Monday...

#Freelance Daily Post:


#Daily Writing Tip :
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Writing Tip: Why Nouns and Verbs Are Your Friends
by: Lisa Silverman

"The wearily handsome, nervous, stubble-chinned man slowly and carefully got out of bed when he heard the soft, mysterious sound of footsteps in his apartment."

OR

"The ex-con bolted up, rubbed his eyes and then the stubble on his chin, and crept out of bed. Those footsteps didn’t belong in his apartment."

Look at the above sentences, and see if you can figure out why the second example is better written than the first. If you still don’t know, look above that. At the risk of stating the obvious: nouns and verbs are the backbone of any sentence, and thus of all writing. I could have made my title really long and added “. . . and Adjectives and Adverbs Are Your Enemies,” but I like to keep it short.

It’s not only about eliminating adjectives and adverbs so that your writing contains few words that aren’t nouns and verbs. After all, if we did that to the first example, we’d be left with:

"The man got out of bed when he heard the sound of footsteps in his apartment."

Not very exciting, is it? That’s why it’s important to focus your writing not only on nouns and verbs, but on interesting nouns and verbs. I began my second example with “The ex-con,” but of course, I’m inventing a sentence that has no manuscript surrounding it--no context. If we’ve already met the character, use his name or a more descriptive noun such as mine. If you’re introducing a new character, use the best noun possible. “The businessman” would evoke a completely different image in your readers’ minds, and it would be a stronger image than “The blond, well-groomed, middle-aged man.”

Why is one noun stronger than three adjectives (and one verb stronger than three adverbs)? Sure, we can picture a guy who’s blond, well-groomed, and middle-aged, and we might guess from that description that he’s a businessman. We can picture a “wearily handsome, nervous, stubble-chinned man” and perhaps guess that he’s an ex-con. But using the noun rather than a string of adjectives accomplishes two important things: First, it adds action to the character’s description. “Ex-con” not only calls forth a set of physical attributes, but also, by definition, tells you something about the guy’s life outside of this moment: he’s trying to recover from his time in the slammer and go straight. A “businessman” probably looks a certain way, and presumably spends his days doing business.

Then again, maybe the guy isn’t trying to go straight. Maybe he wants to return to a life of crime. Which brings me to the second advantage: involving the reader’s mind in the storytelling. If you string together a list of adjectives, you’re feeding a character to your readers without allowing them to draw their own pictures. Part of the fun--and the fascination--of fiction is the fact that everyone who turns the final page of a book has read a different one. And the more you allow people to be cocreators of your characters, your settings, etc., the more enveloped in your novel’s fictional world they will become.

Or in your nonfiction book’s world--nonfiction writers must leave less to the reader’s imagination, but editing using this principle will make nonfiction stronger as well. As with any other tips, customize it to your writing. It’s also, as I mentioned, about brevity. I don’t need to explain why “crept out of bed” beats “slowly and carefully got out of bed.”

Of course, adjectives and adverbs have their places. Otherwise languages wouldn’t contain so many. You might even find a few in this article (only a few). Again, customize this editing technique to your writing. Read a few pages and see if you find yourself using dull nouns such as “man” or “thing” a lot--chances are they’re surrounded by adjectives. If not, the potential book sitting in front of you may be dull indeed. Don’t go crazy with your thesaurus looking for obscure nouns to replace “man,” but do use this technique as a way to vary word choice. And, if you don’t have a thesaurus, for god’s sake, get one. The thesaurus in Microsoft Word, or anywhere online, won’t hold a candle to the old-fashioned bound kind.

Replace adjectives with more interesting, descriptive nouns, and watch your writing become streamlined, subtly evocative, laced with intrigue, varied in word choice… Oops, those are all adjective phrases. Just think of this noun: “bestseller.”

About The Author
Lisa Silverman is a freelance book editor and works in the copyediting department at one of New York's most prestigious literary publishing houses. She has also worked as a ghostwriter and a literary agent representing both book authors and screenwriters. She founded http://www.BeYourOwnEditor.com in order to provide writers with free advice on both writing and the publishing business.

