Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 491
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# Posted: 1 Sep 2005 02:45 � Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
Many types of outsourcing exist and can be effectively parlayed into a successful business. If an individual possesses some type of talent or skill for which others are willing to pay, then "voila", a business can be born!
Writing and editing is no exception, in fact, it can be quite a lucrative career as writers and editors are in high demand, especially online, where many companies or individuals are seeking writers and marketers. A great example of turning a writing and editing talent into a business, is Denise Clark, a writer and editor with literally decades of experience under her belt. Denise not only provides written and editing work for business clients, she also has several of her own writing projects "in the works". More information on Denise can be found at: www.denisemclark.com.
In an interview, Denise was kind enough to share the start of her career, as well as some tips and tricks for aspiring would be writers and editors.
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Work at Home Forum (WAHF):
What made you consider writing and editing as a career? Did you have an interest from an early age, or was there someone that encouraged you in the pursuit of your craft?
Denise:
I started writing because I thought it would be a good way to express myself. I never intended to do more than write a few short stories for my own pleasure, but then the desire grew and I found myself planning larger writing projects. I did have several people who encouraged me, and my mother acted as my original "blooper-snoofer", by correcting my grammar and spelling. I discovered through writing that I had the ability to make others smile, laugh, and cry, and that pleasure created an entire new world for me.
WAHF:
Have you achieved the measure of success you would like to see? If not, what do you feel has held you back?
Denise:
I don't think any of us really achieve our entire heart's desires, as these seem to constantly change. As far as being held back, to be honest, I feel that many new writers are held back because of finances. Many of the larger publishing houses promote their author's books, but many medium and small houses don't, which leaves the job to the author. I have reviewed many books by other authors that are fantastic, and yet they aren't found in the mainstream due to their inability to promote them to the level they need to for maximum exposure.
WAHF:
What is the greatest challenge you face daily in the advancing of your freelance writing/editing career?
Denise:
Time and organization. I'm not the most organized person in the world, which doesn't help. Finding the time needed to spend on many writing projects is a constant challenge. Some people advise setting a precise schedule to help focus and organize blocks of time to write, but I can't write like that. When I get into a project, I can spend hours on it. Or, on the flip side, I may have the time, but when I sit down in front of the computer, I draw a blank. Writing is not something one can force. The urge comes when it wants and how it wants. I'm just along for the ride!
WAHF:
What is the greatest reward you have found in your freelance writing/editing career?
Denise:
Having people react and respond to something that I have written. It's nice to know that no matter what you write, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, a novel, a short story, or an article, that someone has read your work, thought about it, and felt strongly enough about it to contact you. There's no greater reward than that.
WAHF:
How long have you been freelancing? Fulltime or part-time, and why?
Denise:
I started freelancing several years ago. I had been focusing on writing strictly novels, but then wanted to broaden my horizons and writing skills. Writing an article is different than writing a novel, and the same goes for copy writing, ad writing, and non-fiction writing. They are all different styles and come with their own sets of rules. I like to write about many different subjects, and freelancing gives me the opportunity to do just that. At the moment, I'm also working on my first non-fiction book, which is a great challenge, as it is different from anything I've ever attempted before.
WAHF:
Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years?
Denise:
Hopefully, sitting in front of my computer, writing. Tongue in cheek, sort of, on the New York Times Bestseller List! What writer wouldn't like to have that feather in their cap? But mostly, I just want to be able to write and have plenty of people enjoy what I've written.
WAHF:
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the world of freelance writing/editing?
Denise:
Don't let rejections discourage you. Find your own style and stick to it, but don't be afraid to try new things either. Be open to criticism and be willing to learn and grow.
WAHF:
Has your family been supportive of your career? If not, how have you overcome this?
Denise:
My daughter is my Number One Fan and always has been! My mother, now deceased, also encouraged me, but she's been gone a long time now.
WAHF:
What routine/marketing methods do you use to promote your freelance writing/editing career?
Denise:
One of the best methods an author or freelancer can use is to have their own Web site where he or she can post their work and gain exposure. Make sure your site is keyword optimized for higher rankings in directories and searches. Beyond that, submitting articles to online sites can also help expose your work to the general public. Word of mouth also plays a role in any writer's goals; happy customers bring in additional contracts. Being available for interviews is also a way to promote yourself and your work. As an author begins to earn more money, there are other ways of promotion, such as hiring the services of a publicist and marketing agent. But until you reach that point, you must be willing to take the time and energy to promote yourself.
WAHF:
Do you have any projects that you are particularly proud of, or award or achievements that you felt honestly propelled your career forward, or will propel your career forward?
Denise:
Yes, I have some favorite projects. One was my first published novel. It was not the first novel that I wrote, but it was the first that was published, and after receiving promising reviews, was nominated for the Bill Boyd Military Novel Award. While I didn't win the award, I felt honored to have my book listed among several other outstanding works of military fiction written by men. Women shouldn't be afraid to write in any particular genre. The most important thing, however, is to research your topic, no matter what you're writing about.
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Although writing and editing can be a difficult field in which to establish one's self, Denise Clark proves that hard work and determination, as well as strong writing and editing skills are the key to success. If up and coming writers and editors "hang on" long enough and promote themselves hard enough, success eventually becomes a reality.
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