Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
How to Become a TRUE Expert
Lots of people call themselves experts. But how do you become a TRUE expert to others in your field? What can make you become the "go-to-person" for your profession?
The answer is simple: write a book. With the advent of self-publishing, you can now establish your brand by writing and marketing to a targeted group. You're no longer limited to the previous hallmarks of expertise, such as broadcast media exposure, advertising campaigns, or being the subject of a feature story.
Years ago the brochure was the way to get noticed. Today, social networking enables business professionals to reach unprecedented heights of exposure. But the best vehicle for establishing yourself as an expert is to become an author. If your book is marketed effectively, you'll gain instant credibility, develop a dedicated following of readers, and will enjoy the TRUE meaning of success.
The answer is simple: write a book. With the advent of self-publishing, you can now establish your brand by writing and marketing to a targeted group. You're no longer limited to the previous hallmarks of expertise, such as broadcast media exposure, advertising campaigns, or being the subject of a feature story.
Years ago the brochure was the way to get noticed. Today, social networking enables business professionals to reach unprecedented heights of exposure. But the best vehicle for establishing yourself as an expert is to become an author. If your book is marketed effectively, you'll gain instant credibility, develop a dedicated following of readers, and will enjoy the TRUE meaning of success.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
WHY IS IT?
Why is it that:
1) Everytime my workload slows down, I try to hunt down new jobs, and then people who have kept me on hold suddenly flood in like a tidal wave?
2) I hurry to meet my client's deadline, and when I email to let the client know I've completed the assignment, the client takes his time getting back to me.
3) Ten people need me at once, or nobody needs me.
4) As soon as I get on the phone with an author, another author needs to reach me.
5) When I'm on a tight deadline, my email is not working or my phone is not working.
6) When we're almost ready to go to press, my production manager's computer crashes and important files for the book are lost.
7) I sometimes feel as if I'm the only one experiencing bad luck!
1) Everytime my workload slows down, I try to hunt down new jobs, and then people who have kept me on hold suddenly flood in like a tidal wave?
2) I hurry to meet my client's deadline, and when I email to let the client know I've completed the assignment, the client takes his time getting back to me.
3) Ten people need me at once, or nobody needs me.
4) As soon as I get on the phone with an author, another author needs to reach me.
5) When I'm on a tight deadline, my email is not working or my phone is not working.
6) When we're almost ready to go to press, my production manager's computer crashes and important files for the book are lost.
7) I sometimes feel as if I'm the only one experiencing bad luck!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Become a Facebook Fan
Before You Publish Your Book, Read Mine.
Is there a book inside of you? Self-publishing is today's top vehicle for branding your business and showcasing your expertise. We provide full, quality services for self-publishing authors of all genres, as a credible and affordable alternative to the BIG NAMES known for inflated prices and offshore affiliates. Visit our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Flair-For-Writing-wwwaflairforwritingcom/120323517999787?ref=ts.
A Flair For Writing (www.aflairforwriting.com)
Professional writing/editing service with recently expanded self-publishing division
Is there a book inside of you? Self-publishing is today's top vehicle for branding your business and showcasing your expertise. We provide full, quality services for self-publishing authors of all genres, as a credible and affordable alternative to the BIG NAMES known for inflated prices and offshore affiliates. Visit our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Flair-For-Writing-wwwaflairforwritingcom/120323517999787?ref=ts.
A Flair For Writing (www.aflairforwriting.com)
Professional writing/editing service with recently expanded self-publishing division
Self-Publishing Breakthrough
I call it Alternative Publishing; they call it Custom Publishing. Whatever you call it, it's here to stay.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/religion/article/4lter4182-self-publishing-changing-model-getting-respect.html
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/religion/article/4lter4182-self-publishing-changing-model-getting-respect.html
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Article for Experts 1-2-3
Don't Get Scammed by a Vanity Press
Donna Erickson · June 11, 2010
Lots of new authors are opting to self-publish their books because it's quicker and easier than traditional publishing. Self-publishing allows the author to have more control--especially in the areas of cover design and publication title. When new authors begin exploring their options, they often conduct a search online for self-publishing companies, which leads us to this critical question: Are the most popular listings for self-publishing companies on the Internet necessarily the best?
The answer to that question is "no." The companies on the top of the list have simply paid the most to appear there. These companies pay top-dollar to pay-per-click search engines to get to the top of the list. Does that make them better than the others? Absolutely not! They are just paying more money per click to have you visit their site.
