Business/Legal Matters

Flat Fees vs. Hourly Rates

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Forget charging by the hour. When writing copy, billing a flat rate can score you clients.

by Art Spikol

Serving Up the Best Site

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Serving Up the Best Site

Introduction to Mastering Online Research

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read the Introduction to Mastering Online Research.

Ask the Editor—Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Publishing

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wondering if it's time to self-publish? Get the facts first and make a decision that's right for you.

5 Quick Tips for Writer/Agent Negotiations

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just because you're excited someone wants to represent you doesn't mean you should let them take advantage of you. Beware of these red flags when negotiating contracts with agents.

by Howard G. Zaharoff

Is Your Agent Legit?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Should you nix your rep because he isn’t a member of a respected guild? Not necessarily.

by Scott Hoffman

4 Tips for Standard Manuscript Submission

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

4 Tips for Standard Manuscript Submission

What Do Editors Want?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's one of the biggest writing questions of all: What do editors want? Jeff Mock, former editor of the Gettysburg Review and author of You Can Write Poetry, has the answer.

Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With new story ideas to remember, deadlines to meet, and submissions to track, writers have a lot to juggle. The Writer's Digest Weekly Planner will keep your entire writing life organized and portable, all year long.

M.F.A. Dreams

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Aching to earn that creative-writing degree that got away? It's never too late to prove you've got the write stuff—especially if you have real-world experience under your belt.

What's the Deal?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here's the truth about advances, foreign rights and what to expect with the sale your first book.

Face-to-Face with an Agent

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You've got an agent. You've got a deal. Is it worth it to fly to New York—on your own dime—for some face time? Here’s one writer’s advice.

by Elizabeth Sims

Publishing Contracts 101 (Protect Your Work)

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Make sure your agreement protects you—and your book. Here are 6 key terms/areas you need to address before signing on the dotted line.

by Paul S. Levine

Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At lunch on the first day of the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference, a writer ends up sitting next to a guidebook publisher. The writer asks why there’s never been a guidebook to Europe for beginners, and the publisher replies, “That’s a good idea. What would you put in it?” By the end of the conference, the writer has a contract to write—you guessed it—a guidebook to Europe for beginners.

by Linda Formichelli

The Writer-Editor Relationship

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can you light fires under editors? In this excerpt from The Craft & Business of Writing, learn why it's a businesslike, professional, and distanced attitude that will first give you perspective on the problems you're encountering, and then will allow you to handle problems without placing a self-destructive fire under yourself.

The 2005 WD Guide to Writing Software

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Looking to streamline your writing process? We've rounded up the latest and greatest software programs designed to help, and never hinder, your writing.

Marketing: Reprints

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What’s better than selling an article for $750? Selling it again for $200, then again for $150, then again for $200, without doing anything more than letting an editor know it’s available.

Successful Query Letters

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While there is no formula for the perfect query letter, all successful queries share certain qualities. Take a look at these tips from the Writing the Nonfiction Book Proposal Workshop from WritersOnlineWorkshops.com

The Evolution of Self-Publishing

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As technology improves, so do your publishing options. Here's a guide to what's new, what's available and why it's easier than ever to publish yourself.

Earn More, Do Less

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More money is right around the corner for freelance writers. Follow these tips to double your writing rates painlessly.

Before You Close That Envelope

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are 10 steps to pay attention to when sending your writing into a competition.

Setting a Standard

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Should print-on-demand companies take a more aggressive role in weeding out unsavory business practices in their industry?

Ask the Lawyer: Writing Together; Writing Sub Rosa

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pinpoint issues to resolve before getting involved in a co-authoring situation, and learn how to write under a pseudonym.

10 Things You Should Do Before Querying an Agent

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prepare yourself and your work before trying to contact an agent with this 10-step checklist for fiction writers.

Shades of Gray

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Do you still have first-time rights to your work if it's been printed in blogs, e-zines or tiny defunct journals? Well, the rules aren't so black and white any more.

Are You an Ethical Writer?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Take our quiz on journalistic ethics and see if your writing integrity is up to snuff.

Does This Book Jacket Make Me Look Fat?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What you look like may affect your book's promotions.

4 Things to Know Before You Go

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Use this expert's advice to make the most of your agent and editor meetings at writers conferences this year.

6 Tips for Working with Editors

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

6 Tips for Working with Editors

Upon Further Review�

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sources often want to see a writer's work. Perish the thought, most editors will tell you. This writer respectfully disagrees.

A Sample E-Query

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Sample E-Query

Agent Etiquette Dos and Don''ts

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Excerpted from The Insider''s Guide to Getting an Agent, Lori Perkins gives her dos and don''ts when working with an agent.

How to Make the Contest Cut

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Before you send off that entry, get the inside scoop from a writing competition judge on how to rise above the crowd.

