We live in a sea of information. And information overload is an increasingly common complaint. Part of the complaint arises because we get hit with different headlines that point to the same content.
So we waste time on things that have no added value. Bummer.
When you email your list or put up content on your site, and assuming you want to generate loyalty, it's necessary that you have content others haven't seen a dozen times elsewhere.
If this makes sense to you, here are some ideas you can use to EASILY generate fresh content with a minimal amount of time and effort.
First of all, think about a subject in which you are interested. Let's say it's horticulture. Now if you're not aware of it, let me put you in the picture. Most people do web searches from Google's home page and stop there. Not at all creative. Not at all digging for information from which to develop original content.
So let's go exploring...
1 - Google has lots of tools besides just web searches. They let you check the news. (http://news.google.com) As of this writing, there are 1,680 news items listed by Google on the word horticulture. Bet you could easily do a summary of some of these articles and create your own content. But let's not stop there.
2 - Google also has "groups." (http://groups.google.com/) These are folks who like to discuss *your* subject. So now you can go even farther. Look up horticulture in their groups. Now this information is potentially gold. Why? Because you can see what it is about horticulture that lots of folks are interested in.
Think you might be able to do a little research and come up with a free or even a for-profit report that gives them what they want?
Check out Google's other tools, too. You can even get research info from universities through Google. Start here: http://www.google.com/intl/en/options/
3 - Next method: Do this search (keeping in the punctuation as written):
+horticulture +free +filetype:pdf
As of this writing, Google shows 196,000 hits for this query. What you get here are free downloads in pdf format about your subject.
Now you can't simply copy and use it as your own information. You have to create your writing in your own words. But there's no law that says you can't summarize what you find in other people's works. To make the point, you could even call your work something like: "Survey Report: Latest from the Horticulture Front!"
4 - Go to Alexa.com. Do a search on your subject, in this example, horticulture. It provides the exact same results as Google because it's powered by Google. So why bother, right? Wrong. Because Alexa *does* provide value added information.
When you do the search, you don't want to click the link that takes you to the listed site. Instead you want to follow the link that says "Site info." When you do this, you'll find a section called: "People who visit this page also visit." This can be very valuable because it potentially shows *what the marketplace is interested in.* This can enable you to tailor your information product to what people want.
These are just some of the easy ways to branch out your explorations and find gold to weave into golden braids.
Golden searching... :)
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About the author:
David A. Bailey, Jr shares easy four-step method for building your English skills quickly and easily. Join the English Club to practice your English and make friends with other ESL students just like yourself. http://www.clube-de-ingles.com
by: Joe Xokmax
How To Research InformationTo Develop Your Unique Content
How to Start Your Story with a Bang
The purpose of creating a story is to create a
world that will draw the reader away from their
own. In order to do this one must create
suspense, drama and mystery.
Your reader must
absolutely need to get from page to page, to find
out what happens.
There are several simple
techniques to get your story going and draw the
reader in. Here are just a few:
1)Start in the middle of a problem.
Ex. A lover's quarrel, a murder, a personal
dilemma
2) Start with an unusual environment
Ex. Alice in Wonderland, the beginning of the
final frontier, a journey to a new world
3) Start with action.
Ex. A gun has just been fired, A woman is
deciding whether to jump or not, A hospital ER
being mobilized
4) Start with a feeling.
Ex. The soft silk slid across her skin, as she
finally slid into his bed. Hot coals burned his
stomach as the bullet tore through him. The rich
velvety feel of chocolate on her tongue was the
perfect end to a dreadful day.
Don't spend the first day bogged down on details,
unless they are absolutely crucial to
understanding your story. Even then, save
descriptions for later in your story, if you can.
Get the reader hooked first, then you can
describe the rich incandescence of his eyes or
the exact color of her house. Remember your story
should be like life, fast paced, even at a
standstill, and utterly surprising.
About the author:
Caterina Christakos is the author of How to Write a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less. For even more writing tips go to: http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com
by: Caterina Christakos
How To Ramp Up Your Business With Sizzling Ad Copy
What is the importance of Ad copy? Your ad copy, sales letter will make or break your business. You can have the best product/service but without a good sales copy, you cannot sell anything.
Website visitors are becoming increasingly savvy, hype and hard selling no longer work, as they used to. A subtler approach is necessary and gets good results.
Common mistakes in business ad copy:
* Features not benefits
* Too much hype
* Misuse of graphics
* Using the negative trigger words
* Font hard to read
The most frequent error in ad copy, is listing features not benefits. Your visitor does not need to know how fancy the product is, they are just looking for the answer to "what's in it for me?" Why should they buy your product, or use your service? You will need to persuade them that the benefits for them are irresistible and they would be seriously missing out if they did not buy your product/use your service.
Here is one of the most irritating of all mistakes, hyping up your product/service. Nobody likes to be played for a fool least of all your prospective clients. Unbelievable exaggeration (hype) does just that. It insults the intelligence of your reader and will alienate them very quickly from the sale. Would you buy from someone who treated you like this? Besides if your product is good you will have enough real benefits not to need any useless hype.
Graphics, be careful with these. Small relevant pictures can go a long way to helping sell your product, especially if you are selling hard goods and e-books. Some websites try to use cartoon graphics and different eye catchers, this can divert your visitor and take away from your sales message. Again this can bring down the prestige of your site. Presentation is very important with a business site. Your visitor needs to take you seriously in order to buy from you, they need to know you are a professional. Presentation in your ad copy is especially important if you are offering a service.
Here is a more subtle mistake and one that with some careful planning and knowledge does not need to happen. The use of negative "trigger words." If you have been on the internet for any length of time you will have heard about "Mr. Fire" Joe Vitale, a legendary copywriter and article writer. Joe Vitale is the master of the use of "trigger words" and subtle "Hypnotic Selling." What are "trigger words?" These are words that subconsciously spark a feeling of well-being and urge to buy in a reader. For example "Ramp Up" your business with... "Boost" your business using this... "Discover the secret".... I am sure you have seen these and many more (there are over 200 ) When you have looked at good sales pages.
Alternatively negative "trigger words" will have the opposite effect, for example "low-income" "failure" and many more that you can probably think of. These words generate an unconscious feeling of depression and sadness with a reader and deter him from buying. Don't you buy more when you are in an upbeat mood? Be careful how you write your sales letter or even a small ad, words are very powerful in copywriting and will make or break the sale. As all good copywriters will tell you selling is all about understanding your visitors' mindset.
Readable font, includes use of punctuation, capitalization and color arrangement. Let me explain:
Excessive use of punctuation, especially the !!! exclamation point and sometimes the??? question mark. This distracts the reader and is a turn off for sales. Respect your reader's intelligence and do not belittle your reader with this unprofessional technique.
Too much CAPITALIZATION is also unprofessional and has the same effect. Capitalization is known as shouting a word. Do you the reader want to be shouted at? I am sure this does not put you in a buying mood.
Color combination is also a sign of being a good sales person. Always write with credibility in mind. As mentioned credibility is very important in convincing your prospective buyer. Unusual fonts and color combinations will take away from your sales copy and leave an unfavorable impression with your reader. Size is a factor too, make sure the font is normal sized. Style of font should be Ariel, Times Roman, Veranda, or similar styles, do not make a sales letter in fancy type set, it will distract your reader, (selling art work and cartoon drawings may be an exception to the rule).
Always keep your reader in mind. Write your sales letters as you would to a respected friend. Remember your visitors are taking time out of their busy schedule to read your sales letter, write in a concise, persuasive, polite way, as you would expect to be treated by a sales person when you want to buy something. With these points, you will be able to ramp up your business with sizzling ad copy and improve your sales 110% and more.
