Men With Pens

JULY 4, 2010

It’s especially hard for new writers to find their writing voice, because they already feel awkward having their work in the spotlight and subject to public approval. Why We Struggle to Find our Voice Writers worry. One of the problems is that writers write in ways that fit our beliefs, not the reality. Forget that.

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Writing Writer Copywriter Copywriting 88

Men With Pens

MARCH 25, 2010

I’m happier when he attaches a guest post – he’s a great writer full of good stuff to share. In a recent conversation, a writer told me that he hates projects about things that don’t interest him. Top writers are ruthless editors and heartless revisionists. He’s a nice guy. We all make them.

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Copywriter Copywriting Food Copy 81

Men With Pens

APRIL 25, 2010

This is the way writers used to write. Chris Mower ( @firesamurai ) April 25, 2010 at 12:14 pm I enjoy reading Dean’s blog. 5 Ways to Trim the Fat from Your Next Project Reply --Deb ( @__Deb ) April 25, 2010 at 12:43 pm Oh, this is just hilarious. Reply susan ( @susanfinch ) April 25, 2010 at 3:13 pm Thanks.

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Projects 103

Men With Pens

JUNE 20, 2010

But if you’re like most writers (and you probably are), you’ve read the ‘read aloud’ tip already. You’re a good writer already. Writers – especially new ones – tend to get confused about the ‘voice’ they should use. You’ve nodded, smiled and completely ignored it. Or are you?

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Text Writer Script Copy 73

Men With Pens

MAY 16, 2010

Guest poster Chris Birk did a good job recently of describing how a writer feels when a guest post is accepted but has not yet been published. As an editor at a blog, a writer for three blogs, and an owner of two blogs–I have been on the receiving end of a lot of guest posts over the years. Has this post been helpful to you?

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Men With Pens

JUNE 23, 2010

Writers come in different flavors. There are copywriters, bloggers, academic writers (the vanilla of the writing world?), technical writers and… Fiction writers. Even though only your mom and your writers’ group will ever read your fiction. Fiction is great training to become a good writer. Want an example?

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Blogger 64

Men With Pens

APRIL 15, 2010

So when it hit me, I did – and here’s her post on how to be a better writer – fast. And I’ve been soaking up advice from sites like Copyblogger and Men with Pens as well as material from some other excellent writers in the blogosphere. Most writers aren’t brimming over with confidence, either.

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Writer 73

Men With Pens

APRIL 8, 2010

Regardless if you are a freelance writer, a business executive, a graphic artist or if you are working a part-time job, you surely could use a bit of help in organizing your thoughts so that your days run more smoothly. Kobu April 9, 2010 at 5:30 am Evernote and Hiveminder should not be left out! We could all use more of that, eh!)

Collaboration 82

Collaboration Projects Freelance Copywriter 82

ProBlogger

JULY 4, 2017

Around 2010, though, things started to change. You may even want to use some of your guest posts as a writing portfolio, especially if you’re looking for freelance work. #6: You may also get feedback from the blogger (or blog editor) you’re writing for: this can really help you grow as a writer. #7: 7: Develop Your Ideas.

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Men With Pens

MAY 26, 2010

There’s a school of writing – call it writers’ boot camp – that tells you things like: You must write every day. Writers’ block is just laziness Now, there’s some truth in these bits of advice, otherwise we’d never listen to them. Well, if you’re a writer, you probably enjoy writing.

Writing 62

Writing Writer Projects Freelance 62

Men With Pens

APRIL 1, 2010

Lugh ( @samldanach ) April 2, 2010 at 6:38 am Another option that I’ve recommended to a number of people trying to break into IT is to donate your services to a non-profit charity. Reply Solomon April 2, 2010 at 6:54 am It’s so timely article as I’m raw and new in a new city as we relocated recently.

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Men With Pens

JUNE 13, 2010

Too many writers just don’t understand how important marketing is … it’s the engine behind modern economies that makes our lives a thousand times better than they were generations ago. James: Ever get writer’s block? James: A lot of writers would love to have your life. The REAL copywriters are good writers.

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Copywriter Copywriting Copy Banking 57

The Creative Penn

JULY 8, 2024

I'm a developmental editor, working with writers in my private business. I'm also on the faculty of Manuscript Academy , working with writers there. Joanna: A portfolio career, as they call it. Joanna: In 2022, I rewrote my first three novels which I had self-published in 2009/2010. Renee: Sure, why not?

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Publisher Publishing Publishing Copy Editor 52

Men With Pens

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Brett ( @brettpopoleo ) March 1, 2010 at 2:30 am Thanks for the insight. Popoleo’s Pointing Dog’s Reply Solomon March 1, 2010 at 7:33 am Thanks for the great post! Ulrich ( @maryeulrich ) March 1, 2010 at 7:58 am Another strong message. You’ve already said yes to another customer: yourself. Keep it up and thanks.

