Wednesday....
#Freelance Daily Post:
#Daily Writing Tip :
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by: Jason A. Martin
Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes more than just typing out what you want to say. By correcting these major mistakes, your copy will soar to newfound heights. While there are many common mistakes made by copywriters, seven in particular are deadly.
Mistake One: Don’t take that tone with me!
Many writers fail to write to their intended audience by writing in a general or wrong tone. Either way is costly. It is important to identify and write to the intended audience. Review the following two statements to see how the same information differs based on the intended audience.
Audience One is comprised of computer neophytes.
Move your mouse pointer over to the START icon, which is located in the lower left area of your computer screen. Next, click your left mouse button one time. Your start menu should now be displayed.
Audience Two is comprised of knowledgeable computer users.
Open up your START menu.
Notice the stark contrast between the two examples. If we continued with the examples, “Audience Two” would be spoken to in more technical terms whereas “Audience One” would be spoken to in very simple terms with every action described in full detail.
Mistake Two: Welcome to the claims department.
Most non-fiction writing, especially ad copy, makes a claim of some sort. Hard to believe claims destroy credibility. The golden rule of claims: Always support your claims fully.
I can’t believe it!
When a claim sounds too good to be true, credibility is lost. Perhaps the ad copy is claiming that a person can lose up to 300 pounds in 30 days on a certain type of program. The more substantial the claim, the more support required. Still, if the claim is hard to believe, all the support in the world won’t help much.
4 out of 5 dentists agree.
A claim made must be supported. An article reporting that 4 out of 5 dentists agree about using a certain product must include the supporting evidence. Never expect people to take your word for it, because they won’t.
Mistake Three: So enough about you, what about me?
Have you ever visited a website or heard an ad that chimed in with “we here at [insert company name] believe…?” The majority of people will react by simply ignoring the copy all together. It is important to build up a rapport with the reader before talking about yourself—if possible. The reader must first be given a reason as to why he or she should care. This mistake is most common in ad copy. Focus on the reader first and foremost.
Mistake Four: Could you repeat that?
Repetitious wording occurs when a word is used that was previously written in close proximity. Try to keep sentences fresh and flowing with new words. This is a great reason to pick up a thesaurus and learn some word alternatives. In ad copy it is sometimes necessary to use a word more than once for effect. An example of this would be: Excellent service. Excellent selection. Excellent prices.
Don’t do this
I really like the quality of the shoes and the overall quality of the store. Store X is an all around high-quality establishment.
Notice the word “quality” was used three times quickly. These two sentences should be rewritten with the world quality being used only once.
Mistake Five: At this present time, the fact of the matter is, you are reading this article.
This mistake plagues us all because our normal speech is full of redundancies. Some redundancies are simply two words that say the same thing, while others are phrases that repeat something previously mentioned in the sentence. Fluffing up text does not make for good writing or reading. Let’s look at some examples.
“It is a true fact.”
Is there a false fact? Revised: “It is a fact.”
“I found a total of 927 websites with my name on them.”
Eliminate “total of”. Revised: “I found 927 websites with my name on them.”
“The future to come is full of surprises.”
The future is something to come, which is why it is called the future and not the present or past. Stating “future to come” is wordy and does nothing to enhance the reading experience. Revised: “The future is full of surprises.”
To find out more, visit your favorite search engine, and look for results under these terms:
Pleonasm
Redundant writing
Mistake Six: You’re its owner therefore it’s yours.
It is amazing how four simple words can become a virtual wrecking ball to the prose of so many. The four words are: its, it’s, your, and you’re
Its
This is possessive and has no apostrophe. Example: Put your hand on its mouth.
It’s
This version has the apostrophe and means “it is.” Example: It’s mine.
Your
Again, this is the possessive and has no apostrophe. Example: Your car is stalled.
You’re
With the apostrophe, it means “you are.” Example: You’re smiling at me.
Many writers make this mistake because it’s simple to do. Writing fast will increase the possibility of making this mistake, which is why rereading your copy many times is crucial.
Mistake Seven: I think I can. Well, maybe I can try.
It is important that the reader feels secure about the author, which is why writing in a passive voice will render the prose helpless. It is very easy to use passive writing without knowing it because everyday speech is filled with passivity. Recognizing passive writing and replacing it will make a tremendous difference in your copy.
