The 5 Benefits of Publishing Poetry, Explained

For many aspiring poets, the act of writing poetry is an intimate journey of self-expression and creative exploration. But what happens when these carefully crafted verses find their way into the public eye? 

Publishing poetry, an endeavor often as daunting as it is exhilarating, holds the promise of not just sharing one’s soul through words but also discovering a world of unexpected benefits. This journey from private musings to published works is not just about gaining an audience; it’s a path that leads to personal growth, artistic development, and a profound connection with readers who find resonance in your words. 

Whether you’re a seasoned poet or someone who’s just penned their first stanza, understanding the myriad advantages of publishing your poetry can transform your writing journey. Let’s delve into the world of poetic publication and explore how it can enrich your life as a writer and as an individual.

1. Personal Growth and Artistic Development

Embarking on the journey of publishing poetry is more than just a professional milestone; it’s a catalyst for personal and artistic growth. When a poet decides to publish, they step out of their comfort zone, transforming private reflections into public expressions. This transition often prompts a deeper introspection and a more critical evaluation of one’s work. As you prepare your poetry for the eyes of others, you engage in a process of refining and redefining your voice, discovering the nuances and strengths of your artistic persona.

Furthermore, the act of publishing encourages poets to experiment with different styles and themes, fostering versatility and resilience in their craft. It pushes you to explore new boundaries, to play with language and form in ways you might not have dared in the solitude of personal writing. This exploratory process is integral to developing a unique voice that resonates with readers and stands out in the literary world.

Moreover, publishing can act as a mirror, reflecting how your work evolves over time. By revisiting published pieces, poets can track their growth, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate their artistic journey. This reflective practice not only enhances self-awareness but also deepens one’s commitment to the craft, fueling a continual quest for improvement and excellence in poetry.

2. Building a Readership and Community

Publishing poetry does more than just showcase your work; it builds bridges to readers and forges connections with a community that shares your passion for the written word. The moment your poetry is out in the world, it begins to weave a network of readers, each one engaging with your work in their own unique way. This readership becomes not just an audience, but a community that appreciates, critiques, and celebrates your poetic journey.

Platforms like literary journals, online poetry forums, and social media play a pivotal role in this process. They provide spaces where poets can share their work and interact with their readers. Through these interactions, you gain valuable insights into how your poetry is received, what themes resonate with your audience, and how your words impact others. This feedback loop is invaluable in shaping your future work and carving a niche for yourself in the poetic landscape.

Moreover, being part of a community of poets and poetry lovers offers a sense of belonging and support. It’s a space where you can share experiences, challenges, and triumphs with fellow writers who understand the joys and struggles of the poetic craft. Engaging with this community, whether through readings, workshops, or online discussions, not only enriches your understanding of poetry but also embeds you more deeply in the vibrant tapestry of the literary world.

3. The Role of Feedback in Improving Craft

One of the most significant benefits of publishing poetry is the valuable feedback that comes from a diverse readership. When your poems reach the public, they are subject to a variety of interpretations and critiques, providing a wealth of perspectives that can profoundly influence your craft. This feedback, whether from readers, fellow poets, or literary critics, serves as a crucial tool for growth and improvement.

Constructively receiving and integrating feedback is an art in itself. It encourages you to view your work through different lenses, challenging you to refine your techniques and explore new thematic territories. Feedback can highlight both strengths and areas for improvement, offering guidance on rhythm, imagery, structure, and the emotional impact of your words. By embracing this input with an open mind and a willingness to evolve, you can transform your poetic practice, enriching your work with newfound depth and resonance.

4. Exploring How to Publish a Poetry Book

Navigating the path to publishing a poetry book can seem daunting, but understanding the process demystifies it and brings your dream within reach. The first step is to create a cohesive collection of your poems, which involves selecting pieces that resonate with a central theme or showcase the breadth of your talent. Next, decide on the publishing route: traditional publishing, which involves finding a literary agent and a publisher, or self-publishing, which gives you more control but also requires more personal involvement in the production and marketing processes.

Once your manuscript is ready, focus on polishing it. This might include revising poems, organizing them effectively, and possibly working with an editor for professional feedback. Then, consider the book’s visual aspect, including cover design and layout, which are crucial for attracting readers. Lastly, plan for the launch and promotion of your book, thinking about how to reach your audience, whether through social media, poetry readings, or literary festivals. Remember, publishing a poetry book is not just about the end product; it’s a journey that enhances your growth as a poet.

5. Career Opportunities and Monetization

Publishing poetry opens up a spectrum of career opportunities beyond the realm of writing. Poets often find avenues in teaching, conducting workshops, or speaking at literary events, leveraging their published work as a testament to their expertise. These roles not only provide financial rewards but also offer platforms to inspire and educate others about the art of poetry.

Additionally, monetization can come directly from book sales, especially if you establish a strong personal brand and connect effectively with your audience. Exploring digital formats, such as eBooks or audiobooks, can further broaden your reach. Remember, each published piece adds to your portfolio, enhancing your credibility and opening new doors in the literary and educational fields.

