Upcoming Blog Topics

Following are some topics that will be covered here in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back regularly -- and tell your friends -- about information you find helpful here.

REDESIGN NOTICE: InkwellEditorial.com is currently being redesigned. I appreciate your patience over the next 2-3 weeks. I had hoped to be finished by the end of May, but it's going to take a little bit longer.
Happy Memorial Day!
Sincerely,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com & InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com

5 Effective -- and Profitable -- Habits of Successful Freelancers

From the Publisher's Desk: Lessons I've Learned as a Freelancer & Recruiter in the Editorial Industry (learn from 10+ years as a biz owner and 19+ years industry experience)

Podcasting: What it is and Why Every Freelance Writer Should Know About It

The 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (& How to Avoid Them)

A Few Hundred Bucks!: How to Easily Make $200-$300/month as a Freelance Writer (I promise, you won't have to send out one query)

How to Develop a Niche with NO Experience (& Make it Profitable for You)

Inkwell Editorial: Staffing Again? (Stay Tuned for Details)

FEEDBACK! Feel free to send in topics, questions, queries and/or experiences. While your concern may not be addressed individually, the answer may be published here (anonymously if you request).
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!

What's Hot in Freelance Writing: How to Create a Niche & Increase Your Freelance Income

Periodically, I do a sweep of the major job boards (Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs) to see what sectors are hot in freelance writing.

By my obversation, it's technical and financial writing. I've always believed that you should specialize (create a niche) to be more profitable as a freelancer. And, creating a niche within one of these highly sought after disciplines seems to pay off.

How To Create Your Own Niche

What if you have no desire to write within these disciplines? Simple. Don't. BUT, I do advise creating a niche within something. For example, maybe you like writing about real estate. Contact real estate agents around the country and offer to do a newsletter for them on a regular basis -- supplying new, original content on a weekly, monthly, quarterly basis (however often they deem necessary).

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Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more.

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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Write and send potential clients a benefits letter (a marketing letter selling your services), detailing how they can grow their business by publishing a newsletter. Back it up with hard stats from verifiable sources.

Select a market where there are a lot of potential clients (eg, real estate agents), so that you can build a nice client list with minimal effort. An added bonus of choosing a market like real estate agents is that you can target realtors nationwide. All the research you will ever need to do can be found online to write about any market in the country.

The profit potential is amazing if you choose wisely. Eg, charging 20 realtors $100/month for a bi-monthly newsletter can be a nice, steady chunk of income (what freelancer doesn't crave stability).

Other professionals you might target are insurance agents, lawyers, financial advisors, staffing agencies, restaurant owners -- the list is endless. To get ideas of groups to target, flip through your local yellow pages.

RECAP: Finding Your Niche -- How to Go About It

1. Target a PROFESSIONAL market (eg, B2B) with large potential.

2. Offer original content on a consistent basis.

3. Offer to do the design of the newsletter, as well as the writing. After a one-time setup, which can be achieved using many free templates found online, it will be a breeze to just plop new text in. Many professionals are busy and will want you to just "handle it" for them; the less they have to do, the more likey they are to want you to do a newsletter for them.

4. Show potential clients how a newsletter can increase their busines using verifiable statistics (include 1 or 2 sample articles).

5. Build client list to a manageable number for a nice, steady income stream.

Following this basic concept, this may be the only type of freelance writing you will ever have to do. Now, wouldn't that be nice!
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May be reprinted with inclusion of the following in full: © 2006 Yuwanda Black for InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for the creative and editorial industries. Visit our informative, up-to-date editorial blog at http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/ for first-hand information on how to start, grow and/or maintain a successful freelance career.

