Thursday...

#Freelance Daily Post:


Today in Freelance Fingerprints
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9 secrets Mark Twain taught me about advertising
By: Alex A.Kecskes

Whether he knew it or not, Sam Clemens had quite a bit to say about
advertising. Here, among his many notable quotes, you’ll discover 9
refreshingly incisive nuggets of wisdom that can help you create stronger,
more compelling ads. Here are 9 refreshingly incisive nuggets of wisdom
from Sam Clemens to can help you create stronger, more compelling ads.

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of
advertising.”

Advertising is life made to look larger than life, through images and
words that promise a wish fulfilled, a dream come true, a problem
solved......

To read more please go Freelance Fingerprints

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#Daily Writing Tip :
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My Favorite Errors to Correct (Don’t make these mistakes, and your writing will rise above most other writing.) Part 1
by: Lisa J. Lehr

Following is a compilation of the kinds of mistakes I see most often in writing, often by successfully published writers. This article is adapted from a handout I give my lifewriting students.

I base my assertions of what is “right” (or at least “best”) upon the opinions of the authors of writing books such as The Elements of Style. This and my other favorite writing books are listed in the bibliography (at the end of this article).

This list is by no means exhaustive. (Many, many books have been written on the subject.) It simply reflects the tools that I think are most easily used to make your writing as good as it can be, with the least effort. Each mistake I have listed is followed by an example and the best way (or ways) to fix it.

I ask my lifewriting students to look at this list periodically while writing their stories. Which suggestions you choose to follow or ignore is entirely your decision!

Non-negotiables: These are established rules that, according to the latest books, still apply.

Dangling participles are never acceptable. A participle is a verb form ending with “-ing,” and a dangling one happens when the subject and verb don’t go together. Example: “Driving to class today, a deer ran across all four lanes of highway!” This won’t work because we all know deer don’t drive (or attend classes, for that matter). Say, “As I was driving to class today, a deer….”

Likewise, dangling modifiers are never acceptable. Although it takes many forms, the mistake I see frequently goes something like this: “As a writer, it is important to use good grammar.” This doesn’t work because “writer” and “it” are not equivalent. Say, “For a writer, it is important to use good grammar,” or “As a writer, I believe it is important to use good grammar.”

Nominative vs. objective pronouns: Generally, nominative pronouns begin sentences (I, we, he, she, they), and objective pronouns end them (me, us, him, her, them). For example, “She gave it to me, and I gave it back to her.” Most of us learn not to say things like “Me and him are best friends” by the time we finish school. Adults, however, tend to make the opposite mistake and say things like “Just between you and I….”; “It was a good experience for my kids and I”; “I can see a resemblance between he and his brother.” Substitute me, me, and him.

“Who” vs. “whom” can be tricky in a complex sentence, and writers make mistakes both ways. The easiest way to do it right is to remember who is nominative and whom is objective. Try substituting he or him and see which sounds better. Example: “It was the teacher who everyone agreed made the mistake” is correct. Simplify and substitute: “He made the mistake.” You wouldn’t say, “Him made the mistake,” would you?

Another way to remember this is that “everyone agreed” is parenthetical, meaning that the sentence makes perfect sense without it.

“e.g.” vs. “i.e.”: Although it is possible that in some sentences, either one would work, I frequently see “i.e.” where “e.g.” should be. “e.g.” means “for example”; “i.e.” means “that is.” In this sentence: “You must turn in your assignment tomorrow unless you have a really good excuse, e.g., your dog ate it,” if I substituted i.e., I’d be suggesting that your dog eating it is the only good excuse for not turning in your assignment.

Hyphenating is over-used. Pickup truck is correct, although you might say pick-up location, or pick-up instructions. On the other hand, you would say, “I’m going to leave now to pick up my kids from school.” In general, when word combinations work together to create an adjective, it is hyphenated, although in some common words, such as pickup truck, it has become one word. Say either “My daughter was a five-year-old [hyphenated] at the time,” or “My daughter was five years old [not hyphenated] at the time.” Say, “This is my everyday [one word] hat; I wear it every day [two words] but Sunday.”

