Writing (courtesy @hashmil)

Some of you (especially the contributors) may be wondering the status of my book, Calling All Freelance Writers. It is moving forward, but it won’t be ready for publication until early next year. I just ask for your patience!!

Last week, I sat down and read all of the interviews in print form.  I attempted to do it online, but I wanted it in front of me, in print.

I took notes in the margin for questions I have, ideas for the book, and comments to myself.  Just by sitting down for a few hours and reading all those responses, I, myself, felt enlightened.  So much valuable advice!

Although I detected some common themes threaded throughout all of the interview responses, perspectives existed across the entire spectrum.

Writing the Book

I created an outline.  I also began my first chapter and my last.  There are some random thoughts that will end up in the middle somewhere.  I know some left-brained people would shutter at the thought of that illogical order.  But us right-brained writers don’t always think (or write) logically.

When the idea of this book first formed in my mind, I thought I would just compile all the interviews into one book and hit print. Since then, I decided I want to add my own perspectives and have other writers “back me up” with their own experiences.  This creates a better flow, and produces more of book instead of just a compilation of interviews.

Since some of the responses were similar, it also didn’t make sense to just “cut and paste” the interviews.  Instead, I want to pull out what I believe are the important and relevant messages.

All of the writers who will be in this book will have their full bio placed in the end of the book. By setting it up this way, instead of mixing the bios in with the book, it avoids disruption of the book.  It also provides an easy reference for each writer’s bio.

Now for the bad news. . .

Some of the interview responses were detailed and verbose (the more, the better) and very helpful, and other responses were basically one or two word answers.

While I appreciate the inputs from each of you, some of the  writers’ responses just did not provide enough substance to be included.  I apologize, but I can’t squeeze water out of a rock.

I will be contacting a few of the writers for clarification, questions, or comments.  I will also let the writers who I have excluded know, so they are not wondering what happened to their input.  If these writers do want to add more, I would definitely welcome it, and keep them on the book’s free distribution list!

The Finishing Updates

Once the book is complete, I will obviously have to edit it, and get it published.  I should probably not even think about editing and publishing until I get the book complete.  But once again, creatives don’t always think in logical steps.

Editing

I am currently seeking professional editors for the book. A few editors have contacted me, but the more I have to choose from, the better.

The worst thing that can happen is I write the book, publish it, and find out there are typos and grammar mistakes!  AHHH!  I don’t plan on skipping that step, but my budget will also dictate when that will fit in.

Graphics

In between editing and publishing will be the design work.  The good news is many of the self-publishing businesses include custom cover design in their packages.  Therefore, this should not be too much of any issue unless I decide to go completely POD, by myself (doubtful).

Publishing

As far as publishers, I have a couple in mind.  This will be a self-published book. This book is targeted to a small niche – freelance writers, so I am not interested in “traditional” publishing.  (I am no Stephen King after all.)  There will be an electronic (Kindle and Nook) version and paperback copy which I will sell on my own website and on CallingAllFreelanceWriters.com.

I read The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine (highly recommend if you are self-publishing) which has helped me a TON in choosing a publisher.

Thoughts on the Book

Between reading Linked In discussions, blog posts, and other media conversations, I realize this book is needed.  Hopefully, it will open the eyes of writers who are struggling and think it is impossible to succeed.

This book makes no guarantees of success, but presents insight into the minds’ of successful writers.  That should not only inspire writers, but give them hope that it can be done.

It is up to the writer on how to use that advice.  It is ALWAYS up to the writer.

Related articles

• Calling All Freelance Writers (inspiredtowrite.com)
• Writing eBook

If you are not aware, I am writing a book to share expertise from freelance writers and authors.  As part of this book, I plan on including advice from experienced and successful writers.  Currently, I am in the information gathering stage – meaning I am conducting interviews from various writers.

I have received the first round of interview responses from freelance writers for my book.  The amount of responses is better than I expected, but less than I had hoped.  While a dozen or so declined, another dozen never even responded!  Several others initially agreed, but I never heard back from them.

As of today, out of seventy-six requests, I received a total of thirty-three responses.  That is less than a 50% response rate.  I am hoping a few more interview responses will trickle in, but I need to start writing the book.  I want to give one last shout out to experienced freelance writers who can and want to contribute to the book.  I would prefer someone who can provide valuable insight to the book and has significant experience earning an income from their writing.

If you want to be a part of this project, please contact me, and I will send you the interview questions.

Thank you!

