The Fabulist Flash

Issue 76

Oregon Waves

In This Issue:

1. This Week
2. Finding Your Editor's Style
3. Jump from Unknown to Widely Quoted in On
4. Article Structure
5. About The Fabulist Flash

1. This Week

As conference coordinator for the 2006 Las Vegas Writer's Conference (March 30-April 2, 2006) I've met a lot of authors, agents, publishers, and fellow writers. I find it interesting that occasionally I meet someone and find myself intimidated by them because of their experience or rank in our writing community. On the other side of this coin, I've recently met a few people who were afraid to approach me because I'm the author of a book. I can't speak for the emotions of others, but I'm always exploring my own inner thoughts and feelings. I know occasionally a feeling of "star worship" or other similar emotions exist, but so often we build others up to such a high position in our minds that we might miss out on an experience of meeting and learning.

As we all grow in our writing careers, it's important to learn from those who have gone before us. It's also important to realize that our current star writers all started out more or less just like us--alone at a computer writing one word at a time. So, the next time you have an opportunity or desire to approach a writer, whether they're a star or an up-and-comer, put those fears and "star worship" aside and meet them.

The Fabulist Flash archives have two new options: Articles archived by Author and Articles archived by Alphabet. Of course, there's still an archive by issue. All three archives are available at the home page www.FabulistFlash.com

There are three informative articles this week. Joanne Seiff explores different ways to pitch to editors, Dr. Lynella Grant explains the power of posting articles online, and Christinne Anderssen describes how to structure your articles.

Until next week,

Gregory
=================================================================

Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com) is a writer, photographer, professional speaker and author of the bestseller 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live and The Endorsement Quest.

2. Finding Your Editor's Style

Pitching to Editors and Making it Work
by Joanne Seiff

"I love your ideas!!" the editor emails, but she rejects my query. I'm confused. This editor, Sue, produces a whole magazine--she does most of the articles, layout, and photos by herself. I've written two articles for her. Yet each time I pitch to her, I get a different response. Sue is just learning to be an editor. She doesn’t stick to one submission method. Experienced editors want writers to use a certain format to submit. This process controls the chaos of their paper filled offices. It helps me, as a freelancer, to figure out how each editor works so I don't waste my writing time.

The Query

Editors appreciate a well-written query. Sue enjoys my brief emails, even if she doesn’t use my idea. This one page letter says I've got a focused idea I've researched. It reminds Sue that I'm a competent writer and I've worked with her before. If I query a new editor, I give examples of other work I'd done. This first query shows the editor I'm a professional. A properly written query allows the editor to evaluate and accept it without wasting time.

Yes!, NO, or Adjust to fit Editor's Needs

Sometimes, Sue isn't interested in my query and I submit it elsewhere. Other editors might say, "Yes, we’ll buy this, get writing." Occasionally the editor says, "Yes, we're interested, but can you tweak it in this direction? Could you interview these people and include these issues?" This is a good time to set to work--I have a job to do, assuming I can adjust the idea to fit the publication's needs.

Manuscripts Only

Some editors prefer to see only finished articles. I have complete control over my work. It is fun to decide how long the piece should run, whether pictures should accompany the submission, and if I've addressed all the angles. I read the publication beforehand so I know if my work has a chance of being accepted. If the editor rejects the piece, I've lost time and money. Of course, I'll submit it elsewhere, but I'll spend time to revise it to fit another publication's style.

Collaboration

Finally, there is collaboration. Sue and I often work together. She's confident that I'll follow through on her vision. I mention an idea or Sue gives me an outline. The collaboration takes off from there. I find appropriate graphics or discuss which sources are going to be most useful. We collaborate on the editing, and sometimes the editor writes notes in the margin and I respond. Much collaboration happens via email. Sue's comments to me are in the document itself, written using the editing documentation in Microsoft Word. Even with a close-knit collaboration, an editor can decide that the piece won't work out for publication. It pays to evaluate how much time I’ve invested. Will I get a kill fee as compensation if the piece does not run? Sue can't afford to pay much, and there's no kill fee. It's better not to waste too much time if she's not sure she wants the finished article.

Making it Work-Pros and Cons

There are advantages and disadvantages to each way of submitting your work: queries, finished articles, or collaboration. I experienced this process all three ways when I worked with Sue--no wonder I was confused! I learned something about Sue's chaotic style which will help me the next time I work with her. I try to cultivate a good relationship with editors as individuals and learn their personalities. Each time, I'll have a better idea what an editor wants, when she wants it, and how she wants it completed.

Listening to what editors want will make for a better publication rate and better experience as a writer. After all, most relationships involve listening--so why shouldn't you have to listen to your editor, too? Of course, I'll always work towards my own goals as a freelancer, but I'm much more likely to enjoy and profit from the writing and publishing experience if I listen to suggestions as well as I pitch ideas.

