Men With Pens

APRIL 8, 2010

Regardless if you are a freelance writer, a business executive, a graphic artist or if you are working a part-time job, you surely could use a bit of help in organizing your thoughts so that your days run more smoothly. FreeMind helps you to keep track of your projects using notes with links in what is called the knowledge base.

Collaboration 82

Collaboration Projects Freelance Copywriter 82

Men With Pens

MARCH 25, 2010

I’m happier when he attaches a guest post – he’s a great writer full of good stuff to share. In a recent conversation, a writer told me that he hates projects about things that don’t interest him. Top writers are ruthless editors and heartless revisionists. He’s a nice guy. We all make them.

Copywriter 81

Copywriter Copywriting Food Copy 81

Men With Pens

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

You were supposed to deliver this project at 5pm and you’re almost finished but… A new email comes in. Hire yourself, and assign yourself a project. Pick a project that will help further your success. Brett ( @brettpopoleo ) March 1, 2010 at 2:30 am Thanks for the insight. Emails bombard you. It’s a rush.

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Freelance Projects Portfolio Copywriter 63

Men With Pens

MAY 26, 2010

There’s a school of writing – call it writers’ boot camp – that tells you things like: You must write every day. Writers’ block is just laziness Now, there’s some truth in these bits of advice, otherwise we’d never listen to them. Well, if you’re a writer, you probably enjoy writing.

Writing 62

Writing Writer Projects Freelance 62

Men With Pens

MARCH 4, 2010

If you ever decide to take a break to work on a project or to get some much-needed rest, good freelancers like Joe could take over other projects you have on the go for a week or two. Let Joe take on all the coding that goes into a project while you work on the design side of things. And you get to take care of yourself.

Freelance 58

Freelance Projects Copywriter Copywriting 58

Men With Pens

JANUARY 7, 2010

Some writing jobs are just dreary, like being a marketing writer at Shoelaces-R-Us. Some writers, like me, have a thick skin and are pretty Type-A anyway. But I think most writers are not compatible with that sort of bulldozer personality. Some writers are happy with just a little extra income.

Freelance 60

Freelance Writing Creative Director Copywriter 60

Men With Pens

JANUARY 17, 2010

Melinda | SuperWAHM ( @superwahm1 ) January 18, 2010 at 2:17 am I don’t have that much direct competition. SuperWAHM EZ-Notes – Pre-Release Sale and Giveaway Reply Archan Mehta January 18, 2010 at 5:55 am James, Once again, this is an interesting post. Reply Phil Simon ( @philsimon ) January 18, 2010 at 8:08 am James Good post.

Copywriter 77

Copywriter Copywriting Sales Portfolio 77

Men With Pens

MAY 11, 2010

Allow me to tell you: We’ve overhauled, revamped and created a truly extraordinary resource for fiction writers everywhere, and we’ve packaged it up into a very entertaining and useful book called How to Create Believable Characters. Any projects you’d like to drop hints about? Go for it; we’re all ears.

Copywriter 43

Copywriter Copywriting Entertainment Projects 43

Men With Pens

MARCH 3, 2010

Henry Bingaman ( @henrybing ) March 4, 2010 at 3:05 am Saying no takes confidence… but the act of saying no also builds confidence. Direct Email Marketing Tips Reply Michael Martine ( @remarkablogger ) March 4, 2010 at 3:55 am James, very smart stuff regarding a 48-hour waiting period vs. a “rush fee.&# Good post, James.

Freelance 63

Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Projects 63

Men With Pens

MARCH 8, 2010

Twitter,Facebook, your project manager, your to-do list app, Google Analytics, your bookkeeping software, or your email accounts? Michal Kozak ( @michalkozak ) March 8, 2010 at 6:13 am Great article, makes you think about thisstuff. Are You A Buttoned-Up or Buttoned-Down Freelance Writer? Think about your other applications.

Website 75

Website Freelance Insurance Portfolio 75

Men With Pens

MARCH 11, 2010

Good News for Content Writers Don’t worry. In fact, you can make even more money as a content writer if you choose NOT to write blog content. Sometimes, the most effective way to be the best freelance writer for your client is to tell that person why you shouldn’t be hired for a specific job. What a great idea.

Blog 51

Blog Blogging Sales Copy Freelance 51

Men With Pens

JULY 18, 2010

Rebecca July 19, 2010 at 2:19 am I’ve never been an avid horse rider myself but I can easily see the comparisons you are making. Sidebar 1 Reply Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 19, 2010 at 3:52 am Great comparison with Equestrians! Rebecca´s last blog. I really liked all 4 comparisons and lessons. Yup, this is true.

Concept 55

Concept Copywriter Copywriting Projects 55

Men With Pens

APRIL 6, 2010

People want to see your portfolio, your testimonials, and your professional-looking website. Actually, we’re happy to put ourselves forward as the expert for anyone who wants to learn how to start your kick-ass web writer business. Ghosting Reply Lucy Thorpe ( @Lucythorpe ) April 7, 2010 at 5:13 am I could really use your help!

