What do you write?

[UpAndAtEm]

Hi everyone!

Things seem to be a little slow in this forum, so I thought I would start this post.

I write booklets. They're fast to write and they're more lucrative and more versatile in what you can do with them than a full length book. I have two titles I've written (see my sig below), and I'm working on my third. I sell single copies of my booklet to individuals, and I sell in quantity to other businesses so they can promote their products and services. I also help other authors get into print with a booklet of their own. All of this is done through my company, Up & At 'Em Publications.

In addition to booklets, I write ebooks and e-articles, as well as articles for print mags. My writing has opened a new door for me as well, in the area of public speaking.

How about you? What kind of writing are you doing? Are you making a living from it? I can't wait to read your replies!

[judilynn]

Hi Kim! Your right it is a bit slow, but I will join in. I write for Associated Content. I also am working on filling my website with content so I write short articles (400-700 words) on various topics for Moms and website advice. I am actually working on adding a section with articles on home spa treatments. My goal is to have that section up by Monday morning :)

And it is a little known fact that I just finished a detailed outline for a novel. It is several thousand words shy in length, but I was blessed with a vivid imagination that should have it filled up in no time!

I would also love to write a book on aromatherapy and soap
making. Not sure if I will get to this though till after I finish the last semester this winter.

Can you tell I really enjoy writing?

[UpAndAtEm]

Hi Judilynn!

Yes, you are a busy writer! Good for you!

I have some questions about Associated Content. What do they normally pay you? What do you write about there? They seem to have quite a range as to what they pay, although I can see how it could add up over time. I've signed up there, but I have yet to give them an article.

[judilynn]

Well so far this year I have earned over 300 dollars. That isn't to brag, just to illustrate that there is money to be made. And I know there are a lot of people making more than me. You get paid per article and then get paid per page view of the article. I did make more when I first started in Dec, before they implemented page views. But I typically make between 4 and 5 an article. I know that doesn't sound like much, but let me use an example.

This week I spent 15 minutes on my article, The Power of 15 Minutes. I got paid $4 for it. so times that by 4 so that was $16 an hour if I had of done 3 more. Now I will also get paid for every look it gets. Now I can't tell you how many so far because page views haven't updated, but I have had quite a few positive comments on it, so I am hoping for good numbers. That same article I submitted as non-exclusive. This means I can submit it to others as well as on my site, so I can make more money from pay per click or submitting to other article sites. Not bad use of my 15 minutes.

Another thing is they have CSO which are calls for content. They give you a subject to write about and they have a set amount they will pay you for it. Right now there are 2 CSOs 4th of July news for $5 and 10 things you know for $8.

I am going to post my AC page here so you can see what I write about. (if that is a violation I will delete it) Basically anything that comes off the top of my head. I even edit and publish some of my school work :) If you want to know what I got paid for any article, just PM me and I will be glad to let you know the initial payment and category it is in. Another thing is, AC has paid me to learn how to write for the web. You just can't beat that!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/31046/judilynn.html Enjoy!

[UpAndAtEm]

Ok, I'm sold! You know how much I'm capable of writing from those long emails I sent you (by the way, did you get my last one?). :D
It's not important for me to know how much they paid you for every article your wrote or what every article you wrote is about. I'm just trying to get a general idea of what they usually pay and for what kind of content.

I don't expect to get rich from AC, but if I can get paid to help others promote their business and promote mine at the same time, I see nothing wrong with that! Does AC allow you to post your business information somewhere in the article? I've been writing for another site that allows me to add a bio and my website to each article, and that must stay with the article wherever it is used.

I've got to get busy! Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!

[judilynn]

I include links all the time in my articles. I never tried linking it back to my own site, but hey ... :)

On the other hand I do have my website in my profile and have gotten quite a few hits from my AC page to my website.

The reason why I said to ask about a how much an article got paid, it seems some categories get paid better than others. I got paid more than $5 for an article on how to come up with AC ideas but 4 for the GERD one. I don't have any idea how they decide. Wish I knew.

Check your email :) And let me know what your AC page is so I can subscribe and put it in my favorites.

[UpAndAtEm]

Maybe they pay better for categories where fewer articles tend to be written, or where the articles require more research. That would make sense to me.

I saw your message. You've got two coming from me now. One is very short the other is very long but filled with some good information for you about how to write your booklet and some things you'll need to know about the craft fairs (been there, done that!). The long email is the one you apparently didn't get. I hope it comes through this time!

I'm still working on my AC page, but here is the link - www.associatedcontent.com/kimhillman

What's yours?

[smbwallace]

Hi ladies! Glad to see you've found some things that work for you! :thumb:

I write mainly newspaper features and I also produce a couple of newsletters for nonprofits. :work:

Some of my work is on my writing website (http://www.geocities.com/smbwallace2003/arkansasprofiles.html) if you want to take a look.

I've been doing newspaper writing and editing for 19 years and freelancing for 3½ but there are a lot of things I haven't tried, including what you ladies are doing!

[UpAndAtEm]

Hi Michelle!

Writing for newspapers sounds like fun! Do you write the feature first and then submit it for their approval, or do you get their approval first so you know you've got the sale before you write it?

Since I own a publishing company I haven't done any freelance work. I do some editing for my clients, but my creative writing goes into my booklets which I sell both individually and in quantity. I have been thinking about doing some freelance work on the side, not so much for the money, but just to broaden my skills a bit and for fun.

I write articles online, but those are all related to publishing and marketing and other areas of business. So, it would be fun to do some other writing.

I've heard that writing newsletters can be profitable. Do you enjoy that? I think I'd go stir-crazy if I had to write a newsletter every month for another company!

Anyway, I'm so glad you've joined us! It would be really nice if we could get more writers to rally here and support each other. There seems to be only a handful of us right now.

[smbwallace]

Kim, I have all of my work either requested or preapproved! I know beforehand it will be published and that I'll be paid for it! :thumb: I love writing but not that much!

My newsletter jobs are pretty good too! Both newsletters are quarterly so I'm not under constant pressure. Both are with organizations I've written about quite a bit in my newspaper work.

[UpAndAtEm]

That's great, Michelle! It sounds like you've got it all organized and you're doing quite well. How wonderful for you!:)

[smbwallace]

That's great, Michelle! It sounds like you've got it all organized and you're doing quite well. How wonderful for you!:)

LOL, actually it's the opposite but at least it all sounds good! :p

[UpAndAtEm]

Oh, so you aren't the great organized one. Don't worry. I doubt if any of us really are! :D