Writing for Quick Cash

by Oberlin, Loriann Hoff

• ISBN13: 9780814471999
• ISBN10: 0814471994
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-11-17
• Publisher: Amacom Books

Summary

Like every aspiring writer, you want to get paid for your work. Writing for Quick Cash gives you the tools, information, and resources to make it all happen. Whether you're interested in working on a book project or writing for periodicals, Web sites, or newsletters (or even greeting cards!) this book shows you how. In addition, you'll learn how to make the most of the latest and best writing software, create an efficient home office setup for maximum productivity, and augment your income through teaching, speaking, and editing jobs. Earning money for your writing takes not just skill, but business savvy and insider's know-how as well. Writing for Quick Cash is a handy, practical guide full of proven strategies and great tips for turning your words into money. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Loriann Hoff Oberlin (North Potomac, MD) is the author of several books, including Working at Home While the Kids Are There, Too. She has contributed to Woman’s Day, The Saturday Evening Post, and other publications, and teaches aspiring writers.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	xi
INTRODUCTION	1	(4)
CH. 1 A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES	5	(17)
Where is the work? How has the writing world changed in a new economy? This chapter shows you the money, encourages you, and gives you tips and gift suggestions to support you on your freelance journey.
CH. 2 ORGANIZING YOURSELF TO WRITE	22	(19)
The well-connected writer needs assistance purchasing the proper computer, furniture, and reference books. Tips on copyright, legal questions, taxes, home offices, and how to boost your profits are included.
CH. 3 DEVELOPING JOURNALISTIC STYLE	41	(21)
Writers love to ask questions. Learn how to satisfy your curiosity, conduct interviews, and weave your facts into convincing copy that leads to sales. If you never took a journalism class-or even if you did-this chapter has all you need to craft leads, weed out unnecessary words, and write tight.
CH. 4 SHORT BITS, LAUGH LINES, AND MORE	62	(15)
Cash in on comedy, tempt your readers' taste buds, or break into a publication writing filler material. You may even have the background for encyclopedia and reference writing. If you build a reputation with smaller items, you can earn quick cash and open editorial doors.
CH. 5 GREETING CARDS AND POETRY	77	(13)
Selling your sentiments and poetry to the greeting card industry brightens someone's day and adds income to your bank account. Here is how to study the market and approach editors.
CH. 6 QUERY LETTERS AND ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS	90	(17)
How do you market your great idea to a magazine or newspaper? It starts with studying the markets and writing a convincing query letter. This chapter also discusses how to reslant published material for future sales, and how to break into the trade journal market as well.
CH. 7 PHOTOJOURNALISM	107	(17)
The right combination of journalistic savvy, professional etiquette, and photographic skill can be your passport to further feature articles as well as more successful public relations work. Learn how to obtain stock photography and select necessary equipment, too.
CH. 8 TEACHING, SPEAKING, AND SPECIALIZED JOBS	124	(16)
Share your knowledge and relate your own experiences by setting up courses, running successful seminars, or speaking before groups. This chapter explores various teaching situations, including distance learning. Proofreading, copyediting, and indexing are all specialized opportunities affording additional income.
CH. 9 BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL WRITING	140	(14)
Business and technical writing pay big bucks if you cater to corporate clients needing annual reports, manuals, proposals, and often public relations assistance, or perhaps scientific or medical text. Here is what you need to negotiate fees and set up agreements with commercial clients.
CH. 10 ONLINE MARKETS	154	(13)
E-commerce continues to create new possibilities for writers providing online content, e-books, Web site development, and more. Find tips on online etiquette and how to find these assignments.
CH. 11 NEWSLETTERS AND OTHER PUBLISHING PROJECTS	167	(14)
Companies and constituencies of all kinds rely on newsletters to communicate their messages. Here are the basics to begin a newsletter from scratch as well as information on producing annual reports, brochures, and résumés with desktop publishing.
CH. 12 THE BOOK BUSINESS	181	(24)
Some say books hold all the money for a writer, but you must work efficiently to propose, write, and promote a book-length work. Tips on finding agents, uncovering collaborative projects, options such as self-publishing, and pitching a children's book or novel are discussed.
AFTERWORD	205
APPENDIX: WRITING RESOURCES	201	(14)
INDEX	215	(10)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR	225