Publishing Perspectives across Borders

Abandoning Publishing Blog

Dear Readers,

After blogging about publishing this past year, I have decided to discontinue posting to this blog and focus on my Turkey blog which is my real passion. I have appreciated all the emails and comments on what I write about, and please feel free to write me about any questions you may have on writing, editing and research as I continue helping non-fiction authors, educators and consultants in this area.

Visit my Turkey blog which is all about living and working in Turkey and giving resources to keep you informed. Go to http://remarkablesolutions.typepad.com/foreign.

Also, here are a few of the best sites to go to about your Publishing interests:

Peter Bowerman, The Well Fed Writer at http://www.wellfedwriter.com. His newsletter serves up the best on being a money-making writer, and you can't beat his three books filled with the very best of how-to advice! Buy them.

Bob Bly, the guru of copywriting, http://www.bly.com. His books are the industry standard and his ezines never fails to give super tips and tricks.

Richard Armstrong, http://www.goddoesntshootcraps.com, who has a marvelous gem at his site, "Make More by Writing Less."

Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound at http://www.publicityhound.com has the best expert PR material on the net, hands down.

Ali Brown, The Ezine Queen at http://www.ezinequeen.com gives expert advice on how to produce your ezine and has interesting and helpful ezines.

Thank you again and I hope to see you on my Turkey blog or my website at http://www.remarkablesolutions.com real soon!

8 Things to Hire a Copywriter

Are you confused about why you should hire a professional copywriter/editor for your business needs at a professional fee? Some days, so am I; and that is why today, I am posting an article written by expert copywriter and online entrepreneur, Alexandria Brown, The E-zine Queen.

This week, once again, I had an uncomfortable chat about professional fees for professional services. I have written about this problem before, but I believe Ali's article is worth the read, and number 6 below especially says it all.

Here in Turkey, I find it rare for many companies to truly appreciate what it takes to write and/or edit professional copy. A company's image is their most important selling point, yet they will give their copy to anyone to write or edit. Even more, though, I see where companies produce material in English which reeks of POOR spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage and organization!

Solid writing is not appreciated here for what is essential to a company's reputation; thus, compensation is poor for professional writers/editors. There are many hacks which can easily undercut a professional's fees, but this article sheds light on this issue. For more information-packed articles, visit The E-zine Queen's web site at http://www.ezinequeen.com.

8 Things You MUST Know Before Hiring a Copywriter"

by Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen"

If you're considering hiring copywriting help for your next brochure, web site, or marketing project, Congrats! You should get great results if you hire a pro to do it right.

Many business owners have valid concerns about letting an outsider develop their content. After all -- it's your business, you know it best, and your image is critical. However, you're wrapped up in your business every day. A good copywriter can see your business in a new light, draw out the key benefits of your products and services, and communicate that excitement to your clients and prospects.

Working with a writer isn't a complicated ordeal; however, it will benefit you tremendously to become familiar with how the relationship typically works and ways to help the process move along smoothly. So, here are my top 8 tips on how to choose and work with a copywriter:

1. Understand what you're trying to accomplish.

A crucial factor in streamlining the writing process is determining the principal points you need to communicate -- *before* you bring in a writer. Who is your target audience? What is your message? What is unique about your business? In what tone do you want to speak to your reader? And most important: What response do you ideally want the reader to make? Having this information agreed upon BEFORE you get a writer involved will save you unnecessary copy revisions and keep your costs down.

2. Have a realistic schedule.

Rushed work usually means it'll be expensive... or just plain bad! Avoid hastily hiring a copywriter and dumping a rush job on her. Not only will you not have time to thoroughly check her experience and references, but, no matter how wonderfully talented she is, her first draft will not be 'fully cooked.' Most copywriters need some time to let words and ideas simmer.

Most writers will request several WEEKS to develop your copy, so set a realistic schedule to give the creative process ample time. Count on going through one or two revisions as your writer refines the piece and conveys the key benefits of what you're promoting.

