Thursday, October 19, 2006

Thursday....

#Freelance Daily Post:


#Daily Writing Tip :
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Why Should You Edit Your Writing?
by: Liz Palmer

So you’ve finally finished your first draft. Maybe it’s a novel. Maybe it’s a non-fiction book. Maybe you’ve written a picture book for children. Perhaps you love what you’ve written. Perhaps you’ve read it and decided it wasn’t really that good after all. Whatever you’ve written and however you feel about it, there is something you still need to do. Edit.

There are very few people who can write beautiful prose on their first draft. Most of the writing that we admire and love has gone through at least two drafts. The editing pen has come out, turning okay writing into great writing. Even if you think what you have written is wonderful, it will still be better after it has been edited.

The first step in the editing process is for you to edit your own work. This is important even if you decide you want to hire a professional editor. Manuscripts that contain many errors or a lot of sloppy writing take a long time to edit. If your editor charges by the hour, this will cost you more money. Learning some basic editing skills will not only save your editor’s time and save you money, but will also increase the chances that the work you submit to publishers will be error-free, well-written and more likely to be publishable.

While editing your work, you need to keep in mind the stage of writing you are at and what you are hoping to accomplish with your editing. Manuscripts will generally go through a number of different stages of editing. When editing your second draft, you will need to pay attention to how the writing all comes together and more general writing issues. By the time you reach the fifth draft, you will probably only be looking at basic proofreading (such as punctuation and spelling errors).

Every single step in the editing process is essential. The first draft should be a time where your creativity is given free reign. The following drafts help to turn this creativity into something that is well written and easy to read. Think about the types of thoughts that go through your mind. Most of us do not have thoughts that would transfer well to the written page. However, if those thoughts are written down, then editing can change those thoughts into a form that is publishable.

So if you need to do all that editing yourself, is there any point in hiring a professional editor? Yes. There are a number of reasons why an editor is essential, even when you have done a good job of editing your own work.

1. As a writer, you know what you want to say. You may think your writing communicates this message effectively. However, it may be that your message is not getting across.

2. You might look at your work and see what you know should be there, instead of what is actually there.

3. You may not understand all the writing and grammatical rules that should apply.

4. Sometimes writers fall in love with their own work. They cannot see that parts of it are very poorly written.

5. A fresh eye looking over your work is more likely to pick up on points that the writers will miss.

There are different editing and proofreading services that may be provided. You may like to hire an editor to completely go over your manuscript. Or you may consider using a copy-editor or proofreader. If you are confident in your own writing ability and believe that it is very near to publishable stage, then a proofreader may best serve your needs. If, on the other hand, you have never published anything before and are not confident about your writing skills, you may like to hire an editor. Some editors will also provide manuscript assessments.

Next time you are reading a book and feel inadequate because you could never write like that, think again. The writer of the book probably can’t write like that on a first draft, either. But I can almost guarantee that the writer has done something that you can do too – he has edited his work.

About The Author

Liz Palmer is a freelance writer and editor. She provides copywriting, copyediting and proofreading services at very reasonable rates. For more information, contact Liz at
palmer19@grapevine.com.au.

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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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Freelance Web Content Writer - must live local - (The Creative Group - Whitehouse Station, NJ)

We are seeking a content writer with experience writing for an audience of medical professionals and other interested parties in the pharma market. We are seeking someone with web writing experience for medical products. The requirements include past experience and portfolio of writing samples in the field, web writing samples, as well as a demonstrated ability to write for a on-line audience. Ability to work Part-time and freelance work is preferred.


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.

Experience:
***Must have a proven track record of writing for the web

***Must have pharmaceutical client experience

***Must live local, be authorized to work within the U.S., and be available immediately

To apply view the job in Gad Ball jobs

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Freelance Content Author - (LRN - Los Angeles, CA )

LRN is currently recruiting for Content Authors to work on a freelance basis. Successful candidates must possess excellent writing, editing, and communications skills. Candidates will need to be able to effectively interact with LRN staff and customers. Familiarity with online training programs is highly desirable.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Write all elements of new LCEC library and custom courses
• Coordinate workflow with project manager, editorial, and design leads
• Interface with customers during the development of custom modules through meetings, conference calls, and e-mails
• Collaborate on LCEC projects with other writers, attorneys, and outside contractors
• Repurpose existing materials into LRN format and pedagogy
• Write other LRN materials as needed
• Work with customers to implement changes to custom modules
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• One to three years experience in Web writing, journalism, technical writing, or related field.
• B.A. or B.S. in English or related field
• Previous experience in Web-based training desirable

To apply view the job in LRN.
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PT Freelance Copywriter (Ball Horticultural Company- Chicago-IL)

Ball Horticultural Company enjoys distinction as one of the world�s the leading breeder/producers and wholesale distributors of floriculture products. For more than 100 years, innovation, quality, and exceptional service have formed our core values and contributed to our tremendous success and continued growth. Located in the far west Chicago suburbs, our corporate Advertising Department seeks a Part-time, Freelance Copywriter to work on site 20 hours per week. In this role you will be charged with:

→ Developing and editing corporate, trade, retail and consumer communication pieces within established production time frames.

→ Collaborating with other copy writers, as warranted, to ensure projects are completed on time and according to client specifications.

→ Coordinating copy writing activities with BHC account executives, marketing manager, and clients; providing project status reports and ensuring expectations are met.

→ Developing and maintaining a thorough understanding of BHC products and services and their relevance to company goals and objectives.

In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or related field, qualified candidates should possess:

→ 2-4 years professional copywriting and editing experience preferably in a high-volume, technical environment.

→ Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, as well as a high degree of creativity, flexibility and self-direction.

→ Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects and competing priorities, as well as consistently meet deadlines.

→ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills coupled with a team and customer focus.

→ Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook in a Macintosh environment.

In return for your contributions, we offer a dynamic and friendly company culture, one that promotes open communication and continuous learning at all levels. To learn more about this unique opportunity and all Ball Horticultural Company has to offer, please forward your cover letter (including salary requirements), resume and portfolio samples to our Human Resources Department. Don't forget to visit our web site at www.ballhort.com

To apply view the job in Monster

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Seeking Ace Digital-Media Editor for Mobile Content Newsletter
FierceMarkets, Inc. Washington, District of Columbia

FierceMarkets, an online B2B media company based in Washington, DC, is seeking a seasoned digital-media editor to edit our daily newsletter covering mobile content, FierceMobileContent (www.fiercemobilecontent.com).

This is an excellent, steady freelance gig covering a hot field.

Your primary responsibility will be to write the daily newsetter, which is written as an executive briefing in a voice that's one part blogger, one part analyst, and one part reporter. Additional responsibilities are negotiable and include attending 3-4 tradeshows per year, conducting 4-5 press briefings per month, conducting an occassional webinar, and maintaining positive relations with readers and key industry players. We estimate a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, depending on the mix of additional duties.

Ideal candidates will have substantial experience covering digital media and/or wireless industries, extensive industry contacts, ongoing availability with a deadline orientation, and a fierce, fun attitude.

To apply, email your resume and story links to Jeff Giesea at jobs@fiercemarkets.com. Please respond promptly as we have an immediate need.

Learn more about FierceMarkets at www.fiercemarkets.com

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Do you have the WRITE stuff? (Marco Island Sun Times-Location:Marco Island FL Area Code:239 )

Seeking freelance reporters with good interview, research and writing skills who can meet deadlines and cover stories on Marco Island. E-mail resume and writing samples to editor@marcoislandsuntimes.com.

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For more leads please go to The Jobrolls
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