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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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*Copywriter - Smartstaff - Westfield, NJ

Job Description:
Our client is a growing med-ed agency. They are currently looking for two copywriters to join their creative team. You will use your skills and previous experience to develop patient education materials. This position will probably start on a freelance basis and then become a full-time staff position.

Experience Level:
5+ Years

Requirements:
Minimum 5 years copywriting agency experience required.

Location:
Westfield NJ

Duration:
Direct Placement

Pay Rate:
$70K-$75K

To apply view the job in Jobkabob

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*Freelance Producer/Editor/Writer - Time Warner - New York, NY

HBO Creative Services is looking to hire a freelance producer/editor/writer for monthly in-flight airlines shows (2 - 25 min. shows a month). Show content will be using original material produced by Creative Services, as well as expanding existing material and creating new content on a monthly basis. Profiency in avid express editing is required, as well as strong writing and storytelling skills. The candidate must have strong creative and organizational skills and be able to work well with deadlines. Reports to Executive Producer in Creative Services.

To apply view the job in Time Warner

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*Copywriter, Interactive Arc Worldwide - Chicago, IL

Requirements
Arc Worldwide has 42 offices in 37 countries and is part of Paris based Publicis Groupe, the world's fourth largest marketing and communications company.

We are looking for talented Copywriters(fulltime or freelance) with the following to join our Chicago office:
* 2+ years Agency experience.
* Conceptual thinker capable of generating “big ideas” for multiple media outlets (online, outdoor, events, POP, etc.)
* Online ad experience.
* A self-starter with the ability—and sense of responsibility—to see projects through from creative brief to “flawless” digital comp stage.
* Great attitude, willing to do what it takes.

To apply view the job in Arc Worldwide

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*Internship (Paid-New York /Winter )

Women``s eNews is the premier nonprofit, Internet-based news-gathering service covering women``s issues. We offer an Editorial Internship to journalism students and recent graduates who function as a staff reporter in our New York office. Duties include writing a weekly newswrap column, reporting and writing bylined stories, writing biographies and support materials, fact-checking and assisting the editors. Interns work closely with Women``s eNews editors and benefit from one-to-one coaching on news-writing and careful editing.

The internship is paid 21 hours a week during the 10-week winter quarter and the 10-week spring quarter. More information about this program and application procedure can be found at http://www.womensenews.org/intern.cfm. The deadline for both quarters is Nov. 1.

Qualifications: Strong news-writing skills, knowledge of AP stylebook, at least three years of college, interest in current events, familiarity with women``s issues and a sense of humor.

Contact e-mail:*******

To apply view the job in journalism jobs
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*Internship ( Paid- District of Columbia /6-11 Months )

A six-month, full-time paid internship is available at Smithsonian magazine in Washington, D.C., beginning January 2007. The job involves writing and reporting, primarily for the `Around the Mall` department and the magazine``s Web site. Candidates should have a proven aptitude for writing and, preferably, a strong background in science, culture, history or one of the other areas in which the magazine specializes. A recent undergraduate or graduate degree is a must. Please send a cover letter, resume, contact info for 3 references, and 3-5 clips to Amy Crawford, Attn: Intern Application, MRC 951 Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013. Deadline is November 1. EEO

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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*Internship (Paid-Mansueto Ventures -New York /6-11 Months )

Company Description
Fast Company is a monthly business magazine, published by Mansueto Ventures, a growing company focused on four core initiatives: recruit and retain top talent; invest in our properties; practice open book management; and diversify editorial content in our consumer magazines, online and through our Events and Business Resources Group. We are a company that values our customers and employees equally and we are committed to helping them manage and improve the quality of their lives everyday. EOE

Job Qualifications
Individuals should have some journalism experience, a solid understanding of and interest in business. The person should be detail-oriented, deadline-oriented, be able to multi-task, and enjoy working with people.