Comma use: “I love horses, dogs, and cats” is correct (with a comma before and). On the other hand, you could say, “The menu included steak, lobster, baked potato, vegetables, salad, bread and butter” (without the comma before and) because bread and butter are more closely related than the other items. The comma before “and” is referred to as the Oxford comma, and is usually used in literary writing, although usually not in journalism.

More on comma use: Both “My brother Joe is a firefighter” and “My brother, Joe, is a firefighter” are correct, although the second one somewhat more suggests that Joe is my only brother. Neither “My brother, Joe is a firefighter” nor “My brother Joe, is a firefighter” is acceptable.

The hardest comma rule for me to accept: The comma goes inside of the quotation marks, even “though logically it often seems not to belong there,” in the words of Strunk & White. You might call it “strange,” even “bizarre,” but it’s true.

“Due to the fact that”: Never say this! The single word “because” works wonderfully all by itself. Besides, due to works only between two nouns, as in, “The cancellation [noun] was due to the rain [noun].”

“That” vs. “which”: In my experience, it is overwhelmingly more common for people to say which when they mean that than vice-versa. Although each is distinct in purpose, depending on the meaning you want to convey, sometimes either one will work. “Please go get my shoes that are by the door” distinguishes that pair of shoes from all of my other shoes. “Please go get my shoes, which are by the door” implies that I have only one pair of shoes (not likely), and I am giving you the additional information that they are by the door. Or it could mean that we have already established which shoes I am talking about. The key is that which needs to be preceded by a comma.

Plurals and possessives of names ending in “s”: The following are all correct. “My grandfather, father, and brother are all named Charles, so I have three Charleses in my family. My brother Charles’s house is next door to mine, and my dad’s is down the street, so two of the Charleses’ addresses are almost the same.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Jones lived across the street. The Joneses had no children. But Mr. Jones’s business was successful, so the Joneses’ house was huge.” You get the picture.

This applies even to words and names ended in double “s,” as in “the princess’s dress.”

The exception to this rule is with ancient names. For example, “Jesus’ name” and “Moses’ law,” without the additional “s,” are correct.

Parallel construction: This is one of the hardest rules to explain, but, in my opinion, it’s one of the most annoying things when you’ve learned to recognize it and see it done wrong. In essence, it means that the parts of a sentence must follow the same pattern. I take my examples from Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, pp. 26-28.

Bad: Formerly, science was taught by the textbook method, while now the laboratory method is employed.

Good: Formerly, science was taught by the textbook method; now it is taught by the laboratory method.

Bad: the French, the Italians, Spanish, and Portuguese

Good: the French, the Italians, the Spanish, and the Portuguese

Bad: in spring, summer, or in winter

Good: in spring, summer, or winter

Also good: in spring, in summer, or in winter

Bad: His speech was marked by disagreement and scorn for his opponent’s position.

Good: His speech was marked by disagreement with and scorn for his opponent’s position.

Bad: a time not for words but action

Good: a time not for words but for action

Bad: Either you must grant his request or incur his ill will.

Good: You must either grant his request or incur his ill will.

(This would also work: Either you must grant his request or you will incur his ill will.)

Last but not least, perhaps my biggest pet peeve: “Lie” vs. “lay.” Lie is the word to use when any person, animal, or inanimate object acts upon him-, her-, or itself; lay is the word for when any person, animal, or inanimate object acts upon any other. The following sentences are all correct. “I’m tired; I’m going to go lie down for a while.” “Dogs and cats love to lie in the sun.” “He always lies down when he reads, so then he falls asleep.” “A tree fell down during the night, and it is now lying across the driveway.”

“The baby fell asleep; I’m going to go lay him down in his crib.” “I’m going to take off my jacket and lay it across the chair.” “My dog is on the lawn, carefully laying all his chew toys in a row.” “My hen lays an egg every day.” In any of these, if you confuse “lay” with “lie” (or vice-versa), it will be wrong.