In conclusion, publishing poetry is a journey that extends far beyond the pages of a book. It’s an opportunity for personal and artistic growth, community building, and professional advancement. Embrace the process, from crafting your verses to sharing them with the world, and discover the multifaceted rewards that await.

How to Become a Children’s Book Author

There’s no doubt that there is at least one book that you read as a child that had such a profound impact on your life that you still remember it with fondness today. You remember the message of that book and you recall how it made you feel; you may even remember where and when you read that book, or who read it to you. 

There really is just something so magical about children’s books, and the best ones are those that you can recall well into adulthood – and even for the rest of your life. The best children’s books are inspiring, uplifting, and instill a sense of wonder and excitement. They make you want to learn more, they spark creativity and imagination, and get you to think critically either about yourself, the world as a whole, or both. In fact, the amazing books that you read and that were read to you as a child instilled in you a love of reading and writing, and have inspired you to become a children’s book author yourself. 

As you begin your journey of becoming a children’s author, there’s no doubt that you find yourself reflecting on those books that touched you so deeply when you were a lad or lass. You’re also probably wondering how your own children’s book can hold a candle to your own childhood favorites. How did the authors manage to weave such amazing stories, complete with vivid plotlines and characters that came to life and really felt like they were your best friends? How can you do the same? 

The truth is, there is no simple answer to these questions, because the fact of the matter is that the process of becoming a children’s book author is different for everyone. It’s a journey, and just like every other journey in life, it’s as unique as you are. That said, however, it’s important to note that the most well-known children’s authors achieve their success by combining their talent with dedication, hard work, persistence, perseverance, planning, and even a touch of luck. 

If you’re an aspiring author who intends on writing and publishing a children’ book, the following tips can help to guide you on your path and lead you on your journey. 

Set your own goals

Some writers aspire to create children’s stories for the special little ones in their lives; their own children, their grandchildren, their nieces and nephews, or even their students. Other aspiring children’s authors hope to establish a career for themselves and earn an income by writing and publishing children’s literature. It’s important to identify your goals before you get started, as they will influence the approach you take, as well as the decisions you’ll make, including all aspects of the stories you write, and even the proofreading and publishing process. If the latter group describes you – that is, you hope to establish a career as a children’s book author – you’re going to want to create books that will appeal to a wide audience so that you can achieve the success that you are hoping for. 

Read children’s literature regularly

This step in the process of becoming a children’s author can be thought of as research, as well as inspiration. Look up a list of classics and titles that have received contemporary awards. Peruse the children’s section at your local bookstore, library, or even on your eReader store. Set the time aside to dive into a large pile of children’s books in a variety of genres and for a variety of age ranges (from picture books up to young adult novels). 

While you’re reading, really immerse yourself in the writing, and notice how it made you feel. Pay attention to the themes, the plots, the settings, and the behaviors of the characters, as well as the main message. It’s very likely that you’re going to notice that several books shared many of the same elements (though those elements were modified, of course, by each author for each book). The reason children’s books have shared elements? It’s because certain elements make for good storytelling; they draw readers in, captivate and inspire them, and establish a connection. Additionally, pay close attention to how the text and illustrations work with one another on the pages. Take note of the creative elements you liked the most, inspired you, and that you think will help you create your own children’s story. 

Focus on a sub-genre or niche

As an aspiring children’s book writer, there are several decisions that you’re going to need to make. Not only will you need to decide on a great plot, character names and backgrounds, and an attention-grabbing, yet meaningful title; you’ll also need to decide what genre and category your writing belongs to. 

The genre refers to the style, form, and/or content of a book; for example, fantasy or historical fiction. Categories refer to the potential readers; their ages, their stages of mental and emotional development, and their reading ability. Before you even start putting pen to paper, you need to identify the genre and category you want to write for. 

Know your audience

If you spend a lot of time with children, you have an upper-hand here, as you’ll be more aware of what their interests are, what language they use, and how to appeal to them. If you don’t spend a lot of time with kids, however, don’t just assume that you’re going to be able to know how to enchant them with your writing. As such, putting the time and effort into researching your audience is a must; heck, this would be valuable even if you are with children on a regular basis. 

Try to determine what it is that makes the age group you intend on writing for tick. What captures their attention? How long does their attention span last? What makes them laugh or sparks their curiosity? Hang out with your own children or grandchildren, or if you have friends with kids, see if you can arrange to spend time with them. You could also consider volunteering to read to children at your local library. Also, take some time to reacquaint yourself with your own inner child. 

The idea of becoming a published children’s author is certainly exciting; however, don’t just assume that you can jump right in. Becoming a successful children’s book writer requires time, patients, research, hard work, and persistence.

Author Inspiration – 8 Self-Published Best-Sellers

For the longest time, there’s been a hypothesis surrounding self-published works proposing authors who self-publish aren’t as successful as those who publish traditionally. Self-publishing has only recently become a more popular option for writers. Interestingly, self-publishing has a long history and has been tapped by some of the most cherished authors.