A New Freelance Success Story Was Posted to InkwellEditorial.com Today

SELECTED EXCERPTS

I’m a freelance writer, graphic designer and photographer. I specialize in designing publications and enjoy all types of writing. While working on my journalism degree, I discovered that in addition to writing I loved laying out newspapers and magazines. I enjoyed having control over the whole project, words and graphics. During this time, I wrote and designed for college newspapers and magazines.
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Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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To build my graphic design client list I relied heavily on the network of people I’d met at my full-time jobs. I contacted my former co-workers and bosses and let them know I was starting out on my own. Word of mouth advertising works the best. My first clients came to me through these contacts. Some of these first clients are my best clients.

To read the rest of this submission, click here.

New Freelance Writer's Series Announced

My Best, Worst, Most Lucrative and/or Oddest Freelance Job ...

This is InkwellEditorial's new freelancer writer's series. Its purpose? Pure entertainment! From time to time, we will publish first-hand accounts from freelance professionals who tell us the best, worst, most lucrative and/or oddest freelance job they ever had.

Janet Trakin regales us with her "Best Job I Ever Had" tale. Nervous breakdowns, queens on couches, the selling of a soul for great sex -- and more! -- are all covered. She writes:

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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!***********************************************

POST CONTINUED
"It took me 20 years, and job searching in three cities to find my dream job with Self-Help U.S.A. in Deerfield Beach, Florida. I got misguided by a psychiatrist in New York City who turned me into a job whore when she convinced me that taking the secretarial route in order to maintain an apartment so that I could have a sex life was what I wanted."

Read the full story here. Want to submit? Click here for full details.

Resume Tips for Editorial Workers

Looking for a full-time job? Click here to the article on CareerBuilder.com, entitled Seven Signs It's Time to Toss Your Résumé.

As a refresher, read Resume MUSTS for Editorial & Creative Professionals on AssociatedContent.com. Article can also be found on our website. Go to the "Career Center" section.

Happy job hunting!
************************************************
Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery

Freelance writers, editors, copy editors, proofreaders, web designers, etc.?

Are you an editorial/creative freelancer -- eg, a writer, editor, copy editor, proofreader, web designer, etc.? InkwellEditorial.com seeks submissions covering the following topics (you can write on one or all of the following, but please submit each separately):

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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!***********************************************

1. What was the worst job you ever had (doesn't have to be an editorial/creative position) before you began freelancing? Why?

2. What was the best job you ever had (doesn't have to be an editorial/creative position) before you began freelancing? Why?

3. What was the most money you ever made from ONE freelance assignment? How did you get the assignment?

4. What is the strangest thing you've ever written about, edited, copy edited, proofread, designed (website), etc.?

5. Have you ever turned down an assignment because of a personal/religious belief? What was it?

Submissions: All submissions should be at least 400 words (can be longer, but not shorter.) We are looking for accounts with a sense of humor, and those that are unusual and/or obscure. The funnier and more off-beat the account, the more likely we are to publish it.

Pay: $5/per submission. Must have a PayPal account. We pay on the date the submission is published.
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UPDATE TO THIS POST:
A freelancer wrote in: "$5 seems like an awfully small amount to pay for an article and our expertise...."

My response was: I know, I know, I know.

FYI, for anyone else out there who feels this way, I just want to give a little background about InkwellEditorial.com. I run the site as a hobby and when payment for content is offered, I pay from my own pocket.

Many sites don't pay anything and I am well aware of how underpaid and overworked freelancers are -- and I sympathize because I am one of them. However, I feel an obligation to keep the ste going because it gives editorial/creative professionals an insight into the world of other editorial/creative professionals. I feel that the only way to learn is to share information -- and if you can pick up a "little" cash in the process, then all the better.