About the author:
Cathy is a freelance writer and copywriter. She has written
over a hundred articles on small business development and
marketing. She has also written promotional articles and
sales copy for a variety of businesses. and is the publisher
of 2 online publications. Her resource websites are:
http://advertise-your-business.com
http://a1-newsletters.com
http://a-y-b.com
by: Cathy Qazalbash
How To Rake In the Sales From Your Loyal Opt-In Subscribers for Free
If you're anything like me, you've probably heard it a thousand times before, stored it in the back of your memory bank, and haven't had the desire to go back there to get it. Well, now's the time to start acting on what I like to call
“The Undiscovered Gold Mine.” What I'm talking about is the marketing power of an opt-in email list.
But what is the most compelling offer to truly get your visitors to opt-in?
Without a doubt...a Free Newsletter is your best bet!
In this lesson, we'll dive deep into the importance of a well-written newsletter, its impressive money-making potential, and the art of writing a profitable newsletter that your subscribers will eat up like candy!
Email marketing is a blessing for small business owners. An effective, targeted email-marketing campaign can drive traffic to your site, get your name in front of qualified prospects and turn leads into sales - for much less than what you'd spend on a traditional direct-marketing campaign. Once you have developed your email list, how do you turn those devoted subscribers into sales? No matter what strategies you used to get your subscribers to opt-in on your emailing list, many of them are already pre-sold to your product. Now, you just have to close the deal.
In this lesson, I'm going to show you why your site needs a newsletter and how to maximize your sales by using this powerful incentive. Offering a free newsletter is the best way to collect loyal subscribers who are actively looking for answers to their problems. If you offer to provide potential subscribers with information they need, they'll be glad to subscribe to your newsletter. But obviously the secret is out, and most online businesses are taking full advantage of the powerful capabilities of this marketing tool. And as a result, there has been a mass of newsletters on the Internet full of nonsense and spam - leaving Internet visitors with a wary concern about handing over their email addresses to just anyone.
This doesn't, however, mean that you shouldn't start your own newsletter. And it doesn't mean that you've missed the boat. All it means is that you are going to have to work at providing your subscribers with quality information that they deem worthy enough to entrust their email address with you. Not a problem! Just create a newsletter that people read faithfully, that is considered to be a reliable source of quality information, and that attracts a consistent number of opt-in subscribers.
The best part about newsletters is that you can produce them with little to no cost at all! Of course you can hire a ghost writer to compose your newsletter, but the best way to truly acquire a lasting relationship with your customer is by simply “talking” to them.
Nowadays, it's easy to get away with informal conversations with someone you don't know all that well. In fact, many people actually feel more comfortable with the fact that you're talking to them like a friend. Don't underestimate the power of this kind of relationship!
If you are communicating on a regular basis with your subscribers, giving them valuable information, and allowing them to get to know and trust you, you shouldn't be too surprised about how many of them will actually become devoted customers. Email newsletters are one of the great bargains in marketing. They keep your company in front of your customers on a regular basis for very little cost.
Newsletters aren't right for every audience - I wouldn't recommend them if you're targeting the local B-I-N-G-O crowd - but if you're in the web hosting business, there's a good chance that 100% of your customers and prospects use email, making newsletters a great tool!
Email newsletters are proven to increase sales, if used properly. It has been reported by rigorous research and testing that up to 50% in sales can be generated from newsletter auto-responder follow-ups! And I'm sure you'll also be glad to hear that if used properly, up to 10% of opt-in subscribers will purchase the product being sold. In case you didn't get that - it's been reported that...
10 people out of every 100 subscribers will buy!
That's enough to make me want to send out newsletters! But there are a few things that you have to be cautious of when preparing your newsletter. If you want to rake in the ALL of the financial benefits possible, you need to follow the tips below. Trust me, there's an art to creating a thriving, profitable newsletter.
There's no doubt about it - a free newsletter is your best source of generating a list of subscribers you can send promotions to in the future! But how should you go about delivering your message to your potential customers without coming off as a huge advertisement billboard? Because so many of us are already overwhelmed by the daily flood of email, your newsletter will need to be much more than just ads for your products. Including informative articles, interviews, or other information may help entice your subscribers to actually open and read your newsletter. Light “plugs” in the body of your newsletter aren't a bad idea, but remember that your subscribers are looking for quality information - not a salesletter…that's what your webpage is for.
To increase your sales and get the most out of your newsletter, we highly recommend following the tips listed below…
§ Registering New Subscribers
When asking visitors to sign up, ask only for the information you need - perhaps just the email address. Remember, that every additional bit of info you collect is another deterrent to customer signup. People don't like to give away their private information, so don't ask for anything more than what is needed.
Make it easy for subscribers to share your newsletter with others. They can simply forward the message, of course, but if you include an explicit send-to-a-friend link you are giving your customers and subscribers a gentle “nudge” to recommend your material to their friends and colleagues.
§ Check out your competition
Every business has competition. Find out what they are doing by researching their product or service. Sign up for their newsletters, and then make yours better than theirs. What could you do better? Is there a gap in their service you can fill?
§ Content
The first thing I want to tell you is that “Newsletters must be simple.” You do not want to be the next “delete” button in your subscribers email account. People get a lot of email. They don't have time to read a lot of text. Newsletters must be designed to facilitate scanning, but then again you want to give them the opportunity to get a “full dose” of what you have to offer. So the best recommendation is to provide links like “Click Here for the Full Report”, or “Discover the Answers To Your Problem by Clicking Here”.
Above all, deliver content with real value. We're all flooded by email, and if your users don't perceive your newsletter to be worthwhile, they'll just delete it and move to the next message in their inbox. That's why it's important to track your click-through rates: they're proof that your messages are being read - not just your message views. Also, if you have a newsletter that covers a ton of topics and starts to get too long, be sure break it into separate newsletters.
§ Write a Good Subject Line
Writing good subject lines is especially important, both to encourage users to open the newsletter, and to distinguish the newsletter from spam. I recommend including some actual content from the individual newsletter in each subject line, even though it's a difficult job to write good within the 50-60 character limit that is imposed by many email services.
§ HTML or plain text?
It's really a matter of what you think will most appeal to your readers. There really hasn't been much difference as far as which one sells the best. It truly depends on your target audience. So if in doubt, offer two lists: one in plain text and the other in HTML. Then let your subscribers decide which one they want to receive.
§ Let's Make a Profit! Selling to Your Audience
Many people try and sell their product or service directly from their emails. However this is really the job of your web site, not your newsletter. The purpose of your email campaigns should be purely to get people to click to your web site. Two of the most successful ways to do this are
a) A “Single-Topic” Article in Your Newsletter
Create a single article that describes a common problem that your product solves. BUT, don't necessarily mention your product in the article but do point out some of the things to be considered when choosing a solution. Close your article by simply saying something like "To read more about this problem and discover our Tried-and-True solution - Click Here". This link should then direct your opt-in subscribers to you product sales page at which point the user is already thinking about the problem and what to look for in a solution. Then, they discover your product, which just happens to solve their problem. Viola!
b) A Series of Articles in Your Newsletter
In each issue of your newsletter, focus on one particular problem that your product solves. But again, don't necessarily mention your product - simply talk about some of the things to be considered when choosing a solution. Dedicate the whole issue to describing this problem and what to look for in a solution. At the end of each issue point them in the direction of your product's sales pages. Again by the time they hit your web pages they will be primed and ready to learn how your product solves their problem.
Then, in your next newsletter series, you can incorporate a “new” problem that your product also solves. Get the picture? It's a great strategy once you get the hang of it.
Never send your newsletter to anyone who hasn't specifically requested to receive it. Remember, new anti-spam regulations require every marketing email to include an opt-out condition and a valid physical address.
