How to Have an Absolute
Blast Writing and Selling Short Articles to Local and National Magazines and Newspapers
Imagine getting regular checks for hundreds or thousands of dollars per assignment ... and seeing your byline in magazines and newspapers all your friends, neighbors, and relatives read!
Dear Writer:
May I let you in on a little freelance writing secret?
Being a copywriter, Internet marketer, speaker, and nonfiction book author is fun and profitable.
But it does have its drawbacks:
- Long-copy assignments like magalogs and tabloids are extremely lucrative ...but they’re a ton of work ...and the research and writing can really be tiring at times.
- Books are rewarding, but at an average length of hundreds of pages, they’re also long, drawn-out projects that can take many months – even the better part of a year or longer.
- On the Web, I write lots of Web sites and landing pages ...but these exist only as electrons ...no printed publication I can hold in my hands.
So while I work hard at all of the above … and love it most of the time … sometimes I need a break – a change of pace.
When I do, I turn to an old standard of freelance writing – easily the quickest, shortest, and most relaxing type of writing I’ve ever done in my 30-year writing career: writing articles for pay for print newspapers and magazines.
“Wait a minute,” you’re thinking. “There’s no money in writing articles. E-zines don’t pay for articles, and neither do trade publications.”
That may be true, but there are thousands of print publications – consumer magazines and daily newspapers – that buy articles from freelance writers every day of the year.
Their appetite for great editorial content is insatiable. And the pool of skilled writers who can turn out clear, well-written articles for print publications – whose standards are, frankly, much higher than e-zines – is shrinking daily.
Why article writing is good for your freelance career – and your bank account
Writing magazine and newspaper articles is a great second income for writers whose bread and butter is copywriting, books, Web sites, information marketing, and other types of writing.
All of those other areas can pay great, but they are heavy lifting. If you bang away at them 24/7, you’ll get tired and burned out.
Writing articles offers a number of advantages for freelance writers:
- They’re typically short, averaging 1,500 words. That’s just 6 double-spaced typewritten pages. Some are as short as 500 words; others run 2,000 words or more.
- It can take you 2 to 4 weeks of solid work to write a magalog or major DM package. Most articles can be researched and written in a day or two – some in only a few hours.
- Pay rates are all over the lot, ranging from $50 to $2,000 or more per article. I’ve met a number of full-time freelance writers who earned $40,000 to $100,000 a year just writing magazine articles – although not many get to the upper end of that scale.
- Your friends, neighbors, and relatives kind of dismiss direct marketing as junk mail. But if you publish an article in the local paper or a magazine, they think you’re a big shot. Go figure.
- Getting your byline in newspapers and magazines is a great credential to have as a writer. Writing articles on a subject can sometimes lead to bigger things, like a movie script, book, speaking engagements, and radio and TV appearances.
- Publishing articles on a topic builds your reputation as a writer and as an expert on the subjects you write about. I’ve closed deals to write copy for clients based on having written articles and books related to what they sell!
- You can post links to your articles – or the articles themselves – on your Web site. Lots of articles on a site can increase your search engine rankings.
- Keep the rights to your articles. Recycle them for multiple uses – reprints, special reports, books, marketing, and more.
OK. Let’s say the idea of getting your writings published in Esquire or Family Circle or the New York Times magazine appeals to you. How do you get started?
Write articles for fun and profit
In our new 72-page e-book, How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit, freelance writer Rachel Buchman and I show you step by step how to write articles and get them published.
Including:
- Is the demand for freelance writers growing or shrinking? The answer may surprise you. Page 4.
- What every freelance editorial writer needs to know about article contracts and agreements. Page 29.
- Your editor asks for massive revisions. Should you balk or obey? Page 27.
- Time your “article pitches” to publications to maximize your chance of getting a “yes” to your story idea. Page 16.
- Building your career as a successful “editorial freelancer” – how to get started. Page 6.
- Finding a new angle on an old topic that can get you an article assignment pronto. Page 17.
- How to write and sell articles that are always in demand and never go out of date. Page 7.
- A magic 9-word phrase that can turn a rejection letter into an acceptance – and a “no” into a “yes.” Page 18.