3. Make sure the writer has written for the *medium* you want.

Let's say you need someone to re-energize the copy on your Web site. A freelancer who has only written magazine articles won't likely have the skills to create content for a dynamic Web site. She's probably not proficient at breaking-up copy into easily digestible bits, integrating hyperlinks that entice your users to take action, and keeping your end-user in mind to plan a friendly, easily-navigable site. She may be able to learn how, but you'll be paying for her slow ramp-up speed. Take time instead to find the right person -- it will save you many headaches down the road.

4. Experience within your industry isn't always necessary.

When I was a copywriter myself, I heard many prospects say, 'So you've never written for a _______ company before?' A valid concern on your part, but don't worry. A writer's ability to write well for the medium is typically more important than her having prior experience in your industry.

Many writers are true generalists and write just as well for an edgy new media start-up as they do for a giant hospital network. They're very proficient at diving into your business, learning it inside and out, and churning out great copy to entice your target market. Now of course, if you're producing a technically oriented business-to-business Web site or marketing piece, you may want to hire a writer with experience in both your project's medium and your industry. If you find a good one, hold on tightly and pay well. You've struck gold!

5. Ask for references, and contact them.

All writers can show you samples of well-written material, but how do you know if they'll work to understand your communication needs, meet deadlines, and act professionally in front of your clients? Any great copywriter should have an ample list of references that she can share with you. Be sure to contact at least two of them, and ask them about the writer's weaknesses as well as her strengths.

6. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

It amazes me how businesspeople will drop thousands of dollars on Web or print design and hesitate to spend half as much on great copy. Pictures and design enhance your message, but jeez folks ...the writing IS your message!

Good copywriting does not come cheaply -- you'll find writers who charge anywhere from $50 - $250 per hour and up. You'll pay on the higher side for an experienced writer, one with a particular specialty, or one who's also a proficient editor. (Many writers are also great editors, but not all writers are editors, and vice versa.)

7. Work on more than a handshake.

True writing pros will give you an agreement they've drawn up for you. However, you'll occasionally find yourself having to draft an agreement for the project. This doesn't have to be complex -- a simple letter that you both sign should do fine. Be sure to include the project size, number of revisions included, timetable, and agreed fee (this can be a flat fee or hourly rate).

And don't forget to ask what's *not* included. For example, many writers charge extra for in-person meetings, research time, and weekend or rush work. You should also expect to pay an upfront retainer. Most writers charge one-third to one-half of the total project fee upfront, and many won't begin your project until they have the signed agreement and check in hand. And if you have sensitive or proprietary information, don't hesitate to have your writer sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

8. Give your writer background info at the start.

It often happens that a writer is hired for a large project, and the first thing she's asked to do is come in and interview all the principals of the company. After several days of interviews, the writer is then handed the company's brochures, annual report, and marketing plan.

If this background info had been given up front, the client could have saved hours of time and money! At the beginning of your project, pass on any and all previous and applicable brochures or sales kits, direct mail, Web site URLs, research results, reports, and business and marketing plans.

© 2001-2006 Alexandria K. Brown

Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 20,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com

A Freelance Secret to Hit the Pocket

Many of you already know that Peter Bowerman (www.wellfedwriter.com) and Bob Bly (www.bly.com) are my gurus of freelance opportunity. Well, recently, I added Richard Armstrong (www.goddoesntshootcraps.com) to that group of two, so I now have three gurus to whom I look to for solid information on the freelancing venture.

The reason I mention Richard is because Bob Bly sent me a link to Richard, and in turn, I received a marvelous gem which had me standing up cheering at my home office desk. Validation is always a great thing to get!

If you want a terrific piece of information about how you can Make More by Writing Less, then go to http://www.goddoesntshootcraps.com and click on the 9^th button down called Free Gift for Copywriters! Get your own copy of Make More by Writing Less, and let Richard tell you about the best thing you can do to find better clients. He will give you a bold reminder of how you can up the ante.