Email newsletters are a blessing to small businesses. They are a great way to generate a credible relationship with your customer, drive subscribers to your site, create demand for your product, and thus skyrocket your sales!
Establishing your credibility is the key to making your product or service attractive to potential customers. But once you've done that, your loyal subscribers will WANT to know more about what you have to say. They'll be extremely receptive to your offers. The most valuable customer is the one you already have - right there in your email list.
Be sure to check out the next lesson. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to boost your opt-in mailing list by up to 10 times!
About the author:
If you liked the lesson and want to learn more about building your email list and tapping into an undiscovered gold mine of profit, visit InstantPopOVER.com and get your free copy of 7 Days To Building a Booming Email List right now!
by: Matt Callen
How To Place yourself in the secure society
Identity theft has become the fastest growing criminal activity in the 20th Century, replacing illegal drug sales. For the perpetrators, it offers the highest profit margin with the least risk. In fact, according to one expert,
it is estimated that fewer than 1-in-700-identity crimes actually result in a conviction.
In the United States alone, Identity theft has reached $53 billion dollars a year. Consumers are directly shouldering about $5 billion of that, but the rest, which is paid by businesses and retailers, is passed on indirectly to consumers who are paying more for goods and services.
How BIG is this Problem?
In recent months, there has been a rash of reports about big thefts, where criminals are stealing identities in mass quantities. Banks, credit card companies and businesses that house servers storing passwords or other sensitive, private information have all reported “break-ins” that happened through the use of Trojan viruses and other online hacking methods – resulting in the loss of millions of pieces of information being stolen. There have also been instances of the information just getting “lost”, of employees selling it and other lax security measures resulting in the same thing – thieves having access to your identity.
What do Thieves Want?
- Your Name
- Date of Birth
- Home Address
- Phone Numbers
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Credit Card Numbers
- CW2 Security Code (the number on the back of your credit card)
- Your Credit Report
- ATM Cards
- Telephone Calling Cards
- Mortgage Details
Where Are They Getting All Your Information?
High-tech methods include online thefts from:
- Banks
- Credit-Reference Agencies
- Retailers
- Credit Card Networks
- Data-Brokerage Companies
- Payment Processing Companies
- Phone Companies
- Schools
- Your Employer
- Doctors, Clinics and Health Departments
- Government Agencies
But there are still low-tech methods that are effective as well:
- Dumpster Diving
- Mail Theft
- Retail Theft
- “Phishing”/pretexting/pretending
- Purse/Wallet Theft
What are Thieves Using Your Information For?
- Making charges to your existing credit cards
- Opening new credit cards in your name
- Having phone or utilities turned on
- Withdrawing money from your existing bank accounts
- Employment purposes
- Driver’s Licenses
- Tax Fraud
- Social Service benefits
- Student loans
- Business or Personal loans
- Health care
- Mortgage loans/leases
- Auto loans
- Using your ID when caught committing a crime
How Can You Protect Yourself?
- Keep a photocopy of all your credit cards, bank account numbers and investment account numbers in a safe
place
- Keep your credit card receipts – don’t throw them away in a public place
- Put a “fraud alert” on all your credit reports
- If you apply for credit and the card doesn’t arrive on time, call the card issuer
- Choose difficult to guess PIN numbers or passwords. (Don’t use birth dates, your mother’s maiden name, pet’s name, etc.)
- Never give personal information to anyone who sends you an email, a letter or calls you asking for it
- Shred any personal information – such as bills, credit card or bank statements, even pre-approved credit applications before throwing them away
- Don’t use the ATM machine if someone is watching you
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you – cell phones often have cameras in them. If someone is standing close by you with a cell phone while you're entering a PIN number at the ATM or in line at the grocery store, block their view
- Review your bills each month for unusual or suspicious charges. If there’s something you don’t remember or doesn’t seem right, call the creditor right away
- Check your credit report at least once a year
- Store your cancelled checks safely, or better yet, have the bank do it. You can always get a copy if you need
one.
- Don’t leave your purse in plain sight when driving
- Keep your valuable locked in the trunk or glove box when driving
- Make all personal information on your laptop or computer password protected
- Don’t carry information about your PIN numbers, passwords and account numbers in your purse or wallet; or at least don’t make them easily identifiable as to which account they belong to
Warning Signs that Your Identity Has Been Stolen:
- Although you have good credit, a loan application is denied, or you’re refused extended credit requests
- You are suddenly contacted by a debt-collection agency
- Your purse or wallet has been stolen, or your house broken into
- There is unfamiliar activity on your credit report
What to do if it Happens to You:
- If your purse or wallet is stolen, call the police immediately, and file a report. Make sure that you’re given a report number
- Contact your bank, credit card and other credit extending companies and report the theft
- Close the accounts
- Contact the credit-reporting companies in your area, and report the theft.
- Review your credit report every 90 days for the next year for suspicious activity
- If there is fraudulent activity, have it removed immediately and monitor your credit report every 90 days for the next year
- Put everything in writing, and follow up with your credit card companies, banks, and credit reporting agencies. Keep copies of all supporting documents
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
- Change the passwords on your existing accounts and create new ones for new accounts
Identity theft is real, and it’s a growing problem, and it could happen to you. Although there are no guarantees that you can keep your information safe, by paying attention to the risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your chances of someday having an “identity crisis”. Good luck!
About the author:
Scott Morris's article on social security and asia adoption agency http://socialasian.com/
for more information, you can visit http://socialasian.com/
by: scott morris
How To Pick A Web Site Domain Name For Your Company Or Law Firm
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Read More......How To Overcome The Lyric Writing Hurdles That Are Keeping You Behind
The lyric writing side of songwriting is known to create an enormous number of problems for some folks. No matter how hard they try, they are unable to write a single line that they can be pleased with.
In many cases these very same people make phenomenal advancements in writing music and melodies. However they just can't seem to figure out how to come up with suitable lyrics to match them.
If you are facing such a situation, there's probably no need to worry. By taking certain appropriate steps you should be able to overcome lyric writing hurdles and write songs that deliver.
(1) Here are some essential ideas for overcoming these hurdles.
1. Collaboration
If you're very good at writing melodies but can't seem to write a single line, one solution might be collaboration. Instead of beating your head against the wall for ideas, find someone who is very good at writing lyrics and work together. You may be surprised at the wonders that can emanate from a combination of his excellence at writing lyrics and your brilliance at writing melodies.
2. Lyric writing tools
Perhaps you may be hoping for some other solution. While you don't mind the idea of collaboration, you want to allow yourself to get better at writing lyrics, instead of leaving it to someone else.
As far as I'm concerned, the importance of laying hold on good songwriting "tools" should never be underestimated. Educate yourself as much as you can. Make use of songwriting books, programs, courses, software, articles or whatever valuable resources that you have at your disposal.
3. Motivation
You've probably heard it said a thousand times ... Without motivation, you won't go very far. This also applies to your lyric writing. While the songwriting "tools" outlined above can help you improve, without adequate motivation failure is inevitable.
(2) Here are a few tips to help you generate lyric writing ideas.
1. Use different lyrics to bring the same message across.
Choose a theme which is known to have made a few hits. What message does this theme bring across? Write different lyrics that bring the same message across. A typical example of this is John Denver's "I'm Leaving on a Jetplane" and Wyclef Jean's "Gone till November". These songs made hits in different eras. Their basic message was similar ... Baby, you don't need to cry because I'll return.
2. Add a unique twist to a cliche.
Turn on your radio and you will hear cliches being repeated over and over. Using these very same cliches is simply a futile exercise. My suggestion is to add a unique twist to these cliches. This is something I am focusing on more and more.
A typical example of adding a unique twist to a cliche is found in Dianne Warren's "Unbreak my Heart" made popular by Toni Braxton. The ever popular cliche, "break my heart", was twisted.