Job Description
Interns will report and write their own stories: help staff writers with research and fact-checking: and assist with administrative and research tasks on bigger projects. Please send a resume and any clips to Keith Hammonds at********
Contact e-mail:**********

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs
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Weekend freelance Jobs

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*Medical Writer - Creative Group - Arlington Heights, IL

Position Type: Temporary

Northwest suburban medical education company is looking for medical writers for on-going freelance assignments. Must have experience with cardiology, neurology and/or mental illness practice areas. Projects include developing newsletters, slide decks and outlines. A master's degree is preferred for this level of writing. Please send resumes and inquiries to hoffman.estates@creativegroup.com

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States. All applicants applying for Canadian job openings must be authorized to work in Canada.

Requirements
Medical content writing experience. MS Word skills.

The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of marketing, advertising, creative, web and public relations professionals on a project basis with advertising and public relations agencies, Fortune 500 companies and small to mid-sized firms. Our strong relationships within the creative community enable us to provide our clients with precisely the talent they need for a variety of deadline-driven projects. Call us today at 888.846.1668 or visit us on the web at www.creativegroup.com where you can register online and view the work of our associates.

To apply view the job in Hot Jobs

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*Copywriter - BOSS Staffing - Wilmington, DE

The BOSS Group has a long-term freelance opportunity for a skilled Copywriter. Our client, a leading financial solutions company in the Metro Philly (Wilmington, DE) area is looking for a hands-on communications professional with Direct Mail experience to join their dynamic marketing team. The ideal candidate brings a high level of accuracy, strong conceptual ability and a willingness to learn to this rewarding position.

Requirements:

* Superior writing and proofreading skills
* Bachelor’s Degree in English, Advertising, Marketing, or Communications
* 2+ years of copywriting experience
* Excellent portfolio (must include Direct Mail samples)
* Must be willing to do proofreading work

The BOSS Group offers an attractive compensation package including competitive salary, 401(k) plan with company match, weekly paychecks, holiday pay, bonus pay and a health benefits program. Pay rate $27 to $32 per hour DOE.

Named one of the 2006 Best Places to Work (WBJ), The BOSS Group specializes in matching highly qualified creative, marketing, proposals, advertising and web talent with top temporary and permanent assignments throughout the Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; NJ/NYC; and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, and is an equal opportunity employer.

To be considered for this position, complete our online application, select the Metro Philly office, and reference job #23746CF

The BOSS Group - where talent and opportunity meet
www.thebossgroup.com

To apply view the job in Bossgroup.com
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*Freelance Writer/Contract Writer - Iowa Workforce Development - West Des Moines, IA

Our client in the Des Moines area has a need for several writers with 5+ years of experience writing brochures, letters, fliers, presentations, etc. Candidates possessing experience working with financial services such as mutual funds will be given preference.

To apply view the job in AJB

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*Freelance Reporter--Energy--Hydropower - US

Relicensing Review (RR) is looking for a freelance writer to contribute two or three articles per month. RR focuses exclusively on Western hydroelectric relicense proceedings in which licensees--typically public or private electric utilities--are navigating the multi-year, multi-million dollar process of securing new long-term licenses for their existing projects. We are nominally a trade publication, but our objective is to produce clear, informative and detailed articles and our stories are aimed at the edification of an enormous range of stakeholders, including electric utilities, environmental organizations, federal and state resource agencies, local governments, Indian Tribes, commercial interests and organizations focused on areas such as power production, irrigation, recreation, fish & wildlife, cultural resources and flood control. We'd like someone who has reporting experience and some background in one or more of these areas. The person should be able to find their way through an environmental impact statement. They should be inclined to do independent research in the search for facts, both through making personal contacts with sources as well as through computer-based data gathering. Most importantly, they must crave producing reports that are balanced, objective and accurate. Compensation is negotiable. There may also be opportunities to write for some of the other energy-related NewsData publications. Please send or email a letter of interest, resume and two clips to: Ben Tansey, editor, Relicense Review at: (e-mail: *****8; (or regular mail): PO Box 900928 Queen Anne Stn. Seattle, WA 98109-9228