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Freelance Projects Portfolio Copywriter 63

Men With Pens

MARCH 21, 2010

Matt Burgess ( @therealburgo ) March 22, 2010 at 4:28 am Totally agree, because it always comes down to one thing, doesn’t it? Things that were delicious this week… Reply Justin King March 22, 2010 at 6:37 am Remarkably good timing That car analogy is super smart too. Matt Burgess´s last blog. Thanks a million! Reply Mary E.

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Copy Copywriter Copywriting Storytelling 48

Men With Pens

JANUARY 7, 2010

Some writing jobs are just dreary, like being a marketing writer at Shoelaces-R-Us. Some writers, like me, have a thick skin and are pretty Type-A anyway. But I think most writers are not compatible with that sort of bulldozer personality. Some writers are happy with just a little extra income.

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Freelance Writing Creative Director Copywriter 60

Men With Pens

JANUARY 12, 2010

Writing: The Great Dust-Mop of the Creative Mind Every writer, particularly professional fiction writers, will tell you that in order to get to the truly genius stuff, you have to write pages upon pages of complete and utter garbage. No wonder writers are always exhausted by the very idea of writing if we haven’t done any for awhile.

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Creativity Copywriter Copywriting Writer 62

Men With Pens

JANUARY 17, 2010

Melinda | SuperWAHM ( @superwahm1 ) January 18, 2010 at 2:17 am I don’t have that much direct competition. SuperWAHM EZ-Notes – Pre-Release Sale and Giveaway Reply Archan Mehta January 18, 2010 at 5:55 am James, Once again, this is an interesting post. Reply Phil Simon ( @philsimon ) January 18, 2010 at 8:08 am James Good post.

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Copywriter Copywriting Sales Portfolio 77

Men With Pens

MARCH 11, 2010

Good News for Content Writers Don’t worry. In fact, you can make even more money as a content writer if you choose NOT to write blog content. Sometimes, the most effective way to be the best freelance writer for your client is to tell that person why you shouldn’t be hired for a specific job. What a great idea.

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Blog Blogging Sales Copy Freelance 51

Men With Pens

JANUARY 28, 2010

Today’s guest post comes to us from Susan Johnston, the Urban Muse Writer. If you give clients a freebie or cut them a ridiculously good deal (even if you’re trying to build your portfolio or help a friend), then you’re sending the message that you and your skills come cheap. Freelancing can be much the same.

Freelance 75

Freelance Portfolio Projects Creativity 75

Men With Pens

JUNE 27, 2010

Maquis June 28, 2010 at 1:16 am I’ll admit that I’ve definitely learned the hard way that sleep deprivation can be physically painful. Reply Þórey Ómars ( @thoreyo ) June 28, 2010 at 2:04 am Hi James. If anyone can get you sleeping your way to success, they can. First off… @Maquis: sleeping *more* as a new mom?

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Freelance Banking Creativity Hospitality 69

Men With Pens

JULY 11, 2010

Peter Shallard - The Shrink for Entrepreneurs ( @petershallard ) July 12, 2010 at 1:55 am This is a thoughtful post. Reply Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 12, 2010 at 4:01 am Whoa Excellent post James. The more people we get talking about blogging, the better we can shape it so that we can all profit.

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IT Blog Blogging Entertainment 69

Men With Pens

MARCH 4, 2010

For example, if you’re a great writer and Joe’s a fantastic ebook designer, create an info product or a course. Kelly March 5, 2010 at 7:36 am James, This one is a lesson you never stop learning. Reply Matthew : Big Red Tomato Company ( @Bigredtomato ) March 5, 2010 at 12:23 pm I Like this. Launch a new website.

Freelance 58

Freelance Projects Copywriter Copywriting 58

Men With Pens

APRIL 18, 2010

Michelle April 19, 2010 at 1:41 am I see this happening a lot on blogs where staff members are given blog articles to write but get caught up in their day-to-day responsibilities. Don’t Be an Expert, Be a Specialist Reply Susan Allport ( @suelander_ ) April 19, 2010 at 6:22 am I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there.

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Blogger Copywriter Copywriting Portfolio 59

Men With Pens

APRIL 20, 2010

Chris Mower ( @firesamurai ) April 21, 2010 at 1:45 am Ha ha, loved the unicorn scenario. FaceBook changes – Privacy issues and Fanpages Reply Susan Allport ( @suelander_ ) April 21, 2010 at 5:17 am “Go unicorn!&# It’s a great post Reply Annabel April 21, 2010 at 7:20 am Yes. Thanks for yet another great post.