(3) Here are three lyric writing suggestions.
1. Write a song about a particular incident. Your song should tell a story.
2. Write lyrics that have absolutely nothing to do with anything you've actually experienced.
3. Get lyric writing ideas from newspapers, magazines, movies, TV and so on.
Overcoming lyric writing hurdles involves a lot of determination, hard work and perseverance on your part. Implement the suggestions presented above and move one step closer to lyric writing success.
About the author:
Mantius Cazaubon offers lots of valuable songwriting tips, techniques, suggestions and advice on his site http://www.ultimatesongwriting.comVisit http://www.ultimatesongwriting.comfor the ultimate truth about lyric writing and songwriting.
by: Mantius Cazaubon
How To Outgrow 'Write What You Know'
Every writer has heard it time and again, and it’s not without merit: “Write what you know.”
When I began freelancing, I was just out of college, so what did I write about? College. I wrote profiles of collegiate entrepreneurs,
I wrote editorials about college life... and after a while, I really wanted to move on and write about other things. But I didn’t feel qualified.
Luckily, I didn’t let that hold me back for too long.
“Write what you know” is a very good starting point. But that’s all it is. It’s a place for you to go to get your feet wet, and a place to come back to when the tide gets too high. But it’s not a place to stay for very long.
A better piece of advice, in my opinion, is “Write what you WANT to know.” One of the great perks of being a freelance writer is that you get paid to learn about things. So… what do you want to learn about?
If I had completely disregarded “Write what you know” and simply opened a page of the Writers Market at random, figuring I’d send a query to whichever market my finger happened to touch, my career would be very different today. I might have ended up writing about finances, miniature horses, and aerobics. And you know what? I would have hated it.
I have no experience with any of the above topics, and there’s a good reason for that: I never really WANTED to have experience with them. Since I have no real passion for any of the topics, if I had to write articles about them, it would feel like work.
But did you ever stop to think about the things you always wanted to know, but never found out? Or all the interesting people you wanted to meet? Or the problems you’ve encountered that you wanted solved? Now those are article topics.
Try this exercise. Fill in the blanks with your answers.
1. If time and money weren’t factors, I’d love to take a course in ___________________.
2. I’ve always wanted to ask (person you know)______________________ about _________________________.
3. I’ve always wanted to know how __________________________ works.
4. My life would improve if I could only ______________________________.
5. When I have a sleepless night, it’s usually because I’m worried about ____________________.
6. The worst injustice I can think of is ______________________________.
7. When I was a kid, I was really passionate about _________________________.
8. I have always been embarrassed to admit that ________________________really interests me.
9. In my life, I have overcome ___________________________________________.
10. If I could volunteer for just one cause, it would be __________________________.
11. I wish I were better at ___________________________________.
12. I have always wondered why _________________________________________.
You may have lots of answers for each statement. That’s great! Each answer is a possible article topic. Most of them won’t be specific enough (or perhaps too specific) for an article, but they should give you lots of new starting points from which to brainstorm angles.
Think of freelance writing as your own opportunity to learn about all the things you ever wanted to know, and don’t worry if you’re not yet an “expert” in any of these areas! Among my favorite writing assignments have been topics in which I had no previous expertise:
-An article about a woman who started her own greeting card business for Woman’s Own. Of course, I’ve never started my own greeting card business—but the topic certainly interested me, and I wanted a good excuse to learn more about it.
-An article about how “media overload” affects children’s development for KidsGrowth.com. I’m not even a parent, let alone an expert in child psychology. But I’ve always wondered how increasing media immersion (TV, Internet, video games, radio, etc.) has affected people in MY generation.
-An article about book packagers for Writer’s Digest. Okay, I had written for a book packager at that point-- but just one, and I was eager to learn more about the industry and its players. It gave me the perfect excuse to contact book packagers and learn more about the market. And If not for this article, I would never have written Celine Dion's book... I sent my resume and samples to one of the packagers I interviewed, and an editor there wound up calling me years later with the assignment!
-Several articles about interesting inventions for Zooba.com. How much fun did I have learning about how Velcro, aspirin, and Post-It Notes were invented? This made for great dinner table conversation for weeks. My father always fancied himself a bit of a mad inventor, and I guess the gene spilled over to me. I devour these quirky stories of how the human mind approaches problem-solving creatively.
-Every disabilities-related article I’ve ever written. Was I an expert in this area when I began? No. I have a brother who has Down syndrome, so I had the benefit of some extra understanding, but I only became an “expert” by writing about this topic over and over. Each time, I learned something new that I really wanted to learn-- new legislation for people with disabilities, profiles of amazing people with disabilities, issues of discrimination, etc.
When working to broaden your writing horizons, be sure to think about two things: your passions, and your curiosities. You don’t need to write only about topics that mean “everything” to you; you can-- and should-- also write about the little things that bounce around your brain. Have you always wondered how the custom of kissing under the mistletoe evolved? Or how Mexican jumping beans jump?
Have you wondered what it feels like to go back to school in your 40s or 50s? Have you wondered if there’s a way to stop all that junk mail and those telemarketing calls from darkening your doorstep?
Do some preliminary research, formulate a query letter, and... ta da! You get paid to find answers to these pressing questions, or learn more about your hobbies and passions.
Consider it a challenge. Keep learning. Use your writing as a vehicle to answer every question you never had time to answer before. There are lots of people out there who have wondered about those very same things, and you can help them!
You don’t need to be an expert. You need to be a great researcher, and you need to be willing to ask questions. Lots of questions, sometimes. But that’s one of the great things about writers-- we’re such curious creatures.
Write what you want to know, and soon enough, it’ll be what you DO know.
About the author:
Jenna Glatzer is the editor of http://www.absolutewrite.com(pick up a FREE list of agents looking for new writers!) and the author of 14 books, including MAKE A REAL LIVING AS A FREELANCE WRITER, which comes with a FREE Editors' Cheat Sheet. She's also Celine Dion's authorized biographer. Visit Jenna at http://www.jennaglatzer.com
by: Jenna Glatzer
How To Make Your Writing Meaningful
Writing a book is a huge endeavor. It means someone has decided to dedicate a certain amount of time to putting words on paper. But so many people don't finish what they start.
Maybe they've run out of ideas. Maybe they lost interest. Maybe they got hopelessly stuck. However I believe the core of all these issues lies in one thing: the writer doesn't know why he or she is writing in the first place.
All you have to do before you venture into the ever-tangled writing forest is leave a few breadcrumbs behind so you'll know how you got there and you'll know the way out! Lay them out by asking yourself the following questions about your work. Use them to challenge yourself, to get inspired, to put your writing front and center in your life. It's hard to get lost when you know exactly where you are.
What Do You Have to Say?
Here's another way to put it: what story are you telling? What is your point in writing this story or work of non-fiction? If you can't answer in a concise way, take some time to think about your message. It can be a huge one, such as a belief about how we all should live. It can be simple such as, "family is important". The big message in my novel was about the power of love in a family. I think I will always write about families because I believe the story of our families is the story of who we are in our hearts. I find the subject touching, challenging, inspiring.
As you think about your message, realize that ideally you shouldn't have to write it down. It should come from the core of your being and you understand it because it is a part of your natural thought process: it is who you are. Take another look at what you have written in the past because your message may be showing up already in your work and you haven't noticed it yet. This is the way August Wilson described the story that was at the core of his whole body of work: "I once wrote a short story called 'The Best Blues Singer in the World' and it went like this: 'The streets that Balboa walked were his own private ocean, and Balboa was drowning.' End of story. That says it all. Nothing else to say. I've been rewriting that same story over and over again. All my plays are rewriting that same story. I'm not sure what it means, other than life is hard."