- Make money as a reporter even if you never get a scoop or cover front-page news. Page 8.
- 5 ways to get great ideas for feature articles and news stories. Page 19.
- The absolutely essential credential every freelance article writer needs … and how to get it (hint: it’s NOT a press card). Page 9.
- Pull great quotes and deep dark secrets out of your interview subjects for articles that sizzle. Page 20.
- 4 essential skills required for success as an editorial writer. How many do you possess? Page 10.
- Late payments and no payments: strategies for collecting every last dime the publications owe you. Page 37.
- Tax considerations for the working freelance writer. Plus: how to keep accurate records. Page 39.
- How to deal with PR people who stand between you and your subject or source. Page 21.
- Finding the right market for the articles you want to write and publish. Page 11.
- Get the publication to cover any expenses incurred in writing the article for them. Page 35.
- Make money multiple times from a single article: recycling, reprinting, and reselling. Page 31.
- Research shortcut that get you the facts you need to write your article in minutes instead of hours or days. Page 22.
- Using the “local angle” to get your story into print. Page 12.
- Going per-word rates for article writing today. Plus: how to convince editors to pay you what you’re worth. Page 32.
- Steps to transforming a jumble of facts and opinions into a coherent, engaging story. Page 23.
- Tailoring the spin or “hook” of your article to the needs of the market and the publication’s editorial style can help increase your article sales. Page 13.
- "Nut graphs" and how to compose them. It’s the first thing your editor will look at when reading your copy. Page 24.
- How to convince editors to hire you to write articles on the topics you suggest to them. Page 14.
- “Journalistic ethics” is NOT an oxymoron. Here are the guidelines you must follow as a reporter and writer. Page 25.
- Must you as the writer be a subject matter expert to write an article on a specialized topic and convince the editor of a specialized magazine to run it? Page 15.
- Ideal paragraph length for newspaper stories. Plus: best writing style for the youth market. Page 26.
- What rights should you sell to the publication … and which should you negotiate to keep? Page 30.
- Plus: glossary of editorial terms … professional associations for journalists and writers … model query letters … tax-deductible expenses for writers … spreadsheet for tracking article queries … model invoices … And so much more… all starting on page 49.
The $300 freelance writing seminar you can take at home for just $29
I used to teach full-day and multi-week writing seminars costing between $100 and $300 or more – and that didn’t include travel, food, and lodging.
But now you can get the same instruction, in the privacy of your home or office, in How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit for just $29. That’s less than I charge for just 5 minutes of my time.
Best of all, you’re fully protected with our 100% money-back guarantee of satisfaction.
If How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit doesn’t help you get your articles published in magazines and newspapers ….
Or you are dissatisfied for any other reason … or for no reason at all … just let me know within 90 days.
I’ll refund your $29 payment in full. No questions asked. And, you can still keep the e-book free.
That way, you risk nothing.
So what are you waiting for?
To order How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit on a 90-day risk-free trial basis, just click below now:
Sincerely,
Bob Bly
P.S. Quick-Response Bonus! Order How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit today and you get a FREE 60-page Bonus e-Book, How to Write and Sell Short Stories (list price: $29) by Lisa Mondello and Harlan Ellison.
In it, you will discover:
- What Francis Ford Coppola can teach you about writing compelling short fiction. Page 14.
- The one writing skill you must develop to create characters that live. Page 10.
- The secret to crafting stories with power and immediacy. Page 14.
- The elements of a great short story title. Page 5.
- How creating small character traits can pay big dividends in building people who are believable. Page 18.
- Every creative writing teacher says “show, don’t tell.” Here’s how it’s done. Page 24.
- How and where to begin your stories. Hint: it’s not where you’re doing it now. Page 20.
- There’s only one subject which alone can make good writing. Do you know what it is? Page 11.
- How to trim the fat – and cut to the chase -- in your writing. Page 25.
- Which works best – long story titles or short? Page 6.
- Why so many amateurs frequently write bad short fiction – and how to enliven your stories with the elements theirs are missing. Page 12.
- Must you have a title before you begin writing your story? Page 8.
