)

1. What’s bad / what’s good. Here’s where you turn a frown upside down. For example: “Broke but happy.” “I sold my soul but I got a great trade-in.”

2. Start with a cliche, end with a twist. Think of something you’ve heard a million times before, then warp it, such as: “He who laughs, lasts.”

3. Define a word. Write something you won’t find in Webster’s dictionary: “Chocolate: nature’s Prozac.”

4. Short description. Who is the t-shirt or button wearer? What words define him or her? “Drama Queen.” “Geek Goddess.” “Whipping Boy.”

5. Snide response. You want to say “Back off, Bucko!” to that guy at the bar who won’t stop pestering you. Someone’s in your face about your lifestyle choices. Politics got you down. What do you want to say? “Sorry, I don’t date outside my species.” “My sign? It’s STOP.” “Nice rant, Geraldo.”

Don’t be surprised if it takes a while for good ones to come to you. Sometimes it helps to simply start writing a list of topics until one grabs you. This is only the first draft stage, so don’t worry too much about the wording or “flow” of your slogans. Get the general ideas out on paper first. If they sound awkward, re-word them several different ways. Put them aside. Later, read them again and decide whether your ideas need more work.

A few things to remember: a button, sticker, or t-shirt is meant to be read and understood in a matter of seconds. Keep it brief. Read your slogan out loud. Does it sound smooth or clunky? If you saw it at a shop, would you plunk down money for it? Get feedback from friends and writing buddies, preferably ones who have a sense of humor that differs from yours. What do they think? Remember, timeliness is an issue. Do you think your slogan will still be relevant a year from now? If it sounds like something you may have heard before, run your slogan through a search engine. It’s already on a t-shirt? Darn! Try again.

When you have a list of your best one-liners ready, it’s time to send them out. In what format should you submit? Ask the company. Whether they want an email, hardcopy list, or (ugh) an individual index card for each idea, that’s what you must do, else risk instant rejection. Sticklers!

Sent out your slogans? Good. Time to play the waiting game. Twiddle your thumbs, or write more funnies: just be prepared to wait months for a response. If the acquisitions editor likes one or more of your ideas, the company will usually test market with its vendors. This means that shop owners and others who buy novelties to sell will read the slogans and give them a yea or a nay. Enough yeas, and your check will be in the mail. Nays, and a rejection slip is coming your way. Don’t feel too bad if it does; novelty companies use very few of the thousands of ideas they receive each year. Not to worry; rejection is a good topic for writing more one-liners!

****
Jennifer Gomoll is a freelance writer from Chicago. She has sold work to a variety of novelty companies, greeting card publishers, magazines and websites, and currently writes reviews for NewPages.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Kumudha Venkatesan

After days of researching and interviewing, you’ve completed your article. The next step is submitting the manuscript. Follow these easy steps to ensure a pain-free online submissions.

1. READ THE WRITERS GUIDELINES Make sure you read the writers’ guidelines a couple of times. If they asked for an 800-word article, make sure your word count is in the right neighborhood. If you are writing business material for a company or an individual, make sure you ask any questions you have regarding the project well in advance of the deadline.

2. SEND IT THE RIGHT WAY It seems obvious, but it still needs to be said: Follow the submission instructions to the letter. If they ask for the manuscript by e-mail, send it by e-mail only. If they ask for snail mail, to send it by snail mail. If they want it handwritten in blue pencil on wide-ruled loose-leaf paper, get yourself to the school-supplies aisle at Wal-Mart.

3. FORMAT THE FILE CORRECTLY When submitting electronically, be sure to send your file in the appropriate format. Rich-Text Files (RTFs) work with most word processing programs, but many editors prefer MS WORD. Some editors prefer to receive the manuscript in body of the e-mail. Don’t send an attachment unless the guidelines specifically ask for it, because many spam blockers and virus programs direct e-mail with attachments directly to the trash.

4. MAKE YOUR SUBJECT LINE SING The subject line is an editor’s first glimpse of your submission, so make sure the subject is meaningful and clear, such as “Submitting Manuscript – Article Title Here”. If you are submitting an article about medicines and the subject is “About Pills,” you may be diverted directly to the spam folder. You can be creative, but make sure the contents of the e-mail are obvious from the subject line.

5. FOLLOW UP The writers’ guidelines will generally offer a response time. Be sure to keep track of your submission date so you can follow up on time. If the response time is 3 weeks, don’t start sending e-mails or calling the editor about your submission until at least 4 weeks have passed. However, do follow up by e-mail if you do not get any response after the specified amount of time.

****

Kumudha Venkatesan is a Detroit-based freelancer who writes for e-zines and magazines. You can reach Kumudha at kumudha_1998@yahoo.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

So you’re a writer. You’ve scribbled since childhood, you’ve gained a few bylines, and now you’re serious about writing—but no one else cares. It’s vital to establish yourself as a writer in both self and community image, and it’s not as difficult as it seems.