Here are eight authors with self-publishing success stories, showcasing novels that became best-sellers and award-winning screenplays.

#1 – Fifty Shades of Grey (E.L. James)

E.L. James drew inspiration from Twilight fanfiction. The author removed Master of the Universe from her fanfiction sites owing to derogatory comments regarding the sexual temperament of the plot. She revised Master of the Universe into an extended three-part version, James altered the characters’ names to Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele from Edward and Bella, and “Fifty Shades” of Grey was born.

An Australian-based virtual self-publishing platform, “The Writers’ Coffee Shop,” released the first installment of Fifty Shades of Grey in both digital and paperback editions. The sultry manuscripts’ sales were boosted by blogs and word of mouth. The second and third parts were released in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

In 2012 whispers morphed into screams, and Fifty Shades of Grey went viral. Networks in the U.S. testified to the trilogy’s viral popularity, and due to the intensifying awareness, Vintage Books snatched the license and redistributed Fifty Shades later that year. In 2015, the first novel of the provocative trilogy was brought to life on the silver screen.

#2 – The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter)

It’s hard to believe this childhood classic was on the verge of never being published. Beatrix Potter received an onslaught of criticism and rejection when she first presented the Peter Rabbit manuscript to publishers. They would request more color illustrations, demanding a longer story, while others recommended it be shortened.

Beatrix Potter opted to ignore the naysayers and self-publish the novel in 1901. The first 250 copies were distributed to her loved ones. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle even procured a copy for his children.

Frederick Warne & Co. reevaluated the novel, and Potter dropped her guard to colored illustrations. She agreed to an initial commercial publication of 5,000 copies. Pre-sale orders in 1902 had already reached 8,000 copies.

#3 – Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki)

Robert Kiyosaki failed miserably to secure a publisher, turned down by every single publishing house he contacted. Kiyosaki self-published “Rich Dad Poor Dad” in 1997. His wife, Kim, assisted in printing 1,000 copies of the manuscript.

His close friend bought 976 copies, selling them at his car wash business. Just years later, for the first time in history, Kiyosaki’s self-published book makes the New York Times Best Seller list. Warner Books seized the opportunity to publish this incredible personal finance book.

#4 – Wool (Hugh Howey)

Amazon KDP helped Hugh Howey publish this post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel in 2011. Howey was an author who enjoyed the freedom self-publishing offered. More episodes of the series were required when it became popular.

In 2012 he solicited international publishing rights, securing a print-only deal for $500,000 with Simon & Schuster. 20th Century Fox happily acquired the rights to the film. With all its success Howey preserves full distribution rights online.

The novel is based on a community living in a giant underground silo hundreds of levels deep. The regulations are in place to protect them until Sherriff Holsten asks permission to go outside, resulting in the unraveling of extraordinary occurrences.

#5 – The Joy of Cooking (Irma Rombauer)

Irma Rombauer lost her husband at age 52, destitute with a measly $6,000 to survive for the rest of her life. As a suggested coping mechanism by her children, she scripted her recipes and thoughts.

Rombauer paid the A.C. Clayton Printing Company $3,000 to produce 3,000 copies of “The Joy of Cooking: A Compilation of Reliable Recipes with a Casual Culinary Chat” in 1930. Two years later, most copies had sold, but Rombauer began considering a new publisher.

From 1936, spanning over the next few decades, The Bobbs-Merrill Company would release numerous new editions of the best seller.

#6 – Still Alice (Lisa Genova)

Lisa Genova’s self-published 2007 novel, “Still Allice,” wasn’t well received by publishing houses. The neuroscientist and writer sold copies of the manuscript from her car and threw herself into marketing the book solo. She scheduled two book events monthly, regularly renovated her website, and targeted the most popular reading websites.

Genova’s persistence paid off because the novel drew attention from the press seven months later, and she hired a publicist. Nine months after, an adoring agent auctioned the book to Simon & Schuster. “Still Alice” revolves around a woman who experiences early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, adapted in 2014 to an award-winning motion picture starring the talented Julianne Moore.

#7 – The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)

In 1993 The Celestine Prophecy, self-published by James Redfield, was turned down by all literary agents he approached. Redfield marketed his work from the trunk of his car, successfully selling 100,000 copies, and was spotted by Warner Books, who agreed to publish it.

165 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, prompted a film adaptation of “The Celestine Prophecy” in 2006. The novel takes the reader on a journey with the main character to understand nine insights from an ancient Peruvian manuscript.

#8 The Martian – (Andy Weir)

As the son of an electrical engineer and particle physicist, Andy Weir has a strong understanding of computer science. Weir left no stone unturned when he began writing “The Martian” in 2009. He wanted the novel to be as tangible as possible, performing in-depth research on existing technology.