Related articles

• New eBook: Advice for Freelance Writers (inspiredtowrite.com)
• Writing Reflections, Updates, and Projects… (inspiredtowrite.com)

Since I have started writing online, it has been quite the journey.  I went from having a personal blog to developing a niche blog with my own domain to help other writers here at Inspired to Write.

I then began writing for online Web 2.0 sites for a measly couple hundred dollars a month.  Last year, I strayed off the beaten path onto a side road with Internet marketing (IM), and learned a TON about ways to make money online.  When I was in that world, I began different off shoots of IM until I learned my niche – combining Internet marketing with writing.

Since then, I started freelance writing for various clients and gave up the low-paying content farms.  Along the writing journey, I met some freelance writers that make a decent, and often full-time, living with their writing.  I learned that you can make a living wage with writing, but it takes some work.

Sharing Freelance Writing Advice with Others in an Book

I have decided all of this advice and input needs to be shared with other new or struggling writers who may be in a rut and think that $15 is all they will ever get for an article.  The best way to do this was compile a book with interview questions from a handful of successful freelance writers.  I selectively contacted over 50 freelance writers in hopes they would contribute.  So far, the response has been positive.  Of the 25 that responded back, only 2 declined the interview!

My goal is to compile interview responses from at least 30 writers.  I am excited about this project and can’t wait to read all the responses.  Hopefully, with the help from this book, freelance writers can begin to see they don’t have to settle for pennies from PPC sites or content farms that have such an intensive acceptance and editing process, your pay should be significantly higher.

Content Farms will Never Disappear

I know content farms will never go away completely and there will always be those willing to work at $.05 or less a word.  With overseas outsourcing and the need for content, cheap writing will always be around.  My goal with this book is to educate those who don’t realize that they are getting underpaid.  The book’s intent is to shed light on the fact that your time IS valuable and spending all day in front of a computer for minimum wage (or less) is hogwash!

Quality writing is becoming more and more important to search engines, like Google.  If you are paying attention to Web news you are probably aware of that.  The thing is many clients who pay you pennies are making MONEY with your content!  The content farms have taken a hit with the Panda update, but they are still making MONEY with your content! Don’t you deserve a fair cut??

I am hoping this book will motivate quality, professional writers to take a stand and stop accepting peanuts for their hard work.  If you are like me, you take pride in your writing and do not take short cuts, even on the low-paying jobs.  This takes effort and you should be paid fairly for this effort. I have at least 25 writers that would agree!

Stay tuned for the book release (hopefully early Spring) and thanks for reading!!

P.S.  If you are a professional freelance writer and want to contribute to this book, please contact me (include your freelance experience), and I will send you the interview questions!

Note: FOR THIS WEEK, you can get First Week at a discount of only $9,99.  But, it won’t last forever, so take a peek today!

Darren Rowse (ProBlogger) Image by RachelC via Flickr

If you have not already checked out my review on ProBlogger’s awesome resource, 31 Days to a Better Blog, you may want to read that review to get a feel for who Darren Rowse is, and why you may want to listen to what he says.  Well, he is about to release another resource for brand new bloggers!

ProBlogger’s Guide to Your First Week of Blogging is designed for those who are interested in starting a blog, but don’t know where to start.  He guides you through that first seven days, which are essential to getting off to a great start!

I know when I started my blog, I had no idea and I took me a couple years to figure a lot of stuff out – most of it through trial and error.  Unless you want to waste a lot of time, First Week may be the way to go.

It’s broken down into 7 chapters/days and has 32 tasks/exercises for bloggers to do. Think of it as 31 Days to Build a Better Blog but for those just in their first week.

It mainly focuses upon content production and finding new readers so will be ideal for anyone who has set up a blog but doesn’t know what to do next (or even someone whose blog has died and they want to start again).

While I have not read through this book, I trust in Darren as a true blog expert.  Most people in the world of blogging have heard of him and know he is a trusted source for blogging advice.

I just want to pass this 50% discount to you in case you want to grab his latest release.

First Week Bonus

Also, if you buy ProBlogger’s Guide to Your First Week of Blogging before May 17th,  you’ll go into the running to win one of 2 Pro Plus Packages from the team at StudioPress.

As someone looking to start a blog this package of WordPress themes is going to give you an amazing kick-start.

It normally retails for $249.95 but contains every single theme that the team at StudioPress make (worth over $850).

You’ll get access to 37 themes PLUS any other theme that StudioPress release going forward.

Darren is throwing this in as a bonus for those who take advantage of this offer before May 17th!

