Writing With Purpose

Whether you are simply thinking about freelance writing a few hours a week, or hoping to further establish yourself as a full-time work-at-home freelancer, you will be expanding your writing horizons in 2010.

My Horizons

For me, 2010 is definitely going to change my horizons. Instead of always playing it safe and working harder, not smarter, I am taking a leap of faith and experience. I am going to write for myself, as well as my clients. I have learned so much in the last 4 years about freelance writing, and how the Internet business community works. Although I still have much to learn, I want to do for myself what I have been doing for my clients.

For starters, I have this blog site. Of course, I am writing about freelance writing. However, I can write about aspects of copywriting that I wish I had known in the beginning. I can talk about issues that crop up on a daily basis. Plus, I can establish other sites about issues near and dear to my heart. I will be launching another website soon.

Your Horizons?

In the meantime, what are your plans for 2010? Are you going to just keep writing for clients and helping them prosper; or are you going to expanding your writing horizons, and save a little time for your personal and business growth?

If you want more information on how to expand your writing horizons in 2010, or you have some suggestion for me and the other readers, leave a comment or contact me.

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A couple of day’s ago, I received a freelance writer’s challenge in the mail. In order to succeed, I will have to make a commitment for the better part of a year, but it will ultimately result in helping my business. Even if you are just starting out as a freelance writer, it may also prove to be a launching pad for your new career goals:

3rd #HAHD Marathon Challenge
Begins Friday
_____________________________________
The 3rd “100 Articles in 100 Days Marathon Challenge” (#HAHD) begins Friday, January 1, 2010 at 12:01AM CST-USA.
They say the 3rd time is a charm. Well get ready, because the 3rd #HAHD Marathon Challenge begins this Friday!
To help kick it off, Christopher Knight, EzineArticles Publisher and CEO, will be hosting a public webinar/teleseminar on Friday, January 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM CST-USA for anyone attempting to complete the #HAHD Challenge! Watch the Blog and Twitter for more details.

TO QUALIFY: There’s no need to sign up! Just submit at least 100 articles of 400 words or more between 12:01AM CST-USA Friday, January 1st and 11:59PM CST-USA Saturday, April 10th. That’s only one 400-word article per day for 100 days. Once those 100 articles are approved, you’re qualified!

QUALIFICATION PRIZES:
All qualifiers will receive:
• #HAHD Certificate of Achievement (frame not included)
Upon email request, all qualifiers will also receive:
• Original Limited-Edition EzineArticles #HAHD Trophy Mug
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles #HAHD Mouse Pad
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles Giant Beach Ball
• Limited-Edition EzineArticles Hat

ADDED BONUS #1:

The top 100 members for total number of qualified submissions will also receive a chance to win 1 of 10 FREE 1-year EzineArticles Premium Membership subscriptions valued at $582 each!

ADDED BONUS #2:

In addition to all of these great prizes, each of your approved article submissions will reward you with increased traffic, improved credibility and additional sales!

Want to find out more about the #HAHD challenge?

• Follow the hash tag #HAHD on Twitter [learn more]
• Follow EzineArticles on Twitter
• Join Christopher Knight, EzineArticles Publisher and CEO, for his public webinar/teleseminar on Friday, January 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM CST-USA
________________________________________
* The Fine Print:
1. To qualify, all articles must be submitted under the same author name. Articles from multiple author names may not be combined.
2. Those who believe they have met the challenge requirements for any prizes must send a prize request via email to hahd@ezinearticles.com prior to Thursday, April 15, 2009.
3. Prizes will be shipped to anywhere in the world via USPS to the postal mailing address listed in the member profile and to verifiable postal mailing addresses ONLY.
To Your Article Writing/Marketing Success & Passion!

Christopher M. Knight, Publisher

http://EzineArticles.com/

© Copyright 1999-2009 EzineArticles.com. All Rights Reserved.

All you have to do is go to Ezinearticles.com and sign up! It sounds like fun! I hope to find the time. I am in! The question is: are you up for the challenge?

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Dear Writing with Purpose Clients,

With the new year comes new growth! Here is how my copywriting business is growing and changing for 2010:

PRICING:
As of January 1, 2010, my fee for article writing is $15 for 500 words. If you require a different word count, fees may adjust. However, my lowest fee for any writing project is $12 per item.

RESEARCH FEES:
Any project requiring research, metatags, stock photos, etc. will incur additional small charges.

TURNAROUND TIMES:
Turnaround times are determined on an individual basis; however, you can expect turnaround times to improve as I continue to streamline operations.

PROJECT DEPOSITS:
All assignments with a total project fee over $75 will require a 50% deposit before work can begin. The balance is due upon completion. This is standard industry practice.

PAYMENT & INVOICING:
I am no longer using Elance for new projects. Going forward, I will accept payment and provide invoices through PayPal and Google Checkout.

REFERRALS:
If you’d like to refer me, and that referral becomes a client, I’ll show my appreciation by offering you a 10% discount on your next project.