Notice, also, that the past tense of “lie” is “lay,” so these are also correct: “I was tired, so I lay down for a while.” “My pets lay in the sun all day.” “The tree lay in the driveway until we figured out how to move it.”

Please continue to part 2…

About The Author

Lisa J. Lehr is a freelance writer and editor with a specialty in business and marketing communications. She holds a biology degree and has worked in a variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical industry and teaching, and has a related interest in personal history. She is also a graduate of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI), America’s leading course on copywriting. Contact Lisa J. Lehr Copywriting www.ljlcopywriting.com, Lisa@ljlcopywriting.com for help with your writing needs.

This article ©Lisa J. Lehr 2005.

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#Freelance Writing jobs :
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REPORTERS As we continue ... - US

REPORTERS As we continue our expansion, we are looking for reporters in the communities we serve from North Palm Beach through Ormond Beach. Journalism degree is required with at least 1 year of newspaper experience preferred. Freelance opportunities also available. The Hometown News was voted the #1 community newspaper in the United States in 2005. This is a good opportunity to join a team with good people who care. Benefits include health, dental, life insurance & 401K. If you have a passion for reporting, we would like to speak to you. Please fax resume & clips to: 772-467-4384 or email: *********eoe ,we drug test

To apply view the job in Hometown News

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Steve Rogers - US

We are currently seeking new experienced, competent, deadline-oriented and highly responsible freelance writers who can write essays and research papers on a variety of subjects.

You will be able to set your own hours of work and you choose the assignments you wish to complete.

Our compensation for writers is $5-20 per page (275 words), and we offer bonuses for excellent work. The salary is paid out twice a month to your PayPal, E-gold bank account or through Western Union and Money Gram.


The main qualifications required to apply for this job are as follows:

- University degree level (Bachelors Degree minimum);
- Excellent command of English;
- Good writing/research skills;
- Strong ability to meet deadlines;
- PC availability and Internet access;
- Knowledge of main citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, AMA). All tutorials will be available.

The writers must be able to write ONLY original, non-plagiarized and professional papers.
Any sign of plagiarism in the paper will result in immediate termination.

To apply view the job in TeleportJobs

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Freelance Proofreader - Corporate Reports - Atlanta, GA

Freelance proofreaders needed to proofread annual reports. Must possess superior proofreading skills, grammar, spelling and punctuation. A detail-oriented eye for catching typographical errors and grammatical oversights. Proven track record of thoroughness and accuracy. Bachelor's degree in English or Communications preferable. Work available November through April. Hours will vary. Must pass test and references are required. Work on-site in Brookhaven area. Include your hourly rate.

To apply view the job in Monster

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Freelance Copy Editor - Bauer Publishing - Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Bauer Publishing is seeking an in-house freelance copy editor for celebrity-driven weekly entertainment magazine. Must have weekly magazine or daily newspaper experience and a BA. Some late hours are involved. Successful applicant will work with in-house style book, have respect for deadlines, a commitment to copy-editing consistency, a knowledge of American pop culture and fluency in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word. Some production experience also required. Qualifield applicants will be given a copy-editing test.

Bauer Publishing offers a pleasant, creative work environment and opportunities for career advancement. Located in New Jersey near the George Washington Bridge, our offices are easily reached via public transportation and our many Manhattan employees enjoy the relative ease of the reverse commute.

E-mail resume and cover letter as Word attachments to*******

To apply view the job in Gottagetajob.com

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Journalism Sports - Davenport, IA

Journalism Sports Correspondent Quad-City Times The Quad-City Times' Sports Department is looking for an experienced freelance sports writer to cover games and events as well as write features and people profiles for its award-winning sports section. The ideal candidate should be able to show a track record of quality writing and reporting, have a strong understanding of sports, and own a computer with access to the Internet and e-mail. The freelance assignments are primarily nights and weekends. If you are seeking a potential newspaper career, this is an excellent way to gain experience! If you are interested, please send a cover letter, resume and writing clips to: Mike Egenes, Assistant Sports Editor, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801. Submissions also can be e-mailed to: ****

To apply view the job in Quad City Times

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Editorial Intern MSP Communications Minnesota 3-5 Months, Paid

MSP Communications`` custom edit department seeks motivated, enthusiastic individuals for a full-time or part-time winter/spring internship.

