How NOT to Get a Freelance Writing Job

In the business of freelance writing, it's not enough to be good at writing. You also have to be good at finding work ? and selling yourself when you do. Persuading a new client to let you write for them, rather than one of the hundreds of other writers out there, can be an art in itself. Here's how not to do it?

Don't give any details about yourself.

When you're applying for a new project, whether it be through the WritingWorld.org jobs board, or in response to a "writers wanted" ad, don't bother giving anything but the most basic of information ? your name, and your price. If you absolutely must give a little bit of detail, just stick to something simple like "I can do this". You're a writer, for god's sake! You don't need to explain yourself! The employer will look at your message and just know that you're the right person for the job ? even although everyone else who applied sent their resume and writing samples, and gave a list of reasons why they'd be perfect for the job.

Why doesn't this approach work? Well, think about it. If you were in the market for a professional service, would you choose the person who provided examples of their work, client testimonials and other relevant information, or would you pick the person who told you nothing but their price? Even if your quote is the lowest, the employer will still want to be assured that you're capable of doing the job: and trust me, employers don't like to have to coax information out of writers. Nor do they need to. In most cases they'll receive quotes from so many well-qualified candidates that they won't need to chase up the ones who didn't bother to give them a reason to employ them.

Don't bother reading the advert properly.

Just stick to one set speil which you can copy and paste onto every application or quote you send. It doesn't matter if your standard speil talks about what a fabulous copywriter you are and the employer is looking for a proofreader. Again, they'll just know that you're also a trained proofreader. Even if you don't bother to tell them.

Why doesn't it work? Well, as soon as the employer realises that you haven't even read their advert properly, you can forget about that proofreading job. Employers like to think that you're paying attention to them and taking them seriously, not just firing off the same stock message to 100 people per day. It's OK to have a stock message, by the way ? but the least you can do is make sure it's relevant to the job you're applying for.

Skip the spellcheck

Obviously you wouldn't do it on an assignment, but when you're giving someone a quote or responding to their job advert, it's perfectly acceptable to forget about spelling and grammar, right?

Wrong.

As a writer, you'll be judged on everything you write. That includes quick emails, IM conversations and, of course, quotes. Poor spelling, lack of punctuation and sloppy grammar marks you out as someone who doesn't care too much about their craft ? if, indeed, you have one. Make it perfect every time.

Make your quote ridiculously low

We all know how competitive freelance writing can be. Unless you're willing to work for far less than minimum wage, you'll never persuade anyone to employ you. Make sure your bid is as low as you can make it without offering the employer to pay them for the privilege of writing for them, and they're sure to give you the job! Right?< br />

Um, not necessarily. While there will always be "employers" who aren't too concerned about quality and just want to find the cheapest writer around, to most employers, your low bid says one thing: that you're not very good at what you do, and certainly don't deserve decent compensation for it.

If you're willing to write for a nominal fee for a commercial employer (as opposed to a charity, for example, or a friend), the employer knows right away that you don't make a living doing this. Imagine how many $5 articles you'd need to write every month to pay your mortgage! If you're willing to write for that amount, then, it's clear that you must be pretty much scraping the barrel: so desperate for work that you're only one step away from working for free.

This kind of desperation doesn't inspire confidence: you may well get yourself some work from a certain type of employer, but when someone comes along who's willing to pay more, you'll be missing out on the opportunity to get paid what you deserve.

What's most frightening about this list is that I didn't have to make any of this up. These are all real examples of the kinds of things writers do when applying for work. And trust me: these writers never get the jobs.

Amber McNaught is a freelance writer and editor, and the owner of WritingWorld.org, an online agency for freelance writers, editors and proofreaders.

Writing World also offers a range of service such as proofreading, editing and manuscript appraisal services to new and aspiring writers.

Chat about all aspects of freelance writing in the WritingWorld forum!

Welcome to Floridas Emerald Coast!

Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle is hard to resist. You'll never forget how you relaxed on the sugar, white powder sands, listening to the blue green gulf water. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this 100 mile stretch offers vacations that you will never forget. From elegant houses to highrise condos, the emerald coast has it all.

The emerald coast mainly consists of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, Panama City Beach, Sandestin, and the Beaches of South Walton(Grayton Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, and Seagrove Beach).

With its clear turquoise green water, the Gulf of Mexico is waiting to be discovered. Try deep-sea fishing in the world's luckiest fishing village - Destin, or enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches that provide plenty of swimming, snorkeling, jetskiing or parasailing. Leisure activities abound, too. The Emerald Coast has many golf courses and tennis courts on which to play, paths to ride bikes, and state parks to explore. If you have one of those days where you just want to get out of the sun, try visiting one of the many museums or shopping centers.