Previous books and literary pieces were previously declined by literary agents, so Weir took matters into his own hands. He elected to publish one chapter at a time for free on his website. His fans requested an Amazon Kindle version, and “The Martian” promptly rose to the top of Amazon’s bestselling sci-fi titles. It sold 35,000 copies in three months.This was enough to grab the attention of publishers, and Weir sold the rights to Crown in 2013. The novel debuted as a New York Times Best Seller and became an award-winning film starring Matt Damon.

Why Do I Need a Ghostwriter for My Project?

Are you starting a new blog? Who’s handling your content creation? If you’re not a natural writer, you might struggle with producing posts that attract a readership. Why not hire a ghostwriter to take care of this responsibility?

With a ghostwriter handling the writing, you don’t have to concern yourself with hiring a writer for your payroll. They’re an entirely disposable asset for your online business. You can choose your ghostwriter from thousands of highly qualified writers ready to work on your business, not in it.

Let’s unpack the advantages of hiring ghostwriters for your blogs and writing projects and where to find the best talent. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Ghostwriters for Long-Form Content

Are you writing a manuscript, novel, or e-book? Ghostwriters can help you with these tasks. There are specialist long-form ghostwriters that assist you with any content request. They work to your specifications and check in with you at every step of the content creation process.

Ghostwriters for Short-form Content

Do you need someone to handle your blogging responsibilities? Maybe you need someone to write your web content? There are ghostwriters dedicated to these specialist tasks. Whether you need SEO-optimized content or creative writing, ghostwriters can help you with your content strategy.

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Ghostwriter?

There are several advantages to hiring ghostwriters to assist you with your content strategy. Let’s look at how these professionals help your online or offline business.

#1 Save Time, Money, and Effort

A ghostwriting service takes the responsibility of content creation out of your workflow. How much time can you save by outsourcing your writing? How will that free your time to focus on other areas of your business that drive revenue?

A ghostwriter is a blessing to your online or offline business model. No more wasting hours staring at blank pages wondering what to write, and no more stress meeting publishing deadlines. You get fast, efficient, reliable, and effective writing for your business.

#2 Get Professional Results

Ghostwriters write content for a living. It’s all they do. You can expect professional results if you get the right ghostwriter working on your content strategy.

Ghostwriters use professional editing tools to ensure you get error-free content, and they know how to format and structure posts to make them readable and engaging.

#3 Maintain Ownership

When a ghostwriter hands over a project, it’s yours. You pay them for the work and retain all ownership rights. There is no threat of them coming back to claim the content later. It’s a transactional process, and the ghostwriter wants no credit for producing the work, even if it goes viral.

Where Can I Find Ghostwriters?

You can find ghostwriters for hire online. Hire a freelancer from a platform like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, or go with a professional writing service offering ghostwriting facilities for their clients. So, which is the better choice? A freelancer or writing service? What’s the difference between the two options?  

Do I Go with a Freelancer?

Freelancers are the weaker choice for your content partner. A freelancer operates independently, and that could come back to bite you. You could hire a freelancer for a project, and they agree to the task but fail to deliver on your requested deadline.

You have no recourse in this case but to ask for a refund. Sometimes, the freelancer might not even comply with this request, scamming you out of your money. While many sites rate freelancers through a star grading system, that’s no guarantee of results. They are ways to game the system and get a 5-star review without using legitimate sources.

If you’re hiring a freelancer, they need to come from a niche site and have a solid track record you can review. We’re not saying it’s impossible to find a good freelancer, but it’s far more challenging than the alternative of hiring a writing service.

Should I Hire a Professional Service?

Hiring a professional writing service for your ghostwriter is the more sensible and reliable of the two options. A professional service gives you access to a team of ghostwriters to handle your content requests. 

You can place larger orders and receive faster turnaround times than with independent freelancers. Writing services have a staff of ghostwriters available to handle our content requests. If one of the writers goes AWOL, several others are available to pick up the slack and ensure you get your content by the deadline.

Professional services are easier to vet than independent freelancers. They typically have a reputation to uphold, and they’re not going to risk it by delivering after your deadline or producing sub-par content. If we must pick between the options, we’re going with the writing service all day.

Cost Vs. Quality

Cost and quality are the only issues regarding freelancers versus writing services. While a writing service will likely give you better quality and faster turnaround times, it will cost you more. You can find freelancers on sites like Fiverr offering 500-words for $5, but you get what you pay for in this case.

A low rate usually means low-quality content. You might get unedited work filled with grammar errors and improper formatting that’s hard to read. With a writing service, you get high-level content formatted to perfection. The result is a superior reader experience for your blog visitors.

Test Several Services

If you have a writing project to deliver for your client or your blog, spread your risk and hand off work to several providers. You can test a few writing services and a freelancer to see the results.

Build a Relationship with Your Ghostwriter

When you find a good ghostwriter, hold onto them like gold. While there are thousands of ghostwriting services and freelancers, only a very small percentage of them yield top-level results for your content strategy. Develop the relationship and keep them happy.

