I have a little tale here about how important it is to value every single word you write. If you've come from a traditional writer's background, you may be used to working for pennies. In which case, you need to read this...
Many of you email almost bragging about how you've been published in this magazine or that publication. I've been there. I know how much you got paid. Best pay I've ever seen from a magazine was around $2.50/word. $2,500 for a 1000 word article.
But they only offer that once per issue. Feature article material. This doesn't happen every week. For most writers, it doesn't happen at all. Other mags pay as little as one penny a word. Doesn't even cover the cost of your printer cartridge.
Let's face it. Be honest with ourselves. Very few people are making money writing for magazines, books, etc. The average Canadian writer earns $18,000 A YEAR. He or she either sleeps on a mattress or has a spouse paying the bills.
Okay, now, my anecdote here is even worse. It happened to me back in 2005 when I was getting started in the copywriting world.
I was led astray by another copywriter who ran a free ezine which she published monthly for copywriters (specifically targeted at AWAI graduates). I had an article about how to reduce computer eye strain that I had actually pitched to Early to Rise. They turned it down and then this editor talked me into giving her the rights for free.
Why did I do it for free? Well, I was told that the connections I'd make from letting them print the article would be very valuable.
"But," I said, "this ezine is directed at copywriters. I don't need copywriters, I need clients."
But she assured me that just through networking with other copywriters I'd get a lot of great input to help accelerate my career.
So I let her print the thing. I mean, they weren't making anything on this monthly PDF ezine. They had no ads in it. No affiliate link. Seemed to be a totally philanthropic endeavour. Not sure why they were bothering, particularly since the editor was always complaining about money and copywriting is hardly a charitable organization.
All that came out of my article being published in her publication was contact with another copywriter who offered to swap critiques. I reviewed a lot of his work and in return, when I had long sales copy for him to critique, he disappeared.
What's worse... the article I wrote was distributed by the editor on the net -- driving traffic back to HER site (not mine -- I didn't have one at the time). You can find that article all over the Web on different websites and ezine directories, making webmasters from Australia to the Arctic Circle money through pay-per-click ads.
What's the lesson here? Value every single word you type.
Don't write anything for free (unless it's an email to Mom and Dad). If you're going to distribute an article for free make sure it's linking back to your own website or an affiliate link. Make sure your getting something for your time.
Same for all you "bloggers." Don't kid yourself, just because you have a blog doesn't mean you're "published." If your blog isn't making you money, re-evaluate. Don't waste your time.
But, here's an even better route: "Small Reports Fortunes" a new ebook by Jimmy D. Brown. In this 101 page guide, Jimmy explains something I could and should have done with that "How to Reduce Computer Eye Strain" article. A strategy I'm now using with one of my biggest clients...
Small Reports Fortunes
I found this a week or two ago. Downloaded my copy immediately. Most of the info wasn't too new for me. But the approach is great. It's a brilliant, low-risk, high-yield way to start using your copywriting skills to sell your own mini-ebooks.
It's by Jimmy D. Brown, who makes up to $30,000/month online. In his "Small Reports Fortune" ebook he shows you how to create mini-information products. Basically a 7, 15 or even 20 page ebook that you can sell for $17 online. Here's the basic formula...
| 1. |
You pick a subject from the long list he provides in "Small Reports Fortunes" of a field that interests you. |
| 2. |
Then you pick a very specific topic within that field. |
| 3. |
Do some research. |
| 4. |
Put together a very concise "how-to" ebook that offers a solution to the problem or desire of the reader. |
| 5. |
Sell it online. |
Sure, $17 isn't much. But you'll make up the cost in volume. Sell 100 copies a month, that's $1,700 each month for a 17 page book. Plus, Jimmy shares many ways you can make money from your customers AFTER they buy the book.
Do you see where this is leading?
Even if you can't, check out...
Small Reports Fortunes
...and see where it brought Jimmy D. Brown. If you download a copy, let me know, and I'll send you a bonus gift in the mail.
Capture, captivate convert,
John C. A. Manley |