Who Will Benefit from Your Words?
You will find the motivation to return to your desk each day when you think about what may happen when someone reads your work. Will there be women who can be healthier mothers because you are writing about battling post-partum depression? Will there be men who might feel closer to their fathers because you're writing the next Field of Dreams? When you think of your reader, it takes some of the pressure off of you because you realize the importance of getting the message to him or her. You think less of how you're coming across.
Are You Writing in a Medium That Best Suits Your Message?
I used to write poetry. I loved it too, but somewhere along the line I felt the things I had to say became harder and harder to fit into the confines of verse. I moved over to prose and never went back. I wrote for magazines and experimented with essays before settling into novel writing. August Wilson had written poetry and was working on a novel, but his talents glowed when he wrote for the stage. If you're having trouble completing a project, consider whether you are writing in a medium that is right for you and your message. Don't be afraid of experimenting with other forms. You can always go back to what you were doing before if it doesn't work out.
Step Down from the Soap Box
Writing is already powerful. The fact that people are reading what you write means they are already interested, maybe even absorbed, by what you have to say. You don't have to get up on a soap box and belabor your points to get them across. A simple story can speak volumes about the big picture if you let it. Mr. Wilson once told The Paris Review, "I think my plays offer (white Americans) a different way to look at black Americans. For instance, in 'Fences' they see a garbageman, a person they don't really look at, although they see a garbageman every day. By looking at Troy's life, white people find out that the content of this black garbageman's life is affected by the same things - love, honor, beauty, betrayal, duty. Recognizing that these things are as much part of his life as theirs can affect how they think about and deal with black people in their lives." Get it? Small story, big picture.
One Last Note
I know I'm waving the "big theme" flag here, but what I really want for you is for you to feel the passion of what you're writing. You may be passionate about a big message or you may be passionate about the simple question of "what happens next?" in your story (and you really want to know the answer!) Just connect with that passion and go with it because to me, this is how books get finished--when someone really cares enough to want to get to the end.
© 2005 Sophfronia Scott
About the author:
Sophfronia Scott, "The Book Sistah," is author of the bestselling novel, All I Need to Get By. If you liked today's issue, stay tuned for more because The Book Sistah also offers FREE audio classes, FREE articles, workshops, and other resources to help aspiring authors get published and market their books successfully. The Book Sistah, 230 South Main St. Ste. 319, Newtown, CT 06470 203-426-2036, Info@TheBookSistah.com
by: Sophfronia Scott
How to make real money from writing?
The significance of writing skills is emphasized far and wide over and over again. Writing skills are called mandatory, indispensable, crucial and drastic ability, a ticket to the thriving future of the person.
The overwhelming majority of instructors and employers which were surveyed recently stressed that writing skills are critical both for academic and career success. The survey carried by Lin Grensing revealed that 79 percent of respondent executives cited writing as one of the most neglected skills in the business world, yet one of the most important to productivity. They also admitted that approximately 80 percent of their employees at all levels need to improve their writing skills.
To master good writing skills means not only to become well-educated and competent person, but as well taps you into the wealth of lucrative opportunities. It exactly means that you can turn your gift of eloquence into sideline and perhaps steady income. The money earned from writing can become a good support for you, so you can spend them on different insignificant trinkets, which will significantly reduce your general outcome.
Practically anyone can make fortune writing and selling simple information. The only question is how to market your skills for profit-making results. The best advice for those who are willing to earn extra money and have the ability to express their ideas coherently is turning their writing skills into regular decent income and enjoining the independence and freedom everyone can earn in addition to the tidy sums of money.
Here are some easy-to-follow techniques and tested principles, which will reveal you how to make money from writing immediately and on regular basis. So let’s single out top 7 winning principles of how to make money from writing.
P1. Become a freelance writer. Perhaps someone thinks that making money from freelance writing is a lottery and he’ll never enter the game without having a famous name. Indeed when you take the risks of freelance writing you don’t jeopardy really. If it is your subsidiary income you can afford yourself to try making some extra money. First, you work at home and spend very little time to get started. In any case you can indemnify yourself from the unrequited labor by specifying all the details with the client preliminary, checking up the reliability of the company or client you are dealing with or solicit for the prepaid part of compensation for your work.
P2. Figure out the markets that pay and might be interesting in something you are willing and able to write. Always remember that whether you have yen writing about evolution and reproduction of mollusks or about data communications there is an audience hungry for your articles. Thus, the best thing the newcomers can do is to search for the topics which enjoy the popularity of the audience. Hence, you should try to swim with the current and write the articles which are in demand.
P3. You can start selling your services through the service agency, so that to leave your resume and wait for the call. Large and even small companies often apply to such agencies looking for the writers. It can be a good chance for you to start and develop a circle of potential clients.
P4. When you build up a vast network of clients, you can cut out the agencies and offer your services to the clients before the agencies do.
P5. You can query the editors and offer them an interesting article idea you think you can write for them. Also you can suggest the editors articles which you have already written and which are related to the subject-matter of their journal, magazine or bulletin, so that to have a chance that your article will be published. Compose press-releases, short stories or reviews and submit them to the targeted publications.
P6. You can write postcards both humor and verse for sure if you feel you can do it and suggest them for card publishers. One more winning and quick strategy is slogan writing. It takes minimum time, but brings good awards. So you can offer your slogans to the advertising agencies and become their permanent slogan writer in case if your slogans really work.
P7. Writing and selling jokes is not only money making, but pleasant and fun strategy of earning extra cash. You can compose short comedy material, radio comedy sketches and scripts for comedians, radio or TV.
With these tested principles you will make big dividends from your part-time writing. As well as making money you’ll be having fun, socializing, meeting new people and boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem. And if you wish, you’ll be well on your way to a full-time career as a well-paid freelance writer.
About the author:
Linda Correli is a staff writer of http://www.Customresearchpapers.usShe helps students write college research papers, term books, admission essays, book report and many other types of writing assignments: from personal statements to professional case studies. Article sponsored by http://www.go2essay.com
by: Linda Correli
How To Leave Great Buyer Feedback.
So your buyer has paid on time, you’ve shipped them the item, and they’ve left you positive feedback. Everything is going great! You know that leaving your buyer some nice feedback will finish everything off, and make them glad they chose to buy from you.
When you see that little feedback box, though, you might find that you have no idea what to write to make your buyer happiest. Well, here’s a guide.
Don’t write “A++++++++”. Once upon a time, leaving grades on eBay buyers actually meant something. Now, though, writing an ‘A’ and filling the rest of the space with pluses seems to have become a common way of saying ‘good’. The meaning of the grades is gone entirely – no one ever leaves a B-, after all – so it’s a pretty useless thing to write. Try something more descriptive.
‘Prompt/fast/instant payment’. Did the buyer get on PayPal within hours or even minutes of winning the auction and pay you as quickly as they could? If they did, then your comment should include the words ‘prompt payment’. This is a big thing for buyers, as other sellers will really prefer to deal with someone they know will pay on time.
‘Great communication’. If you found the buyer was very responsive to all your emails, then point this out. It’s especially worth putting this if there was a problem that you had to overcome, and the buyer was co-operative and easy to work with.
‘A pleasure to deal with’. If this was one of those very easy transactions where nothing went wrong, then you should put that the buyer was a pleasure to deal with, or ‘the way ebay should be’, or just a ‘great ebayer’.
‘Great as always’. When it’s the second or third time that the buyer has bought from you, make sure to point it out. The fact that they go back to the same seller more than once and build up a relationship is a good thing for them to have on their record.
The Main Rule: Praise to the Skies.
Think of anything good you have to say and try to fit as much of it as you can in that limited space. Don’t worry too much about punctuation. Here’s a good example comment: “Instant payment, great communication - excellent buyer!”.