About the Author
=================================================================
Joanne Seiff is a writer, knitwear designer and educator. Her work can be found in knitting magazines, conservation and organic farming publications and in art galleries. The Kentucky Foundation for Women awarded Joanne a grant to work on a book, Knitting is Good for You, about knitting as it affects intellectual growth and health. You can find links to Joanne Seiff's writing, knitwear designs, and handspun yarn on her website, www.joanneseiff.com.

3. Jump from Unknown to Widely Quoted in On

Jump from Unknown to Widely Quoted in One Week
by Dr. Lynella Grant

Start by Being Quotable It’s tough to stand out online. With millions of experts and websites on the Internet, what are your chances of getting noticed? Long odds, certainly. But that’s not your biggest challenge.

Most fail to grab attention because what they’re dishing out is dull - rehashing what’s already been said, time and again. Content has been over-sold. It is NOT king if it’s mediocre. Ezine editors and webmasters are selective about what they’ll share with their readers. They know that too much of what’s being submitted to them isn’t worth passing along.

First, you must have something worth saying that connects with readers in a fresh, engaging way. People are starved for that - it’s why they keep looking. There’s less good stuff being written than you’d expect, given the vast sea of Web pages.

Jettison the bland and run of the mill. Spend sufficient time at this step because here’s where many writers drop the ball. Write from your unique vision and real-life experiences. Make your words so interesting and relevant that people remember them. That’s what gets your articles forwarded along and mentioned in passing (making you widely quoted).

Articles can quickly blanket the Internet with your expertise

Writing and posting articles to many websites or newsletters rapidly spreads your message. Systematic submissions soon brand you as a trustworthy expert.

- Focus your content to satisfy the interests of a definable group or niche

- Develop a list of websites and ezines that reach them, where you can submit your output

To illustrate the speed that Google responds to posted articles, this is article #2 for my new website. It just went up November 1 - www.promotewitharticles.com

Two weeks after submitting article #1, I queried Google: "What Posting Articles Online did for my Google Page Rank in 90 Days." Results already showed 673 cites (many were repeats), and that’s sure to increase. Remember, it's a brand-new site, so Google only learned it existed from that article.

The fact that you're already reading this one (submitted Day 14) demonstrates article marketing is working.

People go to the Internet to get information needed to make decisions

Reliance on the Internet keeps growing. A Harris Interactive consumer survey (2004) found that 73% of adults are now online - 156 million users. That’s up from 69% eight months before.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that most Internet users (80%) expect that they’ll be able to find reliable detailed information online. They will go online first when they need information. Internet users say it matters to them that businesses have a Web presence, even if they intend to make purchases locally.

Other studies have found the Web is one of the most trusted sources for making major purchases and decisions – second only to spouses for finding referrals. Your well-placed articles bring you to the attention of people looking for what you have to say (wherever they are).

Get your article and message widely distributed and read

Make it informative and useful

An article is not a sales letter. Resist the temptation to sell. That should be confined to the signature (Sig, resource box) at the end. That’s where you provide a link back to your own site from every website posting your article.

Make it interesting

Net surfers are unforgiving. If you’re boring they’re gone. Flat articles won’t enhance your reputation or credibility. Your title needs to be a zinger that pulls the reader into the topic. Most readers won’t read more than that.

Make it relevant to specific people

Too many articles fail to connect because they’re written too generally to hit anyone’s “bulls eye.” Attempting to speak to “everybody” results in not speaking directly to anybody. There’s no substitute for knowing precisely who you’re trying to connect with, so you can address their concerns.

Make it as unique as you are

If you have a distinctive or quotable viewpoint, let it shine. Expose your personality. A little wit or self-revelation is welcomed. And if you can sustain it across repeated articles, readers will search you out.

Better than shouting from the rooftops Your posted articles provide your soapbox - as broad as the Web. So make the most of that exposure, and get you voice heard. Create a ripple of interest which you can continue to build on about yourself, your website, your book, etc. That’s how reputations get made.

Discover everything you need at the Article Marketing Academy, www.promotewitharticles.com to find in-depth how-to from the experts. You, too can start finding yourself widely quoted in as little as a week.

About the Author
=================================================================
Dr. Lynella Grant www.promotewitharticles.com Use posted articles to build your business Expert in the "body language of printed materials" Author, The Business Card Book and Yellow Page Smarts grant@promotewitharticles.com (719) 395-9450

4. Article Structure

Structure Your Article for Maximum Impact
by Christine Anderssen

Writing articles is one of the best ways to promote your service or product since it establishes you as an expert in the field and you can get hundreds, if not thousands of links back to your website. But not all articles are created equal. In order to get the maximum benefit from your article writing they should have a consistent layout and structure. Follow these tips to give structure to your content and your articles will have a much bigger impact and stand a better chance of getting published.