To order How to Write Articles for Fun and Profit … and get your FREE Bonus e-book on short story writing … just click here now:
About Bob Bly
Bob is the author of more than 70 books including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Direct Marketing (Alpha), The Copywriter's Handbook (Henry Holt), Business-to-Business Direct Marketing (NTC), and The White Paper Marketing Handbook (Thomson).
He has written hundreds of articles appearing in Subscription Marketing, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer's Digest, Amtrak Express, and many other publications. He writes monthly marketing columns for Early to Rise and DM News.
Bob's writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, and the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. He also taught writing at New York University.
Bob has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation's Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer. What they say about Bob Bly
"I started down this road of copywriting for direct marketers by purchasing your book. Since then I have made about $50,000 in copywriting fees. I feel a debt of gratitude toward you!”
--Ray Edwards
"I went to Amazon.com and got a copy of Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Wow! ... I loved it! Packed with info. The book had a 'readability' about it that took away all my fears, put me at ease, and made me feel that I wasn't treading on foreign soil. I kept saying to myself, 'I can do that, I can do that!'"
- Ronald J. Rich
"Your books served as a complete reference when I started my own freelance writing business a year and half ago. By following the advice you laid out, I quickly reached goals that I had set for year three of my business within the first year. My philosophy is, if you've written it or recommended it, I want to read it."
- Carla Jahnson
"I own a copy of The Copywriter's Handbook, which is priceless. Thank you for making this information available to those of us on a shoestring."
- Mary Klaebul, Memphis, TN
"I own Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $85,000 a Year and The Copywriter's Handbook. Both are great. You did a great job of getting to the nitty gritty. I admire and respect what you have done."
- Derek A. Chilcoat
"FYI, you started me off with your tape series on freelance copywriting, and I'm an avid reader of yours."
- Scott T. Smith, Bozeman, MT
"Having read two of your books, Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I am now taking the leap. If not for the strong encouragement of your books, I might not have jumped. Thanks again for the road map that your books offered."
- Eddie Adelman
"I am a great fan and avid reader of your books. When I first started out in this copywriting business nearly ten years ago, your Secrets of a Freelance Writer was my bible (it's so dog-eared, some of the pages are coming apart). You continue to be a great source of inspiration and education."
- John M. Mora, Plainfield, IL
"Thank you for all the books you've written over the years -- I have enjoyed many of them, and profited from what I've learned. I've been reading Become a Recognized Authority in Your Field this past month -- it's helping me really do the things I've always wanted to do."
- Michael Knowles
"I read Write More, Sell More a few years ago and loved it."
- Steve Slaunwhite
"The first time I read your book Secrets of a Freelance Writer I laughed at the fact of picturing myself as a business writer. The second time I read it, I made over $1,000 in a week. I'm laughing for a much better reason now."
- Grady Smith
"I loved your book The Copywriter's Handbook. It has sincerely helped me in my business and is worth every penny I spent on it!"
- Brian Maquire, Portland, OR
"Had I not discovered your Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I would still be a frustrated, unfulfilled hack. Thank you for saving me from that! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the rest of us and allowing us to take a piece of the pie. I already love this new career that I never would have discovered without your guidance. Thanks."
- Elizabeth Hanes
"I wanted to thank you for The Copywriter's Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Both books are informative and inspirational."
- Ken Harrison
"I have read your books Selling Your Services and The Six Figure Consultant and I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge you have shared in both of these publications."
- Leah Beth Mills, Farmingville, NY
"Thanks a million for my life!"
- Alan Zoldan
"Your books The Copywriter's Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer helped me start work as a freelancer. I can't tell you how many times those books saved my skin and got me confidently through unfamiliar materials. I am very grateful for your expertise and generosity."
- Lorraine Thompson
"One of the best copywriters in the business."
--Michael Meanwell, author, The Wealthy Writer
"Bob Bly is one of the most successful copywriters in the world. I've used his services and purchased a lot of his materials -- and always profited from both."
--Bob Serling, President, Idea Quotient
"Considered one of the best copywriters in the country."
--David E. Wright, President, International Speakers Network
"There's no better copywriter than Robert W. Bly, the man I call the 'King of Copy.' He can teach you more about the art and science of marketing than anyone I know."