In Closing – Hiring a Ghostwriter is a No-Brainer

Why go through the hassle of creating content yourself when you can have a professional do it for you? Hire a ghostwriter and remove the responsibility of content creation off your plate.

Books to Read Before You Die

While it may be something that most don’t like to think about, as it’s never a pleasant topic of conversation, death is a part of life. That means that the time we have on this earth are finite, and as such, it is so important to make the most of the things that you love. If you’re an avid reader, trying to get in as many books as you possibly can before you pass on is crucial. Even if you aren’t a so-called bookworm, reading is really something you should prioritize, as it offers a wealth of benefits. 

If you’re looking to increase your reading time or you always have your nose in a book and you’re looking for some great titles to add to the list, here’s a look at some books you should read before you die.

1984 by George Orwell

Published in 1949, 1984 by George Orwell provides a frightening glimpse at a dystopian global society where the government has put such totalitarian control in place and has completely removed citizens’ inalienable rights that even thinking thoughts that are in opposition of Big Brother (the supreme ruler of Oceania, the police state country that has replaced all of the governments of the Western Hemisphere, the UK, and most of the countries that are ruled by the British Empire) can end with being hauled off by the Thought Police. Given the state of the world since March of 2020,reading 1984 is a must. In fact, when you compare the book to the current climate, you may make you wonder if George Orwell was a seer. 

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Published in 1958, just two years before Nigeria declared their independence, Things Fall Apart was the first African book that garnered global attention. A short, easy read, this novel shares critical messages: the importance of familial traditions, the legacy of colonialism, as well as fate and will. More significantly, it highlights the ill effects that occur when societies and individuals fail to advance. 

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

A lighthearted tale about a highly spirited and courageous orphan girl who is adopted by an elderly brother and sister, Anne of Green Gables is a delightful read. While reading this coming-of-age tale, you’ll be brought along on a young girl’s journey as she tries to find her place in life. It’s a beloved classic and an absolute must-read. 

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Another classic, The Catcher in the Rye was published as a novel in 1951. While the author intended it for adults, it has become an iconic title for adolescents, due to the themes that appeal to this age group, such as angst, alienation, and the superficiality of society. In Holden Caulfield (the main character), many have said that Salinger created the original “cynical adolescent”. 

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

A quintessential adventure/revenge novel that was completed by Dumas, a French writer, in 1844, The Count of Monte Cristo is another title to add to your list of must-reads. The book is the tale of the young Frenchman Edmond Dantes, who is falsely accused and hailed without trial on an island off the coast of France. Dantes’ determination and will drove him to escape his wrongful imprisonment and attempt to avenge himself. Though written more than 170 years ago, it remains – and will continue to remain – a revenge tale that resonates throughout the ages. 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, New York, The Great Gatsby has been dubbed by many the greatest novel of all time. The story is told by narrator Nick Carraway, who shares his relationship with Jay Gatsby, a “new money” millionaire, and his obsession with rekindling his romance with Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s former lover. 

Creating a Successful Freelance Writing Business

The Secret to Creating a Successful Freelance Writing Business

Everybody thinks about freelancing as a side hustle or a part-time job, but did you know that it is entirely possible to have a flourishing, full-time freelance career?

In order to show you how it’s done, I spilled the secrets of my own six-figure freelance writing business. Keep reading to learn how I got started as a freelancer, how to start your own freelance writing business, and what must-have tools I use daily.

Getting started as a freelance writer

Originally, freelance writing was more of a side hustle for me. I had just graduated college, and I needed a way to make extra money while applying for full-time jobs. I knew I could write fairly well, so I made a profile on Upwork. At first, I took all kinds of writing gigs (most of them for very little money) and, eventually, the grunt work paid off. I used the writing samples I had created to land a full-time job as the Women’s & Lifestyle Writer for a BuzzFeed-style startup.

I worked there for a little bit over a year until they ran out of funding, as sometimes happens with startups. Shortly after the company shut down, I realized that I never wanted to let someone else be in charge of my paycheck ever again. I didn’t want to a lump in my throat wondering how I was going to pay rent after I was laid off in the blink of an eye. That’s when I decided I was going to start my own writing business.

Even though I had decided to make a career out of freelancing, my success didn’t happen overnight. At first, I freelanced part-time while also working another job to help pay the bills. In my first year as a freelancer, I made a total of $35,000 from my writing clients. However, four years later, I consistently make over six figures as a Freelance Real Estate & Personal Finance Writer, and I am working to grow that amount even further.

How to build your own 6-figure content writing business

Now that you know more about me and how I got started in the industry, let’s get to the fun part. Below are the steps you need to follow to build your own freelance business from scratch. Read them over to have a better idea of what it takes to make it as a freelance content writer.

Study up on your chosen writing format

Like most other jobs, being successful as a freelance writer requires having some foundational knowledge of the subject. However, in this case, rather than going back to school and getting another degree, you can usually learn on your own or by taking some courses led by other successful freelancers.