Don’t worry – it will still be available AFTER that date, but the price goes up to $19.95.  Take advantage of it now.  I learned a lot from ProBlogger when I began to revamp my blog.  I only wish I had discovered him sooner.  I hope you find it useful!

Order here: ProBlogger’s Guide to Your First Week of Blogging

Are you looking to transition into a REAL freelance writing career? I mean actually make decent earnings from your writing. Are you sick of making pennies for your hard work?  Do high paying writing jobs even exist? YES, YES, and YES!

Well, I am in that boat.  After being tired of all the ridiculously low-paying freelance and content writing jobs, I decided I have had enough.  It it time to take my writing and my career serious. Writing for  dirt cheap wages can be demoralizing.  Many professional freelance writers scoff at content sites who pay next to nothing!

As I move along on this journey (are writers always on an adventure?), I am looking into the next phase.

So, begins the research.  Are there successful freelance writers out there?  Yes!  And, I have begun to seek them out.  Once I uncovered that first rock, I realized there is a whole world out there of people making a REAL living as freelance writers.

Jenna Glatzer is one.

I honestly can say Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer by Jenna Glatzer is one of the few non-fiction books I could not put down! The information is plentiful and the resources invaluable.  Jenna provided her story, what works, places to find real jobs, the dreaded query letters, and much more!

Jenna is a successful freelance writer and has written for major magazines such as Prevention, Family Circle, Contemporary Bride, and more.

In this book, you will find straightforward advice and tips on breaking into the freelance writing arena.  She goes over do’s and don’ts. There are even samples of query letters she used to land writing jobs in the book.

While there are still plenty of value in this book for any freelance writer, most of this book is geared towards magazine submissions.

Honestly, this book has so many resources and that ALONE makes it worth the buy!  But, why I truly liked this book is because you feel like you know Jenna.  She is personable and writes with a friendly welcome, open to sharing her insights and advice.  She truly has inspired me to write!

If you are looking to make a transition to freelancing, this is a great book to start with!

Related articles

• What are You Worth as a Freelance Writer? (inspiredtowrite.com)
• Where are the High Paying Writing Jobs? (inspiredtowrite.com)
• 10 Ways to Find Freelance Jobs (freelancewritingprofessional.com)

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Hannah Conti.  Please read more about Hannah in the footer.

Hart Crane once wrote, “One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper pattern at the right moment.”

Imagine a the writer’s equivalent of a long, hot bath. All the stress from writing under deadline or the frustration from editing and re-editing your manuscript drift away with the steam. You can relax, breathe deeply. Here at the writer’s spa, you are free to simply write without worrying about an editor, publisher, or even your SEO.

I discovered this freedom when I was about eleven years old. I was flipping through the books located in the art section. The title, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, intrigued me as I was interested in becoming an artist when I grew up. (You may remember the review that Julie wrote a while back about this site.)

I was especially interested in Cameron’s insistence of completing “morning pages.” This is a method of free-writing three-pages before starting the day. Cameron describes the process in her book:

“There is no wrong way to do morning pages. These daily morning meanderings are not meant to be art. Or even writing… Pages are meant to be simply, the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind. Nothing is too petty, too silly, too stupid, or too weird to be included” (The Artist’s Way, 10).

At eleven years of age, I was determined to do follow Cameron’s advice and faithfully complete my morning pages. In the beginning, writing three whole pages of anything seemed to be too broad, too difficult. Eventually, I became accustomed to grabbing my pen and allowing the words to tumble from my mind. Now, at the age of 23, I have amassed over 30 journals of scribblings.

At eleven years-old, I enjoyed reading The Artist’s Way (although the idea of finding one’s “inner child” confused me at that point of my life). However, it was the idea of free-writing that remains the most influential creative and spiritual technique in my life.

The other day, after a long day of creative productivity, I was feeling burnt out in many ways.  I picked up my pen and starting writing. The process of emptying all my pent-up thoughts, energy, prayers, hopes, and fears allowed me process and re-energize.

Here’s YOUR challenge!

I challenge you to give free-writing a chance. After a long day of double-checking Strunk and White, the OED, and the AP Stylebook, check in with you. Relax in the writer’s spa; “drench” yourself in words. Allow yourself to let the torrent of words hidden within to be released. It is a gift we have been given as writer’s.  Appreciate it, be thankful for it. And enjoy it!

Be sure to check out an excerpt from Cameron’s book here as well as her general website.

Most of my readers are involved in writing in some way or another – the majority have blogs. I am sure they all have very unique reasons for coming to my blog.  For some, it may be your first time her – welcome!  I try to help my readers by providing inspiration for their writing, whether it is a for book or a blog or freelance writing.

