Are you Sabotaging Your Writing Success? Ways We Miss Out On Money...

Ever see the commercials and online ads that would have us believe that many of us may have cash unclaimed just waiting for us? This windfall from an inheritance, class action suit, or closed account unidentified.

You can bet your bottom dollar that the average person wouldn’t dream of bypassing
this hard-to-come-by cash. Yet, freelancers do it everyday, in the form of missed opportunities and operating mistakes.

I discovered this recently while doing online research for some creative projects.

Here are five common oversights that can cost you in your efforts to increase your exposure and your bottom line.

How many of these are you guilty of...?

1. Being a “recluse” when it comes to social media
Like it or not, social media is a powerful communication tool. A “Tweet” from your peeps, or a popular post that goes viral, can catapult you into overnight success and help you to “win friends and influence people.” In addition, it’s great for networking. Sites like Linkedin and FaceBook allow users access to a vast network of professionals. As they say, sometimes “it’s not what you know but who you know that counts.” Your next client or business partner could be awaiting.

2. Not having a website or Blog
I am totally amazed that we are approaching 2013, and there are still numerous writers and creative artists that don’t have their own online spot. Really?
If you are one of them, you’re doing yourself a great disservice. Not only does it convey an “amateurish” status, it says that you’re probably not very profitable in your freelance business. Besides showcasing and centralizing your work, a site can allow you to sell products, and make money through advertisers and affiliate programs. Even if you don’t have all the bells and whistles, a modest one can be just as effective. Keep in mind, you can always upgrade later. Go ahead and bite the bullet. :-)

3. Not getting the most bang from your Bio!
Bios, though brief in nature, tell a lot about who you are, your expertise, and your exposure. Ideally, you should have multiple ones for different projects and purposes. For example, when I’m applying for a blogging gig, my Bio reflects top-tier sites that have featured my work. If I’m writing for an anthology project, I make sure to reference my work with Simon and Schuster’s Chocolate for the Heart series. Get my point?

4. Overlooking the compensation provided by contests
Competitions abound. Google “writing contests” and you’ll yield more than a million query results. Contests offer big “pay days” in the way of cash, prizes, books, discounts, and publicity. Here’s a site to get you started: http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/

5. Not updating Blogs on a regular basis
I recently participated (and placed as a finalist) in a popular contest for writers whereby 15% of the total scoring was assigned for blog post frequency. Folks, it’s important. Regularly updated blogs convey a sense of seriousness, and it also helps to sustain followers and fans. Updates need not be lengthy, but they must be quality.

Don’t let missed opportunities cause you to miss out on a profitable career and a promising future.
Are you guilty of any of these? Thoughts?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

This Just In***Shelf Unbound Announces Writing Competition For Best Self-published Book

As many of you may know, I am a big advocate of writing competitions. A previous post here at Pen and Prosper shares the story of how entering a contest last year, and placing as a finalist, made a tremendous difference in my blogging career.
To sum it up, writing competitions can provide greater visibility for your work, showcase your talent, and even earn you cash for your efforts. Need I say more.:-)

With this being said, I hope you'll consider the following contest and enter...

Shelf Unbound book review magazine announces the Shelf Unbound Writing Competition for Best Self-Published Book. Any self-published book in any genre is eligible for entry. Entry fee is $10 per book. The winning entry will be selected by the editors of Shelf Unbound magazine.

To submit an entry, email a PDF of your entire book, including the cover, to Margaret@shelfmediagroup.com, subject line Contest Entry, and send a check for $10 made out to Shelf Media Group to Margaret Brown, Shelf Media Group, 3322 Greenview Drive, Garland, TX 75044. All entries received (and entry fee paid) will be considered.

The top five books, as determined by the editors of Shelf Unbound, will receive editorial coverage in the December/January 2013 issue of Shelf Unbound. The author of the book named as the Best Self-Published book will receive editorial coverage as well as a year’s worth of full-page ads in Shelf Unbound (rate card value $6,000).

The deadline for entry is midnight on October 1, 2012. The winners will be notified by October 15, 2012. Additional information and rules can be found on our contest rules page at www.shelfmediagroup.com.

