The Mechanics of Writing, a Guide to the Process of Writing Well
Welcome! No, you haven't entered 5th grade English class, but you may get some flashbacks. Here you can make sure you not only write, but that you do it well. Also learn about some of the processes associated with freelance writing, such as researching and interviews. Don't worry, no quizzes!
How To Self-Edit
Editing your own words is definitely not so easy. Here's a list to help you in the process!
"Voice" in Freelance Writing
Voice in creative writing is easy to understand, but how does voice apply to freelance writers?
5 Easy Ways to Start Your Magazine Article
Sometimes the simple act of getting started is the hard part. If you find the "perfect" lede, perhaps the information will flow from there! (It's worth a try!) Here are 5 ways to start your magazine article.
How Do I Handle a Word Count?
Your editor gave you a word count- how do you handle it? Issues surrounding word count for freelance writers are explained.
Revise, Revise Again: Seven Steps to Flawless Work
Revision strategies for freelance writers.
Five Ways to Cut Down Your Word Count
Word count can trip up some writers. Here are five ways to cut down your word count as part of your editing process.
Editing and Your Word Count- A How To Sample
Editing, especially when it comes to word count and wordiness, is an essential skill for freelance writers. The author shows how to cut words and edit using her own writing as an example.
What Is a Style Guide?
What exactly is a style guide? Why does a freelance writer need to know a particular style guide?
Which Style Guide Should I Use?
A listing of the most used style guides, along with what field they're used in. This is the most current information on citation guides, style guides, style systems, and house style. Should you use AP Style, MLA, APA, Turabian, ASA, AMA or CMS?
How To Write a Profile or Interview-based Article
A simple and easy "how-to" that shows how to write a profile or interview-type article, while letting your subject shine through. Magazines often ask for profiles or interview-based articles. This is a simple way to let the article write itself.
How To Write and Publish an Ebook
how to write and publish your ebook
Book Review: Kick-ass Copywriting in Ten Easy Steps
Copywriting book is reviewed- could this book get you started down the lucrative road to copywriting? The book makes copywriting so simple!
Can One Simply WRITE?
Write. It's the one thing you need to do to "be a writer" and yet, how much do working writers really just WRITE?
Book Review: Hudgins' "Crafting the Travel Guidebook"
Barabara Hudgin's, a former freelancer, walks writers through the steps necessary to turn that sheaf of published travelogues into a cohesive travel guidebook. Freelancers will benefit from her years of experience in writing efficient and succinct travel articles.
What You Should Know About APA Style
APA Style - What writers should know about APA style
Thorough Editing and Proofreading Guide
Richard Nordquist, About's Guide to Grammar and Composition leaves no stone unturned in this excellent page of revising, editing and proofreading checklists. One of the most thorough sources available, be sure to read these suggestions before you turn in your next piece of work!
What Exactly Is a Writing Style?
Have you had a client hire you based on your writing style? What exactly does that mean? Explore some answers with About's Guide to Composition, Richard Nordquist.
Develop Your Writing Style
Develop your writer's tone, voice and style using these easy tips.
Increase Your Vocabulary
Learning a new word each day will go a long way toward developing and improving your writing.
Confusing Words, Fun Quiz
Even the best of writers make mistakes now and then. How many times have you run into 'effect' and 'affect' issues in your local newspaper? Take this fun word quiz over at About's ESL page to see how you stack up. Heck, we're all writers here, let's take the advanced version!