It’s important to note that not all genres of freelance writing are created equal. For instance, on a day-to-day basis, bloggers tackle tasks much different from what I handle as a freelance content writer. Meanwhile, a copywriter will look for agency clients, as opposed to the websites and media companies that make up my client list.

With that in mind, you’re going to want to do some research into what it takes to succeed in each area of specialization before picking one that feels like it might be the right fit for you. Then, do more of a deep dive into creating the type of content you want to specialize in. For instance, I write blogs, but some other content writers specialize in writing email sequences or landing page copy.

Create work samples in your desired niche

Once you’re pretty clear on how your content creation process should work, the next step is to create your writing samples. Ideally, when you’re done, you should post them online so that a link can easily access them. If you’re starting out working on a platform like Upwork, you can post them there. However, you can also post on Medium or LinkedIn for free. 

That said, rather than just creating any writing samples, you’ll want to pick a niche first and choose topics that will play well in those industries. As I said above, I work in the real estate and personal finance niches, but many other writers have found success working in different industries such as healthcare or marketing. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a niche where you have some background knowledge or experience.

Whichever niche you ultimately choose, creating relevant samples will be key to landing your first writing job. It will show your potential clients that you have a foundational knowledge of the industry and how to create content that will appeal to their clients.

Make a portfolio website

After you’ve posted your writing samples online, it’s time to create a portfolio website. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need anything particularly fancy or expensive to get started. However, you do need a website that advertises your business. If you’re not very techy, you can use a drag-and-drop website building tool like Wix or Square to get started.

At base, your website should include the following elements:

  • A domain name that is catchy and easy to spell
  • Information about the specific services you offer
  • Information about you and your experience in your niche, as well as anything that sets you apart from other writers in the field
  • Your writing samples
  • A reliable contact method for you

Pitch your work everywhere

At this point, you should have everything you need in place to start going after potential clients. Again, if you’re just starting, it may be a good idea to use sites like Upwork for leads. Still, you don’t want to rely on content mills for too long. You can get much higher rates elsewhere and, once you have a little experience under your belt, it makes sense to move on.

Most beginner-to-intermediate freelance writers get new clients by writing cold emails. An excellent cold email pitch should be sent to someone on the editorial staff of a website or media company within your niche. It will briefly touch on all of the elements that I suggested you include in your website. 

Ultimately, the email is used to ask the editorial staff if they would like you to write content for them. It may take you a few emails to get a positive response, but persistence is vital. Once someone agrees to your pitch, you can start officially building your portfolio.

Continue to build your portfolio and raise your rates

After you have a few clients and multiple bylines under your belt, it’s essential to continually up your game. Every so often, when you book a big-name client, it’s a good idea to try and raise your rates accordingly. 

If you start taking low-paying writing jobs, it can be time to raise your rates to six-figure territory, but it can be done. When I started writing, I got paid $8 an article to create recipes for a lifestyle blog. Now, I consistently earn between $0.50 and $1 per word for my real estate and finance clients. 

Additionally, while the amount you can charge will largely depend on your experience level, in general, it’s a good idea to set a per-project fee rather than an hourly rate. In my experience, potential clients are much more receptive to a flat rate than doing the math on what I charge per hour.

Become an industry expert

At a certain point, you can leverage your experience to become an industry expert. In addition to having clients start to come to me after reading my work instead of pitching myself to various media outlets, I have also had the opportunity to appear on podcasts and television segments as a subject matter expert (SME).

Once that happens, you can start to think about adding different income streams to your freelance writing business. While I’m still figuring out how this will look for my business, some options that I have been considering include offering coaching to beginner freelance writers and writing an ebook about my experiences. 

The 6 tools you need to be successful as a freelancer

Now that you know what steps to take to launch a freelance writing career, it’s essential to look at the tools I regularly use to keep my business up and running. With that in mind, I’ve laid them out below. While you don’t have to use the same programs that I use, it’s a good idea to ensure that you have similar systems in place.

CRM system

The first and most important tool that you will use in your business is a CRM system. In industry, CRM stands for “client relationship management.” This system will be a place to keep track of your leads and your various writing assignments.

In particular, I use Dubsado. I like it because it’s pretty much an all-in-one system for freelancers. I use it to track my leads, handle my invoicing, keep track of my deadlines, do basic accounting tasks, and handle new client onboarding. 

Financial software

Since my CRM system only handles accounting basics, I need another plan to track how much income I have coming in monthly. In all honesty, I use a basic Google Sheets spreadsheet for this and update it regularly with my projected income and expenses. Other software like Credit Sesame helps a lot.

That said, eventually, I probably will be upgrading to accounting software that communicates with my CRM system, my business credit card, and my business bank account.

Portfolio website 

The other tool I utilize regularly is my portfolio website. I’m not very tech-oriented, so I chose Wix as my provider and created my website fairly quickly. At this point, I rank decently for keywords like “freelance real estate writer,” so my website has become a consistent source of lead generation for me.

It’s worth mentioning that as your portfolio and experience level grows, you should be sure to update your website to reflect your new bylines and any noteworthy clients. 