For further information, please feel free to contact Margaret Brown, Publisher, via email: Margaret@shelfmediagroup.com.

Shelf Unbound book review magazine, a 2012 Maggie Award finalist for Best Digital-Only Publication, reaches more than 125,000 avid readers in the U.S. and in 42 other countries around the globe. Subscriptions to Shelf Unbound are free at www.shelfmediagroup.com.

More information on the competition can be found on our website: http://www.shelfmediagroup.com/pages/competition.html.



-- Image: SPFF
This is a sponsored post.

6 Steps to Effective Time Management

Guest Post by: Anjali Amit

Science fiction is replete with time travel stories. Characters move backwards and forwards in time with consummate ease. “Beam me up Scotty” and falling through the wormhole are established techniques for traveling through time and space. But it is just that: science fiction. In the real world time is a one-way street. Every hour, minute, second that is gone is gone forever.

How often have you thought “If only I had more time”, or participated in water-cooler dreams of 36-hour days? Well, that may not happen in our lifetime, but these six simple steps will help you make the best of the time you do have.

1. Prioritize--Start your day by looking through the tasks on hands and prioritizing them. It may seem like a waste of the five or ten minutes you spend on this activity, but it brings an order to the day. Ask yourself what the most important tasks are. Then do not worry if things lower on the list have to be pushed off to the next day. The important tasks get done.

2. Know your most productive hours--Each person has a different rhythm. Some are morning people, others work best in the afternoon or evening. Know the time that is best for you, and slot your most creative endeavors for that period. Blogging, for example, is not just writing but also commenting on posts, reading other works, searching for markets--the list is long. Write when you are freshest and feel most creative. Use the other hours of the day for all the related tasks.

3. Focus--Once you know the things to be accomplished for the day focus on them, to the exclusion of all else. Remember the old saw: Once you have made a decision, murder the alternatives.

4. Do not postpone work--Do not defer things that are on your priority list. Time’s a-passing, whether you work or not. If you set aside important tasks for later you will reach the end of the day with an job half done and feel “I just did not have enough time.”

5. Set realistic schedules--The other end of the spectrum from “I wish I had more time” is to cram every minute of your working day with activities. That is the most direct road to work-day fatigue. Ink-in down time into every working day, and then create a schedule around it.

6. Be aware of the passage of time--Oftentimes you can get so involved in an activity that you are not aware of how much time has elapsed. However, you have a prioritized list of activities for the day, and would like to complete them. Set an alarm on your phone, start the stopwatch, or ask a coworker to come by with a reminder.

When the alarm goes off you may even reward yourself with a cup of coffee or a stroll in the fresh air.

BIO
Anjali Amit's first book, Folk Tales From Rajasthan, was published when she was in college. Upon graduation she "sold her soul to Mammon"—went to work for a bank. She reads to live, and is fascinated by the brave new world of blogging.

Image: Stock photo

Why Your Blog Needs a Business Plan to Make More Money

We spend countless hours conceptualizing clever posts, crafting attention grabbing headlines, connecting with our community through comments, and promoting content via social media sites.

But amidst all the madness, few of us take time to determine our direction, or devise a plan that truly allows us to reap a return on our sweat equity.

Yet one of the most common questions on writers’ bulletin boards and popular how-to sites is “How can I make money from my blog?”

Experts will tell you, there are various ways to earn pay for your say--- from selling products, to affiliate programs, to accepting ad placements.
But to optimize your efforts, your blog should ultimately have a business plan.

Here are three of the most important reasons why.

1. A business plan is a decision making tool. It helps you to approach blogging from a professional perspective that forces you to identify your short and long term goals and your ideal “customer”.
By putting it in writing, you break through your “blog fog” and become more focused and forward thinking.

2. A business plan helps to determine your structure. Will you blog as a “sole proprietor” or as part of a blogging team? Will you have multiple sites devoted to different themes, or one site that addresses an array of topics? Self-hosted, or will you blog through a free platform first, then convert? The more questions you can tackle, the easier the battle, and the more strategic you become.