In fact, some of these companies have been sued for not delivering what was promised. Others are outsourcing customer service to offshore affiliates, and customers are complaining about the inferior service. Lulu.com outsources to India, Authorhouse has affiliates in the Phillipines, and customers are reporting they cannot understand their questions and neither are knowledgeable or highly accessible.
Authorhouse, Xlibris, and iUniverse are all owned by the same company, Author Solutions. Accusations have been made that both Authorhouse and Xlibris have added additional fees to list books on amazon.com--after assuring their authors there would be no fees. In addition, Authorhouse lost a libel suit, after claiming they did not publish a book that was indeed published by them, and was charged a hefty amount in punitive damages.
Before you give any money to a publisher, make sure you research their background and policies--especially on contracts and refunds. Don't become the next victim with a "nightmare story" to share about vanity presses.
Donna Erickson · June 11, 2010
Lots of new authors are opting to self-publish their books because it's quicker and easier than traditional publishing. Self-publishing allows the author to have more control--especially in the areas of cover design and publication title. When new authors begin exploring their options, they often conduct a search online for self-publishing companies, which leads us to this critical question: Are the most popular listings for self-publishing companies on the Internet necessarily the best?
The answer to that question is "no." The companies on the top of the list have simply paid the most to appear there. These companies pay top-dollar to pay-per-click search engines to get to the top of the list. Does that make them better than the others? Absolutely not! They are just paying more money per click to have you visit their site.
In fact, some of these companies have been sued for not delivering what was promised. Others are outsourcing customer service to offshore affiliates, and customers are complaining about the inferior service. Lulu.com outsources to India, Authorhouse has affiliates in the Phillipines, and customers are reporting they cannot understand their questions and neither are knowledgeable or highly accessible.
Authorhouse, Xlibris, and iUniverse are all owned by the same company, Author Solutions. Accusations have been made that both Authorhouse and Xlibris have added additional fees to list books on amazon.com--after assuring their authors there would be no fees. In addition, Authorhouse lost a libel suit, after claiming they did not publish a book that was indeed published by them, and was charged a hefty amount in punitive damages.
Before you give any money to a publisher, make sure you research their background and policies--especially on contracts and refunds. Don't become the next victim with a "nightmare story" to share about vanity presses.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Patriot Ledger Window Dressing Column Feature
WOMEN’S WARNINGS: Two local
authors offer advice on spotting unscrupulous
book publishers and dishonest financial
advisers. Abington author and editor Donna
J. Erickson has written “No-Hassle Publishing:
An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing
Industry” (2010, A Flair For Writing, 29
pages, $9.95 from Amazon and Aflairforwriting.
com). Certified financial planner Bonnie
Kirchner of Marion has penned “Who Can
You Trust With Your Money?” (2010, FT
Press, 224 pages, $19.99 from Amazon,
Borders and Barnes & Noble.) Hint: it’s not
her ex-husband Brad Bleidt, the Boston
Ponzi schemer who is currently serving an
11-year prison sentence for stealing $30 million
from his investment clients.
authors offer advice on spotting unscrupulous
book publishers and dishonest financial
advisers. Abington author and editor Donna
J. Erickson has written “No-Hassle Publishing:
An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing
Industry” (2010, A Flair For Writing, 29
pages, $9.95 from Amazon and Aflairforwriting.
com). Certified financial planner Bonnie
Kirchner of Marion has penned “Who Can
You Trust With Your Money?” (2010, FT
Press, 224 pages, $19.99 from Amazon,
Borders and Barnes & Noble.) Hint: it’s not
her ex-husband Brad Bleidt, the Boston
Ponzi schemer who is currently serving an
11-year prison sentence for stealing $30 million
from his investment clients.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Great Feedback on My Book, "No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry"
So many new authors have no idea where to turn when the time comes to publish their book. I was recently told my instructional book is a godsend for new authors. If you know any new authors who could benefit from a professional guide that will help them avoid getting scammed, please refer them to my Bookstore on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. I have uncovered information they are probably unaware of that could save them a lot of grief.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Over The Top Award
Well, what do ya know...Author of the blog, Creative Chronicles, has awarded me with their "Over The Top Award," saying she likes the way I write. I'm tickled, touched, flattered, and thankful. Aw shucks.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Letter From Who's Who
Dear Donna Erickson,
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and to thank you for your continued support of Marquis Who's Who.