Google tools 

Other than my CRM, Google’s suite of apps is probably the tool I use almost daily. Though I recently upgraded to a paid version of Google Workspace, I used the free versions for years. Typically, whenever I create content for a client, I write it up in Google Docs. I also use Gmail as my business email.

I specifically like Google Docs because it allows me to change the sharing permissions on the document according to who needs to see the finished product. It also offers a word count feature, which helps me ensure that I keep each article to my clients’ desired length. 

Social media 

Lastly, I maintain active social media accounts to share my work, connect with potential sources, and grow my network. In particular, I update both Twitter and Linkedin regularly. While I am still learning the optimal social media strategy for each of these sites, I currently use them to share my articles with a broader audience and connect with others in the real estate and financial industries.

It is possible to earn a good living as a freelancer, especially as a freelance content writer. However, it doesn’t happen overnight. It can take a while to build up your portfolio and increase your rates to the point where earning six figures is a realistic income goal. That said, if you follow the steps listed above, it can be done. With a little hard work and due diligence, you, too, should be able to build your own six-figure freelance career. 

Tara Mastroeni is a freelance writer with JoyWallet.com.

How To Self Publish A Book

So, you just finished writing a book and you are ready to go to print, congratulations! If you have a literary agent to market your completed novel to publishers, you are well ahead of your peers. However, if you are lacking in the agent department and have yet to hear back from publishing enquires you may have sent out, there are other options available. Self-publishing on Amazon in particular is a great way to get your book out there without the hassle of waiting on a larger publishing house to pick up your manuscript. We are going to help you learn the ins and outs of self-publishing with our quick start guide so you get your book into the hands of eager readers more efficiently.

Complete Your Novel

Of course, the first thing you need to do is make sure your book is complete and ready to print. Writing your book is only the first step. Before you move forward you will need to check your story for proper character development, plot line conflicts, length and many other small, little details that will ensure the story has a smooth flow.

Have The Book Professionally Edited

Once your manuscript is complete, it will need to be reviewed by a book editor, proofread, and then formatted for whatever medium you plan to use for publishing. When it comes to editing, this is perhaps the most important step when self-publishing. You will need to make sure that you hire a professional who is comfortable with self-published manuscripts and can guide you on changes that may help your book perform better in the market. Since you will be paying your editor in advance out of your own pocket, it is a good idea to do as much of the work on your own before handing it over for a final polish.

Create An Attractive Cover

The cover is a reader’s first introduction to your book and your story. If you have a lackluster cover, chances are your book will stay on the shelf instead of going home to become a reader’s best friend. Have some ideas in mind that will help the reader visualize what your story is about without giving away any key plot points. Find a professional artist to give you a mockup and create a final cover to use when you self-publish your book.

Manage Your Internal Layout

The way your text looks in the book will also have an effect on how well it sells. Make sure that you choose an eye-friendly font and set the text to a size that is neither too small nor too large. Formatting is also important. Do you plan to have art or fancy intros at the start of every chapter? Perhaps you will have a couple of pages of maps or inserts? Whatever your plans may be, ensure that they are aesthetically pleasing and placed properly before you go to print.

Publish An E-Book & Print A Copy

In the past when you wanted to publish on your own, it meant spending a few thousand dollars upfront for thousands of copies. You would then need to ship these out to various retailers for distribution. Now, you can self-publish for far less by releasing online versions of your book with the option to print. Consider publishing with Amazon or any other service that offers electronic books. Print a paperback for yourself, and also make sure there is an option for readers to order a printed copy if they desire. This will save you money while also allowing you to get your books in the hands of people who want to read your stories.

Best Self-Publishing Resources

Are you an author looking to publish your first book? Going to the big publishing houses is a waste of time unless you have a celebrity or influencer brand behind you. As a dedicated writer, you’re going to have to resort to the self-publishing method if you want to get your work out there in the market.

Self-publishing revolutionized the world of publishing, marketing, and distribution for independent authors. Just a few decades ago, getting your work published yourself was a real hassle, and it cost a fortune.

However, as the digital age marches on, there’s plenty of innovative platforms popping up with self-publishing resources and tools for your career. Now, you can get your work into print or published online without ever leaving your laptop.

Here are our top resources for self-publishing authors.

Blogs and Websites – Alliance for Independent Authors

ALLi provides self-publishing authors with a membership community to connect and network with other self-publishing authors. It’s a great resource for finding out anything that’s going on in the self-publishing market.

ALLi offers several membership subscription tiers, starting at $75 per annum. You get access to an international author network, as well as forums and professional advisors. ALLi even offers members free online workshops, how-to guides, and a comprehensive self-publishing directory; it’s well worth the subscription cost.

ALLi places a huge emphasis on providing self-publishing authors with a comprehensive resource, focusing on support.

Distributing Your Self-Published Work

There are plenty of distribution networks available for self-published authors. Back in the day, authors didn’t have many options for finding avenues to distribute their work.