3. A business plan prevents you from blogging blindly, or following gimmicks or trends that may not be in the best interest of your business objectives or belief system. Some examples might be “over-sharing,” sponsoring “comments” contests, give-aways, or embedding videos as blog posts.

Now that you know why, here’s what it should include.

WHO---Who is your target audience? Readers or clients? In other words, will it be businesses or other writers? Beginning bloggers? Stay at home moms? Fiction fanatics? The answer to these questions will determine your “voice“, language, formality, and level of content. It will also influence which blogs to guest post to attract clients and potential followers.

WHAT---What is your marketing plan? Will you promote your blog primarily through guest posts at top-dog sites? Hit people up through Twitter and other social media forums? Engage in ad exchanges with other bloggers? How much money is in your marketing budget? These are all valid issues worth assessing.

WHY---What’s your purpose for being in the blogosphere? This may seem simple, but in essence, it isn’t. For example, social service agencies may blog to increase awareness of an important social cause, while celebrities may blog to increase their fan base. Some writers blog to entertain, while others blog to educate. There are even those who use their platforms to vent. There is no right or wrong reason. However, knowing why you blog shapes your expectations, and helps you to stay committed during challenging times.

HOW---How will advertisers benefit from advertising at your site? What are your subscriber numbers? Your connections? Your influence? Your draw?
When I pitch to other businesses, I make sure to mention the fact that my blog has won various awards/mentions, has had a Google Rank of 4, and is linked to sites with much bigger followings like WritingWorld.com and Pocketchange lifestyle blog. And if applicable, you should share your success stories too.

There are many ways to approach a business plan, depending upon your goals, blogging personality, and personal preferences.

Just remember, that like any other money making “product,” your blog will be much more progressive and profitable if a good business plan is factored into the equation.

Your turn. Thoughts? Agree or disagree?


Image: Freedigitalimages.net
Stock photo

The Success Checklist--How Would Your Blog Measure Up?

There's no denying that creating and maintaining a successful blog today is tough work.
There's fierce competition for today's reader's time.
There's the challenge of staying consistent through crappy times. :-)
There are the countless hours of crafting original content, in observance of the cardinal rule "content is king."

And did I mention connecting with folks through social media forums to promote your work?
Still, truth be told, many are clueless as to what counts with readers, and how to get a greater return on their sweat equity.

Besides analytics, how do you know if your blog is bodacious? Or even "book-mark" worthy? And if you're just starting out, how can you predict future success?

After three years of professional blogging at this site, and studying the numerous great blogs throughout the blogosphere, here are some commonalities and criteria to objectively assess your blog's status and general "fab factor".

1. Your readership is growing.
Did you start out with just your mom, your cat, and your Avon lady, but now you have a dozen "followers"? Even a little growth indicates you're on the right track.

2. You have commenters.
Though some would argue that comments are not a barometer for blog success, I would beg to differ. Blogs are by nature intended to be an interactive medium.
Comments demonstrate the ability to connect with others and to cultivate a sense of community.

3. You get requests for guest posts.
Outside interest for work to appear on your site, typically means that others view your spot as worth reading, and a positive reflection through association.

4. You update your blog regularly.
Sure, anybody can bang out a blog post every blue moon, but to go the distance and be truly successful, you should post minimally once a week.

5. You provide a good "user" experience.
Are comments typically positive? Do folks link to your site and "Tweet" when you speak? Is your site easy to navigate with key pages and easy to read fonts?
How about a clear photo reflecting your image and an "About" page?
These are things to consider.


Though opinions vary in terms of what makes for a "successful" site, these five factors carry great weight in achieving a winning blog!

Thoughts? How did you measure up? Anything to add?

Image: Stock photo

What Do You "Groove to" When You're in the Writing Groove?

“Music soothes the savage beast.”---Anonymous

When a writing colleague called me (early in the a.m.), some time ago, he seemed shocked at what he encountered.

Blaring in the background at night-club-level, was some hot jazz music that served to jump start my day and stir my creative juices.

