Men With Pens

JULY 4, 2010

It’s especially hard for new writers to find their writing voice, because they already feel awkward having their work in the spotlight and subject to public approval. Why We Struggle to Find our Voice Writers worry. One of the problems is that writers write in ways that fit our beliefs, not the reality. Forget that.

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Writing Writer Copywriter Copywriting 88

Men With Pens

JULY 14, 2010

The world is full of dreaming writers who have heard golden stories of the great beyond (working full time as a well-paid freelance copywriter) but who have yet to make the mysterious transformation from mere mortal to freelance god. You can’t tell one from the other. So, who are you? To stand out, you have to find and fill a niche.

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Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Freelance Copywriting 66

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. When you write websites, ads, white papers, or other business materials, readers simply want information. In a recent conversation, a writer told me that he hates projects about things that don’t interest him.

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Copywriter Copywriting Food Copy 81

Men With Pens

JUNE 2, 2010

If you want to submit to hundreds of high-profile bloggers or find quality writers ready to contribute to your site, come join! Dev | Technshare ( @tnsblog ) June 3, 2010 at 1:22 am Hey Agent, Nice Post man. Reply Heather Villa ( @IAC_Heather ) June 3, 2010 at 1:24 am What a great guest post on guest posts!

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Post Blog Blogging Copywriter 81

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. Create mini websites and maintain your notes. Everyone these days is busy. Jim Kimmons´s last blog.

Collaboration 82

Collaboration Projects Freelance Copywriter 82

Men With Pens

APRIL 1, 2010

Prerequisite: you have a website. These techniques assume that you already have a website dedicated to your freelancing business. If you’re don’t have a website, what are you waiting for? Most people know that having a website is imperative for freelancers these days. Counter-intuitive but true.

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Freelance Portfolio Consulting Blogger 55

Men With Pens

APRIL 25, 2010

This is the way writers used to write. Chris Mower ( @firesamurai ) April 25, 2010 at 12:14 pm I enjoy reading Dean’s blog. 5 Ways to Trim the Fat from Your Next Project Reply --Deb ( @__Deb ) April 25, 2010 at 12:43 pm Oh, this is just hilarious. Reply susan ( @susanfinch ) April 25, 2010 at 3:13 pm Thanks.

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Projects 103

Men With Pens

NOVEMBER 29, 2009

On the one hand, you want your potential clients to think you’re savvy and cool, totally worth hiring, because that’s what you’re trying to accomplish with your website copy. 19 Responses to “Are You Too Tough With Your Website Copy?&# Are you making these 7 freelance website mistakes? How about your copy? Surprising, eh?

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Copy Website Copywriter Copywriting 50

ProBlogger

JULY 4, 2017

Around 2010, though, things started to change. Guest posts also offer social proof: on your website, you can name the blogs you’ve written for – which could impress a new reader enough to get them to stick around. It showed Jon’s ability as a writer. Bloggers I’d never heard of would pitch to post on my blogs.

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SEO Post Portfolio Landing Page 48

Men With Pens

JUNE 23, 2010

Writers come in different flavors. There are copywriters, bloggers, academic writers (the vanilla of the writing world?), technical writers and… Fiction writers. Even though only your mom and your writers’ group will ever read your fiction. Fiction is great training to become a good writer. Want an example?

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Blogger 64

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?

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Text Writer Script Copy 73

Men With Pens

MAY 16, 2010

Guest poster Chris Birk did a good job recently of describing how a writer feels when a guest post is accepted but has not yet been published. As an editor at a blog, a writer for three blogs, and an owner of two blogs–I have been on the receiving end of a lot of guest posts over the years. Has this post been helpful to you?

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Publisher Publishing Publishing Freelance 56

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

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.

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Writing Copywriter Copywriting Writer 73

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.

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Blog Blogging Sales Copy Freelance 51

Men With Pens

JUNE 13, 2010

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? James: A lot of writers would love to have your life. The REAL copywriters are good writers.

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Copywriter Copywriting Copy Banking 57

Men With Pens

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

For example, you could redesign your website so it appeals to more clients and lessens your advertising costs. Brett ( @brettpopoleo ) March 1, 2010 at 2:30 am Thanks for the insight. Popoleo’s Pointing Dog’s Reply Solomon March 1, 2010 at 7:33 am Thanks for the great post! Treat yourself like a client – your most important one.

Freelance 63

Freelance Projects Portfolio Copywriter 63

Men With Pens

JANUARY 19, 2010

Travis ( @travispjohnson ) January 20, 2010 at 1:30 am As you wish. Reply Christa January 20, 2010 at 1:44 am “As you wish&# Reply Vandy Massey ( @vandymassey ) January 20, 2010 at 5:40 am Any thoughts on the Serenity guide to copywriting (if we’re talking Joss Whedon)? Michael Martine´s last blog.

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Copywriter Copywriting Hospitality Copy 110

Men With Pens

JANUARY 12, 2010

Writing: The Great Dust-Mop of the Creative Mind Every writer, particularly professional fiction writers, will tell you that in order to get to the truly genius stuff, you have to write pages upon pages of complete and utter garbage. No wonder writers are always exhausted by the very idea of writing if we haven’t done any for awhile.

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Creativity Copywriter Copywriting Writer 62

Men With Pens

MARCH 21, 2010

Matt Burgess ( @therealburgo ) March 22, 2010 at 4:28 am Totally agree, because it always comes down to one thing, doesn’t it? Things that were delicious this week… Reply Justin King March 22, 2010 at 6:37 am Remarkably good timing That car analogy is super smart too. Matt Burgess´s last blog. Thanks a million! Reply Mary E.

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Copy Copywriter Copywriting Storytelling 48

Men With Pens

MAY 23, 2010

DON’T point to a really bad website. Speaking of links, if you have an ugly website with horrible copy that doesn’t reflect your skills, please don’t tell us. A poor-copy website with a tacky, broken design is kind of like pulling down your pants – at the wrong time. Request, that is. DO take a chance.

Freelance 55

Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Portfolio 55

Men With Pens

JULY 11, 2010

Peter Shallard - The Shrink for Entrepreneurs ( @petershallard ) July 12, 2010 at 1:55 am This is a thoughtful post. Reply Nabeel | Create Your First Website July 12, 2010 at 4:01 am Whoa Excellent post James. The more people we get talking about blogging, the better we can shape it so that we can all profit.

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IT Blog Blogging Entertainment 69

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.

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Freelance Writing Creative Director Copywriter 60

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 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.

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Copywriter Copywriting Sales Portfolio 77

Men With Pens

MARCH 2, 2010

Michael Martine ( @remarkablogger ) March 3, 2010 at 2:35 am Love this. Never Face Writers Block Again (and have Fresh Ideas Every Day) Reply Kyle Healey March 3, 2010 at 2:51 am I used to do a ton of freelance SEO and copywriting work, but eventually you just get pushed out by the masses willing to work for pennies.

Freelance 65

Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Government 65

Men With Pens

MARCH 4, 2010

For example, if you’re a great writer and Joe’s a fantastic ebook designer, create an info product or a course. Launch a new website. Kelly March 5, 2010 at 7:36 am James, This one is a lesson you never stop learning. Reply Matthew : Big Red Tomato Company ( @Bigredtomato ) March 5, 2010 at 12:23 pm I Like this.

Freelance 58

Freelance Projects Copywriter Copywriting 58

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. People are curious and they like being in the know. Just drop us a comment and let us know.

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

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

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. Not just emotionally, intellectually.

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Writing Writing Style Copywriter Copywriting 62

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. They destroy websites, businesses and even lives.

Editorial 49

Editorial Freelance Copywriter Copywriting 49

Men With Pens

JUNE 9, 2010

If that overnight success has a website, look at his blog archives. Tim Gordon June 10, 2010 at 3:59 am Informative article you got there. Now, back to the current project Reply Sally B ( @snappysentences ) June 10, 2010 at 5:16 am Oh Amy I can totally relate to this post. It taught me a lot. Tim Gordon´s last blog.

Freelance 60

Freelance Copywriter Copywriting Creativity 60

Men With Pens

APRIL 29, 2010

There are dozens of reasons why writers wind up in this content limbo. Mutual respect and empathy are two keys to cultivating a worthwhile writer-editor relationship, and an imbalance can contribute to a guest post being held hostage. But writers with a piece in limbo should consider pitching the idea to other sites.

Post 48

Post Writer Blogger Publisher 48

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.

Concept 55

Concept Copywriter Copywriting Projects 55

Men With Pens

APRIL 18, 2010

Michelle April 19, 2010 at 1:41 am I see this happening a lot on blogs where staff members are given blog articles to write but get caught up in their day-to-day responsibilities. Don’t Be an Expert, Be a Specialist Reply Susan Allport ( @suelander_ ) April 19, 2010 at 6:22 am I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there.

Blogger 59

Blogger Copywriter Copywriting Portfolio 59

Men With Pens

MARCH 30, 2010

Not a writer? Devan ( @dsabar ) March 31, 2010 at 2:34 am Um…Kurt Cobain died from a self inflicted shotgun wound – not a heroin overdose… Reply Dena March 31, 2010 at 4:38 am Nice article. Reply Stacey Cornelius ( @thestudiosource ) March 31, 2010 at 10:39 am Taylor, welcome to my world. In a big way.

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Sales Copy Copy Sales Writing 44