CONTACT OPTIONS:
Most of you have my email address, but requests for new projects can also be placed through my website at http://thewritingwithpurpose.com/contact/
As always, phone consultations remain available during regular business hours.

MY SERVICES:
Most of you know me for my article writing. I also offer:

• Website copy
• Press releases
• Copy for marketing materials
• eBook writing
• Editing ( I hold a B.A. in English)

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your past business.
Let’s work together for your success in 2010!

Tina Matsunaga
Writing with Purpose
tssm@bresnan.net

http://thewritingwithpurpose.com

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Leave it to the Experts

Okay. Yesterday’s experiment did not turn out so well; and, I have come to the conclusion that Freelance Writers should stick to what they know. For example, do not try to build a website, if you do not have enough background in that area. I have books on the subject, but I would much rather spend my time doing something that I love.

According to my teenage daughter, I do not know enough to create a professional website from scratch. However, her schooling has taught her the basics. Instead of trying to make a new website, she suggested I use my old website that expires in March to promote my passion. Hopefully, in the next week or so, or at least by the time my subscription to an expensive Web Host expires, I can afford to get it hosted someplace else.

A New Look to an Old Site

In truth, if I am working on something I love, I am more likely to stick with it. Also, my work-at-home job will be a lot more enjoyable. So, what do I LOVE to do. I really enjoying reading and writing. I know if you love to read and write, you will have plenty of opportunities for growing yourself and your business on the Internet. So, I am giving my old site a new look.

If you got to http://writingwithpurpose.us you will read about my true passion. I want to share with you rewarding reading, whether it is for fun, your future, or to make you a better freelance writer. Often, I might suggest a good book for you to read. Other posts will focus on topics related to reading-my thoughts and experiences on the subject.

I hope you will find it informative and helpful, and if I am lucky enjoyable. I would also welcome comments regarding other reading ideas, good books and more. Enjoy the new look of an old blog.

I definitely learned an important lesson this evening. I am going to stick with what I know and love, and hopefully grow as a better freelancer because of my passionate interests.

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Dear Readers,

I am experimenting today. As I have said in previous posts, freelance writers are constantly learning and changing, in order to improve their freelance writing skills and the business potential of the Web. Since I definitely want to improve my presence on the Internet and provide more resources for others, I decided to check out my Internet provider’s offer. All I have to do is learn how to build a website.

A Work in Progress

If I succeed, this website will be to promote resources and reading materials for freelancers, writers and avid readers. I do not know if it will work. I am learning by the “seat of my pants” as the saying goes. I guess that means there will be plenty of bumps along the way. Ouch! As I am writing this, parts of the FTP upload have failed. ????? I may be doing some reading before I can succeed in even bringing up a workable homepage. We shall see.

I am definitely a work in progress. However, if I can eventually figure this out, it might make for some interesting and informative blog material. In the meantime, if you are reading this and already know how to create your own website with a free wordpress theme and an FTP server, feel free to send some comments and helpful advice.

Either Way

Whether I succeed or fail, I already know one thing for sure. It is much easier and wiser to hire someone, or find a guru friend to help you build your website. I am just trying to figure out some free options for those of you that do not have any money in the family budget to spare.

Wish me luck in my learning quest. Your advice and opinions are always welcome. Of course, if you need my services regarding something I definitely know how to do-like WRITE, feel free to contact me.

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Especially if you are just getting started in freelance writing, free deals for copywriters sounds pretty good. But, in your haste to become better educated in the business, make sure the incentive is a good enough reason to opt into whatever is being offered.

For example, I recently read a tag line that a freelance writer is offering free PDF for anyone that purchases what he has to sell. Since you will likely need to make PDF files at one time or another, it does sound like a good deal. But, I have a PDF program that I use at least twice a week; and, it does not cost me one red penny. Two pop ups come up while it is making the PDF; but, it is no big deal-especially for a FREE PDF.

Another Great FREE Deal

I received an unexpected gift this Christmas. My good friend and fellow freelancer sent me the book I mentioned in a previous post called New Path to Riches by Nick Osborne. It is a good book. In fact, I only have a couple more chapters to read. It has a lot of information for beginning freelancers and those of us who have been doing it for years, yet want to grow our businesses.

You can get New Path to Riches free, and it will not cost you any money. All you need to do is follow the link, read the blog entry, and see if that is something you would like to do. You do not have to spend any money to get something free in return. I already received my copy for Christmas, so I am doing nothing more than suggesting a good read.

Before Signing on the Dotted Line

In short, before opting into some product or service costing you money, in order to get the freebie, make sure it is something that you really want and need. A lot of the time, you can find the same product or service free, if you know where to look.

If you have any questions or suggestions for future post ideas, please contact me. If I do not know the answer, I will find it. Remember: I always welcome polite comments, even if you disagree. It makes for great dialog, and we can learn together.

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