Writing articles for publication online is definitely different than writing anything for offline print publications. I have created a list of seven great tips to help you write effectively on the Internet.

1. Write short paragraphs.

Break your text into sections of no more than 100 words. Use a lot of white space to separate your paragraphs. This makes it easier to read. Online readers tend to scan the text on a website. If you present your articles in small sections, you will deliver your message more effectively.

2. Start your paragraphs by asking a question.

This will probably make the reader want to continue to read your article to find the answer. Try to eliminate unnecessary words between the question and answer to prevent losing the reader’s attention.

3. Take time to think about the best headline for your article.

If your title does not capture the reader’s attention immediately, they will probably skip your article altogether.

For example: If your article delivers ten specific tips about a particular subject – tell the reader exactly that in your title.

4. Create lists to clearly identify the significant points within your article.

You can create a list using bullets – this is called an “Unordered List.” Or you can make a list using numbers – this is called an “Ordered List.” The directions for creating either type of list are explained below:(eliminate the extra space after < and before >)

To create an UNORDERED LIST Begin with < ul > < li > This is the tag for creating an unordered list < li > Each thing you type after the < li > tag will appear next to a bullet on the web page < /ul >

To create an ORDERED LIST Begin with < ol > This is the tag for creating an ordered list < li > Each thing you type after the < li > tag will appear next to a number on the web page < /ol >

5. Outline the goal of your article to the reader.

Tell them the specific benefit they will gain by reading it. Make it simple to understand what tips and/or knowledge they will learn by taking the time to read what you wrote.

6. Make your point quickly.

Less is more. Do not waste your readers time with unnecessary words. Say what you have to say with as few words as possible. But make sure you choose effective words that clearly convey your message.

7. Stick to your topic.

Focus your writing on one explicit subject. Do not try to cover two or three topics in the same article. Keep the reader’s attention by only writing about one subject and writing about it well.

To summarize these tips:

• Keep it Simple
• Make it Informative
• Write it Concisely, Clearly and Wisely.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Most published writers will admit that there is no secret formula for writing a winning query letter, however, many professionals can share some basic suggestions to help new writers formulate a query that will sell their story idea.

I can think of four simple guidelines to follow for building good query letters.

1) Capture The Editor’s Attention

You must develop original ideas that will stimulate editors almost immediately. Proposals have to provide something out of the ordinary, a unique angle, a new approach or a different view of the common, over-publicized topics that editors and readers are tired of seeing.

Think about how your article can offer innovative insight, inspiring material, or contrasting views of well-worn subjects. You probably have less than a minute to spark the interest of most editors, who receive hundreds of similar pitches every week. Make yours stand out from the rest!

2) Be Concise But Explicit

Eliminate fluff. Use action verbs and effective nouns to explain exactly why your idea will appeal to their readers and add quality to their publication. Give adequate details without going overboard.

Tell the editor why you want to write the article, why he should care about your topic and how you plan to deliver your completed work (estimated deadline and approximate word count etc.)

3) Know The Market

You can spend hours constructing the perfect query letter, but if you send it to the wrong publication, your efforts will probably be wasted and your idea rejected.

The most obvious way to gain knowledge of any market – that many writers may overlook – is to read the publication. I mean really read it. Don’t just browse article titles or skim the written words. Spend some serious time reading what other writers have written and learning about what the readers seem to prefer.

Most publications will provide writers with printed submission guidelines. Request this information and follow it completely. Some editors will toss a query in the trash immediately if it is not written according to their specified format or if it does not include the information required for submission.

4) Be Professional

Consider your competition. If an editor opens one envelope that contains a hand-written, sloppy, wrinkled letter on yellow notebook paper and another envelope that has a type-written, clean, easy to read letter printed on quality paper, it’s not difficult to figure out which letter will be more impressive and more likely to appeal to the editor.

It’s just like going on an interview – you never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Crafting a Creative Query

Paragraph One – The Hook

Your first sentence counts more than you can imagine. Make it informative, interesting, and honest!

Examples:

1 – Start with a question that will fascinate the editor so much that she feels the need to read on just to find out your answer. (How many professional anglers catch hypodermic needles and other fishy items in their nets each week?)

2 – Use a shocking or uncommon statistic to lure the editor into your letter. (Although many national news sources reported that suicide among teenage girls increased dramatically by more than 35% last year, did you know that more than half of those 5,000 young girls were raised without a father for most of their childhood?)

Paragraph Two – The Specifics

Who cares about your idea? Who will be effected by your article? What will your story reveal that hasn’t already been reported? Why is your idea perfect for this particular publication? When can you deliver it? How many words? Who will you interview? What about background, statistics, historical references? Research your topic. Give them the facts accurately, quickly, honestly and persuasively.

Paragraph Three – Your Credentials

Why are you the person to write this article? Where have your writings been published in the past? What similar subjects have you written about? What makes you different, special, unique?

Paragraph Four – The Closing

Thank the editors. Suggest a follow-up contact time. Offer to provide any further details, answer their questions or clarify your query at their convenience. Thank them again and tell them how much you look forward to talking with them within the next two weeks – month – whatever you feel is appropriate (refer to their submission guidelines for tips on this information – they usually provide writers with an estimated response time.)

For more ideas on writing query letters that will sell your work, see the Articles on this page http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1821.asp

Good Luck!

Go research and then go write some query letters.

Do not expect overnight success and do not be disappointed by the inevitable

rejection letters you will receive.

Do be persistent, focused and positive. Do keep sending queries! You have to start

somewhere and it’s hard to get published if nobody hears about your great ideas!

Popularity: 19% [?]