Baffled, he asked, “How can you work with all that NOISE?”

Tickled, I assured him that it wasn’t ” noise“, and that soul-stirring music, for me, is the equivalent of a good jolt of caffeine for other folks.
It all depends on where my head is at.

Though I tend to be very ritualistic and structured in my daily habits, my music “fix” varies, depending upon my mood, the season, the type of writing, and what kind of week I‘ve had.

For example, if the writing assignment requires great attention to detail, I’m more inclined to opt for instrumental selections. Why?
I find that songs with catchy lyrics and a good beat, tend to have me wanting to sing along and “shake my groove thang.” And needless to say, that can be distracting and counterproductive. So I need to take a pass....thank you!

Conversely, when I need to experience a sense of calm, I truly dig classical.
Beethoven ‘s Fifth captures the beauty and divinity of simple pleasures, and often brings me to tears.
Tchaikovsky works as well.

How about you?

Some artists prefer to create in an atmosphere of solitude, while others enjoy the stimulation that music provides. As a matter of reference, as I type this piece, I am jamming to John Legend’s hit song, “Tonight”.

Other favorites include: Norah Jones, Anita Baker, India Arie, The Beach Boys, Phyllis Hyman, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, and Old Motown Classics.

I posed the question to a few writers and bloggers in my circle, and here’s what they had to say:

Janette Dolores
"No way, I cannot listen to music while I write. Music pulls me in and lifts me to whatever place and circumstance the singer is describing. Even when music is a beautiful distraction, it's a distraction nonetheless. I need complete silence to write.

However, I do listen to music before I write. It sets the mood I need to reach depending on the mood I wish to convey in my piece. If I need to convey rebellion and a little fire in the belly, I listen to Kelly Clarkson or the Dixie Chicks. If introspection is my aim, I listen to Billy Joel or Bruce Springsteen. If I'm looking to describe a tortured soul, I put on a Marc Anthony ballad and weep with him as I craft my forlorn character."

Noelle Sterne www.Trustyourlifenow.com
"I not only enjoy listening to music as I write—I must listen. It’s part of the ritual that helps me keep my writing promise and turn away from the octopus lists littering my desk and mind."

Karen Lange at Write Now shares...
"Sometimes I listen to music, either something on my computer or a random selection on Pandora. I find sometimes though, especially when I'm on deadline,
it can be distracting. I listen to classical and similar, but more often I prefer contemporary praise and worship, such as Michael W. Smith, Hillsong, etc. This
type of music is encouraging, inspiring, and less intrusive. I can't have too much audibly going on when I am focused."

Are you "In a New York state of mind"? Or are you more inclined to unwind to soft, elevator music? What artists or songs would you recommend? Who's on your playlist?

Anxious to hear from you...Your comments are like "music" to my ears.

Image: SPFF

Pen & Prosper Welcomes Motivational Speaker, T.V. Personality and Poet-*Sporty King*

Please join me in welcoming award-winning Motivational Speaker, T.V. personality, and Poet, Sporty King. He's someone I think you should know...

Hello, Sporty. Thanks for your time. Can you tell us a little about who you are and your background?
I am a former Wall Street Journal executive turned Motivational Speaker through my gift and love for writing poetry. My poetry has evolved from its aim to inspire people, to the use of positive words to empower people.

Describe your creative process. Owl or lark? Do you write every day?
No and yes! I do not consciously seek to put pen to paper every day. However through conversation I am constantly inspired to jot down thoughts. I keep categories in my iPhone that relate to the topics I most like to share (family, Tweetables, laughter…) and add to or update until it’s time to take the thought/blurb and expand.

How would you define success professionally or personally?
I believe they’re both personal and can best be defined as a spiritual concept connected to the individual needs of your relationships. How you answer each call shapes your relationship with God, where the true definition lies.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment thus far?
Becoming the Patriarch of my family. With that title came the reward of being a good Uncle and brother. When my mother died my calm leadership and strength took me to a higher level and understanding of myself and my responsibility. The greatest inspirations in my writing are somehow linked to my family legacy.