Don't Forget the Marketing Synopsis

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Publishers highly value those authors who know how to market their own work. Propose your ideas in a synopsis to gain that competitive edge.

Choosing Your Paper

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

All paper is not created equal. Yes, you could write in 39 ? school notebooks, but your journal should be recorded on a medium that will endure.

A Guide to Writers' Rights in the New Millennium

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The incredible growth of electronic communication and the rise of the e-publishing industry over the last few years are altering the way books get published. Attorney and author Howard Zaharoff offers tips on negotiating your next book publishing contract with specific regards to electronic rights.

Increasing Income by Adding Photographs

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Abigail Seymour gives advice on photography when marketing your magazine nonfiction.

Can I Use Song Lyrics in my Manuscript?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Let the informative (and humorous) "Questions & Quandaries" columnist Brian A. Klems answer some of your most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions, including why authors use pseudonyms. Check out his advice and don't hesitate to ask a question—your writing career will thank you.

Get Connected

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Publishing has its ups and downs, but writers can find stasis in online communities. Read about three groups that provide more than just a place to commiserate about editors.

Upon Further Review: Opinions

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Should you show your article to a source before publication? We asked about two dozen writers and editors if they'd ever done so; if so, what the circumstance and result were; and if not, why not.

Giving It Away

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Information-packed websites, blogs and free chapters are great promotional tools. But it's possible to give away too much. Here's the lowdown on what to make free.

E-Etiquette

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although e-mail can be a time saver for writers, never underestimate the power of etiquette in the age of the Internet.

Bounce Back

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bounce Back

"Unauthorized" Writings

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Find out if you can use trademarks in your story, and discover the difference between copyright infringement and parody.

Free Money

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yeah, you heard us. There are grants out there for writers of all stripes, if you know where to look. Now you do.

A Writer's Guide to Taxes

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

'Tis the holiday season—a time for gift giving, celebrating with friends and family, and year-end tax planning.

Increasing Your Freelance Writing Income

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Excerpts from Robert Bly's book, Write More, Sell More on ways to earn more money.

Online Contractors: Book Publishing in the Age of the Internet

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Before signing an e-publishing contract, there are five important issues that you need to understand.

Of Football and Taxes

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The fourth quarter is no time for desperate strategies. Take some advice and make the end of the year a time for careful tax planning.

10 Easy Pieces For Your Publicity Arsenal

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Award-winning authors Tom and Marilyn Ross share their twenty years of industry knowledge in Jump Start Your Books Sales

Keep the Commission

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Do you really need an agent? Here's one writer's irreverent guide to flying solo.

Talkin' Trash

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Beware the slinging of slang: One man's compliment may be another man's defamation suit.

Quota on Quotes?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Sometimes, a source's exact words say everything that needs to be said. But not always.

Groping for Quotes

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
When even C-list celebrities won't talk, it's time to resort to Plan B.

Do You Need Liability Insurance?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Find out if you need individual liability insurance, and learn how to protect yourself from libel or invasion of privacy claims.

Self-Publishing Definitions

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Commercial publishers, subsidy publishers, vanity presses, self-publishing, POD—what's the difference?

Back Up Your Work for Free

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Just because a natural disaster or computer virus wipes out your hard drive doesn’t mean you have to lose all your work.

by G. Kyle White

Reality Bites

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Use real people, places and things in your writing without getting into trouble.

Do Men Read?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Here's a look at the curious reading (and book-buying) habits of guys.

Is the Book Dead?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
With all things electronic demanding our attention, with new media like e-books becoming more common and more sophisticated, is the ancient book dead. Hardly. Read why.

Bidding War

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Are freelance-bidding sites helpful to professional writers—or are they online dollar stores where clients shop for cheap labor?

Seven Tips for Formatting Your Article Manuscript

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Seven Tips for Formatting Your Article Manuscript

E-Zine Promotion 101

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Your e-zine is hot off the cyber-presses, your methods of distribution are ready to roll, now you only need one thing: business. And that means PR.

The Age of Embellishment

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
If it feels like you're writing in murky waters these days, well, you are. Lying, plagiarism and other misdeeds have always been part of publishing, but in the digital age it's more prevalent—and more easily caught—than ever.

Is Electronic Publishing for You?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
E-books haven't set the world on fire yet, but they're carving out a nice little niche.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Understanding fair use is crucial for writers who glean material from outside sources. Learn when and how to attribute facts, opinions and paraphrases.

The Core of a Good Editor-Writer Relationship

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Michael Korda is both editor and writer — Another Life is his latest memoir. Speaking with interviewer Marsha Marks, he provides perspective from both sides of the editor's desk.

Waiting for DOLLAR$

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Some leading writers organizations recommend against it, but many magazines don't pay writers until their work is published. Is it worth the risk? Editors and writers weigh in.

