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Inklings Issue 5.11
================================================================
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 5.11 * Over 45,000 subscribers! * May 25, 1999
================================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0511.html>
This issue offers advice about long-distance technical writing
(Lain Ehmann) and tips from Tammie Schmid-Thompson about
agents and writers' conferences.
This issue sponsored by:
=================================================================
The WRITER'S SOFTWARE COMPANION: award-winning CD by Writer's
Digest's Nancy Kress rapidly accelerates writing/publishing
process--with SOFTWARE DREAMPACK FOR WRITERS, 57 free writers'
programs: brain trainers to time-savers and writing coaches.
Free downloads and extras: http://www.novalearn.com/sites/ink.htm
=================================================================
***50 GREAT WRITING CLASSES*** - Naomi Epel, author of the
_Observation Deck: A Toolkit for Writers_ and _Writers Dreaming_:
"I thought Judith's essay writing class notes were incredible!
Very clear and focusing. I thought the class brilliant."
WCU Course Catalog - http://www.writersclub.com/wcu/catalog.cfm
================================================================
THE DRAGONFLY REVIEW: on-line literary journal published
quarterly by Chiron Press. Seeking short stories, poems, personal
essays, reviews and interviews that reflect the unique nature of
the Pacific Northwest. Submission Guidelines and other info for
contributors can be obtained at: http://www.chironpress.com
================================================================
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1998 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
================================================================
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From The Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
The Conference Shuffle: Finding An Agent
Technical Writing From Afar
Writers' Classifieds
================================================================
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
=======================
Writer's Digest Books has asked me to do a book for writers about
online markets. If you know of a paying online market that should
be included in my market listings, please send email to
onlinemarket@inkspot.com; I also welcome suggestions on useful
resources and other topics you would like to see covered.
I'm sending this issue of Inklings out a day early because Jeff
and I will be away on a trip to the UK for ten days, and I can't
always count on finding a reliable Internet connection when I'm
on the road. I'd be curious to know how other writers/editors
maintain their online connection when travelling...please send
your tips to editor@inkspot.com with "travel tip" in the subject
header, thanks.
I enjoyed my first misc.writing "wrevel" several weeks ago,
especially connecting some faces with email addresses. Many
thanks to those who invited me to the Toronto event. For more
info about misc.writing wrevels, see the newsgroup or:
http://www.scalar.com/mw/pages/news.shtml
Congratulations to:
Peggy Bechko, who wins a 1-week online course with Gotham
Writers' Workshop
Cathy Gallagher, who wins THE INTERNET RESEARCH GUIDE
by Timothy K. Maloy (Allworth Press, Feb/99).
Cecilia Echeverria, who wins WRITER'S GUIDE TO INTERNET
RESOURCES by Phillips & Yager (Macmillan, 1998), in the
Inkspot Classifieds Secret Prize Giveaway.
================================================================
FRESH INK
=========
PRIZE GIVEAWAY: HOW TO WRITE BOOKS THAT SELL
--------------------------------------------
By L. Perry Wilbur and John Samsel (1998, Allworth Press).
Chapter topics include: book publishing industry, agents,
editors, nonfiction, bestsellers, preparation, writing the book,
book proposals, marketing your manuscript, self-publishing,
e-publishing, using the Internet.
Deadline: June 6. For more info about the book and how to enter,
see: http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
How Do I Get Started As A Poet?
-------------------------------
By David Breeden. New Inkspot feature article. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/breedenfaq.html
The Authors Studio (TAS)
------------------------
Association of authors who also own their own small presses.
Goal is to aid members with printing, distribution, and marketing
of their books, as well as helping authors maintain control over
their intellectual property. (DRO)
http://www.theauthorsstudio.org/
Writer's Guidelines Database
----------------------------
This useful resource has expanded to include a deadline reminder
service. (DRO)
http://mav.net/guidelines/
The Straight Dope
-----------------
Ever since I first read The Straight Dope by Cecil Adams I have
regarded him as indispensable for writers. Someday, somewhere, I
know I'm going to need an answer to a question nobody can answer
and I'm going to ask. (TK)
http://www.straightdope.com/
Pilot-Search Online
-------------------
A literary search engine. (DRO)
http://www.pilot-search.com/
Phantastes
----------
This web site was mentioned last October but warrants another
mention today. It will be one of 3 recommended on-line resources
for fantasy readers in the up-coming edition of The Year's Best
Fantasy & Horror annual anthology (Datlow & Windling, eds, St.