When you visit the Florida Panhandle, expect something out of the ordinary and wonderful. Remember - if you are considering vacationing on the Emerald Coast - natural beauty is the main attraction.

Terry Malone is the webmaster and owner of Vacation Rentals Unlimited - http://www.vrul.com Visit us to find great deals on vacation rentals that are offered directly from their owners.

Is Your Pursuit of Money Robbing You Of Complete Fulfillment?

Do you think it's acceptable for people to make millions of dollars selling us and our kids on the idea that pre-marital sex, adultery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, selfish ambitions, drunkenness and things of this sort are O.K.?

I thought not, but these are the things we are most likely to see on T.V. The new reality show craze is even causing society to take a passive and some times condoning look at sin, while making big bucks in the process.

Proverbs 12:14 - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Let's take a quick look at what sin really is. It is disobedience to any of the ten commandments of God, it is evil or conspiring thoughts, and it is an offense against someone else. Sin is what separates us from God. This is something sinners and people who condone sin never truly understand.

Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

God is more likely to listen to the people who obey His commandments and keep his word than to people who make excuses to sin, or condone others who sin. He is also more likely to hear the complaints of the poor and the oppressed than to the rich and famous.

Revelation 3:17 - Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

People who make a lot of money and become famous in life tend to want or expect to be praised for their accomplishments and soon get caught up in self worth with the rest of society. They don't seem to comprehend the fact that God is the owner and supplier of everything each and everyone of us has or gets. Instead of glorifying and acknowledging God most people tend to want to pat themselves on the back when receiving the praises of others.

Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

In the particular verse above mammon means a personification of wealth and avarice as an evil spirit, which means there is a certain obsession you can have with money that will make it your God.

What's more when we get money and fame it becomes easy for us to distract ourselves from the really important things like serving God and helping the needy. Instead, we tend to indulge ourselves in sexual pleasures or expensive purchases, and even more than usual because it seems like the quick and easy way to get our minds off of our troubles whenever they arise.

Every one of us can see that some of the most rich and famous people in the world are also the most confused workers of iniquity. We can also tell that these are the people that most of us and our kids may tend to idolize because we think they "got it made" by being so rich and famous. Particularly, entertainers like actors, rappers, singers and sports stars who we always see on T.V.

But in reality they are lost souls covering their troubles with indulgences. It's not wise to want to be like them and we shouldn't condone our kids wanting to be like them either.

I'm not saying its a bad thing to be rich I'm just saying that money should be the furthest thing from our minds if we really call ourselves wanting to be happy.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The point is simply this, if you go out of your way to serve and please God (especially threw hard times) He will bless you exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that you could ever ask for or even think about.

And this is not limited to just money, but also love, health and success just to name a few.

David Hopkins is a "Christian Article Writer" who specializes in helping people remember to glorify God in everything that they do, so they don't miss out on any of His wonderful blessings.

Visit Daily Word Of God Group to read additional articles and to sign-up for a free newsletter to learn everything you need to know about why you should be putting God #1 in your life.

Letting Them Use Plastic

Obtaining merchant status will help to increase your sales.

Consumers are becoming creatures of convenience; when dealing with businesses-large or small-they desire ease of transaction. That most frequently translates into the ability to pay for services rendered or product purchases via credit card.

Small businesses are often denied merchant status because they can't prove to the bank that they are good risks. You must establish and demonstrate a track record before a bank or independent sales organization (ISO) will agree to back your business. Even today, some banks also hesitate to provide merchant status to companies without storefronts, to mail order firms or to individuals with a past history of personal or business bankruptcy. Although thankfully, it is getting easier today than it was even 15 to 20 years ago.

In this article we will help you to understand the reasons you may not be able to obtain merchant status, so that we can help you find ways to more favorably present yourself and your business as candidates for merchant status.

1. Start with your own bank. When shopping for a merchant account, the first place to stop is your own bank.

When banks look at an application, they consider three critical things: the principals, the product and the process. In other words, they need to know about you, what you are selling and how you are selling it. Be sure to take the time to carefully develop your proposal. It can really pay off. Show your bank that you're serious about obtaining merchant status and you take your business very seriously.

In spite of your best efforts, the bank may still turn you down. The next step is to approach other banks in your area. If you're still running into roadblocks, there is another option.

2. Investigate ISOs selling on behalf of other banks. ISOs serve as a liaison between banks and merchants. Your odds of getting merchant status from an ISO may be greater than from a bank, but the costs-and risks-may also be greater.