Health Insurance for Writers

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
If you decide to leave the corporate world and start a full-time freelancing career, you'll need to know how to obtain good health insurance.

Getting the Coin: Dealing with Slow-Paying Clients

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Choosing a good publication from a potentially delinquent one is key when it comes to receiving payment for your work.

More Bang for Your Buck

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Some of the keys to building a successful writing career cost money—a novelty most writers can't afford to waste. Here's how to invest in your career wisely.

Upping the Ante

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Ask for more money without stepping on your editor's toes.

What You Can Do About Aggregators

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
What You Can Do About Aggregators

Can the Truth Get a Writer in Trouble?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Basing a fictional character on a real person or including family secrets in your memoir could land you in court.

Get Your Facts Straight

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Endear yourself to editors by making your articles ruthlessly accurate. Here's an insider's guide to blazing through the fact-checking process.

4 Ways to Make More Money as a Freelancer

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Want to earn more as a writer? Bob Bly, author of Write More, Sell More, offers tips. Here's one: "When supply outweighs demand, pay scales are low. That's why most article and book writers don't earn much money. When demand outweighs supply, writers can charge a premium. That's why specialists earn the big money. Maximize your value by using your knowledge and experience to sell articles that few other writers would know how to do."

Your Life, Your Love, Your Distributor

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Secure a distributor! Your book will get into chain stores, and you will have free time to pursue more lucrative, non-traditional markets.

The Zine Board Speaks Out

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Two members weigh in on what's happening in the world of self-published magazines.

Knowing Your Copyrights

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
You may not be a copyright expert...but that's OK. This guide will help you understand the basics to protect yourself.

Hitting the Mark

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
A little R with a circle around it—and a world of questions attached: Here's what you need to know about using brand names in your stories.

Ready for Takeoff?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
This month launches the second year of Zine Scene. For those of you just aboard, let us take a moment to tell you what it's all about.

Publishing Your Passion

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Do you have a burning desire to publish your own magazine? Ignite that passion and distribute it for all to see.

Six Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Agent

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Here are six tips from literary agent Lori Perkins, on how you can better prepare yourself to succeed in the business.

Colin Beavan's Fingerprints

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
"For me, research was the easy part because you know you're getting results. And so you procrastinate the scary part, which is the actual sitting down and writing the story by convincing yourself that you're being productive by doing more research ... I researched for seven months."

Editors and E-Queries

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Editors and E-Queries

Advice on Sending E-Queries

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Considering the incredible rise in popularity of e-mail communication, it seems inevitable that one day expensive and time-consuming traditional queries will soon be replaced by the cheap and speedy e-query. For those of you wishing to liberate yourselves from the shackles of expensive paper and SASEs, here are a few tips on producing an e-query from business writer Jack Neff.

How to Make Your Submission Stand Out

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Mike Po, as president and A&R of Limited Potential Records, discovered acts such as Smashing Pumpkins, Brainiac and Catherine.

Fair Use Legal Lingo You Can Understand

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Copyright laws and fair use still got you confused? We asked WD legal eagle Howard Zaharoff, a lawyer in Waltham, Mass., to explain all those invisible boundaries concerning the fair use of song lyrics and literary works.

7 Secrets to Writing With Your Best Friend

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
How do you go from best friend to co-author without scarificing the friendship? Respect, honesty and a sense of humor.

Behind the Scenes of a Book Proposal Meeting

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
To help you understand why your book proposal needs to be so thorough, the editors at Writer''s Digest offer this behind the scenes look at a typical book proposal meeting. This peek behind the publishing curtain will demystify the proposal process so that you can more easily give editors what they need, and significantly increase your chances of getting published.

5 Keys to Landing an Agent

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
What goes into a winning query and how does one go about finding representation?

The More-Complete-Than-You-Need Checklist for Book Signings

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Use this checklist before you head out the door to your book signing.

What Editors Won''t Tell You (but we will)

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT
really look for in a writer? Pull up a chair. We''ve got the inside scoop.

Weaving Your Web

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Here are seven must-know strategies to create an enticing, business-focused Web site.

Face Time

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to e-mail, you never need to make eye contact with editors you write for. But maybe you should. The payoff is more than you might imagine.

Confessions of a Know-It-All

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Omniscient point of view can lend richness and flexibility to your story—but only if you use it with a disciplined and purposeful hand.

Many (Sort of) Happy Returns

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Getting back that SASE often means rejection, but at least you know the editor got your query. What happens when you query abroad?

The Healthy Writer

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you're a self-employed writer, finding health-care coverage can be daunting. Look to these organizations to help you get covered.

Tips for Investigating Agents

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tips for Investigating Agents

Copyright Law 101

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many writers worry their work isn't protected unless they use a copyright symbol or file with the Copyright Office. Learn when and how your work is protected, and exactly what that means.

Should My Query Offer a Web Element?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Should My Query Offer a Web Element?