Hi all,
Finally putting the finishing touches on the new website. I must admit, I too had my uncertainties about if having an Internet presence would make a difference. In all honesty, while a digital presence's validity will be proven by the business it brings, creating a website has forced me to ORGANIZE.
In creating such pages as Samples, Writing Credits, Services and more, I have had to analyze what I've done, what I'm doing and what I can truly offer a client. If it brings me nothing else, building a website has brought me that other side of writing: organization. In a business where creativity is the life and the life can be erratic, having your stuff straight is invaluable.
So, I say begin getting your thoughts together on what the web-you will look like. The sooner, the better.
Write on.
Chad
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Caught in the Web - Freelancers and webpages
Hi all,
In the studying of freelance writing and professional copywriting, I've repeatedly come across the question: do freelance writers need a webpage?
There are basically two camps of thought on this topic. There's the one collection of writers who do not see a need for a writer to have an online presence. They view it as uneccessary, tedious and flash without substance. The other ideology is that an online presence is not only a neccessary evil but not an evil at all. They view a webpage as being a round-the-clock, excellent source of marketing for a writer.
While the rest of the world has found itself wired on every level into the net, is there a place for us, the word-weavers, the scribes, the writers? Is it worth the cost? Is it worth the effort? Can a web presence make an impact on helping us in our craft and helping us in our pockets?
After a poll of the Internet, it would appear that the majority of the writing community has made up its mind. A web presence not only can provide a constant presence for marketing but also as a electronic portfolio which you can email to any prospective client. It also adds a level of legitimacy to who we are and what we do (although just about anyone and their grandmother can have a website these days...)
So, go out there and seek your site. I'll post more and post steps on how to acquire a website and begin your digital livelihood.
Write on.
Chad
In the studying of freelance writing and professional copywriting, I've repeatedly come across the question: do freelance writers need a webpage?
There are basically two camps of thought on this topic. There's the one collection of writers who do not see a need for a writer to have an online presence. They view it as uneccessary, tedious and flash without substance. The other ideology is that an online presence is not only a neccessary evil but not an evil at all. They view a webpage as being a round-the-clock, excellent source of marketing for a writer.
While the rest of the world has found itself wired on every level into the net, is there a place for us, the word-weavers, the scribes, the writers? Is it worth the cost? Is it worth the effort? Can a web presence make an impact on helping us in our craft and helping us in our pockets?
After a poll of the Internet, it would appear that the majority of the writing community has made up its mind. A web presence not only can provide a constant presence for marketing but also as a electronic portfolio which you can email to any prospective client. It also adds a level of legitimacy to who we are and what we do (although just about anyone and their grandmother can have a website these days...)
So, go out there and seek your site. I'll post more and post steps on how to acquire a website and begin your digital livelihood.
Write on.
Chad
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Know Thy Enemy - Recommended Reads
Hi all,
When I was in high school, I had a costume of the Predator alien for Halloween. The idea sounded great and the costume was awesome...right up until I was about to get out of my mom's car. I saw all the students who weren't dressed and I freaked. My mom told me she would take me home to change but that I should do it because (and I'm paraphrasing) "Life is short."
I went to school as the man-hunting alien and won best costume.
Starting in the world of freelancing writing and copywriting requires equal parts reading and doing. Like sitting in my mom's car, it's easy to watch but be scared to do. While I'm all about action, sometimes you do have to sit and learn about the jump you're about to make. I've been reading like I'm on a life sentence and these are some really good selections:
"Guide to Copywriting" by Robert Bly
"How to start your own Copywriting business" by Steven Slaunwhite
So, hit the libary or the bookstore and get these good books under your belt. There's a time to sit and learn. Then there's a time for moving and jumping.
Thanks Mom for reminding me how to go around.
Write on.
Chad
When I was in high school, I had a costume of the Predator alien for Halloween. The idea sounded great and the costume was awesome...right up until I was about to get out of my mom's car. I saw all the students who weren't dressed and I freaked. My mom told me she would take me home to change but that I should do it because (and I'm paraphrasing) "Life is short."
I went to school as the man-hunting alien and won best costume.
Starting in the world of freelancing writing and copywriting requires equal parts reading and doing. Like sitting in my mom's car, it's easy to watch but be scared to do. While I'm all about action, sometimes you do have to sit and learn about the jump you're about to make. I've been reading like I'm on a life sentence and these are some really good selections:
"Guide to Copywriting" by Robert Bly
"How to start your own Copywriting business" by Steven Slaunwhite
So, hit the libary or the bookstore and get these good books under your belt. There's a time to sit and learn. Then there's a time for moving and jumping.
Thanks Mom for reminding me how to go around.
Write on.
Chad
Friday, February 1, 2008
What makes a writer?
Hi all,
Welcome to Freelance Hunting, my blog on freelance writing. I'll be covering the adventures of freelance writing, blogging, copywriting and my truest literary passion, fiction.
I'd believed I'd started my freelance writing career only recently. However, after reviewing the facts, I realized I've been doing it for over a decade. Writing for the East Chicago Central Cardinal newspaper and yearbook and then writing for the Purdue Calumet Chronicle were great writing experiences.
After that, I did press releases for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers as well as other writing assignments through college. In turn, while I didn't think of myself as a writer yet, I had been already.
Even in my "day job," I've been a writer. Working on articles for the newsletter, drafting memos and creating reports has given up a lot of experience in mutiple formats such as journalism, corporate communications and copywriting.
The moral of this post is that a lot of us (writers) are waiting for some validation, some magical sign that tells us we've arrived. Yet, in all honesty, we're already there. We just have to look and see how long we've been here. Take a look and I bet, like me, you have long histories of doing what you are now dreaming of doing...and being paid for.
Here's your sign: you've not only arrived, but welcome.
Write on.
Chad
Welcome to Freelance Hunting, my blog on freelance writing. I'll be covering the adventures of freelance writing, blogging, copywriting and my truest literary passion, fiction.
I'd believed I'd started my freelance writing career only recently. However, after reviewing the facts, I realized I've been doing it for over a decade. Writing for the East Chicago Central Cardinal newspaper and yearbook and then writing for the Purdue Calumet Chronicle were great writing experiences.
After that, I did press releases for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers as well as other writing assignments through college. In turn, while I didn't think of myself as a writer yet, I had been already.
Even in my "day job," I've been a writer. Working on articles for the newsletter, drafting memos and creating reports has given up a lot of experience in mutiple formats such as journalism, corporate communications and copywriting.
The moral of this post is that a lot of us (writers) are waiting for some validation, some magical sign that tells us we've arrived. Yet, in all honesty, we're already there. We just have to look and see how long we've been here. Take a look and I bet, like me, you have long histories of doing what you are now dreaming of doing...and being paid for.
Here's your sign: you've not only arrived, but welcome.
Write on.
Chad
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