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See the book that America's top magazine editors are calling one of the best works ever written on freelance writing:

"I plan on giving a copy of this book to every freelance writer I work with."
-Dave Zinczenko, Editor-in-Chief, Men's Health

"The most practical and entertaining book I've ever read on freelance writing."
-Mike LaFavore, Editor-in-Chief, TV Guide

"No other writing book is so crammed full of useful tips, shortcuts and strategies."
-Amby Burfoot, Executive Editor, Runner's World


New This Week
A BRIEF PRIMER TO CITING SOURCES
Whether it's APA or MLA--they don't have to be a pain in the A. Here's all you need to know in 500 hundred words or less.
A PROPER INTRO: WHAT NOT TO DO
How to mind your manners when writing an academic introduction. Learn the rhetorical equivalent of making sure your fly is zipped.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
It is a very ugly word: plagiarism. Here's how to make sure you never hear it in connection with your good name.
AN INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC INTRODUCTIONS
Say hello to the basic format for setting up essays and journals articles for the high-brow set.
AN INTRODUCTION TO WRITING AS A COMPLEX SKILL by David Taylor
An overview of writing and the writing process with attention to the subskills that comprise the complex act of writing
CITATION MACHINES
When it comes to academic research, they are today's equivalent of pocket calculators, which replaced the slide rule--citation machines. I predict love at first cite-tation.
EVALUATING WEB RESOURCES
Google now indexes over 8 billion web sites. Who you gonna trust? How can you tell the shills from the shinola? Well, you could start with these online tutorials right here.
GUIDE TO WRITING YOUR FIRST RESEARCH PAPER
Tell yourself: "Self, this is no big deal." And here you will find out exactly why.
HOW TO WRITE A MOVIE OR BOOK REVIEW
Step-by-step instructions for prewriting and then composing a movie or book review.
TOXIC TEACHERS AND THE PERFECT PROSE SYNDROME: Are You A Victim?
When non-writers try to teach writing, things can get pretty ugly and pretty debilitating for generations of victimized freelance writers.

Past Features
WORK YOUR SMALL BUSINESS DREAM by Angela Booth
Nothing in life happens until you do something. Here's how to take action -- and keep on taking it until you reach your dream.

WHY WRITE A BOOK? HERE ARE 17 REASONS!
Whether you are a speaker, seminar leader, consultant, coach, writer, author, or in another field, the book you write with your unique, useful message will expand your life at least ten-fold. Each of you has reasons to write. You also have advantages. Here are seventeen reasons and advantages to spur you on to write your book!

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO PUBLISH A BOOK?
What's it gonna be -- royalty or self-publishing? Paperback or e-book? A long-time book coach helps you sort out the options. By Judy Cullins.

WHAT ARTICLE PUBLISHERS REALLY WANT
Read these secrets of getting publishers to gobble up your branding articles.

TURN THE MOTHERS OUT: A MANIFESTO FOR WRITERS OF GENRE FICTION
What if everything you were taught about "lit-ra-ture" in school was a lie?

TOXIC TEACHERS AND THE PERFECT PROSE SYNDROME: Are You A Victim?
When non-writers try to teach writing, things can get pretty ugly and pretty debilitating for generations of victimized freelance writers.

THE MYTHS & REALITIES OF A JOB SEARCH
Lots of advice out there. Lots of it good, some of it bad. Very bad. Get wise before you get rejected.

THE CHECK ISN'T IN THE MAIL—WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T GET PAID
And you thought writing was the hard part! Getting paid can be tougher than getting la—. Uh, it can be really difficult.

The BEST Technique: How to Write an Article Per Day by Angela Booth
Want to be a better writer? That's easy. Just use the patented "BEST" technique and you can writer an article per day. Seriously.

SPEED WRITING: MASTERING THE ZERO DRAFT
Blaze a trail to glory with headphones, fast fingers and this revolutionary new way of conquering the blank page.

SHOULD YOU PUBLISH IN PRINT OR ELECTRONIC FORMAT -- OR BOTH? by Marcia Yudkin
Which is easier to sell? Which will make more money? Which will earn more respect? The answers will surprise you.

SEVEN CREATIVITY EXERCISES
To stimulate that magnificent right brain of yours, try these seven creativity exercises. But not all at the same time...

RULES OF EVIDENCE: PARAGRAPH SUPPORT MADE SIMPLE by David Taylor
Want 10 ways to generate support? Want 4 ways to test for validity? Want to get it done fast? YOu know what they day, click here.

MAKING VALUABLE FREELANCE CONTACTS ONLINE
One of a freelance writer's most powerful tools is her network—a rich source of info, inspiration and insight. Here's how to create yours.

MAGIC TITLES— 27 SECRETS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR HEADLINES SELL
Learn how to write titles, decks and teasers that will make editors beg for more.

ITT INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH PAPER
Brief instructions for ITT, Comp II on the researach paper.

INTERNET MARKETING GOLD FOR AUTHORS
How to use article banks and article directories to build your name and brand on the web. By Maria Marsala

HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE THESIS STATEMENT by David Taylor
It's the hub of the wheel. Make it strong and perfectly round and you're sure to be on a roll when it comes to writing.

HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE THAT WILL MAKE EDITORS DROOL
If you're sending out news releases and journalists aren't biting, try this simple technique.