As a side effect, this then gives you the power to leave slightly negative feedback for some buyers without actually having to make it negative, like this: “Paid quite quickly, communication fine”. Making very short, to-the-point comments also reflects badly on the buyer: if you just write “OK”, it means “I really wanted to leave a neutral or a negative”. Don’t do this if that’s not the meaning you intend.
Don’t spend too much time agonising over what to write in your feedback comments, though – the chances are you’ll be leaving hundreds every week. You might find it worthwhile to come up with a few standard ones for different situations, and use eBay’s Selling Manager to leave feedback in bulk.
Of course, before you can leave your buyer any feedback, you need to make sure they’ve paid you. Luckily getting your buyer to pay is easy, as eBay handle most of it for you. In the next email, we’ll take a tour of eBay’s checkout.
About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is an Ebay and internet auction enthusiast from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.auctionseller411.com/for more great tips on how to make the most from Ebay and other online auctions.
by: Kirsten Hawkins
How to Jumpstart your Next Writing Session.
I have always enjoyed writing. Sometimes it’s a problem for me to just sit down and write something. There are days when I choose “procrastinating” over “proactive.” Putting things off is common with everyone. I am very gifted in this area. ;)
Here are 4 areas to focus on to jumpstart your next writing session.
* Concentration
* Preparation
* The First Word
* Use your notebook
Concentration:
There are way too many distractions. Cell phones ringing, blaring car alarms and unexpected visitors are just a few things that can disrupt your concentration. It then becomes easier to justify not writing today.
The best thing to do to encourage creative writing is to make it a ritual. Find a nice spot to write, maybe, in a quiet room in your home where you will be left undisturbed for a period of time. Set a time to work; a scheduled time to write. Stick to it.
Keep reference books and materials close to hand.
Focus on one idea at a time.
View your next writing session as an opportunity; an opportunity to do something you enjoy. It can be fun. And when you are having fun nobody ever has to tell you to “concentrate!”
Preparation
Once you have your topic: Google it. Read everything you can online and offline related to your idea. Search the net for testimonials, reviews and articles about your topic. Brainstorm related sub-topics.
Give it a rest. Let your subconscious mind percolate and play with the information you provided. Get some exercise. Some of my best ideas come to me while I am out walking around in the evening.
Getting Started
Where to begin? That blank page staring back can be intimidating.
Just dive right in there!
Type the word “The.”
Type the next word (the first thing that pops into your mind) and the next word.
At this point, quality is not important. You just want to create a “flow” where the words come easily.
Don’t stop to edit. Save all your corrections for the second draft. Resist the impulse to rewrite. That will only interrupt the flow and is another way to avoid the task at hand.
If you are like me you will have a 2nd, third and fourth draft. You have to get your first draft completed before your have anything to rewrite! Stay focused.
Carry a Notebook
As a creative writer, you will be “hit” by odd ideas and notions in the oddest of places.
Maybe you are stuck in traffic or brushing your teeth when inspiration strikes.
You could wake from a dream and have a killer idea.
“ I’ll remember that.” We say to ourselves, but when next we write there is no access to that memory file.
Just use a notebook. Jot those things down as they come to you. It only takes a moment.
Capture all your of your ideas as they transpire. Who knows? One of them may be the “Next Big Thing!”
- David Parton
About the author:
David Parton:
Helping others and myself Improve their income and boost
their health and energy levels with Tahitian Noni Juice.
http://www.tahitiannoni.com/2036981
http://the_noni_blog.typepad.com/noni/
___________________________________________
NOTE: Feel free to “reprint” this article online as
long as it remains complete and unaltered (including my
"resource box" at the end). Please send me a copy of
your reprint to d_parton@telus.net
by: David Parton
How to get Your Book Reviewed
Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers List of the New York Times. Most authors do. The question is, "How do I get it there and sell millions of copies?"
When planing your book, there is one critical thing that most authors forget - marketing. In the case of book reviewers this means pre-marketing.
Most reviewers require a copy of your book at least three months before publication. This is because most book reviewers need time to read it and review it plus publish all the reviews on books that they have reviewed for those who came before you. Also many publications come out on a weekly or monthly basis instead of daily. This means that book reviewers have a huge backlog.
So the best way to get a book reviewers to review your book, is to get them a quality copy of your manuscript or a galley, as soon as possible.
What if your book has already been published?
Is it too late to get a book reviewer to review your book? In some cases yes and in some no. There is an easy way to get your book reviewed without calling it a review.
Send out a press release.
Create a press release about your book and submit it to your local newspapers, magazines and radio stations. Make it interesting. Don't just say Mary Joe Piper has just published her newest book Babes on Parade. Think about your story and what it can teach people. Does it have a theme about love or friendship or settling disputes?
Use the issue in your press release. Teach people how to solve their problems and then have the person interviewing you mention your credits, as a published author. At that point your book will be mentioned, you will have done them a service, and you will have saved thousands of dollars on marketing and query letters to editors.
Here are just a few sites that you can go to to submit your pre - publication book:
Book Reviewers:
Terrie Bittner
Bellaonline.com: Children's Books
childrenbooks@bellaonline.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/entertainment/children.html
Categories: Children, Children’s Religion, Young Adult - Children Query first.
Sandy Cummins
Writers Exchange Book Reviews
PO Box 372
Atherton, QLD 4883
writers@writers-exchange.com
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pjcsjc/book-review.htm
Categories: Computer/Internet/Technology, Children, Christian, Fiction, How-To, Non-Fiction, Religion, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, eBooks, Writing, promotion & publishing
Anne Douglas
http://www.bookideas.com
emailanned@yahoo.com
http://www.bookideas.com
Categories: Art, Books From Small Presses, Children, Cookbook, Fiction, Literature, Mystery, Pop Culture, Women, Young Adult - Children, Biography, Parenting. Particularly interested in American art and children's books.
Apryl Duncan
FictionAddiction.NET
Box 876
Chattanooga, TN 37343
ReviewRequest@FictionAddiction.NET
http://www.FictionAddiction.NET
Categories: Books From Small Presses, Children, Fiction, Literature, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult - Children, Thriller/Suspense, Writing, promotion & publishing, Adventure, Horror
Melanie C. Duncan
Bookdragaon Review (ISSN 1527-0157)
444 Forest Hill Road, #813
Macon, GA 31210
MCDuncan@bookdragonreview.com
http://www.bookdragonreview.com
Categories: Fiction, Young Adult - Children Comments: All genres fiction only. Please query before sending an e-book. Attachments are deleted if not specifically requested. Traditional galleys may be sent without a query, however please read the FAQs at the website before sending.
Linda Eberharter
Fiction Forest
7042 Cohasset Ct.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: 317-549-3038
linda@atlanticbridge.net
http://www.atlanticbridge.net
Categories: Children, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks
Detra Fitch
Huntress Book Reviews
205 Dana Drive
Easley, SC 29642
huntress@huntressreviews.com
http://www.huntressreviews.com
Categories: Children, Fiction, General, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult - Children, Thriller/Suspense, Adventure, Horror
Denise Fleischer
Gotta Write Online
515 E. Thacker
Hoffman Estates, IL 60194
Phone: 847 882-8054
Netera@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/gwnlitmag/
Categories: Mystery, Romance, Young Adult - Children, eBooks, Writing, promotion & publishing. Authors can also make guest appearances on the AOL chat she co-hosts on Tuesdays from 10-11 PM ET. Writers: keyword, chatrooms, Writer's Grill.