What would it surprise others to know about you?
When I worked at the Journal I was once responsible for editing advertising copy. In the process of speeding through copy, I became adept at just catching typos and punctuation errors, even grammatical miscues. I diminished my ability to retain content. Because authenticity is important to me I don’t read others’ poetry, and risk using their idea or scrapping one of mine to avoid that perception.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about your career?
When I told myself to follow my dreams. Others can suggest paths and procedures. However, until you tell yourself to put the plan into effect your career has not started.

Do you think that the economy has had an adverse effect on the bottom line of today‘s entrepreneur?
No and yes! Everything and everyone is connected. Adverse or robust conditions are the extremes that entrepreneurs work within to get an idea for creating their magic.

Who are some of your favorite authors and/or bloggers?
James Baldwin, James Joyce, John Jakes, Jennifer Brown Banks, Marcie Hill (“Shorty”)

What‘s your take on social media?
I call it the Necessary Evil. I choose to use it because of the marketing impact. However I see so many people hiding behind it, by using it in lieu of upgrading their interpersonal skills. Some would not be able to have a substantive conversation in person. I really dislike how it seems to diminish literary concerns. The acceptance of abbreviations and misspellings cripple individual progress. These habits can show up in school work or resumes, job applications (or entrepreneurial business proposals), and give the writer the appearance of being under-educated.

If you had not chosen speaking and writing, what other career might you have pursued?
I was a very successful sales manager, and my gift for multitasking and leading has many options. With the work I’m doing with the military now, I can see enjoying being surrounded by the pride, discipline and commitment it takes to serve our country.

If you could be a literary “super-hero” what would your power be?
Literary Man, going beyond the call of duty to save people from their comfort with writing like they speak. There is no such word as “alot” and if you say you want to be “apart” of a successful venture, it means you want to be disconnected from it….

Tell us a little about your upcoming projects or books.
I am putting the final touch on "a poet in every PrOphET,” a contrast of my poetry to Biblical scripture.

To learn more about Sporty's success story, or to order his books and products, visit: www.Sportyking.com

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net
Stock photo

A Look at Great Companion Careers For Transitioning Writers

A few months ago, during my typical blog hopping, I happened upon an interesting post. The blogger announced to her readers that she had decided to quit her 9 to 5 gig, to make writing her full-time career instead.

Gutsy move.
But, I wouldn't advise it.
Truth be told, writing is glamorized more than the fashion industry!
The "unenlightened" think that with a few creative ideas, proficiency at stringing words together, and a portable laptop, the sky's the limit.
Many envision a life of leisure and lucrative book deals.

Don't believe the hype!
Far be it from me to be a "dream killer," but today's writer must be a "realist" if he wishes to reach his optimal potential and be profitable.

Contrary to popular opinion, "good" sustainable writing is hard. Really.
Writers must wear a multitude of hats---from accountant, to researcher, to marketer, to consultant, to strategist. It ain't always pretty, folks.

Not to mention, this way of life requires a lot of discipline, sacrifice and perserverance. "Many are called, but few are chosen."

Which is why it behooves the average writer seeking to survive after leaving the rat race, to have a companion gig to earn more cheese. :-)

Transitioning to "full-time" status is a goal for just about every writer I know.
But trust...it's a process. And you need a game plan and a Plan B til you arrive. Word up!

HERE'S WHY:

1. Even with regular writing assignments, this industry can be unpredictable.
Your favorite editor changes publications. Print publications opt to go online. Contracts sometimes are not honored.
And even when you're able to sell your articles, many times you won't get paid until after publication. Which can vary from a few months to even a year later.

2. It's really hard to be creative when your stomach grumblings are louder than the creative voices in your head.

3. If other family members depend on your income as well, you'll need an additional source of revenue to tide you over until your writing business prospers.

With this in mind, here are a few part-time gigs (you might consider)
to supplement your writing income...