If you are a writer, consultant or freelancer, I know you will understand what I mean as soon as you read it. He says it so direct and without any hesitation that you will run for his book and the additional 8 great bonuses. So, go now to his website: http://www.goddoesntshootcraps.com/freegift.html to check out the bonuses or Click Here to order online at Amazon.

Whatever you do, don't miss the opportunity to download his seven-page report to Make More by Writing Less! And, don't forget to let me know what you think about it; just click comments below this post and add your thoughts.

Publishing for the Well Fed

Many of my clients, potential clients and others I resource for think of publishing as merely writing a book or paper and that's it. Publishing can mean different things depending on who you are speaking with or what part of the process they are involved in.

Publishing encompasses writing of all sorts, it is true, but it also includes many other efforts and skills, such as computer entry for starters. People do not typically think about the formatting of the document, creating the covers, or detailing front and back page matter, not to mention the editing and proofreading of their masterpiece. And, don't forget too, you must market the product when it's finished or you won't be selling many. This is all a part of publishing.

For me, it means a spectrum of related ideas about writing, editing and research and many other ways how we use our publishing skills to inform, teach and assist our public, our readers or our clients.

If you are serious about publishing your own material or a freelancer who manages other people's writing endeavors, there is a new resource just published which you cannot afford to be without.

Now I know by telling you about this great resource, I am jeopardizing my own streams of income, but I will risk it because I think there is enough work for all of us professional, full-time writers.

So, here it is: The Well-Fed Self Publisher (TWFSP), by Peter Bowerman debuting this month only at http://www.wellfedsp.com (where you'll also get free shipping (US buyers) and a free e-book bonus). Go buy it, especially if you are a freelancer or publisher wanna be.

Learn the blueprint to build a full-time income from one book!

And Peter sent me a copy of his companion e-book to TWFSP, "The Well-Fed SP Biz-in-a-Box" which is a phenomenal resource: virtually every piece of marketing material he created in the course of his successful self-publishing adventure (translation: his first two books provided him with a full-time living for five years, and counting...), 100 pages worth. This'll make your marketing job FAR easier.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned writer, TWFSP takes you step-by-step through every stage of your publishing success. You'll walk away with a whole host of new tools and insights!

Thanks to the Internet, self-publishing has become easier, more viable, and more potentially lucrative than ever before; so follow Peter's firsthand experience and learn how to create books that turn heads and a radical new approach to book promotion while building a cash cow that works 24/7.

Peter Bowerman is the self-published author of The Well-Fed Writer and the Well-Fed Writer: Back for Seconds (http://www.wellfedwriter.com) which I have on all my recommend lists, and so do the Book-of-the-Month Club, Quality Paperback Book Club and Writer's Digest Book Club. He has nearly 30 years combined experience in sales, marketing, copywriting, and publishing, so check out http://www.wellfedsp.com and get a jump on your competitors.

Does Your Speaking Inspire or Are You a Reader?

What makes a good speaker? Even better, what is the difference between an inspiring speaker and merely a reader? Most of us know the difference if we have been to any conference, training or company sales rally. I wonder, though, if we know how we convey our own messages to others.

Professionals attain a level of expertise through time, but whether they are able to convey their expert knowledge to an audience is another matter.

Recently, I attended a three-day conference, and it took a full day and a half before I was captured by someone who did not merely READ their slides to the audience. I figure if I wanted someone to read to me, I could take the slides and read them myself and probably understand more.

It would be better for the audience if the Reader-Speakers either get help with their presentation skills or stick with writing what they know. When they read their slides and have nothing more to offer but what is written on the slides, it makes one wonder if they really are an expert about their topic.

So if you have occasion to speak in public forums, ask yourself these questions about your skills and then you may be closer to giving a better presentation which will gain the attention and admiration of your audience versus boring them to death.

1. Who is your audience?

Each time you give a presentation, your material should be targeted to a specific audience. Like a résumé, you may change only a few items each time you send it, but that can make a big difference. When I work with a new client, my first question is always who is the audience or reader.

Craft your message to that audience and your delivery will be greatly improved.