Today, the rise of platforms like Kindle, Amazon marketplace, eBay, Audible, and many others make it easy to connect to your market.

We also highly recommend E-Junkie for a distribution service that’s gaining popularity. E-Junkie gives self-published authors the chance to sell their work directly to their audience through a dedicated platform.

It’s easy to start; just set up your user account, upload your work to E-junkie, embed a shopping cart, and you’re ready to start selling. Authors pay E-Junkie a monthly fee based on the number of products they sell during the month. As a bonus, there are no transaction fees.

In Closing – Put It All Together and Create a Publishing Strategy

Being a self-publishing author doesn’t have to be as challenging as you expect to put these resources to use, and they’ll benefit you with getting the word out about your work.

What’s the Recommended Length for a Novel’s Chapters?

Have you ever pick up a book with a super compelling title and a description that you were so captivated by that you couldn’t wait to sit down and start reading? But, once you dove in, did you find that the chapters were just too darn long?

If so, you are not alone. A lot of readers complain that they don’t like to engage with books that have chapters that are super long and drawn out. Why? – Because they want to be able to finish a chapter in a single sitting, and for most readers, a single sitting is about 10 to 15 minutes. If the chapters in a novel are too long, chances are that they are going to struggle with finishing a chapter in one sitting.

So, with that said, the question: “How long should the chapters in my novel be?” is begged.

The answer to that can be really tricky. However, here’s a look at what famed authors, publishers, and literary agents have to say on the topic…

What’s the Perfect Word Count for a Novel’s Chapters? 

On average, most authors, agents, and publishers recommend keeping the chapters of a novel to about 2,000 words. That seems to be the perfect number because the average reader can get through that amount in a single sitting. It’s not too much that it seems to be long and drawn out, it’s easily digestible, and enough drama can be built or questions can be answered in a 2,000 word chapter.

Now, that is not to say that a chapter can’t be longer. It certainly can be. In fact, there are plenty of acclaimed novels that feature chapters that are significantly longer – up to 6,000 words! But, the key here is that they are usually books that are written for older audiences or are genres that are expected to have long-winded chapters, such as science fiction or fantasy.

You can also have chapters that are fewer than 2,000 words. Just like there are plenty of famed books that have longer chapters, there are dozens that feature chapters that are shorter than 2,000 word. Some chapters may not even reach the 1,000 word mark! But, if you’re going to do that, you really have to make sure that the chapter is truly thrilling and captivating. Additionally, you should consider following up with a longer chapter. Doing so will help to keep the reader’s momentum going and make them want to dive right into a longer chapter that can answer more questions.

The Bottom Line

In short, there isn’t a specific rule that applies when determining the appropriate length for a chapter. While 2,000 words is recommended, you certainly don’t have to stick to it. You can have a very successful book with chapters that are shorter or longer than 2,000 words; however, just make sure that you are filling them appropriately. Remember: your goal is to entertain your audience and keep their attention. In other words, write what you think works best for your story.

Getting the Confidence to Start a Story

There are way more aspiring authors out there than there are published ones. In fact, the ratio of aspiring authors to authors that actually finish a story or novel (even if they never publish it) is probably around 30:1. One of the reasons why aspiring writers never start their stories is due to a lack of confidence. So buckle up, prepare a nice meal, and prepare yourself for becoming the writer of your dreams. In this article, we’ll go over some ways that you can get the confidence to start the story you have always wanted to tell, and hopefully, begin your career in writing fiction.

Read Lots and Lots of Books

One of the things that can give you the confidence to start a story is to read lots and lots of books. There are two ways in which this can give you confidence. First of all, you get confidence because you have read books or stories that you know you can do better at. This is a common coming-of-age point for any writer. When you realize that you can write a story better than someone who actually got published, it inspires great confidence to begin your own story. The second part is reading good stories that you want to emulate can give you motivation as well.

Take a Writing Class

Taking a writing class can jumpstart your confidence because you are surrounded by people who want to write just as badly as you do; in addition, one of the things that you will probably be required to do in any writing classes is write.

Join a Writer’s Group

Being part of a writer’s group will mean that you are listening to other people read their stories and it will make you want to come up with something of your own. In addition, you’ll get extra confidence when you read something you’ve written and everyone loves it. There is a writers group in almost every town and city in the United States; look on Meetup or other group sites and try to find something that you feel comfortable joining.

Set Small Writing Goals

If you are having trouble starting because a 50,000-word manuscript just seems like too much of an effort, then set small writing goals. If you can write a chapter, then you only have to worry about 1000 to 3000 words instead of an entire manuscript. In addition, set daily writing goals so that you only think about the words that you’re going to write for that day.

Set Aside Time to Write

If you set aside a time every day that you are going to write no matter what – even if it is only fifteen minutes – then you are going to get something down on paper. Even if you sit there and do nothing for the first time or two, eventually if you force yourself to sit down at the computer or with your pen and paper ploys to write, something is going to come through. This will likely keep you going long enough to get over the writer’s block.