Martin's Press). (TK)
http://www.phantastes.com
The Painted Rock
----------------
Originally listed in Inklings in 1996, this site has now grown to
include a free weekly newsletter, a free research listserv and a
"library" (my favorite section--The Crook Nook, links to all
sorts of cops and robbers stuff). (TK)
http://www.paintedrock.com
Fresh Ink editors: (TK=Tony King) (DRO=Debbie Ridpath Ohi)
(GH=Gail Heinsohn)
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
================================================================
FREELANCE SUCCESS newsletter gives nonfiction writers the tools
to earn a fulltime living. Detailed market info and online
writing classes. SASE to 801 NE 70th St., Miami, FL 33138, email
freelance-success@usa.net or see http://www.freelancesuccess.com
================================================================
Advertise in this space! Email sales@inkspot.com for info.
================================================================
MARKET INFORMATION
==================
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/bt/market/.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
"FNASR" = First North American Serial Rights, "SASE" =
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs" = simultaneous
submissions, "mss" = manuscript, "RT" = response time, "GL" =
guidelines, "wds" = words, "cc" = contributor's copy,
"IWGL" = Inkspot Writer's Guideline Library.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants:
Shane Stacks (SS), Margaret Shauers (MS).
CONTEST: INSCRIPTIONS Theme: Dreams / Deadline: May 28, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------
DEADLINE: 5 p.m. EST May 28, 1999. Inscriptions e-zine. Editor:
Pamela Wilfinger. The weekly e-zine for professional writers is
hosting a writing contest. CIRC: 1440 subscribers; 3600 unique
site visitors/mo. NEEDS: A short story or poem about dreams,
dreaming or the Dream Realm. Story entries should be less than 3K
wds. Please put a space between every paragraph and do not use
indents. Poems can be any length, any form. There is no entry fee
to enter the Dreaming Contest. All entries must be in English,
but the writer can live anywhere in the world. Previously
published works are acceptable. Paste your entries directly into
an e-mail and send with the subject heading "Dreaming Contest."
Include your real name, mailing address and e-mail address with
each entry. One short story or poem per e-mail, please. Entries
without complete author information or sent in other formats will
be disqualified. You may enter as often as you like. Each entry
will be acknowledged, once received by the Inscriptions staff. If
you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, please resend
your entry. RTS: One Time Electronic. Story will appear in e-zine
and on web site for one week, after which rights revert back to
author. PAYS: First Place/Poetry - $25 and publication in
Inscriptions. First Place/Short Story - $25 and publication in
Inscriptions. (ST)
URL: http://come.to/Inscriptions
E-Mail: MaidenFate@aol.com
BIG WORLD
---------
Big World. PO Box 8743-H. Lancaster, PA 17604. Editor: Jim
Fortney. A magazine for people who like their travel on the cheap
and down-to-earth. And not necessarily because they have to "but
because they want to". Quarterly. Circ: 5K. 64pp. NEEDS:
Features: laid-back, practical, how-to guides for the traveler,
tips on getting the best transportation buys for the dollar,
adventuring hints, or tales of a visit to an unusual, "off the
beaten path" locale. Advice on working or studying overseas,
humorous anecdotes, experiences with unfamiliar cultures, or
helpful travel resource informational pieces are also appreciated
in any length from 500-4000 wds "more or less if need be".
"First-person experiences are always valued, especially if they
reveal some lesson, characteristic about a culture - or about
you. After all, travel is as much learning about yourself as it
is others." Practical sidebars (best times to visit, extra
reference material, etc.) are also very much appreciated. Style?
