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Expert: - 2/9/2008


Question
Hi Cathy,
I recently submitted some articles to an online free content site, which uses RSS to distribute short articles. Is this a good way to break into freelance writing? My specialty is writing about higher education and coaching/personal improvement. I also have a blog with a number of readers receiving RSS. I would appreciate any tips on "breaking into" the business. Thanks!

Answer
Boy, this is a tough question, Cindy. Yes, your writing is showing up online, but how does it get you noticed? It might well get the CONTENT SITE more traffic, but many of them don't offer the writer a byline (your name attached to the article) so it might not benefit you. Too, most magazines don't consider free content sites to be "writing credits" because even though you're paid for the work, there's no editing nor selection process that can be relied on to tell a future editor the quality of your work.

Your personal blog is better, but the more things you offer the public "for free" the less chance you have of later selling them. Now, I also put content on my website and on a variety of boards. But I do so with the knowledge that those particular articles/essays won't ever earn me money. They're there just to inform people, and I don't expect to increase my name or reputation with them.

I'd really advise that you look for more traditional markets to start. That's not to say that you can't sell a FEW pieces to content sites, just for some pick up money. But save your good stuff for the big names. There are quite literally thousands of magazines out there, even if you don't count trade publications (magazines for groups like AARP, AAA, unions, etc.) or even in-flight magazines for airlines.

How about telling me what sort of features you're interested in writing? I'll try to get you steered in the right direction. :)

Cathy

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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