Passive: The final exam was failed by over half of the students.
Active: Half of the students failed the exam.
Notice the difference between the two sentences. Overcoming this mistake takes practice—as does learning to write well.
Ad copy should be dripping in confidence. Word selection and order are extremely important. Using words like “try” should be omitted when possible.
Common Example: “We work to make our clients happy.”
Rewrite: “We have satisfied clients.” or “We will make you happy.”
In the “Common Example”, it implies that you might not be happy. The company will “work” to make you happy, but there is no guarantee they can. In the rewrite, the implication is removed by altering the text.
Crafting solid prose takes practice. By running this checklist against your copy and correcting mistakes, it will become more effective. Every printed word is priceless. A single word or sentence can cause decent copy to fail. Should you require a copywriter, visit my website.
©2005 Jason Andrew Martin LLC
About The Author
Jason A. Martin has been conducting business on the Internet for 11 years. He is a copywriter and entrepreneur. Mr. Martin is currently working on obtaining a degree in Journalism and Law. He runs the Internet business site: Internet Business Entrepreneur.
His official web site, which contains articles you can use for your web site, can be viewed at: Jason A Martin
jasonamartin.com
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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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Advertising Copywriter - Creative Group - 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.
Requirements
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.
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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Writer - American Greetings - Cleveland, OH
An entry or mid level position which requires demonstrated aptitude for greeting card writing as proven through successful completion of a writing test or through submissions of acceptable freelance copy.
The writer works under the tutelage of a senior writer to learn the basics of greeting card writing and will be exposed to several different styles and a wide variety of forms through closely supervised assignments.
Writing assignments will increase in complexity as the associate writer gains experience.
A successful candidate in this position will learn basic greeting card structure (captions, sub-captions, additional copy, sentiments, and taglines), and gain experience in matching style and tone while writing these individual components for a variety of programs.
The associate writer will:
-- work to develop versatility in both verse and prose forms by completing specific writing assignments as outlined by a senior writer.
-- receive feedback on completed work and integrate changes in order to execute acceptable submissions.
-- gain an understanding of the industry by studying AG product history as well as competitor reference, and will learn to apply that knowledge to future writing assignments.
Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism or related field
Previous greeting card or related industry experience preferred
American Greetings is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a drug-free workplace
To apply view the job in Workplace Diversity
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Freelance Writers & Editors-Katy, Sugar Land and Cy-Fair Areas - Katy Magazine/Sugar Land Magaz - Katy, TX
Katy Magazine, Sugar Land Magazine and Cy-Fair Magazine are growing at an unprecedented rate and we're looking for local P/T freelance writers and editors to work on assignment writing stories about Katy, Sugar Land or the Cy-Fair area.
Our publications are very high level, award-winning family and community magazines with superior quality, local stories and vibrant photography.
Editors will work on a P/T freelance basis and help plan and assign stories to writers, polish up submissions, write articles, edit, proofread, and coordinate photography as needed. Most of this may be done from home.
Writers will work on assignment (mostly from home) interviewing subjects, writing local personality profiles, features or resource guides for their areas.
This is a fun, visible role where you will be highly recognized in your community as part of the magazine and paid for each story submitted. Ideally, writers and editors should be very well connected and have a pulse on what is going on in their respective communities. Writing experience or willingness to learn is highly desirable.
Please submit resume and any writing samples or letter of interest to editor@katymagazine.com, editor@sugarlandmagazine.com or editor@cyfairmagazine.com.
To apply view the job in Monster
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Freelance Writer, Al Rojo Vivo - Telemundo Network Group - Hialeah, FL
Al Rojo Vivo is looking for freelance writers to work in a fast paced environment. Feelancers will fill in for staff writers during vacation or selected days.
Skills/ Requirements
Requirements:
- Must be bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Must have a solid command of the news of the day
- Able to turn a long news wire into 30-second copy
- Must be efficient, thorough and cool under pressure.
- Must be available to work from 9am – 6pm on selected days.
To apply view the job in Jobing -
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Seeking Freelance Writers - US
Looking to fill Freelance Writer positions covering New England – good pay, steady news and feature assignments for best read newspaper in construction industry. Only candidates who live in these areas will be considered. Send resume and two clips to: Construction Equipment Guide, 470 Maryland Dr., Ft. Washington, PA 19034. Attn: Craig Mongeau, or send to cmongeau@cegltd.com.