Education 49

Education Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 49

Men With Pens

JUNE 27, 2010

Maquis June 28, 2010 at 1:16 am I’ll admit that I’ve definitely learned the hard way that sleep deprivation can be physically painful. Reply Þórey Ómars ( @thoreyo ) June 28, 2010 at 2:04 am Hi James. If anyone can get you sleeping your way to success, they can. First off… @Maquis: sleeping *more* as a new mom?

Freelance 69

Freelance Banking Creativity Hospitality 69

Men With Pens

JANUARY 14, 2010

Jordan Cooper ( @NotAProBlog ) January 15, 2010 at 1:17 am As a stand-up comic, I could attest to this wholeheartedly. Building an Army with Nicholas Cardot of Site Sketch 101 Reply Dave Doolin ( @websiteweekend ) January 15, 2010 at 2:36 am This article made me think about my own writing. You won’t. Dave Doolin´s last blog.

Writing 62

Writing Writing Style Copywriter Copywriting 62

Men With Pens

APRIL 13, 2010

Maquis April 14, 2010 at 2:13 am I understand your points here, but honestly, I get more upset at the companies that have sold my information than the ones who bought it. Reply Chris Mower ( @firesamurai ) April 14, 2010 at 2:30 am It’s exactly the reasons that you mention why I’m very careful about who I give my information to.

Copywriter 48

Copywriter Copywriting Freelance Advertising 48

Men With Pens

JANUARY 10, 2010

Michael Martine ( @remarkablogger ) January 11, 2010 at 1:34 am There’s another kind of “wrongness.&# Why To Blog As Yourself (Even if That’s Not What You Sell) Reply Dave Doolin ( @websiteweekend ) January 11, 2010 at 3:22 am Yeah, I don’t have to like someone to trust them. You’re dangerous.

Copywriter 57

Copywriter Copywriting Freelance Sales 57

Men With Pens

DECEMBER 20, 2009

How do you tell your clients that you need an extension on a project because you’re sick? They won’t be shocked and dismayed when you finally do announce there’s no way in hell you can get out of bed and that their project is going to be late. If a client gets sick, you can bet the project gets pushed back.

Telecommunication 56

Telecommunication Freelance Projects Copywriter 56

Men With Pens

NOVEMBER 29, 2009

Every writer who has ever sent me samples hoping to get a project has sent me this sort of copy. Spiritually, ecumenically, grammatically." - Captain Jack Sparrow Home | Services | About | Comment Policy | Disclosure | Contact Copyright © 2006 - 2010 30 Sous Zero Inc. It doesn’t. Dean Rieck´s last blog.

Copy 50

Copy Website Copywriter Copywriting 50

Men With Pens

JULY 21, 2010

comes along with this post on bravery, and how being a writer is a perfectly good measure of it. But if you’re a writer – if you’re taking ideas out of your head and turning them into words – then you’re sure as hell brave. You’re inspired and encouraged and invigorated by your fellow writers.

Writer 83

Writer Copywriter Copywriting Creativity 83

Men With Pens

JUNE 20, 2010

But if you’re like most writers (and you probably are), you’ve read the ‘read aloud’ tip already. You’re a good writer already. Writers – especially new ones – tend to get confused about the ‘voice’ they should use. You’ve nodded, smiled and completely ignored it. Or are you?

Text 73

Text Writer Script Copy 73

Men With Pens

APRIL 15, 2010

So when it hit me, I did – and here’s her post on how to be a better writer – fast. And I’ve been soaking up advice from sites like Copyblogger and Men with Pens as well as material from some other excellent writers in the blogosphere. Most writers aren’t brimming over with confidence, either.

Writing 73

Writing Copywriter Copywriting Writer 73

Men With Pens

MARCH 9, 2010

OConnor ( @ocopy ) March 10, 2010 at 7:52 am It helps businesses better control their reputations online. Reply Stacey Cornelius ( @thestudiosource ) March 10, 2010 at 7:53 am A well thought-out website can show your customers you’re tuned into their needs. They’re all small business owners. Can you think of other reasons?

Website 66

Website Advertising Portfolio Consulting 66

Men With Pens

NOVEMBER 26, 2009

Written by James - 36 Comments It’s November, which means that if you’re a fiction writer, it’s National Novel Writing Month for you. That’s why people with a manuscript, even really good writers, aren’t publishing their work. Too many writers make this mistake, this assumption. And that’s the problem with NaNoWriMo. Thanks all.

Concept 44

Concept Writer Publisher Publishing 44

Men With Pens

DECEMBER 8, 2009

We don’t call photographers, artists, or other writers hacks when they charge for their works. Paid subscriptions would also let writers be writers instead of the affiliate marketers and AdSense gurus they have to be today. Or work on passive income projects. Shouldn’t bloggers have the same right?