Most ISOs are legitimate businesses, but it pays to be wary. The first thing you should ask any service provider is what banks they represent. When considering an ISO, a merchant should know which bank they are working for, and should check with MasterCard and Visa to ensure the ISO is properly registered. Keep in mind that this service you are buying can have a significant impact on the cash flow of your business, and don't be shy about asking for references.

A good bank or ISO should provide reliable and trouble-free processing, with responsive customer service whenever you have a problem, all at a fair price. What's fair depends on the risk level of your business and the terms being offered by competing ISOs. Make sure the merchant bankcard provider you choose fully supports you as a merchant with a variety of services, like check guarantee, acceptance of all major credit cards, debit cards, etc. Also make sure they fully support the equipment or software they sell you. If they don't, ask them who does and how much extra this costs. Some programs may be appealing, but require hidden costs for assistance.

3. Clearly understand the costs involved. To better grasp the issue of costs, you must understand how credit card sales are processed. Simply stated, when you conduct a charge transaction, you will receive the cost of that sale, less a previously agreed-upon discount (from two to more than five percent), from the bank or service company. The more stable your business is, the lower your discount rate will be.

Fees are a substantial cost: ISOs typically charge fees for minimum activity, if yours doesn't reach a pre-determined amount; fees for each transaction made, above and beyond the two to five percent discount; and fees for processing customer statements. Another cost is that of equipment. Most merchants today use an electronic draft capture terminal to process sales, which you can lease or purchase. It is more economical to purchase the equipment, but your choices will be limited by the ISO you choose. You might be able to purchase a used terminal from your ISO or buy a new or used terminal from another source. Check with your ISO first!

If you have a personal computer and a modem, there are several software packages currently on the market that perform authorization and draft capture. Make sure that any software you buy is compatible with the system used by your ISO.

4. Caveat emptor. As with any other business decision, carefully consider your options and shop around. Research the requirements, costs and services of banks and ISOs offering merchant status, and talk to other business people who are already offering credit card service. There are many reputable companies out there and, of course, there are also bad apples. As a merchant, ask questions about any company you are choosing to use. The company should be willing to answer any questions you might have, as well as to tell you openly if they can't!

While the information presented might seen very disheartening to your getting merchant status, listen to this. Many individuals who have filed bankruptcy and have terrible credit have received merchant status.

While you may pay more fees going through an ISO, it is worth it to be able to say, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. For those of you doing any kind of consulting it is a big plus. If you eventually sell products, again it is a great convenience for your customers and many times will close the sale.

So, GIVE YOUR CLIENTS THE PLASTIC OPTION!

Copyright 2004 DeFiore Enterprises

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

16 Publicity tips for Restaurants

With a dismal failure rate of more than 75 percent among restaurants, you must be sure you do everything you possibly can do to promote your restaurant through free publicity. Here are 16 tips that will boost your publicity efforts and help you finally get noticed--even if you don't have a big advertising budget.

1. Call the advertising department of every newspaper and magazine you want to get into and ask for a copy of their editorial calendar. It's a free listing of all the special topics and special sections coming up during the calendar year. It will tip you off to sections where your story idea would be a good fit, so you can query the editor weeks and even months ahead.

2. Call the food editor or columnist from your local newspaper and invite her to lunch or coffee-or to your restaurant. Offer yourself as a resource. Ask "how can I help you?" Feed her tips and story ideas. Become such a valuable source that she keeps coming back to you for more information and eventually writes about you.

3. Produce your own television show on your cable TV company's community access channel. The station will rent you the camera equipment for about $20. You can produce either one show or an entire series of programs, from how to cook with fresh garden produce to a show on how to buy fine wines. Air time is free. Call your cable company for details.

4. Build a network of other restaurant and food industry professionals-even if they are your competitors. Agree informally that you will refer reporters to each other whenever the media calls. Often, reporters want more than one source for a story. It's a chance for all of you to get additional publicity.

5. Whenever someone asks you to write for their electronic newsletter or online magazine, visit their web site first and see if they have a resource section where you would be a good fit. Ask to be listed for free, in exchange for providing an article.

6. If you publish an interesting print newsletter with information about new trends in your industry, helpful tips for your employees or interesting stories about things that happen in your restaurant, send complimentary issues to local and national food columnists, food reporters, restaurant industry trade publications and other publications whose audiences you want to get in front of. You'll be amazed at how many reporters start calling you for interviews.

7. Don't forget newspaper and magazine columnists. They're always hungry for fresh ideas. Keep in touch with them and feed them ideas regularly. Tell them about trends you are seeing in your industry.