2. Are you passionate about your subject or just passing time?

A powerful delivery helps convey, not only your expertise, but your attitude toward the subject. An audience knows if you are truly interested and knowledgeable in your subject and want to share what you know. If you're speaking only to gain recognition, either get a new topic or pass on the speaking engagement. Save your audience from knowing you lack the passion or knowledge about your topic.

3. Are you comfortable talking to a group about what you know?

If not, how will you ever establish rapport with them? If you can connect to your audience, they will forgive all else. If your comfort zone is limited, then get help to step out of your comfort zone and impress your audience. Try joining a local speakers group like Toastmasters, where the environment will help you overcome speaking challenges.

4. How do you know if your material is aligned with your allotted time if you have not practiced your talk?

There is nothing worse than to listen to a poorly prepared talk where the speaker hurries through the information and cannot fully discuss the essentials and then abruptly ends because time is up.

Practice makes perfect, so know how much time you have and adjust your material accordingly. Don't leave the audience in want.

5. Do you have something to say other than what's on your slides?

If not, you will disappoint your listeners. Don't forget to sprinkle in a little humor or personal stories to illustrate a point and to connect with your audience. Relate them to your subject to add interest and thought to a particular item.

6. Are you fully competent in the delivery language?

My last question refers to speakers who use a language other than their native tongue to give a presentation. This skill is a difficult one at best, but begs attention.

Sometimes if you speak in a second language, you may not be as confident in your delivery, and it may be more acceptable for you to read a prepared format. Even then however, you must develop a way to read without the audience knowing it. You should have a native speaker edit your material, and then practice and practice beforehand to ensure you can speak intelligently and meet the time allotment. In this way, you ensure that your audience recognizes your expertise and appreciates your message.

The next time you are preparing for a public talk or presentation, think about these questions first and see if you won't find a way to improve your speaking ability and dazzle your audience.

Check out other informative topics on my publishing blog at http://remarkablesolutions.typepad.com/publishing or go to my website at http://www.remarkablesolutions.com.

Tips to Recycle Publicity Material

Do not be discouraged if you printed some fliers or brochures for an event and find you cannot use them in the way you wanted for some reason. Recently, a friend had this happen to her. She wanted to promote her newly founded non-profit at a conference she would attend, but received notice she would not be able to do so in the manner expected.

I encouraged her with my ideas to put the fliers to use. Don't let those pieces go to waste, and use the tips below to use your printed matter and promote your business at the same time.

1. Ask the hotel reception, where the conference attendees stay, to put them in their mailboxes.
2. Give one to every person you talk to at the event and let them know about your organization anyway.
3. Hand a flier to all the attendees before or after the smaller discussion groups you may attend at a conference.
4. Leave some on a table which is usually provided for attendees to share information about their organizations or businesses. People always visit those tables for searching for information.
5. Mail them to each individual who gives you their name and address. If possible, mail these before you depart.
6. Of course, your flier will also be in jpeg or gif, so you can email them afterwards to anyone who gives you their email address or an email list.

Remember to always recycle your publicity material as an alternative to wasting your time and money. At the same time, respect your fellow conference attendees or others and do not spam individual people or businesses. Permission marketing is the only ethical way of doing business.

For more ideas on recycling your publicity materials, download this great guide from Duke University: http://www.duke.edu/sustainability/documents/Duke%20Green%20Event%20Planning%20Guide.pdf

Business Commitments & Delivery

The other day I was having a chat with someone about Over Commitment and Under Delivery. The idea that we all have a lot on our plates face each of us daily; but when we are in business, we must ensure to under commit and over deliver on whatever services or products we provide to others.

Over commitment usually warns us that we are trying to do too much, but the under delivery of our commitments will negatively impact our business and people will lose their respect for our work. So, as a business person, be on the lookout to under commit and over deliver which turns into a win-win situation for all parties.

Well, I was blessed just today with over delivery. As kismet will have it, I shared a tip with one of my favorite resource professionals and whose products I also make a point of buying. Peter Bowerman of Well Fed Writer fame never under delivers and that's why I just keep buying and learning and earning.