If you find one bit of useful information on the site, it's because I have taken the time to either write it, research it and/or and post a link to it -- all for no pay. I happen to know that the site is a great resource because many write in to let me know. As an example, I just got the following email this past Friday from a user:

"I just wanted to send you a brag email – I am a former English major who now works in broadcast news – never got a formal grammar background. I certainly wasn’t versed in AP style at all. But then I got an offer for an interview for a copyediting job. In two days. And I was going to have to take an EDITING test. On AP STYLE. PANIC! I did a search, found your site, and after two days and evenings of doing AP Style tests non-stop and cramming with my brand new AP Stylebook, I aced my test and got asked back for a second interview! THANK YOU!" Erin Burt

So, if you are a freelancer who has the time, or just want to contribute out of the goodness of your heart -- great -- it is much appreciated. If not, then feel free to enjoy the accounts of those who do write in.

Sincerely,
Y. Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Freelancing Internationally: Writing for Television!

EXCERPT

I am currently a freelance writer and editor working from home outside of Philadelphia, PA. Over the last several months, I have been working very closely with The Format Factory, a creative team headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, developing television formats for global distribution. Here are some particulars:
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!
Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!***********************************************

What was the assignment? The Format Factory produces television formats (concepts for television shows) that could be taken and reproduced globally. An example of a highly successful TV format (though not one of ours) is "Big Brother." The original format for that program was created and then sold--and now airs--in several different countries around the world. I create formats for The Format Factory and contribute on others.

To read the rest of this submission, click here.

Thinking of Switching Careers? BUT, to do what?

I was recently contacted by a teacher who wanted to switch careers. She wasn't sure how she wanted to use her skills (she had an MA and taught math and science to middler schoolers), but knew that she DEFINITELY did not want to be a teacher any longer.
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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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This article in today's edition of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, outlines beautifully how to go about switching careers -- especially if you don't know what you want to do, but know that you want to do something else.

NOTE: Click on title of this post to be directed to article.

Enjoy!
Y. Black, Moderator
http://InkwellEditorial.com
http://www.InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com

Keeping it Simple to Garner More Business

A group of professionals posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think.

You may be wondering, "What does this have to do with marketing my editorial business?" Read on to find out.

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Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca, age 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy, age 4

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri, age 4

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss." Emily, age 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." Nikka, age 6

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image) Karen - age 7

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica, age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

The lesson from these, the mouths of babes: when all the brainstorming in the world doesn't produce a single idea for that all important new client, go back to basics; keep it simple. For, the most treasured things in life don't require a marketing degree, but sincerity so genuine that even a child can grasp it.

Happy marketing!

From the Midwest to Cyberspace: Profile of a Freelance Writer

JOB POSTING (freelance story posted below)

WORK REMOTELY FOR K&J Consulting: K&J Consulting is a Global I.T. company supporting clients such as Cisco Systems, SUN, Xerox, John Deere and AmeriQuest to name a few. We are seeking a Consultants for a (3) month assignment with possible extensions with large a fortune 50 Company. This is a full-time assignment working remotely from home. If you are interested, please send a resume in a word format. Please pass this to a friend, since we have many opportunities within the U.S.Technical Writer/Editor

Qualifications: Very strong experience as a Technical Writer/Editor. Experience editing technical white papers. Experience with Network Architect. Experience with structure/edit draft contents. Experience with Healthcare Infrastructure is a MUST

Contact: Bill Davis, Sr. Project Manager
billdavis@kjconsulting.net
www.kjconsulting.net
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From the Midwest to Cyberspace ...The Humble Beginnings of a Freelance Writer
by Christopher Kendalls

I was born and raised in Akron, OH. I ended up in Dayton, OH, however, when I dropped out of school having put in many years pursuing a degree I had decided I did not want. Besides, I thought that I could use what little I had learned in college to get a decent computer job; little did I know that I would end up being a freelance writer.

At first, I would simply write at my own leisure, to entertain myself in-between classes. The only article I had written was an essay for a contest that the school was running in which I had won $250. It was then that I reconnected with the urge and passion to write, although I would end up writing tens of stories and poems before I finally decided that article writing was my niche a few years ago.

CLICK to read the rest of this submission.
*************************************
P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Receive 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!