Jessica Holmes
Romance At Its Best, Midnight Reviews
owner@romanceatitsbest.com
http://www.romanceatitsbest.com/
Categories: Books From Small Presses, Fiction, General, How-To, Literature, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Women, Young Adult - Children, Biography, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks, Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Inspirational/Motivational, History/Political, Adventure, Horror
Dave Jenkinson
CM/Canadian Review Materials
Faculty of Education,
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Phone: 204-474-8780
e-Mail: jenkinson@ms.umanitoba.ca
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/
Categories: Audiobooks; General, Children, Young Adults
Jeanne Kelly
1928 Mid Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: 719-291-2309
e-Mail: whitebison@mail.com
Categories: Audiobooks; Children, Health, Metaphysical, Spiritual, Women, Self-help, Writing, Inspirational, Motivational
Jeanette Lambert
Tennessee Tribune
6940 Sunderland Circle
Nashville, TN 37221-4621
Phone: 615-321-3268
jbl96@aol.com
Categories: Children, Cookbook, Fiction, General, How-To, Library, Lifestyle, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Reference, Sociology, Travel/Hospitality, Women, Young Adult - Children, Biography, Thriller/Suspense, African-American Fiction and Nonfiction , Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Education
Jennifer L. B. Leese
AStoryWeaver's Book Reviews
311 Frederick Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
AStoryWeaver@aol.com
http://www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/aswbr.html
Categories: Children, Young Adult - Children. Ebooks should be sent to home address on disc or in printed format. Please supply all information needed to properly review your book and where to send the review when done. For faster responses, the review can be sent to you via email.
Cathi Dunn MacRae, Editor
VOYA
Scarecrow Press
4720 Boston Way
Lanham, MD 20706
voya@voya.com
http://www.voya.com
Categories: Young Adult & Children
Sandra J. Morgan
Cloudy Mountain Books/The Fiction Forest
2 Bow Mills Road
Center Barnstead, NH 03225
Phone: 603 776 0123
sandi@fictionforest.com
http://www.fictionforest.com
Categories: Audiobooks, Australian Books, Books From Small Presses, Children, Christian, Cookbook, Features, Fiction, Food, General, Health, How-To, Humanities, Library, Lifestyle, Literature, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Serials, Travel/Hospitality, Video, Women, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks, Theater, Politics, Film History, African-American Fiction and Nonfiction , Financial
Christian Perring, Ph.D.
Metapsychology Online Review
c/o Philosophy Dept
Dowling College
Oakdale , NY 11769
Phone: 631-244-3349
metapsychology@mentalhelp.net
http://mentalhelp.net/books/
Categories: Art, Audiobooks, Books From Small Presses, Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Non-Fiction, General, Health, Humanities, Literature, Metaphysical, Mystery, Pop Culture, Sociology, Women, Young Adult - Children, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Comics, Science
Puala Rohrlick
KLIATT Young Adult Paperback Book Guide
33 Bay State Rd.,
Welesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781-237-7577
kliatt@aol.com
http://www.hometown.aol.com/kliatt
Categories: Young Adult - Children
Geoff Rotunno
the boox review
PO Box 211
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
geoff@thebooxreview.com
http://www.thebooxreview.com
Categories: Art, Audiobooks, Australian Books, Computer/Internet/Technology, Junior College Books, Books From Small Presses, Children, Children’s Religion, Christian, Cookbook, Features, Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Non-Fiction, Food, General, Health, How-To, Humanities, Library, Lifestyle, Literature, Marketing, Metaphysical, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Serials, Sociology, Spiritual, Travel/Hospitality, Video, Women, Young Adult/Children's, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Thriller/Suspense, Theater, Politics, Film History, African-American Fiction and Nonfiction , Financial, Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Inspirational/Motivational, Business, Comics, Gardening, Science, Education, History/Political Comments: Seeking review copies of all genres except romance.
Beverly J. Rowe
myshelf.com
102 Copper Lane
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907) 283-2840
bevbooks@aol.com
Categories: Children, Cookbook, Fiction, Food, Literature, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Young Adult - Children, Biography, Thriller/Suspense, Writing, promotion & publishing, Education, History/Political. Prefers hard copies.
J.B. Scott
Sydney, NSW 2148
ctf_editor@iprimus.com.au
http://www.geocities.com/ebook_review
Categories: Australian Books, Computer/Internet/Technology, Books From Small Presses, Children, Fiction, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks
E-mail all review requests to ctf_editor@iprimus.com.au with "REVIEW REQUEST" in the subject header.
Sandra Simmons-Maike
Freelance
Rt. 2 Box 152
Alma, KS 66401
Phone: 785-765-3861
sandcogroup@aol.com
Categories: Audiobooks, Books From Small Presses, Children, Cookbook, Fiction, Food, General, Library, Lifestyle, Marketing, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Serials, Young Adult - Children, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks, Self-help. Include time deadline.
Roger Sutton, Editor
Horn Book Magazine
56 Roland Street, Suite 200
Boston, MA 02129
Phone: 617-628-0225
Categories: Children, Young Adult - Children
Niki Taylor
Freelance
nat0607@hotmail.com
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/book_reviews
Categories: Books From Small Presses, Children, Christian, Gay/Lesbian Non-Fiction, Health, Non-Fiction, Pop Culture, Sociology, Spiritual, Travel/Hospitality, Women, Young Adult - Children, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, eBooks, Theater, Film History, Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Inspirational/Motivational, History/Political
Anna Serra i Vidal
Aledaños. Boletín electronico y crítico de literatura
Eiximenis, 6
Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona 08810
Phone: + 34 93 896 25 04
aserra@ctv.es
Categories: Children, Cookbook, Fiction, Literature, Mystery, Women, Young Adult - Children, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks, Writing, promotion & publishing, Education
Christopher Warner
EFP - Spratt Publishing
4924 Balboa Blvd
Suite 304
Los Angeles, CA 91316
Phone: 818-881-7053
efp@dslextreme.com
Categories: Art, Audiobooks, Australian Books, Computer/Internet/Technology, Junior College Books, Books From Small Presses, Children's Book, Cookbook, Features, Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Fiction, Gay/Lesbian Non-Fiction, Food, General, Health, How-To, Humanities, Library, Lifestyle, Literature, Marketing, Metaphysical, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Pop Culture, Reference, Religion, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Serials, Sociology, Spiritual, Travel/Hospitality, Video, Women, Young Adult/Children's, Psychology/Mental Health, Biography, Parenting, Thriller/Suspense, eBooks, Theater, Politics, Film History, African-American Fiction and Nonfiction , Financial, Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Inspirational/Motivational, Business, Comics, Gardening, Science, Education, Scholarly, History/Political, Adventure, Nature, Horror, Photography
Brenda Weeaks
MyShelf.Com
reviews@myshelf.com
http://www.myshelf.com
Categories: Audiobooks, Books From Small Presses, Children, Christian, Cookbook, Fiction, Food, General, Health, How-To, Literature, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Reference, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Serials, Women, Young Adult - Children, Thriller/Suspense, Self-help, Writing, promotion & publishing, Inspirational/Motivational, Gardening
Stephanie Zvirin
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Categories: Young Adult
Once a few book reviewers write about your book, other book reviewers will follow. Be prepared for these subsequent book reviewers. Have copies of your book ready to send out with your author packet.
About the author:
Caterina Christakos is a published author and children's book writer. She has helped countless men and women get their first books started and published.
Sign up for our free writing course now at http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com
How To Get One Way Links To Your Website!
By now, you must be aware that lots of one-way links can be the best prescription for the ailing rankings of your site. But how can you get people to link to your site? That is the million-dollar question that haunts every webmaster.
There are 2 powerful methods to get people to link to your site.
1. Create great content and publish on your site. When you publish unique, informative and useful content on your site and if people can find it (does it smack of a catch-22 situation there?), they will link to it without you asking for a link. Also you do not require to link back to them.
