Nov 24, 2003 - Looking for Local Markets
Volume 2, Issue 34
The weekly ezine with a road map for
sidetracked writers.
"Be better writers today
than we were yesterday."
Hello, everyone!
Thought for the Week - Looking for Local Markets
Have you tried selling articles to local publications? As a resident, you may be the perfect reporter on the best local pumpkin patches or the hottest new restaurants in the area.
One of the biggest challenges in writing for local publications can be finding them. Here are a couple suggestions:
1. Start with the library's reference desk. My library maintains a list with contact information.
2. Check the entrance and exits to local grocery stores. Many publications leave free copies at the doors.
3. Peruse waiting room copies. My mom had surgery today, and while we waited, I found copies of six local publications.
4. Keep an eye out for local media guides. Our United Way office puts together a media guide listing publications and contact information.
Don't forget to start building your database of local publications so you can write press releases and announcements for local businesses. Want to know more about this lucrative way to boost your business? Check out
The Perfect Press Release.
Use local publications to supplement your freelance income!
Thursday is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and I want to send you a
huge thank you! Writer-Reminders subscribers are the best subscribers on the planet! I've gotten so many kind notes from you, and you have been incredibly patient during this challenging year. I really appreciate it!
The Organized Writer theme for next year is ...
Write More in 2004(TM)!
Stay tuned. I'm pulling together some new materials for you (both free and paid). The first one is the complimentary 2004 Writer's
eCalendar. You can download it at
P.S. "This week, I had the pleasure of reading The Organized Writer and interviewing author Julie Hood.
This is a book no writer should be without...."
-- Michael Knowles, http://www.WriteThinking.net
Compiled from members of the prestigious American Society of Journalists and Authors
(ASJA), the table of contents from this guide reads like a who's who in the freelance world.
From Lisa Collier Cool, author of How to Write
Irresistible Query Letters, you'll learn the seven secrets of a successful magazine query.
Ready, Aim, Specialize! author, Kelly
James-Enger, explains reprints, reslants and reselling. The self-publishing gurus, Tom and Marilyn Ross, explain the ins and outs of independent publishing.
Even tax-guru, Julian Block, wrote a chapter on taxes and deductions.
The Guide is written by writers who make their living at writing. You are brought into their personal world. Much like sitting down with them over a cup of coffee, you get a first-hand account of their secrets to success.
Some of my favorite parts of this book include: the appendix with short tips from the pros, the bios of the different contributors with links to their web sites, and the unique topics like networking and how to hire an assistant.
To read more about the book at Amazon, click
here.
For more information on the ASJA:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors is a national organization of more than 1, 000 independent nonfiction writers. Visit their website at
http://www.ASJA.org .
Link of the Week: MarketResearch.com
This site has one of the most comprehensive lists of research reports I've ever seen. Some of the reports are very expensive, but if you are looking for the perfect statistic, this may be exactly what you need:
Check out the "Thank You Game"(page
down) described by Cheryl Richardson, the brilliant author of Life Makeovers. She describes some of the best ways to thank people in your life who often get overlooked. I especially like her suggestion about thanking post office
employees.
Thanks so much for the prayers for my mom! She came through her latest surgery with flying colors. She had two stents put into a blocked artery in her heart today and will be going home tomorrow. Thanks for your kind notes of support -- I really appreciate it!
Have a wonderful week! Julie
Like Organized
Writer.com? You'll love the book.....
Check out the latest review of The Organized Writer, by Betty Winslow at
AbsoluteWrite.com:
"With intriguing chapters...and an appendix of 25 ready-to-use forms, this book is exactly what disorganized writers need to pull themselves out of the pit of disorganization they have fallen into."
M T W T F S S
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1. Declutter (only 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. Read (only 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. Assess (30 seconds to 5 minutes)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4. Write (at least 5 minutes)
Weekly Checklist
For freelance writers: Use this weekly checklist to find, write and send a query every week of 2003!
Monday
__ Make notes on a new idea.
Tuesday: Accounting Day
__ Post your accounting records.
__ Pay bills.
__ Follow up on outstanding invoices and queries.
Wednesday
__ Find a new market using links below.
Thursday: Errand Day
__ Make copies.
__ Return books to library.
__ Make deposit at bank.
Friday
__ Finish query and submit.
__ Match your query to the market.
Saturday Weekly Review
__ How was this week?
__ What's up next week?
__ Review your Projects list in your planner and check the
status.
__ Jot the next action steps for your projects on next week's
calendar.
__ Backup your computer files.
__ Virus scan your computer.
__ Update windows software at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
__ Update Microsoft(R) office software at http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/default.aspx
Sunday
__ Relax and enjoy!
__ Do something fun today!
Thanks for visiting Writer-Reminders! If you have comments,
success stories, or suggestions, reply to this message or e-mail
me at :julie@writer-reminders.com
Your privacy is very important to me. Your email address will never be
sold by Writer-Reminders. For more on Yahoo's privacy policy, visit http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us/
Copyright 2002-2003 Finally Organized LLC. All rights reserved worldwide. This
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Writer-Reminders and OrganizedWriter.com do not guarantee, approve or
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