"Friendly, fresh and breezy. Laid back. Intelligent but not
snooty". PAY: On publication. "We prefer to give two- to
four-year subscriptions, but we can pay up to $35 for a story
with pictures. Other writing opportunities include 'dispatches',
columns and such". Payment is in subscription. Submission ("or
query if you're unsure about your idea"). You can submit your
story on paper, on disk (3.5 inch and Windows-readable, if
possible) or via e-mail. Illustrations are welcomed with any
query or submissions. Sample copy ($4) or subscribe ($13 for 4
issues). Will gladly accept previously published articles, and
all rights following publication remain with the author. (ST)
URL: http://www.bigworld.com/
GL: http://www.bigworld.com/writing.htm>
E-mail: bigworld@paonline.com
THE DRAGON'S SCROLL
-------------------
The Dragon's Scroll, a monthly ezine for the Dragonscroll site, a
commercial site devoted to fantasy, sci fi and role-playing games
and more. 6689 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite J, Norcross, GA
30092. (770) 729-5695. FAX: (770) 729-5694. Toll-Free:
1-877-SCROLL1 (727-5661). John B. Rigg, Editor-in-chief. NEEDS:
Up to 10000 wds. Anything much longer than 10-11K becomes _long_
fiction. Fiction, articles, RPG modules, game reviews, and
original art. Please do not submit material that has been printed
online previously, or material that has been authored by any
individual other than you. Fiction includes fantasy, science
fiction or role-playing genre fiction works. Articles include
commentaries; alternate rule interpretations or adaptations;
personal reflections on fantasy, science fiction or role playing
topics; or other non-fiction topics. Role playing modules include
standard module-format adventures and can be for a specific
published game or for more general use with any role playing
medium. Game reviews include intelligently written and objective
reviews of existing role playing, collectible card, board,
video/PC, or war game products. Preference will be given to
products currently available at www.dragonscroll.com. Original
art includes any original art of an appropriate genre. Preference
will be given to art not currently being published elsewhere on
the Internet or any other electronic format. PAY: On acceptance,
following final authorization by author. Fiction: $.03/wd.
Articles: $.03/wd for submissions containing graphical content.
$.02/wd otherwise. Role-playing modules: $.03/wd for submissions
with graphical content (maps, visual aids, other graphics) and
$.02/wd otherwise. Game reviews: $.02/wd. Until further notice,
all RPG reviews (preferably on a new RPG or a new edition of an
older RPG) that are accepted for publication may either receive
the rate of .02 cents/word or DOUBLE that amount in store credit
from Dragonscroll Inc. (http://www.dragonscroll.com) Art: base
rate $25. Original art of exceptionally high quality can demand a
higher price. Dragon's Scroll purchases electronic rights. If
submitting via e-mail, send all writing in MS Word for Windows
versions 2.0 or later. We will also accept articles in Word
Perfect, however we cannot accept articles written using the
Microsoft Works Suite of programs. Please email as attachments or
as text of an email message. Send all art in the form of
attachments to an email in .BMP, .GIF, or .JPG format. Rigg
responds to e-mail queries personally, that is unless he gets
completely snowed over, in which case some of those that can be
answered by perusing the site may fall by the wayside. He also
tries to give constructive feedback on _all_ submissions accepted
or rejected. This feedback is sometimes quite in-depth, but if he
gets inundated, these may become more terse. TIPS: "Don't try to
write an epic of _War and Peace_ or even _100 Years of Solitude_
in under 10,000 words. It would take an _extremely_ talented
author to pull it off. Rather, especially in short fiction, it
is necessary to disclose background information concisely and, if
possible, in dialogue or in bits and pieces throughout the tale.
For writers of non-fiction, I prefer not to receive too much in
the way of 'house rules', (i.e. rule modifications, superfluous
weaponry or equipment) unless it is both well-conceived, and
fills a need in the game system. Interpret this as you may.
Finally for module writers, it should be emphasized that maps
should be included, especially if it's D&D; we are talking about.
Not only does this bump up the rate of payment, but well-drawn
maps, which can be snail-mailed if they are not in electronic
format, vastly improve the playability and clarity of a module."