2. There is an easier method to get a good number of one-way incoming links to your site. Writing and distributing press releases for your site can do the trick. While this is not easy too, you can come up with fairly acceptable stuff pretty easily with the plethora of guides available for this purpose. The links from the press release sites are relatively more respectable.
These releases can give you a nice spike of traffic while they are fresh. Since most of the press release portals archive your release on their sites, you can look forward to a few permanent links pointing to your site.
You get more bonus links from other website owners who pickup your release from these sites and republish these on their web property. They get content to increase the number of pages on their sites and may be earn Adsense income from ads on these pages; you get the much desired exposure and incoming links.
About the author:
Press Release Fire contains an exhaustive guide on writing and distributing press releases for maximum impact. The samples and list of press release sites help you overcome the writer's block. Start getting new one-way links to your site within a day. Grab your own copy at http://www.PRfire.com
by: Arun Agrawal
How to get listed with google in less than 24 hours
Firstly the truth, you do not need some miracle to get listed in google in less than 24 hours. Getting listed in google in under a day can actually be quite easy and in this article I’ll show you exactly how to do it.
Firstly what we mean by your site getting indexed is when it shows up on the google search engine. To find out if you website is listed enter www.yourdomain.com into the search box. You will see “no results” appear,
which means our website is new and its not in google’s index. Google doesn’t know your site exists, therefore it cannot be ranked.
So we must first get into their index, when we do, you should see your website title, description and url appear. Then your website is indexed by google. So how do we do this?
Firstly do not use google’s submission form. This method takes about 5 weeks to be indexed.
What you need to do is enter a few keywords related to the website you want to index. You should see a whole list of websites related to your own. What you need to do next is download a google toolbar; this will show you the page rank of each page in the search engine. You can download the toolbar at http://toolbar.google.com
You need to look down through these related websites, paying particular attention to the page ranks. Try and find a webpage with a rank of 5 or higher. Enter their website and look for links on their homepage, if you find a links page , you can then contact them and ask if they will do a link swap, write them a convincing letter and 50% will agree although the higher the page rank ,the tougher they are to convince.
If you can convince 1 page rank 5 to link with you, your website will be listed in roughly 3 to 4 days. To get your site listed in less than 24 hours, get 1 website with a page ranking of 6 to link with you. That’s it, no miracles. It works!
Now there is actually an easier way than writing to these people. Visit a link purchasing website. Here is a great free link exchange website where you can swap links with different websites, The link is http://www.LinkMetro.com.
Now that you’re in google’s index, you can start to concentrate on increasing your page rank.
About the author:
David Hennebery is the owner and webmaster of ebookprofitmaker and is recognised as a internet marketing professional.To contact him
Email daveh24706@yahoo.co.uk or at his website www.ebookprofitmaker.com
You have full persmission to reprint this article within your website or newsletter as long as you leave the article fully intact and include the about author resource box
by: David Hennebery
How to Find a Niche For Your Blog
It is important to realize that your choice of a niche can have a significant influence on the success or failure of your new blog.
Deciding on a theme can be a daunting task. What exactly are you going to write about? Your niche needs to be a popular topic that many people are interested in.
If you are going to blog about yourself, then you better have a very interesting life, or you will have difficulty keeping your readers coming back for more. You should choose a topic that will make it comparatively easy to grow your readership and build a strong following.
Since many bloggers write about their favorite subjects, it’s not a bad idea to start brainstorming by writing down a list of your hobbies, interests, and any areas of professional expertise. Now try to determine a niche you can target within one of those areas.
Should you blog about automobiles in general, or the latest sports cars? If you choose too narrow a theme then you may struggle to come up with regular, fresh content. And if you choose a topic that’s too general your readers may be confused by a jumble of seemingly unrelated posts.
You might consider niches within the following general topic areas which have proven to be popular for blogging:
• Automobiles
• Computers & Information Technology
• Digital Cameras
• Gadgets
• Music
• News
• Photography
• Politics
• Shopping
If you plan to use Pay-Per-Click advertising to get traffic to your blog, then remember also that the hottest topics might have the highest pay-per-click fees.
You can sometimes get great niche ideas by browsing at Blog directories and sites like Google Blog Search: http://blogsearch.google.com
Since it is so time-consuming trying to com up with the ‘perfect’ niche idea, many bloggers and webmasters have turned to specialized niche discovery tools. I particularly recommend Online Gold Finder and NicheTopics.
With Online Gold Finder you can uncover profitable, undiscovered online markets with just a couple of clicks. Read more about Online Gold Finder at: http://www.moneyforblogging.com/goldfinder.htm
NicheTopics is quite handy in a different way. You get to use some great research that’s already been completed by an expert. It is a ready-to-use report on 109 unique, untapped niches. Read more about NicheTopics: http://www.moneyforblogging.com/nichetopics.htm
The tools above are not free but consider for a moment. If you are planning – or would even like - to make some money from your blog, then it will be worthwhile to start off with a well-researched niche.
If a particular tool uncovers a good niche that pays an additional $5 a day, it will pay for itself inside the first month!
Don’t forget, it will be very difficult to change the theme and niche of your blog later. So invest some time wisely during your planning stage.
You will be off to a strong start in building a successful blog.
About the author:
Mike Seddon is a writer, entrepreneur, and webmaster. He is the author of the popular e-book, ‘How to Build a Money Making Blog’, available from http://www.MoneyForBlogging.com
by: Mike Seddon
How To Earn Cisco’s Firewall Specialist Certification
Security is a hot topic in today's networks, and will continue to be for a long time to come. With that in mind, you must consider adding a Cisco security certification to your resume and firewall skills to your skill set.
It's quite a jump from the CCNA to the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), and Cisco has made that leap more manageable by adding Specialist certifications. These certifications can give quite a boost to both your resume and your skill set, and act as a great "stepping stone" to the CCSP.
At present, Cisco offers four VPN/Security certifications, those being Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco IPS Specialist, Cisco VPN Specialist, and Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist. Since every WAN engineer has contact with Cisco firewalls on a regular basis, we'll take a closer look at this popular certification first. (And those who want to be WAN engineers had better learn something about firewalls, too!)
At the writing of this article (October 21, 2005), Cisco is offering an option for each of the two exams you'll need to pass to earn this certification. For the first exam, you can take either the 642-551 SND (Securing Cisco Network Devices) or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS Networks). The final day to register for the SECUR exam is December 19, 2005.
For either, you'll need to be able to answer questions regarding the proper use of Cisco security devices; how to configure security on a Cisco switch and on a router, including syslog logging, AAA, ACLs, and security for router services and interfaces.
The choices for the second exam are the 642-522 SNPA (Securing Network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521 CSPFA. Topics for these exams include , IPSec, NAT, firewalls, AAA, and policy mapping. (As always, you should check for the latest exam blueprints at Cisco's website. Click "Learning And Events" on the main page, www.cisco.com).
The only prerequisite for this certification is that you must hold a valid CCNA certification.
As always, getting some hands-on experience is the best way to prepare for your Cisco exams. (Your employer is going to get a little upset if you practice your configs on his or her PIX. It would be a good idea to have a good lawyer, too.) There are online rack rental services that include Cisco security devices in their pods.
Cisco certifications are a great way to help protect your career as well as your network. The more you know, and the more varied your skills, the more valuable you are to your present and future employers. Use your CCNA as a foundation, and keep building on your skills!
About the author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE ##12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage (www.thebryantadvantage.com), home of FREE CCNA & CCNP tutorials and The Ultimate CCNA Study Package. For a FREE copy of my latest e-books, "How To Pass The CCNA" or "How To Pass The CCNP", request one at chris@thebryantadvantage.com!
by: Chris Bryant
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