I hope when people come here, they are indeed, inspired to write.  While my focus is on writing, often times what I read inspires me. Sometimes I will even write about an inspirational book or a quote just to keep my readers interested.  Because an interested reader is a recurring reader.  And I do want you to come back!  There are two things I have mentioned in the last week or so that I want to point out again.

1. FREE Book Giveaway From Best-Selling Author

Right now, I have a book giveaway going on and it ends on Tuesday, the 23rd.  The book is about facing your doubts and fears, and taking those steps to make changes in your life.  It truly inspired to me.  As a writer, I took many notes and plan to write about it in a blog post or even a book someday.  I would recommend you read it yourself.  The book is Christian based, but no matter what your beliefs you can apply it to your life.  If you don’t want to buy it, but think you would benefit from it, I am giving one of my readers a signed copy, mailed to their house.  You just have to make a comment on that post to qualify.

2. HUGE Discount on Blog Expert’s eBook

The other thing I wanted to mention is a significant discount on a eBook by legendary, Problogger.  He is giving 25% discount on BOTH of his books through the end of the month – that gives you about 10 left.  I am also throwing in an additional 10% for those who purchase through my link – just let me know!

I have read 31 Days and it has honestly helped me with my blogging career.  I am planning on reading again for some parts I may have missed.  Again, he is an expert in the area of blogging – for all you bloggers out there. There are many tips in his book that anyone can apply.  If you want to have a successful blog, Darren’s advice is priceless!

For all of you who are not writers and just come here to be inspired, thank you.  I hope I have done my job and you continue to read!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope these resources are useful to you on your life’s journey – whatever that may be!!

UPDATE:  Our winner was chosen for this contest!

Is there anything you would like to change about your life?  Maybe it is a new career, a better marriage, or more involvement in the community.  Maybe there is a dream you have put on a shelf for another time.  Many of us face the opportunity or desire to change, but never take the steps to do it.  There are obstacles in the way that fall into a variety of categories and come in all different shapes and sizes.

Every once in awhile, I find motivation and inspiration from reading a book.  Inspiration to make a change somehow in my life, motivation to do things differently.  Best-selling author, Bil Cornelius, write a book called I Dare You to Change! In this book, he dares the reader to make a change, to have the courage to take the steps to live the life God intended you to live!

In his book, Bil offers ten steps for you to take to start your journey and make the change.  Bil gives specific action plans that accompany these steps. The goal is to go from wanting more to achieving more. Discovering the difference between dreaming of a better life and living it.

I am going through some career changes right now, and there is a lot of apprehension, fear, self-doubt, and ignorance.  But, it is something I need to do to reach my goals.  I feel in my heart that God is leading me down this path so I can make a difference. Perfectly timed, this book gave me the answers to most of my concerns and has motivated me to overcome these obstacles and follow my dream.

Am I scared?  Yes.

But, I know that God will guide me and give me what I need to succeed (Matt 6:31-33).

No matter what you believe, you always have been and always will be the product of your choices. ~Bil Cornelius

Life is so much more than just standing on the sidelines.  Sure, you won’t get hurt while you’re there, but what will you learn, how will you improve, how much are you participating in life, and how are you helping your team?

The answer is not much.

Some of you may believe your life is just fine, there is no need to change.  You are living a normal, happy life.  I encourage you to ask yourself, could you be doing something different to live your life to its full potential?  Are you living a comfortable, safe, mediocre life just trying to get by? Deep down, is there a dream you have just put off because of doubt or fear or lack of motivation? Do you want to make a difference? Are you afraid of failure?

If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, I recommend this book. Even, if you answered no, consider the possibility that you are not even aware of the potential you have waiting for you.

Bil mentions in the very first chapter,

“I believe God’s dreams for us are so much bigger than we usually imagine.”

If any of this sounds interesting to you and a book you want to read, I am giving you a chance to get a signed copy of this book FOR FREE!  Shipped directly to your house.  See below for the details!

I not just going to dare you, I double dog dare you to take the I Dare You to Change pledge. I did!

Giveaway Details

You can receive an entry by leaving a comment here and/or leaving a comment / subscribing to my NEW DARING CHANGE – my blog, Internet Marketing Inspiration.

• Receive bonus entries (up to five entries) by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook and/or Twitter. Please let me know for each social networking platform you share this post on.

• Deadline to enter is midnight (MST), November 23rd.

The more entries, the better chance you have of winning!

One winner will be randomly selected from the qualified entries received by Wednesday, November 23, 2010, at 11:59 PM MST. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be drawn. Contest is open to US residents only.