--Richard Dean Starr
"20 years ago, when Bob Bly starting teaching copywriting, the field was deeply shrouded in mystery. Now, thanks to Bob, learning copywriting, though still a tricky proposition, is much easier."
--Ken McCarthy
"For over 25 years, Bob Bly has set the gold standard in results-oriented business-to-business writing."
--Roger C. Parker, author, Looking Good in Print
"When it comes to educating his fellow copywriters and marketers, Bob Bly is the master."
--Dianna Huff
"Bly Rules!"
— Murray Raphel, Raphel Marketing
"Mr. Copy."
— Markus Allen, Publisher
"There is no greater authority on business-to-business direct response copywriting then Bob Bly. What impresses me most about Bob Bly is his knack for making things clear and simple."
--Scott Miller
"Bob Bly is among the most accomplished self-employed copywriters in recent years."
-- Steve Slaunwhite
"Bob Bly is probably the best business-to-business, high tech, industrial, direct marketing copywriter in the country."
-- John Clausen
"Perhaps the most famous copywriter of them all."
-- The Writer
"[A] freelance writing dynamo...."
-- Writer's Digest
"One of the great copywriters in the direct marketing industry...."
-- Ruth Stevens, author, The DMA Lead Generation Handbook
"...[a] copywriting giant..."
--Freelance Writer's Report
"Bob Bly is a human machine who has been outputting high-grade direct marketing copy for decades. I've read a few of his numerous books and have learned much from this pro."
-- Larry Chase, Web Digest For Marketers
"Renowned direct marketing practitioner and prolific author Bob Bly [is] nationally recognized for his control-beating copy. [He] knows how to write for results."
--Kansas City Direct Marketing Association
"Bob Bly is in the upper echelon of direct mail and email copywriters and he's an all-around direct marketing guru. In addition to hundreds of successful campaigns for technology clients, Bly has authored or co-authored more then 50 books."
--Bruce Hadley, softwareceo.com
"Bly is probably one of the world's most famous and experienced copywriters. He is also a noted authority on the creation of online copy and online trends."
--The Compulsive Reader
Bob is the author of more than 70 books including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Direct Marketing (Alpha), The Copywriter's Handbook (Henry Holt), Business-to-Business Direct Marketing (NTC), and The White Paper Marketing Handbook (Thomson).
He has written hundreds of articles appearing in Subscription Marketing, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer's Digest, Amtrak Express, and many other publications. He writes monthly marketing columns for Early to Rise and DM News.
Bob's writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, and the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. He also taught writing at New York University.
Bob has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation's Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer. What they say about Bob Bly
"I started down this road of copywriting for direct marketers by purchasing your book. Since then I have made about $50,000 in copywriting fees. I feel a debt of gratitude toward you!”
--Ray Edwards
"I went to Amazon.com and got a copy of Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Wow! ... I loved it! Packed with info. The book had a 'readability' about it that took away all my fears, put me at ease, and made me feel that I wasn't treading on foreign soil. I kept saying to myself, 'I can do that, I can do that!'"
- Ronald J. Rich
"Your books served as a complete reference when I started my own freelance writing business a year and half ago. By following the advice you laid out, I quickly reached goals that I had set for year three of my business within the first year. My philosophy is, if you've written it or recommended it, I want to read it."
- Carla Jahnson
"I own a copy of The Copywriter's Handbook, which is priceless. Thank you for making this information available to those of us on a shoestring."
- Mary Klaebul, Memphis, TN
"I own Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $85,000 a Year and The Copywriter's Handbook. Both are great. You did a great job of getting to the nitty gritty. I admire and respect what you have done."
- Derek A. Chilcoat
"FYI, you started me off with your tape series on freelance copywriting, and I'm an avid reader of yours."
- Scott T. Smith, Bozeman, MT
"Having read two of your books, Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I am now taking the leap. If not for the strong encouragement of your books, I might not have jumped. Thanks again for the road map that your books offered."
- Eddie Adelman
"I am a great fan and avid reader of your books. When I first started out in this copywriting business nearly ten years ago, your Secrets of a Freelance Writer was my bible (it's so dog-eared, some of the pages are coming apart). You continue to be a great source of inspiration and education."
