5 Tips for Writing a Quality Article That Will Leave Editors and Clients Salivating for More!
Written by Michele T on November 28, 2008 – 3:52 am -
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Aspiring writers fantasize about writing articles that please editors or potential clients. When you hit send, you cross your fingers or say a prayer – or both! – and hope for the best. But when you receive a response filled with negative news of a rejection (or worse, no response at all), it can seem hopeless; like you’ll never make it as a freelance writer. You might even think of throwing in the towel and giving up totally. You don’t have to give up your dreams and ambitions of being a freelance writer! Follow these steps and learn how to write a quality article that will leave potential editors and clients salivating for more!
- Write from your heart. If you don’t put your heart and soul into your writing, your words will fall flat, won’t have a smooth flow, and won’t stir the emotions of your reader.
- Brush up on basic grammar and punctuation rules. You want to impress potential clients and editors with your writing skills. You’re a professional, remember? You wouldn’t go to the office in your gym clothes, so put on your thinking cap and play the part of a writing pro!
- Write more, write often. The more you write, the better you’ll become – if you have any talent, that is. Some people aren’t born to write (just like some aren’t born to sing). We all have our calling. I couldn’t ride a wave if I had to, but surfers are one with their board.
- Read. This is something a lot of writers fall away from once the gigs start pouring in. Not every writer does this, but it happens. It’s been said that the more you read, the better your writing will be. Why? Because you’ll become familiar with the way words should flow, sentences should come together, and you’ll have correct grammar and punctuation drammed into your head continuously. So, even if you don’t possess a degree in English or Writing, you’ll be educating yourself and polish your skills while doing something that is probably already your favorite pastime.
- Sleep on it. This is my most successful tip yet, I do believe. There’s nothing I love more than to pour my heart and very soul onto blank pages into the wee hours and save my work, knowing I can rest peacefully and be proud of the work I accomplished. The next morning, I go back into the file and proofread the piece. If it needs polishing, I polish. I usually save it again and go back a couple hours later – maybe even after lunch. At this time, I give it a final good read. If I’m satisfied, I hit send.
My editors and clients are pleased with my work and I know it’s because of the above tips. For example, just the other day I applied for a writing gig I was interested in on Deb Ng’s Freelance Writing Jobs. I heard from the client within 4 hours! Not only did he give me an assignment, he was thrilled with my work (turned in before deadline) and I’ve already scored ongoing work! (The pay is awesome and it’s on topics I’m passionate about.) And, another writing gig I applied to recently (found it at Freelance Writing Jobs, too), I heard back from the potential client within a few minutes!
In my next post, I’ll share tips for sprucing up your e-mails when you apply for writing gigs so you’ll get a better response. It’s fun, I promise! But you don’t want to miss my tips so be sure to subscribe so you can increase your own freelance writing success!
Until next time, keep writing the cyber highway!
Tags: clients, editors, Inspiration, writing gig, writing gigs. freelance writing, writing tips
Posted in Inspiration, Writing, Writing Wisdom | 11 Comments »
November 28th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Michele, I agree with all these tips, especially number two. I’ve been to a lot of sites by professional writers that are peppered with grammar mistakes (the kind that you know are more than a little typo) and I can only wonder at why this is so. My best guess is that a lot of clients don’t know their grammar and plenty of writers don’t feel that grammar is especially important, especially online.
Melissa Donovan, Copywriters last blog post..The Top 5 Blogging Essentials
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November 28th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Thanks, Melissa! I am no grammar queen but I do try to keep rules fresh in my mind and continue to learn and grow. And when I find out I’ve flubbed up on something, I go back and fix it – if/when I can.
Like, it’s driving me bonkers because I just realized I sent work off the other day and didn’t notice I used “here” instead of “hear”! Ugh! I’m so aggravated at myself! LOL
Thanks for stopping by!
*smiles*
Michele
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November 29th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Hi Michele,
Found your blog through Jeremy’s Insight Writer. You have great tips and links for writing for the web! I find the one about reading especially true – so many of us neglect the reading when we become busy, then the writing loses something. I’ve subscribed to your feed and look forward to your next posts!
Daphne
Daphnes last blog post..I’ve Been Tagged! 6 Random Things About Me
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November 29th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I think these are all solid tips.
I think the # 1 way to improve ones writing, above all other methods: is reading. Your explanation of why reading improves ones writing is totally accurate.
I’m still working on learning the ins and outs of grammar. As I progress I get better. I think grammar is something one gets better and better at until they become top notch at it.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Being Selfish Can Be Deadly
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November 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I had never seen anyone recommend that “read more” tip before, but you are so right about that. Reading teaches you flow and acceptable grammar – and the best part is that you learn it subconsciously!
The advice I always add is “just do it”. Don’t stop and fuss over each sentence, let the whole thing come out and then go back for editing. The more you can do that, the more you can “flow” and the more you can flow, the easier it gets.
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November 30th, 2008 at 6:55 am
hi Michele,
Thanks for coming over to Tumblemoose.
Thought I’d head on over for a write on the cyber highway.
Nice site. Clean and easy.
I love your writing style. It’s fresh and really does come from the heart. I think that’s kinda rare these days.
I’ll be subscribin’ now.
Cheers!
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..Finding your writer’s voice
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December 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Thanks for the tips !
I really think that the more you read, the more you know.
Great stuff !
All the best,
The Moneyac
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December 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Hi Michele,
Great article in here. Adding in your own experience or encounter is often a good input for a quality article as well. People love to read reality happening rather than just some cooked-up story.
Wei Liang
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlogs last blog post..Did You Retire At The Age Of 21?
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December 3rd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Great tips for writing! I think that it’s important to continue reading. Many times, that’s where I get my inspiration from – plus it really boosts your vocabulary and sharpens the mind!
AverageGals last blog post..5 Blog Domain Name Tips
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December 6th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
[...] 5 Tips For Writing a Quality Article… – by Writing The Cyber Highway You hear it time and time again, content is King. Writing quality posts for your readers should be one of your top priorities. This article shared by Michele hits on 5 easy to use tips that will make your articles stand out from the crowd. [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Hi Michelle!
Great blog – I chanced upon it from Jeremy’s Insight Writer. Totally agree with your tips, especially #1 – I just started my personal development blog (EmbraceLiving.Net) and I find that when I write something that resonates and comes from my heart, everything just flows and clicks into place! Writing becomes much more efficient and enjoyable that way! There’s no reason why writing should become a chore since it’s something we WANT to do! 
Will be checking back regularly!
Celes | Embrace Livings last blog post..5 Solid Reasons Why You Should Have A Purpose
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