Since publishing yields me my living, I keep up on the best tips, tricks and tools to help me do my job better and to increase the quality of my craft. So, here are three of the best of the best, who have constantly under committed and over delivered. I guarantee that you will benefit greatly if you read their books, buy their products and receive their newsletters or e-zines.

1. Peter Bowerman, creator of the Well Fed series, and whose collections of work grace my book shelves, must be added to the repertoire of anyone who writes for a living. Visit his website at http://www.wellfedwriter.com to sign up for his newsletter and get a free report, Why Commercial Writing? Other goodies too!
2. Joan Stewart, the Publicity Hound, expands the thought on publicity, and if you aren't tuned into her work and products, you will miss the boat for great publicity ideas to boost your business. She's another one who over delivers in her services and products. Snap up her offerings at http://www.publicityhound.com.
3. Alexandria Brown, the E-Zine Queen, gives you each step on how to create and produce a great e-zine and, at the same time, shows you how to collect those e-dresses to send your e-zine to. There's a lot more on her website at http://www.ezinequeen.com.

There is no question that if you want to build your business and increase your success, these three people can make a difference in your output today. Sign up now!

And thanks, Peter, for making my day and helping me become a "well-fed" writer.

Libraries & Librarians: What Have They Done for You Lately?

As a little girl, I was fascinated by the library and librarians. I thought what if I could live with all these books and consume all their knowledge. What if I were a librarian and could drown in books all day long.

Well, today, I am still trying to consume knowledge in a variety of ways, mostly through reading and seminar attendance. I do not have the luxury of visiting great libraries here in Turkey because there are few that the public can access. So, I try to share what I've learned through the years with others who need this information.

What I find sad is that our children, no matter where they live, may not even go to a library or know what a library has to offer. Many believe we have the internet and that is all we need. Of course, they would be wrong, and could understand this once inside of a library. You must be careful on the internet to know whether the sources are reliable or not.

So, be thankful if you live in a country where all cities are rich with libraries and easily assessible to everyone, because in the developing countries, you may find few, if any. Usually, if there are none in the community, schools may have at least a room set aside as a library but with limited resources.

A library fills its shelves with material of all sorts to include magazines, journals, newspapers and various media, along with resources which are categorized and archived waiting for your retrieval. What more, you have a librarian who can help you to quickly find the information you need for your articles or papers, and can unlock the mysteries of these sources and guide your way like no one else can.

Librarians are still a vast source of information today, even though, the internet has become king. Don't forget this valuable source which awaits you at every local library. Librarians want to help you access information you would never know about if you did not seek them out. Librarians also can be found as information brokers in your local community and will retrieve documents and material you never knew existed which will help your business grow.

In the meantime, whether you can access a library or not, here are several reliable resources which you may find valuable if you can only search the internet.

Librarians’ Internet Index: http://www.lii.org

Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org

World Wide Web Virtual Library http://vlib.org

Your Résumé Essentials

On April 5th, I gave a Résumé Seminar to a group of English Language students at Istanbul University. Istanbul University is one of the oldest universities in the world, and just to visit the campus can inspire one to greatness. The students there give me hope for a bright future for Turkey. Check it out at http://www.istanbul.edu.tr.

What I notice, though, is no matter where or who I give seminars to, people both young and old, know little about selling themselves to an employer. Most do not know the importance of a good résumé and discount how much it does matter to your prospective employer when they decide to interview you or not.

While a résumé/CV won't get you the job, if done right, it can get you an interview. The interview will give you an opportunity to show them you are the right candidate for the job if you go prepared.

So, if you are writing a résumé/CV for the first time or 50th, you must include the following items:

¨      Contact Information – Many jobseekers actually forget their phone numbers or email addresses especially, and then do not put their name on the second page, if they have one. Think about what ifs. What if your résumé gets separated from its first page? Make it easy for an employer.