To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs
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Freelance Proofreader - New York, NY
DESCRIPTION
Free lance proofreading work available.
REQUIREMENTS
Must have experience at major advertising companies.
To apply view the job in Career Builder
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Marketing writer needed today
Game Night is a sports publication that promotes high school athletics through print and Internet media. Game Night is the sports fan’s source for comprehensive coverage of high school athletics. Founded in 2001, Game Night provides its readers unparalleled news, cover stories, profiles, team notes, head-to-head match-ups and statistics in a concise and entertaining style. Geared to promote high school athletics in a positive way, Game Night strives to inform the reader and present a professional point of view throughout - delivering an excellent value to readers and to advertisers.
You will how to write website content that drives clicks, direct mail pieces that drive action, case studies that demonstrate true ROI, marketing overviews that make prospects want to pick up the phone and call, and press releases that have the media clamoring to write a story about your company.
You will help develop, write, and edit a variety of marketing copy for websites, case studies, press releases, white papers, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, emails, sales sheets, and presentations and implement a variety of marketing tactics.
We are looking for a marketing writer to begin IMMEDIATELY. Trial period rate is $0.15 per word. Once we established a good working relationship we will then discuss a new rate.
Please email your resume and sample writing for immediate consideration.
To apply view the job in Online_writing Jobs
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Seeking Talented Ad/Sales Reps (Spirit Magazine Chicago, All Locations )
Spirit, a Magazine Designed for the Diverse Woman, is a dynamic, independent, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic women's magazine that embraces the diversity of the world by providing an intellectual platform to educate, nuture, and support women in achieving a genuine mission of unity.
We are currently seeking talented sales/advertising representatives from all over. We offer a handsome commission rate, and you are conveniently able to work from home.
If interested, please email resumes to *********. For more information on Spirit, check out our website at www.spirit-mag.com.
To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs
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Jobs from W.G.N.L.
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Subscribe in WG.N.L
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Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine
PAY: $100 - $400
We are the magazine of the coast of Maine with a strong focus on boating. We occasionally venture northeast into Nova Scotia or south into the rest of New England, but generally only if there is a strong Maine connection inherent in the story.
http://www.maineboats.com/general/contribute.shtm
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Apex Digest
PAY: $.02/word
We want dark sci-fi. All stories require a sci-fi element. Most stories we print will be a mix of sci-fi and horror, but occasionally we'll buy an exceptional work of straight sci-fi (see "Allergies" in issue one) or straight dark fantasy (see "Trees of Bone" in issue three).
http://www.apexdigest.com/submit.shtml
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Oatmeal Studios Greeting Cards
PAY: not listed
If you find yourself wondering whether a line is funny or not, read it to a few friends and see if they laugh. From a creative perspective, go wild! Keep in mind your target list of people you send cards to. Make sure your ideas are sendable - not only to friends and family, but also general enough to send to lots of people. In other words, don't be too specific!
http://www.oatmealstudios.com/Writer'sGuides/WG-Pg.htm
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INTHEFRAY.COM
PAY: $20 - $75
A U.S.-based but internationally aware news and literary magazine that addresses issues of identity and community. We seek to go beyond the tired arguments that prevent meaningful dialogue on issues of belief, class, gender, nationality, physique, race, and sexuality. Through original reportage, commentary, fiction, criticism, artwork, and photography, we explore human experience in all its variety and intensity. In doing so, we offer people of all walks of life — not just the mainstream, not just the minority — a chance to engage in the debate. Every month, we reach more than 30,000 readers (as of May 2005) across the country and around the world. INTHEFRAY.COM is looking for writers and artists who can offer fresh takes on these evolving notions of identity and community.
http://inthefray.com/html/article.php?sid=192
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Make
PAY: $25 - $100
A do-it-yourself technology magazine written by makers. When you write something for Make, use your voice. Tell us the story behind your project. There are four types of content in Make: Projects, Features, Reviews, and Everything Else. (If you have an idea for something that doesn't fit in one of the first three areas but is still related to do-it-yourself technology, we'd like to hear about it, too – hence the Everything Else category.)
http://www.makezine.com/submissions.csp
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For more Freelance and Full time leads please go to The Jobrolls
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