Contest: Self-Published Book Awards

14th Annual Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards

MORE THAN $15,000 IN PRIZES!
CASH PRIZES INCREASED FOR 1ST PLACE WINNERS!

DEADLINE: Monday, May 01, 2006. Win $3,000 in cash! Gain international exposure for your book! Catch the attention of prospective editors and publishers!

Click to learn more.
**************************************
P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!

Why Doing LESS for a Client Can Earn You More!

When working creatively -- eg, creating logos, figuring out the angle of an article, designing a website -- most go over and beyond for the client. However, this can cost you business in the long run. Why?

When you give clients too many choices, it can lead to indecisiveness. This is not good because it makes YOU look unprofessional. If a project doesn't turn out the way a client envisioned, who do you think is going to look bad? That's right -- you.

Most clients will NOT say, "You gave me so many choices that I got confused and chose poorly; hence, I realize the outcome isn't what my superiors wanted so it's my fault." What they're going to think is, "You didn't listen to what I told you and that's why you presented so many options."

Solution: Ask a lot of questions up front to be sure you understand what the client wants. THEN, present them with a couple of really good options -- both within the parameters they've given you -- from which to choose. This way, they'll be able to make a decision fairly quickly and easily -- and you'll come out looking like a genius. Why?

Because not only did you give them what they wanted, you gave them a few powerful options. This makes them feel in control, ie, they made the final, "brilliant" decision.

The worst that could happen when presenting fewer options is that you are so far off the mark that they don't use you. However, if you've listened closely, you should be able to tweak what you've presented and have it approved.

Caution: Be careful if a client keeps asking you to rewrite, revise, redesign because this means THEY don't know what they want -- hence, you'll almost never be able to please them. This type of client will almost always be a pain to work with; so, better to move on.

Conclusion: Making clients look good is easy -- listen closely and ask lots of questions up front. Then, you will be more likely to give them what they want. Once clients feel that you "get them," more work will inevitably follow!
**************************************
P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!

Job Posting: Senior Writer

New York, NY: HedgeFund.net and PrivateEquityCentral.net, the most widely read Web sites for hedge fund and private equity investors and professionals, is seeking a senior writer to cover all aspects of both industries.

Since our news division functions as an online wire service, the writer will be required to turn out breaking news stories. In addition to covering daily news, the writer will produce feature-length pieces for our PDF weekly newsletter Alternative Universe. Two years of journalism experience required. Prior business writing experience, particularly alternative investments, is strongly preferred.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and two clips to jobs@hedgefund.net. No phone calls please.

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P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:

Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview(Reg. $4.95);

The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);

How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);

Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);

The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);

and more!

P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!

How to Freelance from Home Using the Internet

Every so often, I answer the following question -- again -- because it is the most oft-asked question that I get. A reader writes:

QUESTION: My son works for Spellmount, a publisher of history, and several years ago he suggested I should take up a job at home using the Internet to edit copy for books etc. I used to work with horses which was a very energetic job, but now that I am in my 50's I would like to do something that I can fit in at home.

Do you know of any outlets for this? I have not had any editing experience, but have O level English, Pitmans Elementary Typing, and (apart from the odd typists error which I always spot and correct!), I have always been considered very good at spelling. Don't worry if you can't help, but I would be very glad of any suggestions.

Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Marion
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ANSWER: Marion:

Thanks for writing in. Copyediting from home is not as easy as most people think. The work itself is not hard; it's the MARKETING for the work that takes persistence. Most employers, eg, publishers, want to see first-hand experience.

My best advice without being too longwinded is to start looking for jobs locally -- target local businesses, do a good job and ask for referrals. That's the best way to start with no experience.

Our Wednesday, February 01, 2006 blog post was entitled, "How to Effectively Target Neighborhood Businesses with Your Editorial Services." See this link: http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-effectively-target-neighborhood.html. This is a good place to start researching and learning how to go about getting business.