For people whose literate capabilities extend to that last school essay that they handed in with a sigh of relief, writing an article is a daunting task and the end result often looks like a wasteland of grey text. A good article is written in such a way that it pulls the reader in and guides him through the content. Conforming to a standard format also makes it easier for article directories and sites that publish content to pick up your article and publish it. It also contributes to a professional image of you, the writer.

Here are the components of an article and how you should use each one for maximum benefit.

Title

The title of your article, like the title of your website, is probably the most important part of your article. And, much like the title of your website, you are writing for both the search engines as well as human beings. For the sake of the search engines, include your main keyword or keyword phrase in the title. For the sake of your reader, you have to create a title that will “pull the reader in”. In other words, your title must persuade the reader to read the rest of your article.

But here is a tip from Christopher Knight of EzineArticles – do not start your title with: “7 tips for …” or “5 ways to …” The first 3 or 4 words are the most important, and by doing this you are wasting important space! Rather use your keyword or keyword phrase at the beginning, followed by the number or ways, or tips that you are going to discuss. For example: Organize Your Office: 7 Tips For Never Losing That $1000 Check Again

Remember to capitalize the first letter of each word in your title - but don't capitalize full words, this will get your article rejected in no time.

Another tip for coming up with a killer title is to use some of the headline making software that helps you come up with compelling headlines for your sales letters, like Headline Creator Pro. While you might not actually use the headlines it suggests, you will quickly have a list of 100 headlines to play around with and modify. Just be careful though of not loading your title with too much hype – you are, after all, writing an article and not a sales letter!

Summary or Introduction

The summary, or description, of your article is often overlooked. This might be the only piece of text that will be displayed when your article shows up in an article directory. Sometimes you have the option of submitting the summary separately, other times the article directory software simply takes the first paragraph or so of your article. I suggest that you focus on the first paragraph of your article to provide you with your summary and introduction at the same time.

Like the title, it should create curiosity in the mind of your reader to entice them to read further. Please remember that a good article tries to solve some problem for the reader – try and describe what problem THIS article will solve. Describing the problem by means of a story or example help to make it real in your reader’s mind. A personal example also helps to establish you, the writer, as a real person and creates a rapport with your reader.

Body

The body of your article will bring across your main solution to the problem that you have sketched in the mind of your reader in your summary and introduction. Please remember to stick to ONE topic! It is very tempting to branch off into different directions, especially if you are enthusiastic about your area of expertise. If you find that you are wandering off into other areas, even if they are related to your main topic, consider saving that information in a scratch pad and make another article out of the material.

DO use bullet points or subheadings to break up your article. Bullets and headings catch the eye and once more pull the reader into the text. But some article directories do not allow HTML code or other formatting inside your body. My suggestion is that you write for ‘text only’ as a standard. Simulate bullets and headings by making use of numbers, capitals, or a special character, like the tilde (~), or star (*).

Ending

The ending should summarize the reasons why the article solves the problem stated in the title and the introduction. Try and end with an interesting point or final quote, to invite readers to further investigate the topic.

Resource box

The resource box is the place to write a mini-ad for your site, service or product. You can send people directly to an affiliate link here, or direct them to your site. Try to make the link contain your major keyword or keyword phrase, for maximum ‘backlink’ benefit - if you can. A good resource box will persuade the reader to click through to your site. Offer something for free, and create a sense of urgency!

If you follow this simple layout structure (obviously combined with great content!) for your articles you will find that

- more article directories will accept your articles for submission

- you present a professional image that instils confidence in your reader

- your articles will get published on more websites, leading to more traffic

in short, your articles will get the exposure they deserve!

About the Author
=================================================================
Christine Anderssen is the co-owner of the XpressIdeas Article Directory for Free Web Site Content; authors - earn money from Google Adsense on this site by submitting your articles.

5. About The Fabulist Flash

ISSN: 1554-0804

The Fabulist Flash is dedicated to helping writers find resources and inspiration.

When you forward The Fabulist Flash to your friends please do so in its entirety.

If someone forwarded you this copy and you'd like to begin receiving The Fabulist Flash in your own inbox go to www.FabulistFlash.com to join the mailing list.

We’re open to ideas and suggestions for future issues. Let us know if there’s something you’d like to see or learn about, what you’ve enjoyed and would like to see more of, or just want us to know you think The Fabulist Flash is fabulous. Send your comments and ideas to editor@fabulistflash.com.

-------------------------------

Submissions: Published Guest Columnists receive $25 for their 500-600 word article. Visit The Fabulist Flash Writer Guidelines for more information.

-------------------------------


The Fabulist Flash thinks your privacy is important. We NEVER lend, sell, or distribute our email subscriber list to anyone.

Contact The Fabulist Flash:

Online
www.FabulistFlash.com

Email
Editor@FabulistFlash.com

Snail Mail
Gregory A. Kompes, editor
The Fabulist Flash
PO Box 570368
Las Vegas, NV 89157

=================================================================
Make plans now to attend the 2006 Las Vegas Writer's Conference March 30-April 2, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada.