…Sold 2 additional pieces to WRITINGFORDOLLARS.COM as well.

Got a response from another potential market–this one is an educational website. And I also discovered a new site for writing jobs.

Not bad for one day.

Peace!

A DIFFERENT SHADE OF BLACK

(DEDICATED TO MICHELLE OBAMA)

BY

JENNIFER BROWN BANKS

We watched you

As a nation–

Future first lady, front runner,

On TV,

On trial,

On display,

For the world to see

A different shade of Black–

Brilliant

And BOLD,

Illuminous–

Overshadowing

The all too often

Images

Of darkness

Cast by media

Of Video hoes

And vixens

And welfare queens

Showing those who were once gripped by fear

That all “chocolate” is not decadent

Making an “M’ pact

Making us proud

Making history

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday, when surfing around to check out what’s online, particularly the WRITING FOR DOLLARS database, to find out that my article is now ranked #1 as most popular article!

I kid you not!  My article 7 STEPS TO SAVVY COPY WRITING was ranked #!–and Dan (the editor), has some pretty impressive writers (some even well noted) contributing to his Ezine.

I’m also geeked about my upcoming role as a board member of CWA.

My future short- term creative goals?  To secure more bookings to teach classes and workshops, and to finish two book proposals.

I’m excited about future possibilities and present successes.

WRITING ROCKS!

As a matter of fact, in the weekly column I write, I nominated him as one of my “sexiest men”, along with the usuals like Keanu Reeves and Michael Ealy.

I can’t believe he’s gone, but for sure he’ll be making the angels laugh in heaven.  May he rest in peace.

We’ll miss your sunshine.

But equally gratifying, (along different lines), is the fan mail received from audiences around the country!  They warm my heart and keep me inspired.

This week I got 2 such Email messages from my article in WRITING FOR DOLLARS entitled “FRUGAL FREELANCING FOR TOUGH TIMES.”

It was unexpected and much appreciated.  Writing is a blessing both ways–to the artist and the audience. 

Now, back to work ::-)

I finished work on an article I wrote about Blogging for writers, and got a check in the mail today for a previous article written.

I accepted a LINKEDIN invitation from a fan and fellow writer across the country, and am trying to get a few other projects off the ground. 

Sent off a pitch to a new writers’ group to do a workshop or book signing–got my fingers crossed on this one.

Busy, busy, busy.

I finally, after much trials and tribulation, was able to upload my photo to one of my websites!  Hurray!

I also learned this morning that I was chosen to serve on the board of directors for C.W.A.

It’s a great writers’ organization that I highly recommend.  I’m also plugging away at a few creative columns, and teaching a class on blogging in September!

What’s going on in your world?  Here’s wishing you much success as you pursue the wonderful path of writing!

GUIDELINES DATABASES ARE ACCESSIBLE AT:

WWW.WRITINGFORDOLLARS.COM

WWW.WORLDWIDEFREELANCE.COM

WWW.WRITERGAZETTE.COM

Happy surfing!

I checked out the website of Box 8 Creative Studio, one of my former clients, and saw the slogan I created, which was really neat.

I definitely dig copy writing and the creative process!

 Few freelancers realize that when it comes to landing work as a contributing writer for paying publications, professionalism and personality are just as important as writing proficiency.

In other words, creative ability, without a fair share of common sense, will confine you to being a “starving artist” in the truest sense.

And I should know.  In my role as editor of a popular publication, I’ve witnessed some pretty peculiar stuff.  Take for instance my recent “call for submissions” placed to a popular online bulletin board.

Initially, I was pleased as punch with the great amount of responses received. Our Ad garnered resumes from people of all colors, walks of life, and professional backgrounds!  But the numbers dwindled considerably in the screening process, due to what I call doom by the “seven deadly sins”. 

These 7 principles and practices are the most common reasons good writers are not able to land ongoing gigs and increase their writing revenues.

If you find this to be the case with your own career, perhaps you’re guilty of one of the following.

1. DEMANDING “DIVA” STATUS—-Let’s face it.  Though the writing industry dynamics differ in some ways than those of Corporate America, one thing still holds true.  People like to work with people who are likeable.  Editors are no different.  Here’s a case in point.

One young lady whom I originally thought had “diamond in the rough” potential, prematurely eliminated herself from the running by making unreasonable, unrelenting demands.  This scribe insisted on being paid up front, although our guidelines clearly stated that payments would be made “30-45 days after publication”. She also wanted a contract specifically designed for her and her contributions.  Although freelancers are certainly within their rights to dictate the terms of their services, it’s important to consider the prevailing guidelines of the publication.  Unfortunately this writer’s rudeness, and tendency to “show her bottom”, proved to be a detriment to her “bottom line.”  

2. ONLINE STALKING—Worried that your prized submission might get lost somewhere in cyberspace?  (I’m guilty of the same). It’s perfectly okay to send an Email to verify that an editor has received your work.  It’s not okay to request a weekly “status report”.  Doing so will cause you to wear out your welcome fast!

3. PROVIDING INACTIVE OR INCORRECT LINKS—An editor should not have to play “hide and go seek” to view samples of your online work.  Just like a resume, it should be kept current and checked periodically for errors.

4. NOT HAVING A WEBSITE—Author’s websites need not be expensive, or equipped with all the bells and whistles.  Having one merely says you’re serious, and conveys a sense of professionalism.  www.writersgazette.com provides this service at an extremely reasonable rate.

5. TAKING A BIG STAND ON SMALL ISSUES— Will it really kill you that the editor left out your middle initial in your byline credit?  Choose your battles wisely. 

6. NOT BEING FLEXIBLE ENOUGH— Stuff happens.  In the publishing industry, things are constantly evolving and being reassessed.  Sometimes, due to editorial calendar changes, “breaking news”, budget constraints, etc., assignments may be modified, cut, or added.  Try to go with the flow.  It will increase your overall value and decrease your blood pressure too!

7. NOT BEING ABLE TO MEET DEADLINES—A writer who is a whiz with words, but can’t be counted on to turn work in on time, defeats the purpose. 

As an editor who also serves as a contributing writer for several national publications, I have the benefit of both of these important aspects of the publishing industry.

Take it from me…overcoming these seven deadly sins, and observing proper etiquette with editors is guaranteed to enhance your writing career and keep you in the black!