As a member of the Marquis Who's Who family, you play a key role in upholding a tradition of excellence that spans more than a century, one that can be proudly shared with family, friends, and colleagues.
Only with your participation, and the careful review of your biographical information, are we able to produce accurate and up-to-date publications, relied upon by many of the world's most prestigious libraries and corporations.
We're honored to have you as a biographee, and wish you continued success in 2010.
Sincerely,
Fred Marks, Editor-in-Chief
and the entire Marquis Who's Who team
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and to thank you for your continued support of Marquis Who's Who.
As a member of the Marquis Who's Who family, you play a key role in upholding a tradition of excellence that spans more than a century, one that can be proudly shared with family, friends, and colleagues.
Only with your participation, and the careful review of your biographical information, are we able to produce accurate and up-to-date publications, relied upon by many of the world's most prestigious libraries and corporations.
We're honored to have you as a biographee, and wish you continued success in 2010.
Sincerely,
Fred Marks, Editor-in-Chief
and the entire Marquis Who's Who team
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A War is Waging Right Now.
I'm not talking a about Iraq or Afghanistan, but rather, one that's happening right here in the US: the war on publishing.
Twenty-five years ago, authors had two choices. They could either query a traditional publisher or break down and publish with a vanity press. With the advent of self-publishing, all that has changed. Unfortunately, the industry hasn't kept up with defining the terms of various options available today. The industry still wants to take any publishing company that is not traditional and cram it into the category of vanity publishing.
The time has come to rise up and take a firm stand against this unfair action.
Some publishers have progressed to call themselves independent presses or hybrid publishers, but they still don't fall neatly into the two, already established categories of traditional vs. vanity publishing.
I propose we introduce a third category: alternative publishing. All of the other publishing models will have a name to fall under. There will be three types of publishing available today--traditional, vanity, and alternative.
As an alternative publisher, we are able to offer a new platform to our authors who deserve better choices than the confining (and often unobtainable) limits
of traditional publishers or the fraudulent schemes of vanity publishing.
Twenty-five years ago, authors had two choices. They could either query a traditional publisher or break down and publish with a vanity press. With the advent of self-publishing, all that has changed. Unfortunately, the industry hasn't kept up with defining the terms of various options available today. The industry still wants to take any publishing company that is not traditional and cram it into the category of vanity publishing.
The time has come to rise up and take a firm stand against this unfair action.
Some publishers have progressed to call themselves independent presses or hybrid publishers, but they still don't fall neatly into the two, already established categories of traditional vs. vanity publishing.
I propose we introduce a third category: alternative publishing. All of the other publishing models will have a name to fall under. There will be three types of publishing available today--traditional, vanity, and alternative.
As an alternative publisher, we are able to offer a new platform to our authors who deserve better choices than the confining (and often unobtainable) limits
of traditional publishers or the fraudulent schemes of vanity publishing.
Why We Are Different From A Vanity Press
I'd be happy to explain the differences:
1) A vanity press will publish anything for your money. Unlike them, we are extremely selective in what we will publish. We may lose a lot of authors that way, but I don't want my name associated with junk. I've worked hard the past 23 years to achieve an untarnished reputation as a professional writer/editor, before expanding into publishing.
2) Many of the vanity presses sacrifice quality to save money. They offer minimal editing (often by unqualified individuals), and there have been complaints about the quality of the books. I searched meticulously for the finest editors. They are all required to pass a skills test, and some have scored a perfect 100%. My contracted printer has invested in a multi-million-dollar piece of equipment (the only one in the new England area), and his quality is unmatched.
3) I spoke to many authors before writing my e-book, "No-Hassle Publishing: A Guide to Today's Changing Industry." Many complained about the lack of customer service and the inability to understand offshore personnel. We offer unlimited emails and domestic phone calls and have made our accessibility a priority. My Production Manager will answer any technical questions authors may have.
4) In doing my research, I discovered many vanity presses have been charged with fraud and have not delivered on services promises. They are paying punitive damages for misleading claims. Basically, they are operating as scams. I warn new authors to investigate carefully to avoid falling into this trap and being scammed themselves.