Blogger 65

Blogger Copywriter Copywriting Portfolio 65

Men With Pens

APRIL 6, 2010

People want to see your portfolio, your testimonials, and your professional-looking website. Actually, we’re happy to put ourselves forward as the expert for anyone who wants to learn how to start your kick-ass web writer business. Ghosting Reply Lucy Thorpe ( @Lucythorpe ) April 7, 2010 at 5:13 am I could really use your help!

Education 49

Education Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 49

Men With Pens

APRIL 29, 2010

There are dozens of reasons why writers wind up in this content limbo. Mutual respect and empathy are two keys to cultivating a worthwhile writer-editor relationship, and an imbalance can contribute to a guest post being held hostage. But writers with a piece in limbo should consider pitching the idea to other sites.

Post 48

Post Blogger Publisher Publishing 48

Men With Pens

MARCH 3, 2010

Henry Bingaman ( @henrybing ) March 4, 2010 at 3:05 am Saying no takes confidence… but the act of saying no also builds confidence. Direct Email Marketing Tips Reply Michael Martine ( @remarkablogger ) March 4, 2010 at 3:55 am James, very smart stuff regarding a 48-hour waiting period vs. a “rush fee.&# Good post, James.

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Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Projects 63

Men With Pens

JULY 18, 2010

Rebecca July 19, 2010 at 2:19 am I’ve never been an avid horse rider myself but I can easily see the comparisons you are making. Sidebar 1 Reply Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 19, 2010 at 3:52 am Great comparison with Equestrians! Rebecca´s last blog. I really liked all 4 comparisons and lessons. Yup, this is true.

Concept 55

Concept Copywriter Copywriting Projects 55

Men With Pens

MAY 11, 2010

Allow me to tell you: We’ve overhauled, revamped and created a truly extraordinary resource for fiction writers everywhere, and we’ve packaged it up into a very entertaining and useful book called How to Create Believable Characters. People are curious and they like being in the know. Just drop us a comment and let us know.

Copywriter 43

Copywriter Copywriting Entertainment Projects 43

Men With Pens

FEBRUARY 25, 2010

This is a reminder for all of us that it’s not just buyer beware – it’s writer be careful, too. …Science fiction is central to everything we’ve ever done, and people who make fun of science fiction writers don’t know what they’re talking about. Ahh, science fiction, how do I love thee?

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Editorial Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 49

Men With Pens

MARCH 30, 2010

Not a writer? Devan ( @dsabar ) March 31, 2010 at 2:34 am Um…Kurt Cobain died from a self inflicted shotgun wound – not a heroin overdose… Reply Dena March 31, 2010 at 4:38 am Nice article. Reply Stacey Cornelius ( @thestudiosource ) March 31, 2010 at 10:39 am Taylor, welcome to my world. In a big way.

Sales Copy 44

Sales Copy Copy Sales Writing 44

Men With Pens

JULY 7, 2010

Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 8, 2010 at 3:00 am Great Advice. Kindest, Nabeel Reply Giulietta Nardone July 8, 2010 at 6:56 am Hi Agent X, #3 pay their price speaks to me. Ulrich ( @maryeulrich ) July 8, 2010 at 7:02 am Hi James, I think you are right about the importance of establishing a “brief.&#

Freelance 55

Freelance Projects Construction Copywriter 55

Men With Pens

APRIL 27, 2010

Tehillah Hessler ( @thessler ) April 28, 2010 at 3:10 am EXCELLENT ARTICLE! Reply Mike CJ ( @mikecj ) April 28, 2010 at 4:00 am A little late for me, this one. Reply Nathan Hangen ( @nhangen ) April 28, 2010 at 5:47 am It’s really easy to misunderstand email, Tweets, and everything in between.

Communication 67

Communication Text Freelance Copywriter 67

Men With Pens

JULY 25, 2010

Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 26, 2010 at 3:24 am I agree James. Kindest, Nabeel Reply Joel Falconer July 26, 2010 at 3:54 am As the saying goes, “opinions are like assholes–everyone has one and they all stink.&# Reply Andy Fogarty ( @AndyFogarty ) July 26, 2010 at 9:26 am I’m not going to lie.

Medical 54

Medical Banking Food Social Media 54

Men With Pens

SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

Public speaking can do wonders for your expert status in the minds of current and future clients, readers, fellow writers and the public. Could you snag some sweet portfolio pieces by working with local non-profits that work with these organizations? Copyright 2006 - 2010 30 Sous Zero Inc - All Rights Reserved. He’s right.

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Freelance Portfolio Concept Copywriter 55

Men With Pens

MAY 9, 2010

Melinda | SuperWAHM ( @Superwahm1 ) May 10, 2010 at 1:48 am I use a questionnaire for my coaching clients and it works brilliantly – I’ve used one for the last four years or so. Well ask all the right questions to make sure we give you everything you need to fall in love. Works a treat. Business Logos´s last blog.

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Copywriter Copywriting Copy Projects 52