MSP Custom Communications publishes a variety of magazines, including WorldTraveler (the in-flight magazine for Northwest Airlines), Viking magazine (Norwegian culture), and Postcards magazine (travel), as well as special sections for Mpls.St.Paul magazine.

This is a great position for anyone interested in learning the nuts and bolts of magazine writing, editorial duties, and production processes. Candidate must be pursuing or have graduated with an English/Journalism major or minor, or have related experience; have strong grammatical capabilities; be willing to take direction and contribute ideas; and demonstrate solid writing skills. Duties include writing, fact checking, photo sourcing, and researching. The paid internship ($8/hour) runs from January through May 2007.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and three writing samples (no term papers, please) by October 30 to:

Sarah Asp Editorial Assistant MSP Communications 220 South 6th Street Ste. 500 Minneapolis, MN 55402

OR *****

No phone calls please.

Contact e-mail: *****

To apply view the job in Journalism jobs

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Editorial Intern Entrepreneur Media, Inc. California 3-5 Months , Paid

Entrepreneur Magazine’s Internship Program

Name of Business: Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Address: 2445 McCabe Way #400, Irvine, CA 92614

Phone: (949) 261-2325, ext. 138 Fax: (949) 261-0234

Contact Person: Steve Cooper Title: Research Editor

Description of Company: Intern for the No. 1-rated small-business magazine, Entrepreneur magazine and its Web entity Entrepreneur.com.

Email: ******

Title of Position: Editorial Intern

Minimum Qualifications: None

Intern Responsibilities: You will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects and work closely with many of the magazine``s editors. There may be opportunities in writing for our print and online publications, copyediting, proofreading, brainstorming headlines, factchecking and doing research projects. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in magazine planning meetings and photo meetings. By the time your internship is complete, you will have learned all facets of the magazine publishing business, from idea-generation to producing the final camera-ready artwork. You may leave with some bylined articles that you can add to your portfolio and your name will be listed in the magazine``s masthead for the months that you are working here.

Paid: Yes

# of Job Openings: 1

# of Hours of Work Per Week: 16-30 hours

Length of Internship: 3 months

Date Job Available: Immediately Days/Hours to Work: Open, but mornings preferred

Preferred Method of Application (mail/fax resume, call, in person, etc.): e-mail, mail or fax resume

Our company is willing to teach the intern the following: Writing, computer skills, copyediting, proofreading, factchecking

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

To apply view the job in Journalism Jobs

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Pharmaceutical Copywriter Update Graphics --Northern New Jersey

Update Graphics is seeking talented pharmaceutical copywriters for several full time and freelance positions in Northern and Central New Jersey. Previous agency experience is required.

Please submit resumes and salary requirements to [Click here for email] for consideration.

Update Graphics offers a comprehensive benefits package for freelancers including health insurance, 401(k) plan, and bonuses.

REQUIREMENTS
Qualified candidates have the ability to think strategically and work autonomously. Knowledge of AMA style is preferred.

To apply view the job in Caeer Builder

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General Freelance Technical Editor needed

General Freelance Technical Editor needed for copyediting and proofreading on a project-by-project basis, for nonprofit organization specializing in scientific publications related to agriculture. Min. of 3 yrs. experience. Send resume and 3 professional references to: CAST, 4420 W. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014. Attn: Linda. cast@cast-science.org or 515-292-2125, ext. 31 Date Posted: 11/01/2006
Source: Ames Tribune
Location:Ames IA Area Code:515

To apply view the job in Adquest3d

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Medical Writer Ceative 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 *******

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