5) We saw a need for a legitimate and credible service for authors interested in self-publishing who don't know where to begin. We have the highest quality designers, illustrators, proofreaders, and formatters--along with our talented editors--to ensure a product that is worthy of distribution.
We haven't cut corners, skimped on quality, or misled our authors to get their money. We saw a need for a legitimate service based on sound business ethics, and that's why we are here.
Here's a great, enlightening article entitled, "Don't Call It Vanity Press," which appeared in Time Magazine:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1617545,00.html
1) A vanity press will publish anything for your money. Unlike them, we are extremely selective in what we will publish. We may lose a lot of authors that way, but I don't want my name associated with junk. I've worked hard the past 23 years to achieve an untarnished reputation as a professional writer/editor, before expanding into publishing.
2) Many of the vanity presses sacrifice quality to save money. They offer minimal editing (often by unqualified individuals), and there have been complaints about the quality of the books. I searched meticulously for the finest editors. They are all required to pass a skills test, and some have scored a perfect 100%. My contracted printer has invested in a multi-million-dollar piece of equipment (the only one in the new England area), and his quality is unmatched.
3) I spoke to many authors before writing my e-book, "No-Hassle Publishing: A Guide to Today's Changing Industry." Many complained about the lack of customer service and the inability to understand offshore personnel. We offer unlimited emails and domestic phone calls and have made our accessibility a priority. My Production Manager will answer any technical questions authors may have.
4) In doing my research, I discovered many vanity presses have been charged with fraud and have not delivered on services promises. They are paying punitive damages for misleading claims. Basically, they are operating as scams. I warn new authors to investigate carefully to avoid falling into this trap and being scammed themselves.
5) We saw a need for a legitimate and credible service for authors interested in self-publishing who don't know where to begin. We have the highest quality designers, illustrators, proofreaders, and formatters--along with our talented editors--to ensure a product that is worthy of distribution.
We haven't cut corners, skimped on quality, or misled our authors to get their money. We saw a need for a legitimate service based on sound business ethics, and that's why we are here.
Here's a great, enlightening article entitled, "Don't Call It Vanity Press," which appeared in Time Magazine:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1617545,00.html
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Link to My Radio Interview
Here's the link to my recent (short) interview with Michael Dresser, host of Dresser After Dark, a nationally syndicated program on blogtakradio.com:
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/787970356/93cddc13cc23c6568d31b2096643f2cb
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/787970356/93cddc13cc23c6568d31b2096643f2cb
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Three Testimonials For "No- Hassle Publishing"
“I read, ‘No Hassle Publishing’ and found it helpful. It was useful to read something straightforward and honest. I plan to use it as part of a guide I am building for myself.”
-Geremy Howard
Katy, Texas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enlightening and extremely useful for all new authors.
- Veronica Dauber (aka Sarah Bradley), Toronto, Canada
Author of Mudslide, iUniverse.com, September 14, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.
Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.
-Geremy Howard
Katy, Texas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enlightening and extremely useful for all new authors.
- Veronica Dauber (aka Sarah Bradley), Toronto, Canada
Author of Mudslide, iUniverse.com, September 14, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.
Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
WE WISH WE COULD PUBLISH YOUR BOOK FOR FREE...
But that’s impossible. Instead, we are offering an incredible bargain. We’ve listened to unsatisfied authors who have published elsewhere. Our platform is based on what today’s authors want and what appears to be lacking from many of the larger self-publishing services.
If you are tired of the misleading claims, hidden fees, and unscrupulous actions that have given self-publishing a bad name, then you have come to the right place. We are here to acknowledge the changing face of publishing and take a firm stand against the corruption in this industry. Our fees are reasonable, and our services are legitimate and of the highest quality. Our staff is comprised of the most experienced and talented individuals available.
We want to help you every step of the way and share in the excitement of your completed project. Publishing your book should be a pleasant experience with an affordable rate and unlimited customer service. We have been in business for 23 years as a writing/editing service, and now we are able to offer the same quality and service as a publisher. Please visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com/XX-publish.htm for full details. Then contact us to discuss your project and all of the attention it deserves.
Warmest wishes,
Donna Erickson, Owner/Acquisitions Editor/Marketing Director
A Flair For Writing – Publishing Services
If you are tired of the misleading claims, hidden fees, and unscrupulous actions that have given self-publishing a bad name, then you have come to the right place. We are here to acknowledge the changing face of publishing and take a firm stand against the corruption in this industry. Our fees are reasonable, and our services are legitimate and of the highest quality. Our staff is comprised of the most experienced and talented individuals available.