(ST)
URL: http://www.thescroll.com
GL: http://www.dragonscroll.com/submit.html
E-mail: editor@dragonscroll.com
INDIGENOUS FICTION
------------------
Indigenous Fiction. P.O. Box 2078, Redmond, WA 98073-2078.
Managing Editor: Sherry Decker. Associate Editor: Evelyn Gratrix.
FREQ: Twice yearly (Aug and Feb). Will switch to tri-yearly
publication schedule (Feb, June, and Oct) in 2000. NEEDS:
*Literary* stories from all arenas, including mainstream, dark
fantasy, science fiction, mystery and horror (no sex or gore!).
Also seeking poetry (no "moon-in-June" or "love-dove"). LENGTH:
Fiction 1000-8000 wds (most stories accepted between 2000-4500);
Poetry 30-lines per poem max, send no more than five poems. GL:
Proper manuscript format, include word count and SASE (*must*
include SASE for reply). No email, fax or disk submissions. No
multiple submissions, previously published material and simsubs
okay. RIGHTS: First Time Print, or One-Time Print for reprints.
PAYS: Fiction 1000-8000 wds: $10-20, plus cc. Short-shorts
(under 1000 wds) and poetry: $5. Contributors also may purchase
additional copies at the lower price of $5 per copy (includes
postage). TIP(S): "We want odd, difficult-to-categorize stories,
tales of deja vu, tales with subtle elements of the supernatural
or the unexplained in stories of stark realism. Exemplar stories:
'Haunted' by Joyce Carol Oates (Dutton Books) or 'Touched' by
Dale Bailey (Mag. of Fantasy & SF). Read these stories and you'll
know what we're looking for. I have a strong prejudice against
semi-colons or colons in fiction--too formal and academic--use
dashes. Why write: 'could see, could hear, could feel could
taste' when you can write: SAW, HEARD, FELT, TASTED! Avoid
adverbs. NO: porn, hard-tech SF, true confessions, novel excerpts
(unless they stand alone as complete stories), no essays,
slice-n-dice gore, sex/violence against children or helpless
animals--and no lovely rambling prose for the sake of loveliness
alone. By 'literary' we mean the setting, characters and
narrative should be beautifully developed. We want mood,
atmosphere and 'beauty of language.' We want stories that make
us THINK, long after we've put the manuscript down. We strongly
recommend potential contributors read an issue before submitting.
Single issues: $6, or subscribe (2 issues) for only $11;
$13/$7-Canada; $15/$8 overseas." (SS)
E-Mail: deckr@earthlink.net
GL: Available by email and postal queries
CC MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE
----------------------
CC Motorcycle Magazine. P.O. Box 1046, Nyack, NY 10960. Phone:
(914) 353-MOTO. Fax: (914) 353-5240. Publisher: Mark Kalan.
Focus on the motorcycle experience. FREQ: 10 issues/yr
(March-Oct, and Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb issues). CIRC: 50K. NEEDS:
Articles, stories, and poetry dealing with motorcycles or the
world of motorcycling. Examples include articles or stories on
traveling cross-country on a motorcycle, biker lifestyle or
perspective, motorcycling/biker humor, etc. Poetry can be
serious, but lighthearted or humorous themes preferred. Subjects
need not necessarily be modern; motorcycling has a rich history
and your piece can reflect that. GL: Stories and articles
750-1500 wds, poetry of varying length within reason.
Submissions *must* be electronic, via either email or on disk
(.txt or .rtf format, IBM or Mac). Hardcopy accepted in
addition, but not necessary. If photos are sent, please identify
the event, motorcycles (if they are the subject), and all people
whose faces can be seen. Multiple submissions, simsubs, and
previously published material okay. RIGHTS: One time Northeast
(Delaware, Maine) Print, and 6 months electronic. PAYS: $75 max
for stories with photos; $10 min. for all others. Tearsheets and
contributors copies provided on request. RT: 2 months (and
trying harder!). TIP: "We only print upbeat positive articles -
we NEED an illustration, don't make me search for one! AND - make
sure that you have a beginning, middle and an ending!" (SS)
URL: http://www.moto-mag.com
GL: send blank email with "guidelines" as the subject header
E-Mail: motomag@aol.com
CORRECTION:
-----------
Email address of the KIWI ENTERPRISES SARL market listing should
be kiwi_ent@club-internet.fr (it was incorrectly printed as "kiwi
ent@club-internet.fr"). Apologies for the inconvenience.