About IDY2C author: Bil Cornelius is the lead Pastor of Bay Area Fellowship, which he and his wife, Jessica, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1998. Bil’s life calling has been to create a movement that is reaching into the lives of the lost and unchurched of the next generation and beyond.

In 2008 Bil took his teaching to television and launched Bil Cornelius Ministries. By the end of 2009, the program expanded worldwide through Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Daystar and The Church Channel and is currently reaching millions across the globe. Bil travels around the country speaking and consulting on church health and growth. In 2004, Bil received the Purpose-Driven Health Award, from Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. Bil thrives on helping people reach their full potential in Christ and taking the limits off their life.

Please join us at the next IDY2C Blog Tour stop with Susan Heim next week! For more blog posts on this book, check out the Blog Tour calender.

Do you ever feel like you want to make changes in your life but are hesitant to do so because of fear, doubt, or insecurity? Change is scary and often risky. I just finished a book written by pastor, Bil Cornelius. In this book, I Dare You to Change, he addresses these fears and offers motivation to overcome them and be the person God intended you to be.

Many of us get stuck in ruts and are fearful to make any sort of changes. There may be a dream you wish you could achieve or a new career you want to transition to. Maybe a completely different calling you want to pursue. Or, a situation you want to get out of.

But, we face obstacles and want to give up and stay on the path we are on, even if our gut is telling us we are made for something more.

I want to share this book with you, so I am offering a free, signed copy for my readers! Stay tuned in the next couple days for more about this book and how you can get a FREE copy sent to you!

Have you ever watched an event on TV, or read about it in the news that made you say, “Wow! I wish I could have been part of that!”? I am not talking about Woodstock or Paris Hilton’s 21st birthday party bash.  I am more referring to something that is important in making a difference.  Something for the glory of God. Something that changes lives in a positive way. Something that has never been done before.  Something big.

Well, thanks to Jonathan Frazier, Zach Prichard, Steve Taylor, Donald Miller, and 4,494 other people, I can instead watch and say, “Wow!  I am glad I was a part of that!”

We Surpassed the Goal!

What big event am I referring to? The book, Blue Like Jazz, will be made into a movie!  So what?  Movies get made everyday.  But, this, my friends, is a movie that was saved from never happening! Saved by fans.

Yesterday was the final day to raise funds for this movie and it really surpassed all things imaginable. When I first wrote about why this project is important, I had no idea how much it would grow! I had no idea if they would even reach the original goal of raising $125,000, much less $345,992!! In 30 days! I am sorry I ever doubted.

$345,992!!

Thanks to these donations, not only will the movie get made, but there is more going towards the shoestring budget. Not only that but they will be contributing some of the profits to a non-profit charity.  One more way to give back.  How was that much money raised?  Well, there are a few people to thank.

Thanks to Jonathan and Zach for starting this project to raise money to make Blue Like Jazz into a movie. When funding ran out, these two ordinary guys, who wanted the the chance to see this to be on the big screen came up with the brilliant plan.

Thanks to Steve Taylor for the interest in turning this story into a movie!  The movie may have never developed if it wasn’t for him crafting the idea and turning it into a screenplay.

Of course, thanks to Don Miller for writing the book. Some of you may know I am a huge fan of this author when I first mentioned his blog contest.  His books have changed my life in multiple ways as a Christian and a writer, including the Blue Like Jazz book. His writing is honest and genuine which many people (including myself) can relate to.

But, most of all I want to say thank you to the other 4,494 people who made all of it possible.  Without you, this would not have happened.  This movie may have never gotten off the ground. The efforts of the above mentioned would not turn to fruition if the project was not funded by you. As I watched the money go up $100,000 in just a day or two, I was in awe at how many of you backed this project.  Reading all the comments made me realize just how much impact this story had on so many people. This truly astounded me.

We Made History!

While the story had already touched so many lives, I think all along the way Don and Steve made us feel like we were a part of something.  We were part of this next chapter in the story.  All for God’s glory.  Just amazing. This is truly living a good story.

While I have donated to many causes in my life, in this case (the incentives here were also a motivating factor to donate), I truly felt the backers were never forgotten.

This project is (by over $140,000) the largest crowds-sourced project in American history.  That’s right – in history.  So, by each and everyone of you donating, together we will make history. Thank you for giving me the chance to be part of something big. And something important. (I just hope I am available when Don calls to personally thank me!)

This movie will make history! I want to say most of all, thank you God. For all things are possible because of you. This really is HIS Story!