We want to help you every step of the way and share in the excitement of your completed project. Publishing your book should be a pleasant experience with an affordable rate and unlimited customer service. We have been in business for 23 years as a writing/editing service, and now we are able to offer the same quality and service as a publisher. Please visit http://www.aflairforwriting.com/XX-publish.htm for full details. Then contact us to discuss your project and all of the attention it deserves.
Warmest wishes,
Donna Erickson, Owner/Acquisitions Editor/Marketing Director
A Flair For Writing – Publishing Services
Saturday, July 25, 2009
OUR PUBLISHING MISSION
The face of publishing is changing by the minute. We saw a need to offer a reliable and credible service, in contrast to all of the scams, frauds, and misleading claims out there today. I wrote and published an ebook to help new authors avoid being scammed because I have heard too many "nightmare" stories.
If you are focused on publishing traditionally, I would suggest you get a good literary agent who can get your manuscript into the right hands. Still, the odds of getting published are not encouraging, as they average in the 2% range. About 98% face rejection. "Harry Potter" was rescued from a wastebasket, and Stephen King endured close to 100 rejections before making his first sale.
Realizing this, a number of authors (even best-selling ones) turn to self-publishing because it is quick and easy. Nothing is cheap today, although we think our services are a bargain compared to most others. Another publisher boasts of his free services but then requires his clients to purchase 2500 books--making his costs far more than ours. Victoria Strauss (the "go-to-guru" for exposing publishing frauds) advises against using his services, as well as many other of today's publishers.
We are here to help change the face of publishing, eliminate the corruption, and inform and educate our authors. We help them through every step of the process to succeed in their publishing journey. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career.
If you are focused on publishing traditionally, I would suggest you get a good literary agent who can get your manuscript into the right hands. Still, the odds of getting published are not encouraging, as they average in the 2% range. About 98% face rejection. "Harry Potter" was rescued from a wastebasket, and Stephen King endured close to 100 rejections before making his first sale.
Realizing this, a number of authors (even best-selling ones) turn to self-publishing because it is quick and easy. Nothing is cheap today, although we think our services are a bargain compared to most others. Another publisher boasts of his free services but then requires his clients to purchase 2500 books--making his costs far more than ours. Victoria Strauss (the "go-to-guru" for exposing publishing frauds) advises against using his services, as well as many other of today's publishers.
We are here to help change the face of publishing, eliminate the corruption, and inform and educate our authors. We help them through every step of the process to succeed in their publishing journey. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Here's a recent e-mail from a "Write Stuff" contestant.
Ms Erickson,
I have not even gotten to the point of chapters, but I can send you a few pages. I am interested in the coaching and the tips. Honestly, I know an English major who is willing to help me basically for free so you understand it is not a personal thing. I think your services are a great idea. Also if your a judge with the show, will that effect me? I am interested in your book about publishing. Let me know and I will e-mail you some of my book. I do value your opinion. I saw your You-tube submission and found it impressive. Thank you for your time.
Geremy Howard
I have not even gotten to the point of chapters, but I can send you a few pages. I am interested in the coaching and the tips. Honestly, I know an English major who is willing to help me basically for free so you understand it is not a personal thing. I think your services are a great idea. Also if your a judge with the show, will that effect me? I am interested in your book about publishing. Let me know and I will e-mail you some of my book. I do value your opinion. I saw your You-tube submission and found it impressive. Thank you for your time.
Geremy Howard
Friday, May 29, 2009
ATTENTION NEW AUTHORS: HOT OFF THE “E-PRESS!”
“No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry.” A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing--from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid. Price: $19.95
For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com.
For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Care to add another comment on my articles?
Donna,
Congratulations! A new comment was recently left for your article, "Become a Better Business Writer".
You can view the comment here:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/comment.php?Become_a_Better_Business_Writer&id=2332686
Congratulations! A new comment was recently left for your article, "Become a Better Business Writer".
You can view the comment here:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/comment.php?Become_a_Better_Business_Writer&id=2332686
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Become a Better Business Writer
By Donna Erickson
Article Word Count: 475 [View Summary] Comments (0)
Every sentence you put down on paper (or on a computer screen) identifies who you are and/or what your business offers. Poor writing, grammatical errors, and typos all deflect from the professionalism you want to generate and the image you want to create. The following tips are meant to help guide you, so your writing is clean, crisp, and clear.
