You?ve worked hard on your manuscript and are prepared to send it to a publisher. You realize your manuscript was not something the publisher asked for specifically, yet you feel it matches their stated purpose. You have created a one page, concise cover letter and have made sure it contains no spelling or grammar mistakes. The line is long at the post office, yet you gladly wait to personally send the manuscript on its way. You watch as the heartless postal worker twists ...

Every time you pick up your favorite magazine you pour over it, looking through every article. By the time you are finished many of the pages are dog-eared and you?ve discovered that so many of the articles are in line with your own personal interests and writing style. As a writer you find yourself considering the possibility of submitting something for the magazine to consider. You have even written an article or two, but never had the courage to send them on. You have d...

You've weighed all your options and have determined that self-publishing makes the most sense for your foray into publishing. You understand that there is an increase in the need to self-market your title, but there is also a correlating increase in profit margin. Other risks have been assessed and you?re comfortable moving forward in the direction you've chosen. Have you applied for an ISBN number? "What's that?" You might be asking yourself. Well, an ISBN (Internation...

Your love for writing is evident to any who know you. You have always enjoyed drafting phrases that assist you in telling a story in a positive way. You?ve always wondered if you had what it takes to become a freelance writer. A Few Questions Have you taken any classes in journalism? Have you participated in any workshops for writers? Have you had anyone help assess your skills? Have you developed a portfolio for prospective clients? Have you learned to writ...

The avenues for successfully publishing everything from articles to short stories, poetry to how-to articles and inspirational thoughts to web content has never been more impressive. Perhaps the greatest struggle for web writers is defining the opportunities that best suit their individual tastes and level of comfort. For some, the advent of freelance bidding sites has been a help in locating opportunities the writer may feel especially qualified for. The struggle with ...

Product documentation gives the feeling that nobody has ever used the product. Most documentation: . Ignores the product's failings (warts), and how to overcome them. . Leaves out tips that would improve the User's experience with the product . Leaves out knowledge that experienced Users could share with the new User Before you release a product, have some people use it. From these "test users" get solutions to problems, tips and knowledge that would help your rea...

Every person will have to write a research paper at some point in their lifetime. If you do not know the steps to writing a research paper, then it can become an overwhelming proposition. However if you know the steps to writing a research paper, then the task is not at all daunting. Breaking a research paper into small steps also allows you to focus on one part of the research paper at a time, which will translate into a much better finished product. Here are the steps neede...

Traditionally, journalists have more or less worked alone. Journalists in both the news business and feature writers for magazines typically will develop their stories, dig up their leads, conduct their interviews and draft the final product themselves. In the newspaper business, major stories will sometimes become collaborative efforts where several reporters are working on aspects of a story and their work is edited into a single piece, published under multiple bylines. ...

One of the ways many writers can successfully add credentials to their portfolio if to participate in a variety of literary contests. This type of contest encourages writers to put their best foot forward in both creativity and attention to detail. It is true that there are some contests that provide a cash award for their top finishers, but there are also publishing scams that will accept your work regardless of quality. When you receive notice that your work has been acc...

?When length is a problem, I'd rather cut out sections -- entire thoughts -- than chisel off the texture and color from the most important parts of the story. Cutting is hard and painful work, but I'd rather do it myself than leave it to someone who doesn't know the story as well as I do." - Warren Wolfe For some the idea of actually having writing deadlines would be a dream come true. They enjoy writing, but have never experienced the ruthless demand of completing an arti...