8. Call local radio talk show hosts and invite them to call on you when other guests cancel. They will be thankful you offered. Write articles for industry newsletters. My favorite resource is the Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters, which lists more than 18,000 newsletters by topic and includes detailed information on the type of audience and subjects covered. Most larger libraries have this resource directory.

9. Contact your trade association and ask them to refer reporters to you. Many reporters who don't know where to find sources start by calling trade associations.

10. Always refer to yourself as an "expert" in your marketing materials, at your web site, in your email signature file, and in your media kit. The media always seek out experts and interview them.

11. If you receive a favorable restaurant review, reprint it on placemats, or frame it and post it in your restaurant wall. Quote from it in your paid ads. Post it at your website.

12. If you have found innovative ways to attract and retain employees, let the media know. The labor shortage in the restaurant industry is a hot topic.

13. Suggest profile stories of employees who have interesting hobbies or participate in outstanding community service projects. The reporter will ask them where they work-and that's more publicity for you.

14. If your restaurant is a tourist attraction, pitch a story idea to in-flight magazines.

15. If you attend trade shows for the restaurant industry, hook up with reporters who are covering the show and pitch story ideas about trends in your industry, or an idea about your restaurant.

Joan Stewart, a.k.a. The Publicity Hound, shows you how to use the media to establish your credibility, enhance your reputation, sell more products and services, promote a favorite cause or issue, and position yourself as an employer of choice. She publishes "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine on how to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity. Subscribe at her website at http://www.PublicityHound.com and receive by email the free checklist "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

Crazy Colors Fun Kid Experiment as a Party Activity

Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for your next kid birthday party.

This activity, which is strictly speaking a kid science experiment, can be used in any party as entertainment. Even better: have a "Mad Chemist" theme and use this idea as one of the kid experiments.

Fill a plate or saucer with milk and put in a few drops of food coloring on top of the milk in different spots. The smaller the drops the better.

Use a spoon to pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid into the milk. Pouring it into the center works best.

Now watch the colors dance and explode.

This might sound very simple to you, but I've done this a few times with kids aged 6 - 10 and was amazed at how much pleasure this gave them! Let them each do their own - provide different colors and encourage them to try out different things. You will be amazed at the beautiful patterns they manage to create. Allow them to repeat the process a few times. They'll get the hang of it after one or two tries. If the kids are too small to do it themselves, you can do it as a demonstration. Or, why not just let them bring old clothes with, put down lots of old newspapers and allow them to make a big mess. They will love you for it!

Explanation: Water has a "skin" called surface tension. This is a force on the surface of water which pulls it inwards. Soap or dishwashing liquid breaks down the surface tension and stops the skin from forming. This stops water sticking together in drops and so it flows more easily into all the places where dirt collects.

Anne-Marie Killer is a mother of two teenagers and a toddler. She is the webmaster and owner of Perfect Party Ideas, Read her blog where she documents the process of setting up Perfect Party Ideas.

Relafen: A New Drug with an Old Danger

Individuals who regularly take Relafen (nabumetone) or other anti-inflammatory medications, either for arthritis, joint pain, or other indications, should be aware of severe adverse health implications that can potentially result from prolonged use. Relafen is usually prescribed for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but can also be prescribed for other purposes. Relafen works by reducing the level of hormones in the body that can cause pain and inflammation. In addition to the warnings provided with the packaging of the medication and those related by a physician, there are other important concerns that users of Relafen should know about.

A severe adverse reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome has been linked to use of the drug Relafen. Relafen is in a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that have been linked to allergic skin reactions, including severe cases such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Other possible allergic reactions include urticaria, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, and the severe symptoms associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a severe allergic reaction to certain drugs. In addition to NSAIDs, antibiotics such as sulfonamides, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ampicillin have been implicated. The symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome typically begin as some form of upper respiratory infection, including also fever, sore throat, inflammation of the mouth, chills, headaches, aching of the joints, and generally feeling ill. After onset, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome will continue to develop, affecting the various mucous membranes of the body, including the mouth, esophagus, nostrils, eyes, genitals, and anal regions. Lesions may develop and the skin may blister or even detach in severe cases.

If any of these symptoms lead to the belief that the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is occurring, immediate treatment is imperative. Sufferers of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome should be transported to an emergency room immediately, and will likely be treated in a intensive care burn unit. Even after treatment, long-term effects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can include scarring, eye and vision problems, and even death. Some studies predict a 3-15% mortality rate in individuals with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome if left untreated. Any individuals with a known family history of adverse drug reactions, even if minor, should carefully consult with their physicians before taking Relafen or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Above all, it is crucial to be fully aware of all risks associated with the use of any drug.

For more information regarding Relafen (nabumetone)/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, please click here