HOW TO WRITE A MOVIE OR BOOK REVIEW
Step-by-step instructions for prewriting and then composing a movie or book review.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT EDITOR
Ah, time for the payoff: printing out a final copy or your story, sticking it in an envelope, sealing with a kiss. But wait—did you address it to the right editor?

HOW THREE PUBLISHING MYTHS KILL THE AUTHOR
Agents and publishing houses have their best interests at heart, not the author's. Save yourself from headaches, disappointments, and money down the drain. Become your own independent publisher and produce your book faster and cheaper. All you need is a little help from professionals. By Judy Cullins

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU CHARGE?
In other words, what are you worth? Hopefully, it’s something between "a penny for your thoughts" and "the moon."

HOOKS, LINES AND SINKERS by Sue Kendrick
Some say that your story's first 25 words are the hardest and most important for the editor, contest judge or publisher who is evaluating your work. Here's how to make those words count.

HIDDEN FREELANCE MARKET—NEWSPAPER DAILIES & WEEKLIES
The pay may be cheap, but newspapers make up for it by sheer, non-overlapping numbers. Here's how to take advantage of their frequency and their plentitude.

GUIDE TO WRITING YOUR FIRST RESEARCH PAPER
Tell yourself: "Self, this is no big deal." And here you will find out exactly why.

GO AWAY—AVOIDING INTERRUPTIONS AT WORK AND HOME
Do you smile like Dr. Jekyll but snarl like Mr. Hyde when you're interrupted? Use this plan before somebody gets hurt.

GETTING IT RIGHT, GETTING IT GOOD: COPYRIGHTS DEFINED
The heart of any contract with a publisher is the "grant of rights" clause that stipulates what rights are being licensed and for how long. For writers, here's one time when it's more blessed to receive than to give.

GET IT DONE—FAST!
"Block writing" can save you time and help you overcome self-doubt and procrastination. Here's how in 3 easy steps.

FOUR MISTAKES WRITERS MAKE (INCLUDING ME)
Let me count the ways: faulty audience analysis, faulty template analysis, head writing, closing off feedback. Do you plead guilty or nolo contendre?

FOOT IN DOOR—HOW TO LAND YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT
You've got the goods, now you've got to get the attention of the editor and keep it until you land that coveted first assignment.

FOCUS YOUR WRITING WITH READER PROFILES
Whether you're creating a sales letter, brochure, data sheet, newsletter, or Web site, you must know your readers well if you want the piece to be read. Remember: this isn't entertainment—this is your business.

FIRST AID FOR WRITER'S BLOCK
Stuck? Not for long when you try these remedies for creativity on call.

FINDING THE TIME—HOW TO BALANCE WRITING WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Few problems are more difficult—or more important—for a writer to face that making space in life for this thing called writing.

EVALUATING WEB RESOURCES
Google now indexes over 8 billion web sites. Who you gonna trust? How can you tell the shills from the shinola? Well, you could start with these online tutorials right here.

E-RIGHTS: CONTROL & CONTROVERSY
Don�t let the little "e" fool you; e-rights have become a very big deal--especially when publishers try to steal them.

DON'T CALL IT AN E-BOOK! by Marcia Yudkin
An e-book by any other name could boost your price-point and your sales. Try this alternatives and watch your content become money.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A FREELANCE WRITER? A SELF TEST
What's in a name? If the name is "freelance writer," it's about 10 things that all successful freelancers have in common. How do you stack up?

DEVELOPING FICTIONAL CHARACTER TRAITS, PART ONE
When creating a character, how in-depth do you delve into their motives for doing what they do? How far should you? The managing editor of FictionFactor.com has the answer.

CITATION MACHINES
When it comes to academic research, they are today's equivalent of pocket calculators, which replaced the slide rule--citation machines. I predict love at first cite-tation.

BEHIND THE LINES -- ARCHIVES
Back issues of Peak Writing's e-newsletter, "Behind the Lines."

BEATING FICTION WRITER'S BLOCK by Lee Masterson
Break it down. Attack the problem. Get creative. Move on with confidence. Here's how to do all four.

AUTHOR BEWARE—THE TRUTH ABOUT POD PUBLISHING
Is POD (print on demand) the new face of vanity publishers? Before you say yes to Xlibris or iUniverse, take a look in this mirror.

ARE YOU READY TO GO FULL TIME? A FREELANCER CHECKLIST
Tired of being a wage slave? Ready to spread your wings and fly free? Without medical benefits and guaranteed paydays, it can be a long way down

AND THE AUDIENCE ROARED
The basics of audience analysis for beginning writers.

AN INTRODUCTION TO WRITING AS A COMPLEX SKILL by David Taylor
An overview of writing and the writing process with attention to the subskills that comprise the complex act of writing

AN INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC INTRODUCTIONS
Say hello to the basic format for setting up essays and journals articles for the high-brow set.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
It is a very ugly word: plagiarism. Here's how to make sure you never hear it in connection with your good name.

A PROPER INTRO: WHAT NOT TO DO
How to mind your manners when writing an academic introduction. Learn the rhetorical equivalent of making sure your fly is zipped.

A BRIEF PRIMER TO CITING SOURCES
Whether it's APA or MLA--they don't have to be a pain in the A. Here's all you need to know in 500 hundred words or less.

 

 

 

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