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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*Houston Nightlife Freelance Writer Needed -US

Houston Nightlife Freelance Writer Needed Have you sampled every steak, slice, brew and martini from the Galleria to Montrose? Do you know about the latest restaurant before it opens and where to find the best spot to hear jazz? Are you a talented writer who can write lively dining and bar/nightlife descriptions? AOL CityGuide (http://www.aolcityguide.com/houston/) seeks a dedicated freelance writer to cover restaurant and bar openings and nightlife events in Houston. You should be someone "in the know," with a keen eye for trends and the drive to scoop the competition. Your writing should be crisp, clear and timely and your literary voice strong. You should have experience covering entertainment and/or experience contributing to city or travel guides. Ideally, you live in, or have easy access to, hot nightlife/dining districts. Digital camera is a plus. To apply, please send: 1. Your resume pasted into the body of an e-mail to DiningWriter@aol.com. Please no attachments. 2. Two 150-word writing samples. Also to be pasted into the body of your e-mail – please no attachments. Write a description for one local venue and one major event happening in the area. Please survey the site for guides on tone and style. You do not have to choose venues or events that aren't yet covered on our site. Choose whatever you like… we have no intention of publishing these samples. We just want to see what your unedited writing looks like.

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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*Copywriter-Freelance - The TJX Companies - Framingham, MA

Description The TJX Companies, Inc, with over $16 billion in revenues, is the world's largest off-price retailer, and is comprised of: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, A.J. Wright and Bob's Stores in the United States, Winners and HomeSense in Canada and T.K. Maxx in Europe.

Our Associates have come to expect great things from our great Company which now ranks among the Fortune 200 and is consistently named in the Top 20 of the Boston Globe 100 - Best of Massachusetts Business! In a thriving company such as The TJX Companies, Inc., variety and diversity are not only ever present, they are essential. So, whatever your individual talents or interests, it's more than likely that we have exactly what you are looking for. With an extensive range of career options, The TJX Companies, Inc. stands out as one of the most successful retail companies worldwide and we are eager to share this success with you. We currently have the following position available in our Corporate Home Office located in Framingham, Massachusetts:

Freelance Fashion Copywriter

Responsibilities:

You:
You are an outstanding freelance copywriter. You have 2-5 years of agency experience working on a ton of fashion and lifestyle type brands. You have top-notch conceptual skills; and possess the unique ability to think visually and strategically. You are comfortable writing in all forms of communication everything from print to Web to in-store signage. You have a knack for selling your work to clients. You are passionate about the brands you work on. You are right at home juggling multiple projects at once. You thrive under extremely tight deadlines. You have your finger on the pulse of pop-culture. You do not have an ego. You do have a sense of humor.
Us:
We are the growing in-house agency for The TJX brands. We are the folks who own T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, A.J. Wright and Bob's Stores in the U.S. along with Winners and HomeSense in Canada and T.K. Maxx in Europe. We do all of the non-broadcast work here (print, interactive, DM, POP, out of home, etc.). We believe in great creative. We all at one time worked at agencies, and not just any agencies, the ones you know and admire. We need copywriters who can work onsite. We need your resume and samples (general and Web) ASAP.

Our state-of-the-art Home Office, conveniently located off Exit 13 of the Mass Pike, offers many on-site amenities including, a day care center, cafeteria, fitness center, ATM, stamp machine, dry cleaning, golf driving range with a professional instructor, aerobics classes, Friday casual days, softball and volleyball leagues, basketball court, service/performance awards and bonus referrals.

TJX is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

To apply view the job in The TJX Companies, Inc

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*RPI writers - The Collegiate magazine - Troy, NY

Wisconsin-based magazine seeks freelance writers from all over the country to contribute to its '06--'07 issues. Professional writing experience preferred but not required. This is a PAID freelance position. To apply, please send resume and 3 writing samples to email address.

