Writing For Free Pays

Writing For Free Pays!

I am pleased to announce that because of the existence of the American Chronicle, and the kind tolerance of its editorial staff, particularly Peter who has had to endure a lot regarding yours truly, I have been noticed by a travel guide publisher. Because I was permitted to send in article after article to this online publication, I am able to take on some bigger, paid gigs.

The way this works is that you write, a lot, and send your stuff into the American Chronicle for no pay. Hopefully, you write something that people actually want to read and, on occasion, respond to. The guys and gals at the mysterious editorial offices of the Chronicle, if you are lucky, approve your articles and put them on their web page. Though you aren’t making money in the traditional sense, you are getting exposure. You can even mention that you have written a book or two and that you would appreciate it if lots of people buy many copies for Christmas presents.

Lo and behold, when I wasn’t even looking, a travel guide publisher wrote me and asked for samples of my writing and my resume. Of course, I did what they asked pronto! I also asked which butt-cheek I should kiss. Not really, but I felt like it.

This travel guide publisher responded. After swooning to the floor and picking myself up, I read that not only were they interested in me as a contract writer but they also want to publish one of my articles in an anthology they have coming out later this spring.

After a lot of excitement-caused sleepless nights and a lot of alcoholic beverages, I was finally able to reflect on how this has all come to be. I thought I would offer some words of advice to other aspiring writers.

First, write, write, and write some more. What I mean is, write something publishable every day. Write as though you have a daily column to get out by a deadline. This doesn’t mean that you necessarily need to get it published daily. The point here is that you need to produce a lot of material. And, it needs to be publishable. Make sure it is your best stuff.

Second, in this daily writing, be sure to address your niche. I write about Mexico almost exclusively because that is where I live and what I know. I write what I know and what I want to write about—life in Mexico.

Third, find a place like the American Chronicle to file your stories. Make sure, if the online publication allows you to post key words, you choose key words that you think someone will look for within your niche. For example, with almost every story I file, I put the words, “Mexico, Guanajuato, expatriation to Mexico, travel to Mexico, etc…” or some variation as the key words.

Fourth, if you are permitted to post personal info, a bio or your web page, then do so. You want your biographical information out there. You also want to have words in your bio that correspond to the key words in your stories.

Fifth, do not ever offend your editors. Do not be a cry-baby. Do not pitch fits. Do not think of yourself as a prima donna. There are enough of them in the world. Frankly, they are not well loved. In fact, do what your editors say. Always follow their suggestions, especially when they tell you to straighten up your act and fly right. I add, reluctantly, that I know this point from personal experience.

Though none of this is guaranteed to land you a paying gig, it can be the means through which you get discovered. The more stories you can file, with lots and lots of good key words, the better your chances of getting noticed.

I will keep all my readers on the Chronicle informed as to the progress of my new writing venue. I will continue to crank out the stuff that many of you apparently like reading.

I want to thanks the Chronicle, Peter, and all those readers who have actually read my work.

And, be sure to buy my books, lots of them, for Christmas presents this year.

BONUS : Writing For Greeting Cards

Greeting cards are a wonderful way to express your feelings. They offer a way for us to say what we mean even if we cannot find the words ourselves, which is where greeting card writers come in. They do not receive a byline and never see their work published in national magazines, but they do produce some of the most widely read projects. Writing for greeting cards is especially nice because the word count is low and the pay can be as much, or more, than some publications.

If you want to write for greeting cards, the first thing to do is to become familiar with what is popular and what sells. A greeting card company will not hire you if your material is not fresh and unique. If you are just starting out as a writer and want to get your ink wet, so to speak, write what you know. The same is true when writing for greeting cards.

Your next step will be to find a company that is looking for freelance writers for greeting cards, which can often be found directly from the company’s website. Most have policies regarding freelance submissions and ask that content for greeting cards be submitted to a specific individual within the company. If accepted, your work will be compensated according to the company’s written policy on freelance writing.

So, just what are the most popular kinds of greeting cards? Holiday specific cards are always popular, as are those dealing with love and humor. Part of the charm of greeting cards is their ability to bring a smile to someone’s face. Perhaps it’s a long distance birthday wish or a humorous look at a special friendship. Maybe it’s a milestone anniversary that is being celebrated and a greeting card can provide the perfect words to express your feeling. These topics are always popular and these are the ones that are readily sought by publishers of greeting cards.

As a final thought with writing for greeting cards, avoid sending submissions at random. Some companies simply do not accept freelance submissions, so you will not want to waste your time with those. In addition, companies that do not offer monetary compensation are not the best choice because you do not receive a byline for greeting cards. Always submit to companies that are willing to pay freelance writers for their work. As you work with different editors, you will begin to gain a better understanding of the market and how writing for greeting cards can put a smile on your face and in your wallet.