The Basic Steps For Writing An Ebook

I am sure that I am not the only freelance writer who wonders whether they will ever author anything other than the pieces that they produce for the writing assignments that they take on. Writing is enjoyable for me, and I have been able to find projects that allow me to express myself creatively while earning money. Someday, though, I would like to write something independently of work. I am not sure how and when I will ever find the time to do that, but it is still a dream of mine. Since the process of getting a traditional book … Continue reading →

Should you have a pen name?

The question of adopting a pen name comes up for every aspiring author, freelance writer and blogger. Many who spend a lot of time online do not always feel comfortable using their real name. They do not want to bring added attention to their families. Some fear they are opening themselves up to more online undesirables that may intend some type of harm or slander. Many authors decide to write on sensitive material and find using a pen name gives them the ability to relate that material without bringing undo attention on themselves or family. Perhaps some find the idea … Continue reading →

My Best Advice for Blogging

Content is still king: No matter how the winds blow or the tides change the most important factor in writing is content. You must put out quality content to gain and keep readers. What is quality content? Content that effects a reader. Does your content encourage, enlighten, or engage? Are you teaching something, informing, or making your readers laugh? Readers are probably not interested in your last trip to the grocery store unless you demonstrate extreme couponing or have some antidote that is worth mentioning a trip to the grocery story. A blog post is a gift to your readers. … Continue reading →

The eBook Cover Search

I am in the process of writing a ebook. I only have about half of the first draft done but it is coming along. I do have a bit of a quirk about writing articles or ebooks. I always find the image associated with what I am writing first. When I first began my current ebook I selected an image. However, I changed my mind and decided to go with a photo rather then a vector image that I previously selected. So, of course, I decided that I had to find the image at that moment. I can be a … Continue reading →

Building a Platform

If you write for a living (or hope to), you need to understand the importance of building a platform. Writing today is much different than it used to be. In fact, you can’t really expect much of a career from it unless you have a platform. So what do I mean by platform? It is the means through which you promote, market, and sell your work. This is what will drive book sales. So if you hope to be taken on by a publisher you should know that without a platform, it likely won’t happen. The bigger and better your … Continue reading →

Tips on Making Money from Blogging

Many who engage in blogging look forward to the day when they can earn an income from their blog. It can be so exciting to earn money from blogging that it can be easy to make a mistake and get in on a bad deal. If you are a blogger looking to make money blogging you will need to follow a few guidelines. Tips for Making Money from a Blog There are a few options for earning money. There is advertising, text links, sponsored posts and affiliate programs. Once you are more established you can earn money from speaking and … Continue reading →

Is Web Content Writing for Me?

When it comes to explaining to others what I do for a living, they can usually understand the concept of blogging. But when I say that I write web content, I usually get a confused look. A web content writer provides the text needed to draw in a certain reader. Sometimes it can include the use of pictures, sound and videos. This will depend on the website and who you are writing for. Maybe you have heard the phrase, “Content is King.” What this means is that no matter how fancy your page looks, no matter how clever the layout…if … Continue reading →

Designing Your eBook Cover

The cover design for your new ebook is very important. Take your time and do not be afraid to ask for opinions. I recently make three mock ups of an ebook cover and the one several friends chose was not my first choice. So, get some opinions but follow these tips to get the best start. *Your book will be judged by the cover. Fair or not, that is the way the book sells. You need your eBook to appeal to your target audience. Think about your audience as you chose a cover. For instance, if your book will appeal … Continue reading →

The Trend Toward Co-Blogging and Blog Contributors

I first began blogging about two years ago. Up until that point I had not even read a blog. I began blogging to house my writing and share my thoughts. I never intended for blogging to become an important part of my life. I’m a wife with four kids and a business. That last thing I needed was another thing on my plate. However, soon blogging became a passion of mine. In my time on the blogosphere I noticed an interesting trend. Solo bloggers are starting to become group bloggers. The trend is not lost on me. I contribute to … Continue reading →

Tips for Affiliate Marketing on Your Blog

Affiliate marketing can be a roaring success, a moderate success or it can fall flat. Often falling flat or moderate success can occur despite our best efforts. If that is happening to you then switch to another affiliate. It is perhaps an affiliate that does not resonate with your readers. However, more times than now the reason affiliate marketing fails is due to a lack of work. Affiliate marking does not succeed by placing an ad on a sidebar and forgetting about it. In fact, placing an ad on your sidebar is one of the least successful ways to spreading … Continue reading →