Blogger 48

Blogger Post Publisher Publishing 48

Men With Pens

JULY 11, 2010

Here’s a thought: What if that dropping readership, that dwindling traffic and that lack of discussion lets you invest your time in better projects, ones that help you get closer to your goals? Peter Shallard - The Shrink for Entrepreneurs ( @petershallard ) July 12, 2010 at 1:55 am This is a thoughtful post.

IT 69

IT Blog Blogging Entertainment 69

Men With Pens

JULY 7, 2010

And for the freelancer, a clear statement of the project that includes understandable objectives, requirements and specific deliverables, helps focus his time and resources on the task at hand, instead of trying to figure out what you need. Trust freelancers to see the project through. Let freelancers do their job. 6) Thank them.

Freelance 55

Freelance Projects Construction Communication 55

Men With Pens

FEBRUARY 25, 2010

This is a reminder for all of us that it’s not just buyer beware – it’s writer be careful, too. …Science fiction is central to everything we’ve ever done, and people who make fun of science fiction writers don’t know what they’re talking about. Ahh, science fiction, how do I love thee?

Editorial 49

Editorial Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 49

Men With Pens

JUNE 13, 2010

I’ve turned down a few projects because I knew they were scams or they used unethical tactics. Too many writers just don’t understand how important marketing is … it’s the engine behind modern economies that makes our lives a thousand times better than they were generations ago. James: Ever get writer’s block?

Copywriter 57

Copywriter Copywriting Copy Banking 57

Men With Pens

JULY 25, 2010

Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 26, 2010 at 3:24 am I agree James. Kindest, Nabeel Reply Joel Falconer July 26, 2010 at 3:54 am As the saying goes, “opinions are like assholes–everyone has one and they all stink.&# Reply Andy Fogarty ( @AndyFogarty ) July 26, 2010 at 9:26 am I’m not going to lie.

Medical 54

Medical Banking Food Social Media 54

Men With Pens

JANUARY 3, 2010

Jordan Cooper ( @NotAProBlog ) January 4, 2010 at 2:38 am Amen, James! Dumb People Click On Links Reply Michael Martine ( @remarkablogger ) January 4, 2010 at 2:50 am This would be that conversation you were talking about. Ten Steps to Rock Your Business Blog in 2010 Reply J.D. We just have to wake up and realize it.

Advertising 54

Advertising Blogger Ads Copywriter 54

Men With Pens

JANUARY 28, 2010

Today’s guest post comes to us from Susan Johnston, the Urban Muse Writer. If you give clients a freebie or cut them a ridiculously good deal (even if you’re trying to build your portfolio or help a friend), then you’re sending the message that you and your skills come cheap. Freelancing can be much the same.

Freelance 75

Freelance Portfolio Projects Creativity 75

Men With Pens

NOVEMBER 19, 2009

See, if you’re a writer, a blogger or an online business owner, you need to connect with the community. I’ve become a better writer and started my fitness blog. How do you get rid of “writer’s butt&# ? As for “Writers butt&# , er… what the hell is that? Opposite of writers block?

Construction 65

Construction Writer Freelance Sales 65

Men With Pens

APRIL 27, 2010

Tehillah Hessler ( @thessler ) April 28, 2010 at 3:10 am EXCELLENT ARTICLE! Reply Mike CJ ( @mikecj ) April 28, 2010 at 4:00 am A little late for me, this one. Reply Nathan Hangen ( @nhangen ) April 28, 2010 at 5:47 am It’s really easy to misunderstand email, Tweets, and everything in between.

Communication 67

Communication Text Freelance Copywriter 67

Men With Pens

DECEMBER 22, 2009

May 2010 knock your socks off even more than did 2009! You NEED this to start 2010 off RIGHT – Save BIG on …. Here’s to 2010! Today Facebook… Tomorrow, The Fruit of Your Womb Reply Gillian - Google SEO December 23, 2009 at 7:03 am I’m so glad I’ve found this wonderful community of writers.

IT 42

IT Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 42

Men With Pens

NOVEMBER 22, 2009

We did try to tell you there was nothing to this vicious rumor of a new, updated, expanded and generally awesome upgraded version of Write for the Web, your guide to becoming a freelance writer on the Internet. Lots of ways to get you off your ass and into your new career as a web writer. We have learned nothing since then. No excuses.

Freelance 48

Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Writer 48

Men With Pens

JUNE 9, 2010

But there is something sexy about completing a project that you’re proud of and that results in a happy client who refers you to someone else while you cash his cheque at your bank. Tim Gordon June 10, 2010 at 3:59 am Informative article you got there. It taught me a lot. Tim Gordon´s last blog.

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Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Creativity 60