1. Develop a website with an overview of your services, experience, resume, education and links to your articles written online.

See previous article titled: A Working Writer’s

Website: Publish, Promote and Profit?

2. Write articles and then offer them to publishers for free See previous article titled: Top Ten Reasons to Write Articles for Free Publication Online

3. Create a signature file to include at the end of every email message you send.

Here’s mine for example:

Take Care & Keep Writing!
Danielle Hollister – BellaOnline Writing Host
Email – writing@bellaonline.com
Site – http://writing.bellaonline.com
Zine Online – http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp

4. Subscribe to a Discussion List for Writing and post messages about your work on the web and/or respond to others’ postings using your signature file.

See previous articles titled: What’s The Deal With Discussion Lists For Writers

5. Advertise your services using Free classified boards for writers.

Below are a few examples of websites that offer this opportunity online:

Writers Only FREE Classifieds
http://www.pifmagazine.com/writers_only/

1st Step to Get Published – for writers, agents and publishers
http://www.rosedog.com/classifieds.asp

Artist Resource – Seeking Jobs
http://www.artistresource.org/jobs.htm#Seeking

6. Submit the URLs of your personal website and/or pages where your work is published to search engines and online directories.

You will find a good list on this page – http://www.allsearchengines.com/ and you can submit your site to several search
engines and directories from this page – http://www.add-url.net/

7. Sign up for ezines/newsletters that offer free advertisements to subscribers.

You can get some helpful links to directories online at this website – http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12836.asp

Popularity: 12% [?]

Are writing contests worth your time and energy? If only there was a simple answer to this controversial question…

Although there are numerous legitimate contests for writers, unfortunately there also seems to be various questionable competitions developed to “scam” aspiring writers.

Many iniquitous individuals and/or crafty companies have capitalized on the naivete or desperation of beginning writers, who are so eager to get published that they are willing to pay outrageous fees to enter contests that “guarantee” they will get published or promise thousands of dollars in prizes…

The prize money pledged in some of these competitions may never actually exist. The so-called “contest sponsors” may never choose a winner and just continue to collect writing submissions and the cash of the unsuspecting “entrants.”

So how can you tell a hoax from a true contest?

There are some simple tips that may seem time-consuming and trivial, but can be well-worth your effort.

Look for annual contests that have a history and a list of previous winners.

Search for contests that list the judges – and then pick the ones that boast published authors, editors and/or agents.

Look for a contact name, address, phone number for future reference. (Like to request a list of winners etc…)

Try to find a deadline date for the contest and a date when winners will be announced.

Look for contests with no or minimal entry fees.

If you find a contest that requires an entry fee of more than $5 or $10 – read the fine print – find out what you’re getting for your money…

(For example, some legitimate contests may charge an entry fee and offer a critique of your work – whether you win or not – in return for your efforts and $$$.)

Carefully consider the value of the prizes. Are you willing to try to write 1,500 words about a topic you’re not familiar with – in order to have a chance at winning a $20 gift certificate or perhaps publication in some unknown journal?

Choose competitions that inspire you.

Pick contests that provide you personally with something worthwhile.

(This can mean different things to each writer… For example, if you recently experienced the loss of a loved one and you come across a contest that asks participants to pen their personal thoughts on how to deal with grief; and offers a non-monetary prizes – it may be “worth” it for inner-satisfaction.)

Winning a contest sponsored by a reputable publication (like Writer’s Digest for example…) can certainly provide the break you needed to become a respected published writer.

Carefully weigh the cost(s) – both monetary and creatively – to you with the potential results – whether winning money or recognition.

And last, but not least, try to make entering writing contests something that you do for fun – not perceived fame or instant riches!

To find more tips on entering contests and related warnings about scams targeting writers, read articles by other writers – like -

Make the Contest Cut

Literary Contest Caution

Poetry Contest Scams and Rip-offs

Scam Alert

and Scam Kit

On This Page http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1821.asp

Popularity: 10% [?]

Writers just know they want to write – it’s a feeling we’re born with – I think. Nothing else seems natural for some of us, so the decision to pursue a career as a professional writer is easy.

However, it can be more difficult for writers to determine exactly what type of writing we want to do for a living.

Some factors for you to consider include:

1) Potential financial rewards

2) Prospective job openings

3) Personal preferences

4) Individual skills

I believe you should think about a few things before choosing your career.

Research industry statistics (for information like salaries, job openings etc.)
Assess your abilities and interests accurately.
Examine the qualifications necessary for each writing job.
Consider your monetary goals and the salaries of different careers.

Below are some possible employers seeking to hire writers for a variety of positions.

Advertising or Copy Writers – Ad agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, radio, tv companies

Assistant Editor, Columnist, Copy Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Assistant, Journalist, Managing Editor – Newspapers, Magazines, other Print or Online Publications

Author, Acquisitions Editor, Ghost Writer, Literary Agent, Agent’s Assistant, Manuscript Evaluator, Manuscript Reader, Scriptwriter, Translator – Book Publishers, Publishing Companies, Literary Agencies, TV & Film Producers, English Teacher, Writing/Reading Tutor, Writing Instructor, Writing Professor- Public Schools, Private Institutions, Colleges, Universities Lecturer, Monologist, Storyteller, Writing Consultant- Schools, Private Businesses

Public Relations Writer, Publicity Writers – Public Relations Agencies, Colleges/Universities, Corporations, Private Businesses, Non-profit Organizations

Press Agent, Speechwriter – Government Institutions, Public Officials, Celebrities

Technical Editor, Technical Writer – Private Businesses, Corporations, Retail Companies

Popularity: 11% [?]