MARKET UPDATES (from Sal):
--------------------------
Abilities Magazine was a featured market 03Mar1999. Updated
information:
URL: http://www.enablelink.org/AbilitiesMag/default.htm
GL: (and editorial calendar) same [frames]
E-mail: able@interlog.com
Biblio has ceased publication. The April 99 issue was the last.
The publisher decided to focus the company's efforts and
resources on Mercator's World, which continues without
interruption.
New contact information for Mercator's World:
URL: http://www.mercatormag.com
GL: http://www.mercatormag.com/write_guide.html
E-mail: Gary Turley, Managing Editor gturley@asterpub.com
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
=================================================================
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) JudithBowen@poboxes.com
David Breeden (POET) drpoetry@ktc.com
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) cdeemer@teleport.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Carol Henson (BOOK DOCTOR) bookdoc@Prodigy.net
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) send to yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
=================================================================
ASK THE EXPERTS will return next issue.
=================================================================
THE CONFERENCE SHUFFLE: FINDING AN AGENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Tammie Schmid-Thompson <cloakndagger@home.com>
In your efforts to find an agent, you've made the decision to
attend a writer's conference. You wonder how a writer on the
prowl can find and catch that creature affectionately known as
agentus elusaivitis? Here are a few suggestions to make the search
easier.
The Hunt
--------
Before ever leaving the house, cruise the pages of an agent's
directory to make yourself familiar with agents seeking your type
of book. It is also a good idea to check and see if there is a
list of agents and editors in attendance at the conference.
If agent/editor interviews are offered, try and sign up. These
do tend to fill quickly. If you don't make it, find out where
they are being held and wait around. Often, there are no-shows
and you can take the slot.
Another good idea is volunteering at the registration booth.
Volunteers operate most of these conferences and they will be
more than happy to accept help. Your benefit is seeing who's
attending in the way of agents, editors and other writers. The
organizers will remember you, too. I recently attended a
conference and people from two years earlier remembered my
assistance.
The Quarry
----------
When you do meet an agent, collect a business card. Write what
they want sent on the back and be sure to jot down your meeting
spot, (i.e., after the agent's panel). This is very important,
because the first line of your query should mention where you
made contact and viola, you're off the slush pile!
Yet another tactic is having lunch and dinner with different
groups of people. You never know who might be there. I attended
a dinner once, at the last minute, and found myself seated next
to an agent. Writers are sometimes willing to volunteer who
their agent is. If they don't or you feel funny asking, visit
the book room. It's generally well stocked with books of authors
attending the convention. Check the acknowledgements. Agents
and editors are often mentioned. If they happen to be attending,
get a card. If not, you can look up the address when you get
home.
A less traditional path is the hotel bar. It's amazing the number
of interesting people you meet and the stack of business cards
you'll collect. Simply stand at the edge of groups and read name
badges. Once you realize you have an agent in hand, introduce
yourself. Yes, it feels funny at first, but remember they are
attending to find new clients.
When you get home
-----------------
Follow up, follow up. Remind every person you encountered you're
still out there toiling in your writer's garret. Use e-mail when you
can. Agents seldom let this information out when you're not a client
but most writers offer it on business cards.
Make sure you check out the agents you plan to query by looking
them up in an agent's guide. If they say they are members of
professional organizations, check the claim. A widely known
organization is the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Their website can be reached through http://www.bookwire.com and
they have a list of current members. The Writers Guild of America
(WGA) is another one. They can be found at http://www.wga.com.
They also have a membership list. Another interesting source is
Agent Research and Evaluation at http://www.agentresearch.com. They
will check an agent's sales record free of charge. I tried it and
received a response within 24 hours. They also have more
extensive services for a fee.