Also, see our Freelance Writers' series, "Freelance Success Stories." Click here: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/CareerCenter/success/intro.htm. Here freelancers tell how they got started and what works for them. Lots of first-hand insight from which to learn. This is why we started this series.

There is a ton of information on the Internet on this subject -- start by going through the InkwellEditorial.com blog. Our blog is all about the BUSINESS of freelancing, so you will be able to glean lots of information there.

Finally, know that it won't be easy, but with persistence, you can build up a steady clientele. This is a profession that will probably never make you rich, but can provide a nice comfortable living.

UPDATE TO THIS POST: I should have told the writer to visit the following page on our website: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/SmallBizCntr/articles-small-biz.htm. The section offers advice on marketing your freelance services. Most of the advice is free and/or low-cost and is easy to implement.

Sincerely,
Y. Black, Moderator
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
**************************************
P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?

Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!

Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!

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First-hand Account: "A Day in the Life of . . . A Freelance Writer"

A new "Day in the Life of . . ." account was added to InkwellEditorial.com today. Periodically, we publish these accounts to give you an inside peek at various positions in the editorial industry -- in hopes of helping you decide if a position will really suit you BEFORE you pursue it. We hope you find the information insightful and useful.

E X C E R P T
At 11 a.m., I rise leisurely from bed. While I’m waiting for my coffee, I go online to check my e- mail. There are three new assignments from editors/clients. The mailman delivers my mail promptly at noon. Today’s delivery includes a brown envelope with a large check inside as payment for one of my writing assignments.

After lunch, I spend a couple of hours writing on my latest project. I shut down my laptop and I’m done working for the day.

Click the following link to see the schedule for this freelance series & read this account: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/CareerCenter/day-in-life/intro.htm.
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EDITORIAL JOB OPENINGS

PLEASE NOTE: The following are full-time, on-site positions. DO NOT submit your resume if you are seeking temporary, contract and/or off-site work.

Position: Communications Manager
Location: New York, NY (Manhattan)
Company: Food Bank for New York City (nonprofit)
The primary purpose of this position is to manage the creation and production of all written publications and marketing materials; write speeches and remarks for senior staff and board members; create ongoing and existing communications materials, including quarterly newsletter, annual report, fact sheets, internal messaging guide, etc; work with all Food Bank departments to produce public education materials, including research reports, agency newsletter and brochures.

Qualifications: A minimum of five years experience in communications, writing or related field; excellent writing, research and proofreading skills; administrative skills to coordinate multiple projects and supervise; computer proficiency including familiarity with the Internet and MS Office, PowerPoint, Publisher, QuarkExpress. B.A. or B.S. Degree.

Contact: Please forward resume and cover letter with salary history to George Flanagan, Director of Administration & Personnel, gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org. No Phone Calls Please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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Position: Online Communications Specialist
Location: New York, NY (Manhattan)
Company: Food Bank for New York City
The primary purpose of this position is to manage all aspects of the Food Bank's online communications - including the organization's website, Agency Intranet and web-based fundraising and marketing efforts. Major responsibilities include managing development and updating of Web site content; Developing, designing and distributing e- newsletter; Marketing online communications to increase traffic and user base; Collaborating with Agency Services to develop and manage Agency Intranet content and design; Reporting on all online marketing and fundraising efforts to senior staff members.

Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. Degree required; a minimum of three years work experience, with at least two years direct Web site management experience; Work experience in communications, marketing or public relations preferred; Ability to coordinate projects with multiple departments and consultants; Advanced experience working and troubleshooting in CMS; Ability to work and troubleshoot in basic html; Experience working in Macromedia Cold Fusion website architecture a plus; Experience in image editing for website and publications using Adobe Photoshop; Experience in Fireworks MX web design publishing; Knowledge in computer software including Microsoft Office Suite and PhotoShop 7. Ability to troubleshoot.

Contact: Please forward resume and cover letter with salary history to George Flanagan, Director of Administration & Personnel, gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org. No Phone Calls Please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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