Internship is also being offered with gocollegiate.com. We're looking for creative individuals to help us generate fun content for the website. College freshmen are encouraged to apply!!!

To apply view the job in Jobvertise

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*Copy Editor - New York, NY

Top-notch freelance copy editors needed at national women's magazine. Candidates should have at least several years of experience copyediting for consumer magazines and be proficient in Adobe InCopy. Attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure required. Daytime and evening slots are available; work is on-site, so out-of-area candidates need not apply. Please e-mail résumé and brief cover letter (including dates available) to *****. No phone calls, please.

To apply view the job in From Job Access

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*Sr. Copywriter- Major Advertising Agency - Robert Half International - Minneapolis, MN

Sr Copy Writer - $125,000 Are you a strategic thinking Sr Copy Writer with fashion experience and/or a gorgeous portfolio? This Sr Copy Writer position is freelance to hire in the Minneapolis area. The Sr Copy Writer will collaborate with a Sr Art Director to create print and television advertising for well known brands within the fashion industry. Television production experience is a must. Expert proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop and Quark is also required. Sr Art Directors interested in this position must submit resume and portfolio samples to ******.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States. All applicants applying for Canadian job openings must be authorized to work in Canada.

To apply view the job in Robert Half International

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*Advertising Copywriter - Robert Half International - San Francisco, CA

San Francisco ad agency is seeking a copywriter for a freelance opportunity. This position is to work on advertising as it relates to a major retail advertising account. It is for a person who understands the demands of retail but still wants to do great work. Related category experience helpful but not necessary. Working under the Executive Creative Director the Copywriter will read briefs to fully understand the goal/ message of assignment in order to execute impactful creative work in a variety of mediums such as TV, newspaper, and radio. Work, in team, with an Art Director to write appropriate headlines and body copy under the direction of the Executive Creative Director. Deliver presentations to the creative team and/or client as needed.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States. All applicants applying for Canadian job openings must be authorized to work in Canada.

Additional Information
Location: San Francisco, CA

Job ID: 041-9391464

Experience: Five plus years advertising experience. Have a killer book, is a must. Prior experience in a fast-paced advertising agency. Excellent at prioritizing and accomplishing goals within specified timeframes. Experience in outdoor, television, and some online a plus.

To apply view the job in Robert Half International

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*Motocross Product Copywriter (Freelance) - Fox Racing - Newport Beach, CA

Fox Racing, Inc. is looking for a Copywriter who can write product copy for our annual 196-page catalog. Assignment lasts approximately 3 months beginning November 1st. Work can be off-site, but needs to check in periodically to our Newport Beach offices.

Responsibilities include writing copy for product descriptions. Works closely with Motocross Product Manager and Marketing Manager to achieve tone and consistency. Must have creative writing abilities and have sound knowledge of the motocross industry.

Send resume and samples of work through Malakye.com or directly to:
kimlange@foxracing.com

To apply view the job in Malakye.com

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*Copywriter - Advertising and Marketing - MRINetwork - Tampa, FL

Looking for Copywriters!!!

MRI � Creative and Marketing, is looking to provide our clients with the very best copywriting professionals in the Tampa Bay area. Serious and seasoned writer only need apply with samples. We need smart, capable copywriters for a range of clients in financial and insurance industry background

Are you interested in Freelance or Permanent position?

Do you have 3-5+ years experience creating clever and functional copy in healthcare, consumer package goods, retail, food industries and more? Do you have a solid portfolio to show us? We�ll need you to show us a range of work that will make our head spin.

Qualifications

*3-5+ years copywriting experience in financial, insurance or worked in insurance accounts in an agency setting.

*Diverse and organized portfolio

*Excellent interpersonal skills

Please send your resume with at least two samples in word or pdf formats.

To apply view the job in Monster

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For more Freelance or Full time leads please go to The Jobrolls and Craigslist Today
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