1. Use the active rather than passive voice. This steadfast rule for professional writing is especially important for authors of both fiction and non-fiction. However, the advice is good for all writers creating any form of narrative, copywriting, or web content. Voice shows whether the subject performs (active) or receives (passive) the action of the verb. Instead of saying, "The film was watched by a large audience, say, "A large audience viewed the film." The use of the active voice allows for a more direct and aggressive type of writing.
2. Avoid linking verbs. Rather than saying, "She was honest and genuine" you could say, "Her proven honesty made her even more genuine." Add more power to the punch by staying away from linking verbs, such as is, was, seemed, or had. As soon as you are tempted to begin a sentence with there is, it was, or he had (for example), try coming up with a new approach, such as the one above.
3. Try not to use the word very. In most cases, the sentence will sound better without it. Most likely, you'll notice if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it.
4. Limit the word that. Its overuse in today's writing is abundant. Example: see the last sentence, in number three above. I could have chosen to write: most likely, you'll notice that if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it. You can see the word is not necessary. By the way, I just created another sentence without that (in the previous sentence).
5. Write to the reader. If you are writing to sell, be sure to use the word you more than the word I or we. You want the reader to identify with what you are saying.
6. Stay away from cliches and colloquialisms. Experts recommend limiting the use of them. Occasional use is okay, but I have seen writers who tend to write every sentence that way. Some examples to avoid include: chill out, pissed off, as fate would have it, on top of the world, bored to death, etc.
7. Keep sentences short. Rather than writing a long, run-on sentence of connected phrases, chop it up. Cut it into several short sentences or use the em dash (see below), and you'll see the readability will improve.
If you follow these rules, your writing should improve dramatically. You may even get more business - *because you will be keeping the reader's attention instead of losing a sale.
*( use of em dash)
Donna Erickson
"Your Publishing Guru"
Owner, A Flair For Writing
http://www.aflairforwriting.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Erickson
Article Word Count: 475 [View Summary] Comments (0)
Every sentence you put down on paper (or on a computer screen) identifies who you are and/or what your business offers. Poor writing, grammatical errors, and typos all deflect from the professionalism you want to generate and the image you want to create. The following tips are meant to help guide you, so your writing is clean, crisp, and clear.
1. Use the active rather than passive voice. This steadfast rule for professional writing is especially important for authors of both fiction and non-fiction. However, the advice is good for all writers creating any form of narrative, copywriting, or web content. Voice shows whether the subject performs (active) or receives (passive) the action of the verb. Instead of saying, "The film was watched by a large audience, say, "A large audience viewed the film." The use of the active voice allows for a more direct and aggressive type of writing.
2. Avoid linking verbs. Rather than saying, "She was honest and genuine" you could say, "Her proven honesty made her even more genuine." Add more power to the punch by staying away from linking verbs, such as is, was, seemed, or had. As soon as you are tempted to begin a sentence with there is, it was, or he had (for example), try coming up with a new approach, such as the one above.
3. Try not to use the word very. In most cases, the sentence will sound better without it. Most likely, you'll notice if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it.
4. Limit the word that. Its overuse in today's writing is abundant. Example: see the last sentence, in number three above. I could have chosen to write: most likely, you'll notice that if you decide to remove it, you won't miss it. You can see the word is not necessary. By the way, I just created another sentence without that (in the previous sentence).
5. Write to the reader. If you are writing to sell, be sure to use the word you more than the word I or we. You want the reader to identify with what you are saying.
6. Stay away from cliches and colloquialisms. Experts recommend limiting the use of them. Occasional use is okay, but I have seen writers who tend to write every sentence that way. Some examples to avoid include: chill out, pissed off, as fate would have it, on top of the world, bored to death, etc.
7. Keep sentences short. Rather than writing a long, run-on sentence of connected phrases, chop it up. Cut it into several short sentences or use the em dash (see below), and you'll see the readability will improve.
If you follow these rules, your writing should improve dramatically. You may even get more business - *because you will be keeping the reader's attention instead of losing a sale.
*( use of em dash)
Donna Erickson
"Your Publishing Guru"
Owner, A Flair For Writing
http://www.aflairforwriting.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Erickson
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