- John M. Mora, Plainfield, IL
"Thank you for all the books you've written over the years -- I have enjoyed many of them, and profited from what I've learned. I've been reading Become a Recognized Authority in Your Field this past month -- it's helping me really do the things I've always wanted to do."
- Michael Knowles
"I read Write More, Sell More a few years ago and loved it."
- Steve Slaunwhite
"The first time I read your book Secrets of a Freelance Writer I laughed at the fact of picturing myself as a business writer. The second time I read it, I made over $1,000 in a week. I'm laughing for a much better reason now."
- Grady Smith
"I loved your book The Copywriter's Handbook. It has sincerely helped me in my business and is worth every penny I spent on it!"
- Brian Maquire, Portland, OR
"Had I not discovered your Secrets of a Freelance Writer and The Copywriter's Handbook, I would still be a frustrated, unfulfilled hack. Thank you for saving me from that! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the rest of us and allowing us to take a piece of the pie. I already love this new career that I never would have discovered without your guidance. Thanks."
- Elizabeth Hanes
"I wanted to thank you for The Copywriter's Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer. Both books are informative and inspirational."
- Ken Harrison
"I have read your books Selling Your Services and The Six Figure Consultant and I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge you have shared in both of these publications."
- Leah Beth Mills, Farmingville, NY
"Thanks a million for my life!"
- Alan Zoldan
"Your books The Copywriter's Handbook and Secrets of a Freelance Writer helped me start work as a freelancer. I can't tell you how many times those books saved my skin and got me confidently through unfamiliar materials. I am very grateful for your expertise and generosity."
- Lorraine Thompson
"One of the best copywriters in the business."
--Michael Meanwell, author, The Wealthy Writer
"Bob Bly is one of the most successful copywriters in the world. I've used his services and purchased a lot of his materials -- and always profited from both."
--Bob Serling, President, Idea Quotient
"Considered one of the best copywriters in the country."
--David E. Wright, President, International Speakers Network
"There's no better copywriter than Robert W. Bly, the man I call the 'King of Copy.' He can teach you more about the art and science of marketing than anyone I know."
--Richard Dean Starr
"20 years ago, when Bob Bly starting teaching copywriting, the field was deeply shrouded in mystery. Now, thanks to Bob, learning copywriting, though still a tricky proposition, is much easier."
--Ken McCarthy
"For over 25 years, Bob Bly has set the gold standard in results-oriented business-to-business writing."
--Roger C. Parker, author, Looking Good in Print
"When it comes to educating his fellow copywriters and marketers, Bob Bly is the master."
--Dianna Huff
"Bly Rules!"
— Murray Raphel, Raphel Marketing
"Mr. Copy."
— Markus Allen, Publisher
"There is no greater authority on business-to-business direct response copywriting then Bob Bly. What impresses me most about Bob Bly is his knack for making things clear and simple."
--Scott Miller
"Bob Bly is among the most accomplished self-employed copywriters in recent years."
-- Steve Slaunwhite
"Bob Bly is probably the best business-to-business, high tech, industrial, direct marketing copywriter in the country."
-- John Clausen
"Perhaps the most famous copywriter of them all."
-- The Writer
"[A] freelance writing dynamo...."
-- Writer's Digest
"One of the great copywriters in the direct marketing industry...."
-- Ruth Stevens, author, The DMA Lead Generation Handbook
"...[a] copywriting giant..."
--Freelance Writer's Report
"Bob Bly is a human machine who has been outputting high-grade direct marketing copy for decades. I've read a few of his numerous books and have learned much from this pro."
-- Larry Chase, Web Digest For Marketers
"Renowned direct marketing practitioner and prolific author Bob Bly [is] nationally recognized for his control-beating copy. [He] knows how to write for results."
--Kansas City Direct Marketing Association
"Bob Bly is in the upper echelon of direct mail and email copywriters and he's an all-around direct marketing guru. In addition to hundreds of successful campaigns for technology clients, Bly has authored or co-authored more then 50 books."
--Bruce Hadley, softwareceo.com
"Bly is probably one of the world's most famous and experienced copywriters. He is also a noted authority on the creation of online copy and online trends."
--The Compulsive Reader