¨      Objective – Sometimes we may not put an objective, but if you are applying for a specific job or replying to a job ad, you must have an objective. The employer does not know what kind of job you want unless you tell them. The days of sending résumés to anyone without a clear purpose are over! Simply put the position you are applying for, e.g., English Language Teacher.

¨      Highlights – After your contact info and objective, give some of your best skills or strengths. Are you a great organizer, articulate, computer whiz? Let yourself shine in the upper one-third of your résumé; otherwise, the employer may never take time to finish scanning your résumé/CV.

¨      Education – For teachers especially, education is usually a very important screening item and usually should be placed before your employment. It depends on what kind of ad you are responding to, your years of experience and what is most important to that employer.

¨      Employment – Especially for someone with experience, while you must say who you worked for and when, you must create accomplishment-oriented bullets of information. Start each bullet with an action verb and no sentences, please. The employer is not interested in job descriptions. They want to know what you can do for them. That will be based on what you have accomplished previously.

I always make special mention of accomplishments because so often jobseekers put a job description mistaking it for meaning something to the employer. Well, everyone has had a job description, but it does not mean everyone has done anything worth mentioning.

Remember the 3Ds       Dollars        Deadlines             Decisions.

This is what an employer wants to know about you and how your experience and accomplishments can translate to dollars and success for them.

The most difficult task about a résumé is probably writing the bullets of information in a clear, concise manner and brainstorming enough data about your experience to devise a powerful marketing tool. Afterall, what is a résumé if not a tool to market YOU!

Bargain Fees: Quality or Quantity

No one usually gets a second chance to make a good impression. Do you agree that leaving your editing or writing needs in the hands of a professional is smarter in the long run than getting a closeout deal which may risk your image and reputation? 

Professional editors and writers, or freelancers, are in the quality and value business. They usually give excellent service with added value, and will do what they say and not leave a client wondering who wrote or edited their copy.   

They come with years of experience which may also include a specialty, such as working with second-language writers, particular industries, a genre or even a certain profession.

Typically, these specialists do not underbid jobs; neither is it common practice to bargain away their services. They have a right, even an obligation, to charge expert fees. 

Freelancers are no different than any other authority. High-end clients are desired and especially those who value their work, talent and profession. 

Reasonable Fees  

Most editors and writers have years of both education and experience to acquire first-rate skills and deserve due compensation. They strive to protect a client's image and reputation which is a huge responsibility. 

Fees can run the gamut based on aspects of the job and personal experience. For instance, they may charge by the page for smaller jobs but give quotes for an entire project. Editing copy may take a few minutes or more per page based on its difficulty, while rewriting within the editing process may take much more time.

Higher fees for fewer pages can be expected, but larger projects may demand a lower per page fee for both editing and writing. A client's profit line can be protected in this way.

While editors and writers are not hourly workers, they may charge a flat hourly rate for some jobs. For other requests, per page or per word fees are not uncommon. If a client wants to know how much they are paying someone per hour for a project, they can easily calculate it. Most editors and writers do not make a killing on any piece of work.

Some projects, of any size, demand more time and thought if the work was originally written by a non-native speaker. Language to language translations can be difficult to decipher at times depending on the competency of that writer.

In the long run, clients may receive better value with per page fees and simplify their lives by working with a professional. 

Cheaper Fees 

Any time clients go bargain hunting, they can surely find many. The question is not whether the client will go elsewhere if the freelancer doesn't bargain. Rather, is the editor secure that they provide quality and value for reasonable rates, and does the client understand their own risks to getting bargain basement deals? What is a client willing to give up for lower fees? What does the writer gain by accepting them?

Anyone seeking professional services should ask themselves if those deals come with another price, like unprofessional work, untimely delivery or, even worse, less of a commitment. Are you confident you won't end up embarrassed? Who exactly gets undercut on prices and why? Clients must ask about the expertise of the writer or editor, and that expert must question the client's commitment to quality. 

So, before either of you go bargain hunting, ask yourself these questions, and also ask who wins here.