First, believe that you’re a writer. Whether you’re writing full time or writing when you can, it’s important to believe in yourself. Remember that a writer writes, so do so as often as possible. Set up a daily time for writing, and set goals. Try to write a specific number of words or pages each day or week. Don’t stop with just writing—submit your work. The more credits you gain, the more solid your foundation as a writer becomes.

Next, spread the word. Many new writers are bashful about telling others that they write. Don’t be. When asked about your occupation, mention the day job, but add the fact that you’re also a writer. The obvious question many people will ask is, “Well, what have you written?” so answer it with the truth. If you have a few clips, mention them. If you’re working on your version of the Great American Novel, say so.

Seek out other writers. Look for writers clubs or groups in your area and attend a meeting. If no groups exist, consider starting one. Find a meeting place—such as the local library, college campus, or bookstore—and get permission to hold the first meeting. Spread the word far and wide. If you have enough clips, look for professional writers groups and join. Whenever possible, attend writers’ workshops and conferences close to home. These meetings can provide a wealth of information, as well as contacts that may help you market your work.

Establish your space. If you lack a spare room to convert into an office, set aside an alcove or corner of another room as a writing place.

Be professional. Whether you’re earning any money isn’t the issue—writers at all levels should be professional. Follow guidelines, obey industry standards, and have perfect grammar and spelling. Any submissions should be the best you can produce.

Protect your writing time. That means not allowing relatives, friends, neighbors, or others to interrupt that precious creative period. Explain that you write for that hour or block of time. Stay-at-home parents who write should establish boundaries. When the PTO calls to ask for volunteers, don’t be afraid to say no if the suggested activity cuts into your writing time. Never let others browbeat you into donating time because they think you have huge amounts of idle time to fill.

Gather the tools of the trade. A good, working computer with up-to-date software is vital today. Make sure you have an excellent printer that produces clean, clear copy. Invest in writers’ marketing guides, how-to-books, and other research materials. Don’t forget that a good dictionary and thesaurus can be a writer’s best friend. If your grammar skills need some brushing up, pick up a used grammar book and keep it close.

One of the best ways to establish an identity as a writer is to find a local or regional writing gig. Don’t be shy about approaching newspapers in your community about writing a column or book review or freelance articles on a regular basis. The more people who see a byline with your name, the more people who know that you’re a writer.

If you want to be taken seriously as a writer, you must be serious about the craft. If you view yourself as a professional, the image will project to others and you’ll gain the recognition and respect that fuel self-esteem. A solid attitude and firm belief that you are a writer can help ease the sting of rejections and encourage you to continue to strive toward the ultimate goal of becoming a successful writer!

****

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy writes full time from a rocky ridge in the Missouri Ozarks. As a member of both Missouri Writers Guild and Ozark Writers League, she has publication credits dating back more than 20 years. Visit her online at Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Sarah E. White

It’s the holiday season once again, and whether you’re looking for gifts for your writer friends or wanting to fill out your own wish list, odds are you could use a few ideas. Here are some of my favorite gifts for writers and others, for the holidays and beyond.

Lighted Pen

Writers (and those who live with writers) will appreciate a gift that allows them to scribble down the brilliant thoughts that come to them in the middle of the night without the inconvenience of turning on a light. The Lighted Gravity Pen ($25.00) from Brookstone features an LED light that is activated simply by pressing the top of the pen. This pen also has magnets in it so the pen seems to float in its included base, which both looks cool and makes it easy to find in the dark. As a bonus, this pen includes the three button cell batteries it needs and has five refills, so you can keep writing in the dark for a long time.

Washable Keyboard

We all know why we shouldn’t eat at our desks. It’s bad for our work, bad for our digestion, and worst of all gets crumbs and grease all over our keyboards. But now you can get a wireless keyboard that claims to be dust-free (and, presumably, crumb-free) and that you can wash under the tap or spray with cleanser. The SpillSeal washable keyboard ($74.99) from Unotron is marketed as a great tool for hospitals, where errant germs could collect on computer equipment. But I think it’s brilliant for writers and others who spend a little too much time eating at their computers. It’s a fully functioning wireless keyboard with programmable multimedia keys and a removable wrist rest for those long hours of composing.

Digital Recorder

There are all sorts of cool digital voice recorders on the market these days in just about every price range. You can find recorders with removable memory, ones that will record telephone conversations (always check with the person you’re talking to before you record), take pictures, ones with voice-recognition software so you can transcribe your interviews automatically, machines with voice-activated recording or that can record more than 24 hours. For an idea of the range of models out there, check out the Olympus Web site .Even if you or your writer friend don’t do a lot of interviewing, a digital recorder is great for recording thoughts while you’re driving, cooking, or somewhere else you might not have paper handy.