Next, prepare the query letter. Make sure it's perfect. If you
come across a wonderful listing or a writer told you of an agent
that wasn't in attendance, go ahead and query them. If possible
make mention of the next conference you'll be attending.
Then wait. Entertain yourself by working on your next book or
pursuing some non-fiction articles. In the end, you'll be glad
you put in the extra effort to find the agent that's just right
for you.
==-----------------------------------------==
Tammie Schmid-Thompson is a freelance writer living in Dallas/Ft.
Worth. She shares a home with a patient husband, two kids and two
dogs. Her mystery novel, No Deposit, No Return, is currently
looking for a home.
Copyright (c) 1999 Tammie Schmid-Thompson.
=================================================================
TECHNICAL WRITING FROM AFAR:
FREELANCING FOR LONG-DISTANCE CLIENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lain Ehmann <Lainie9@aol.com>
(Editor's note: see http://www.inkspot.com/ss/genres/tech.html
for a brief definition of technical writing)
Every freelance technical writer dreams of working from anywhere
in the world, at the hours that suits him or her best. But before
you pack your swimsuit and laptop and head off for the shores of
Maui, keep some things in mind. To set the stage for a great
working relationship, you'll want to make sure all your bases are
covered before you're thousands of miles from the office.
There are two types of remote writers. The first are those who
have worked with their clients face-to-face and now want to
travel the world (or just to the beach), taking their projects
with them. The second group lives in one geographic area and
wants to work for a client in another. Both arrangements can be
considered telecommuting, and the approach to the two is similar.
Prove Yourself First
--------------------
The easiest way to convince a company to take a chance on a
remote writer is by establishing a local relationship first.
Ideally, you'd work for a company face-to-face and get a few
projects under your belt before proposing your move to New
Zealand or a working vacation in Miami. By that point, they'd
feel so confident in your capabilities that they wouldn't care
where you plugged in your computer.
This isn't to say that a writer living in Boise can't telecommute
to the Silicon Valley from Day One. If you're applying for a new
contract position from a remote locale, I suggest undertaking a
smaller project first. Once you've proven your reliability and
worth, you'll be better positioned for longer-term (and more
lucrative) assignments.
Set Yourself Up for Success
---------------------------
Local writers often take for granted the easy availability of
their clients' supplies including network hookups, copy machines,
laser printers and specialized software. Realize that when you're
hundreds of miles away, you won't be able to stop by the office
to print out a color version of that table for Chapter Four, or
to "borrow" a copy of Illustrator to whip up a graphic. You'll
need immediate access to all the tools to get the project done.
As a result, many freelance writers own such items as a fax
machine, laser and color printers and a variety of software (I
have copies of Quark, PageMaker, FrameMaker, Illustrator,
Freehand, Word, PageMill and MiniCAD). You may not use all these
programs and equipment; just make sure you do have what you need
- before you get on the plane.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
-------------------------------------
Your supervisor's biggest concern is loss of control; she fears
that by losing day-to-day interaction with you, control will be
lost, too. It's your job to reassure her that all will be - and
is - well. The best way to put her mind at ease is through
constant communication.
Set up a schedule to provide regular reports of projects and
issues. I've found that a weekly accounting of project status,
accompanied by a monthly list of accomplishments, works well for
longer-term projects. Read the needs of your individual project
and supervisor; some projects or managers require more frequent
interaction; others, less.
Likewise, each manager has a preferred communication method. Ask
up front whether telephone, e-mail or fax is best. If your
manager doesn't have a preference, pick what's convenient for
you. The main thing is to be consistent. If you say you'll have
your report in your supervisor's e-mailbox each Tuesday, make
sure it's there - no excuses.
Take the Initiative
-------------------
The best employee - freelance or permanent - is one who requires
little in terms of management time. Assume your manager isn't
going to have resources to keep track of what you're up to, even
if you do provide regular reports.
It's up to you to anticipate any problems or issues with your
assignments, consider what you need to get the job done, and pass
that information on. Think beyond your immediate projects. What
is the next step? How does your piece fit into the big picture?
