My online article-writing course starts today. I’m excited. I enjoy working with budding freelance writers who are seeking direction, guidance, discipline, tools and skills toward a career as a freelance article writer or to supplement their income or promote their books.
The 6-week course starts today (April 22, 2008). If you’re reading this even during the week of the 28th, however, and want to participate, it isn’t too late. Sign up at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm
It’s $125 for the six weeks. You will receive a lecture and an assignment each Tuesday morning and you can contact me for comments on your work and/or guidance. Learn more about how my online courses work at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_howwork.htm
I offer additional courses on demand, as well. This means that you can sign up for any consecutive 6 or 8 week period. Learn how to set up your own publishing company (Self-Publishing Course), write a successful book proposal, or enroll in the book promotion workshop. Wherever you are in your publishing or writing process, I have a course for you. http://matilijapress.com/courses.htm
During this 6 week period I’ll be concentrating on article-writing with students—some of them new to the world of article-writing and some of them familiar, only maybe stuck or stalled. While some of them want to create a business writing articles for a living, others hope to simply supplement their incomes. I had hoped to entice folks who want to promote their books through article-writing because this is an excellent way to gain exposure for your book, build your credibility among your audience and earn a little (or a lot of) money along the way.
As many of you know, I’ve been writing articles for magazines for over 30 years. I started my writing career by writing magazine articles. I supported myself solely through article-writing for many years. And I can tell you that there are some misconceptions about this field.
Fallacy: Many writers believe there are only the major magazines and that’s what these writers focus on when they consider submitting an article or story.
Truth: There are thousands of magazines, newsletters and websites that pay for freelance work and some, seemingly, insignificant, small niche magazines pay pretty well. I did not make my living writing for Reader’s Digest, Ladies Home Journal or Woman’s Day. I earned my way through magazines that many of you may have never heard of: The World and I, Columbia, Communications Briefings, The Toastmaster, The Walking Magazine, ASPCA Animal Watch, Technology and Learning and American Health for Women, for example.
Fallacy: Freelance writers think they must get really creative or know someone in the editorial offices in order to land writing work.
Truth: All they have to do is to make a professional presentation offering something the editor can use within the correct word length, format, style, time-frame. Always read each magazine’s Submission Guidelines and adhere to them.
Fallacy: Magazine editors are difficult to work with, they don’t pay for the articles they’ve accepted and they never return your emails or phone calls.
Truth: Well, actually, this is true for some editors, but very few. If you behave as a professional, from your demeanor when contacting them to pure excellence in your submission, you will, for the most part, be treated with respect. Always read each magazine’s Submission Guidelines and adhere to them. (Are you noticing a theme here?)
I hope a few more of you will join us for the article-writing course. In the meantime, keep writing. Questions? Contact me at: PLFry620@yahoo.com