SUBSTITUTE TEACHING
Okay, while I admit that this line of work 'ain't for everybody, hear me out.
Substitute Teachers, (as the name implies), fill in for regular teachers, providing coverage for everything from vacations, to family medical leaves, to personal days.
Depending on your region and district, "Subs" earn anywhere from about $80.00 a day to $200.00 a day for approximately 6 hours of work.
You can work whenever and however you'd like.
Working with kids today, can be an interesting experience that allows you to make a difference. For more info, contact the National Substitute Teachers Alliance.

BOOK STORE CLERK
Considering that a lot of us are avid readers anyway, how cool would it be to hang out here and get paid? Often employees get discounts on merchandise, and the opportunity to connect with customers can provide fodder for future articles, book reviews and blog posts.

CONSULTANT
Consulting is big business. Whether your expertise exists in real estate, time management, organizing, or beauty products, there is money to be made.
Additionally, it offers great flexibility and good pay. Put your years of corporate experience to good use.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Virtual assistants provide support in an array of industries--through administrative tasks, like data entry, medical coding, and even editing. With the Internet, many businesses are hiring individuals to work remotely for convenience and cost savings.
Interested? Check out Virtualvocations.com for more details.

Thoughts? Any of you try any of these careers while writing? Any other recommendations? Do tell.

Image: SPFF

How to Keep Your Favorite Bloggers Motivated (and why you should)!

No matter how much you love something or someone, chances are, sometimes you just need to feel appreciated.
Am I right?

Imagine, if you will, a husband who never gives roses to woo his wife.
Or a boss who provides a paycheck but never a positive word of encouragement.
Or a friend who never hears the word “thanks” for the moral support and joy he brings.
Or a mom who goes unrecognized for her daily sacrifices.

No doubt, there would be a feeling of being taken for granted or undervalued.
Wouldn’t you agree?

Let’s face it; every relationship requires a little give and take to go the distance.

My point? Glad you asked.
Lately I’ve been making my blogging rounds, and there seems to be less activity in the way of comments and conversations, even on popular blogs. Some bloggers may even witness a decrease in traffic numbers.

Maybe it’s the dog days of summer that makes folks sluggish, or in need of a break.
Or perhaps readers are just really busy meeting the daily demands of life.

Still, your favorite bloggers need to be motivated too, Charlie Brown…:-)
(Consider this. Most of us leave tips even when we've gotten bad service.
We do so because we recognize what it means to the person receiving it.)


HERE’S WHY...

Most of us spend a great deal of time with blogs and their owners. The average “serious” blogger puts in 2-6 hours a week. Multiply that number by a month, then by a year.
That‘s a whole lot of sweat equity invested.

They share their time, expertise, personal stories, photos, resources, recipes, heart and soul, to entertain and enlighten us. For free.

Some of them blog faithfully, even through health issues, family problems, financial woes, computer mishaps, deadlines with editors, and traveling…oh my! :--)

Do they get anything out of the deal? You betcha’.

For their sweat equity, they yield, the joy that blogging brings.
They enjoy unexpected “friendships”. They get to expand their platforms.
And, if they’re lucky, they get a little recognition along the way.
But, some get burned out and hang up the towel because there was not enough to sustain them to go the distance.
In fact, some of my favorite bloggers have done so.
And they left a void in the blogosphere.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOUR FAVORITE BLOGGERS MOTIVATED...

Leave a comment.
Sometimes “good job” is better than no response at all. Besides, blogs by their very nature are intended to be “interactive”. And we love to hear from you! How else will we know whether or not we’re “missing the mark”. :-)

Share their link.
Sharing is caring!

Purchase their books and products.
If you like their blog, chances are, you’ll enjoy their books or classes.

Nominate them for recognition through contests and awards.
Contests like Writer's Digest Favorite Blogs, or Write to Done's annual competition, to name a few.

Send them chocolate.
(Okay, that’s just me.):-)
Though I doubt that any other blogger would object.

And while we're on this topic, let me take this opportunity to show my gratitude for your readership. Particularly those of you who have followed me when I wasn't even sure where I was going. :-)

Not to mention, those of you who keep the "conversations" going by leaving regular comments. It keeps me going. Really.

'Nuff said.
Your turn. Agree or disagree? Thoughts?

IMAGE SPFF