In your weekly status reports, outline problems or issues,
especially those that may cause a delay or require additional
resources. Never raise a problem, though, without suggesting a
solution. By foreseeing possible roadblocks and presenting a
resolution, you'll double your usefulness.
Know your Limitations
---------------------
The quickest route to unemployment is by committing to more than
you can possibly accomplish. Know how much you can handle in
terms of work and personal life. If you're planning to complete a
350-page manual while on a family vacation in Italy, think
carefully. Will you want to take time from the Coliseum and the
Spanish Steps to write about database software? Will you be able
to access the necessary equipment to get your job done, like
laser printers, e-mail connections and software?
As a freelancer, you'll also need to schedule and balance
multiple projects if you work for more than one client
simultaneously. Client A is not going to be too understanding if
you're late delivering their brochure because the datasheet for
Client B took longer than planned.
The key is to underpromise and overdeliver. When in doubt, give
conservative time and dollar estimates. It's better to have your
clients be pleasantly surprised with an early completion, than
disappointed because you've missed the deadline for the third
time.
Working effectively as a remote writer isn't difficult. In fact,
it's not much different from being a great on-site or local
employee. The biggest thing to remember is to be responsive and
responsible. By keeping the lines of communication open and using
them often, you'll be set for telecommuting success, whether
you're a block - or a continent - away.
==-----------------------------------------==
Lain Ehmann is a freelance writer who has written almost 100
pieces for publications such as Woman's World, Stanford Magazine,
Chicago Parent and more. A former technical writer, she also
consults to high tech companies on marketing and public
relations. You can contact her at Lainie9@aol.com.
Copyright (c) 1999 Lain Ehmann.
=================================================================
INKSPOT WRITERS COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE (IWCC) by Shane Stacks
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/
Casual author Q&A; and open discussions coming soon. We've had
fantastic response to our initial call for authors, more details
to come! As a reminder, published authors interested in hosting
a chat receive a small honorarium, and publicity in Inklings and
Inkspot. (Feel free to contact me for more info)
**There doesn't have to be a scheduled chat for you to show up,
have some fun, and participate in our writing community. Please
drop by anytime!**
MISCELLANY: Up-to-date IWCC info and help can ALWAYS be found at
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/, or contact Shane Stacks
directly: staxx@inkspot.com. The IWCC is generously supported by
the kind folks at MOOkti (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca:9996/).
=================================================================
W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
=================================================================
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affordable editing! See http://www.abcediting.com
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Get Published! New, affordable way to market your writing online.
Visit Manuscript Depot http://www.manuscriptdepot.com/
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FREE. Enjoy a weekly fix of crisp, original, short humor.
http://www.virtualabsurdity.com or sample@virtualabsurdity.com
=================================================================
PERFECT KEYBOARD LITE ($19): Tired of typing the same phrases
over and over? Why not let your computer do the work. Launch
phrases, paragraphs, URLs email addresses, scripts and macros
with one key or combination of keystrokes. This simple program
will change your computer using experience forever. Free 30 day
trial. http://www.tricksandtrinkets.com/pk
=================================================================
== How to advertise in Inkspot or Inklings ===
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Reach over 45,000 people for as little as $30/issue. For full
details, write to the autoresponder ratecard@inkspot.com or see:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/ratecard.html
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EDITOR: Debbie Ridpath Ohi <editor@inkspot.com>
ASSISTANT EDITORS RESEARCH/EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Fox, Chris Donner Shane Stacks, Margaret Shauers
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR WEB ADMINISTRATORS
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COPY EDITORS/ Gail Heinsohn <intrepidrider@taconic.net>
PROOFREADER:
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BUSINESS PARTNER: Jeff Ridpath
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
Moira Allen, Judith Bowen, David Breeden, Charles Deemer, Mark
Fowler, Susan Graham, Carol Henson, Ken Jenks, Michelle Sagara,
Sal Towse, Lee Wardlaw, Marcia Yudkin.
Full masthead info at http://www.inkspot.com/admin/contact.html
Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing
list. More info: http://www.samurai.com or bryanf@samurai.com
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