A Christmas Story

If you’re buying specifically for Christmas, consider the tiny, inexpensive and totally adorable A Visit From St. Alphabet by Dave Morice ($9.95), published by Coffee House Press. This whimsical little book is a retelling of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” with the alphabet as the star (it’s not really a Christmas story any more). A sampling: “‘Twas the night before X, when all through the Y / Not a letter was stirring, not even an I; / The S’s were hung by the T with care / In the hopes that St. Alphabet soon would be there.” This is a writer’s Santa, magically filling on the blank pages and wishing “Happy Alphabet to all, and to all a good write!”

And may I wish the same to you, whatever winter holidays you celebrate!

****

Sarah E. White is a freelance writer, editor, and creativity coach. Her home on the Web is http://www.sarahewhite.com. Contact her at sarah@sarahewhite.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Matt Haldeman

I’m not a famous writer. I don’t have an agent. The money I make in one year of writing is about enough to cover my rent for a few weeks.

So why should you listen to me?

Well, you can be the judge of whether I have anything helpful to say about getting published. I know that when I was just starting out, I would have loved to have someone like me offer advice.

When I made my decision to freelance, everything I read on the subject was written by someone who had clearly made it. Most of the things they wrote about didn’t concern me.

Now that I am, I’d like to share the things that I’ve learned. Obviously, I haven’t learned everything, or I’d be a lot wealthier. Still, I think there are a lot of traps that beginning writers fall into and I think I can help you avoid many of them.

So I’ll take you through my first year as a freelancer. When it began, I had zero publishing credits. When it ended, I was a columnist for three publications (one of them paying), I’d been published in the Washington Post, I’d seen my work performed on a professional stage, and I’d made slightly over $400. I certainly wasn’t going to quit my day job (I teach public school in the Bronx), but it was a good start.

I wanted to be a writer. I loved to write and I believed I was good at it. So why not make a little money on the side and see my name in print?

So I took a class.

In retrospect, it seems like a silly idea. What I should have done, since I wanted to be a writer, was to write. But I thought there was some secret to the whole process and so I attended a lecture entitled, “How to write an effective op-ed.” Luckily I didn’t pay for it. When it comes to writing, “Don’t ever pay for anything, ever!” is the maxim I live by.

The teacher’s comments were simple and obvious. Find something you’re passionate about, write on it, and then submit.

He gave us time at the end of the lecture to craft our own op-eds. My friend and I (both school teachers) opted to write on school choice vouchers.

When the class was over, our teacher dismissed us with these words, “Now go home, add a few lines, correct your mistakes, and go submit your op-eds to a local paper.” I was confused. Didn’t you have to be well known or important to get an op-ed published?

Our teacher explained that newspaper editors are people just like us who have too much work to do and not enough time to do it. Editors are often in need of some sort of filler. If your topic is timely and it arrives in his inbox at just the right time, you just might get published. He suggested sending articles on Saturday morning for two reasons. One, Sunday editions are the biggest and most likely to need extra articles. Two, editors like to go home early to be with their families on the weekend.

And so we did exactly that. We went home and turned our two paragraphs into two pages. We edited and revised every night that week, and then sent it off that Saturday to our favorite local paper, the Washington Post.

It was easy. Three minutes of browsing on their website and we found an e-mail address (OPED@washpost.com). We sent the article and waited. About a week later, we got an e-mail telling us we’d been accepted, about a month later we saw our article in print, and about three months later, we received joint checks for $150.

And in a way, that initial success changed the way I approached freelance writing. No, I don’t expect that everything I write will bring in $300 and be published in a major newspaper across from a piece by Henry Kissinger. But I do feel, whenever I write, that anything’s possible.

There are all sorts of websites that actually make you pay to get your work published, or even make you pay for the chance of getting your work published. To me, they’re preying on people who have lowered expectations, and think this is the only way to get into the business.

You do have to pay your dues, but you shouldn’t have to pay to pay your dues. Be wary of anyone (agents, publishers, editors) who ask for money and tell you that’s how the game works. The only thing I’ve ever paid for is my annual copy of the Writer’s Market, which you can now subscribe to online for a fee. Take my word, it’s worth it.

That’s about it. I hope you realize that my point is not that I am such a great writer. I was definitely lucky. And don’t expect to be freelancing to be easy, because it’s not. But if you want to take something away from this article it should be this: reach for the stars. Send your work to the most unlikely of places. You may receive the most unlikely of results.

****

Matt Haldeman teaches sixth grade at a public school in the Bronx, NY. He has written for various publications including the Washington Post and Hopscotch for Girls and his plays have been performed in various theater festivals across the country.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.