Other writers?

[PRWriterMom]

This looks like a slow board. Just curious if there are other writers who frequent this board? What type of writing do you do?

I'm a freelance public relations writer. I've worked from home for nearly six years and previously worked as a public relations manager and journalist.

Michelle

[Audrey]

Michelle,

I have never written a press release. I'll bet working PR, you've written many. I wonder if you'd be willing to share some tips?

[PRWriterMom]

Make it interesting. When I was a journalist, I'd receive the dullest releases! You don't have to be a fantastic writer, but try to add some "zip" to your lead. For instance, instead of leading with, "Scrapping Made Simple will be participating in the XYZ Holiday Fair on December 8, 2006," try: "Have family photos that need to get into albums, but you just haven't had the time? Thought about scrapbooking but don't know how to get started? Scrapping Made Simple can help. Owner Audrey ____ will be at the XYZ Holiday Fair on December 8, 2006 to show visitors easy and fun ways to display their photos."

Keep in mind that many publications print press releases word-for-word, so make it easy for editors to lift the copy from your release. Unless you're announcing something revolutionary, try to keep the release to two double-spaced pages in Word.

Also, don't forget the basics: Who, what, when, where, why?

After you've prepared a draft, proofread. It doesn't hurt to ask friends and family to proofread it, too. Any typos or misspellings? Confusing language? Get their honest input. If it's dull, messy or confusing to them, it will make the same impression with editors.

Best of luck! Hope this helps.
Michelle

[Lori]

Great advice! Thanks Michelle :)

[Audrey]

Michelle,

Wow!!! Excellent tips. I hear of folks who write at least one press release per month and I've never written one yet.

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us.

[PRWriterMom]

Happy to help! I've written hundreds of releases over the years, so if you have specific questions about what works/what doesn't, feel free to ask. :)

Michelle

[hiddenhelper]

Hi Michelle,

I'm a nonfiction writer/ghostwriter/editor (and editorial VA). I do business and promotional writing and editing (resumes, cover letters, professional bios, press releases, low-pressure sales letters, articles, blog posts, websites, etc.), I've also co-authored two books, and I've edited several more--that's where I've been focusing my business lately.

I usually check the boards more often, but last week I was vacationing with the Mouse in Disneyworld. Back to reality!

I'm glad you introduced yourself.
Lauren

[PRWriterMom]

Hi Lauren,

Thanks for your post! Nice to see another writer here. I also do a bit of ghostwriting, but nothing too exciting (mostly columns for trade publications).

Thanks for introducing yourself!

Michelle

[franke1]

Where do you find your ghost writing jobs? How do you locate them. I would love to do some, hence the questions.

[PRWriterMom]

Unfortunately, I can't be much help in finding ghostwriting jobs. I work for my former employer and they keep me busy with projects. I have heard that Craigslist is a good place to locate freelance writing projects, so maybe they have ghostwriting opportunities listed there?

Michelle

[roserighter]

Hi there.
I too am a freelance writer. I write nonfiction articles mostly. I work for a local startup magazine as their health writer and research editor. I also do some content writing as a ghostwriter. I enjoy writing about health, pets and parenting the most, but have also written on decorating, insurance, marketing and other topics.

I have never sent press releases about my work. The owner at Suite 101 where I write on the weight loss topic would like us to send press releases, but I have no idea what to write or wh to send it to.

[PRWriterMom]

Tracy,

I'm not sure, either, why you would be expected to distribute press releases about your work, unless there's a revolutionary point being made. I would definitely ask for clarification there. No point wasting time writing press releases if you don't have a clear purpose and audience.

Best of luck to you with your writing!
Michelle

[bairnsmum]

This looks like a slow board. Just curious if there are other writers who frequent this board? What type of writing do you do?

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

I'm a freelance writer in the beginning stages. In my head, I call that "fledgeling writer".

I've been published on ClubMom.com (http://www.clubmom.com), had an editorial published in the local paper when I was a teenager, and I used to design websites.

Right now, I work part-time for a personal publicist who works with authors. I edit, proof-read, fax press releases and mail books.

With four kids, one of them just turned 5 (he's my office assistant :) ), working part-time for her and freelance writing is exactly what I have time for now.

Lynn

[Wordartist]

This looks like a slow board. Just curious if there are other writers who frequent this board? What type of writing do you do?

I'm a freelance public relations writer. I've worked from home for nearly six years and previously worked as a public relations manager and journalist.

Michelle


I just joined today.I'm a freelance writer also.Are we the only two so far?

[smbwallace]

Hi prwritermom and everyone in this thread! I haven't been here in ages because of getting locked out somehow! Before that I loved hanging out in this folder! :p

I mostly write features for several newspapers in my area, but I wrote some press releases yesterday. My background is in newspaper (I worked at a small one for almost 16 years and the last few years I was the editor) so I drew on that experience for writing the press releases.

If anyone wants to take a look at some of my work I have a writing website (http://www.geocities.com/smbwallace2003/arkansasprofiles.html) that I maintain for my own entertainment!

Great to be back here and get to know you all and get reaquainted with everyone else!!! :wav:

[Angela Porter]

Hi all. Nice to see there are other freelance writers on this board (thanks Michelle). :) The majority of my work is SEO copywriting/content writing for websites. It pays pretty well and keeps me from having to write query letters. :) Plus, I have some steady clients who keep me busy, which is nice. Good to meet all of you.

[sarathy]

Hello there. Nice to meet u Michelle. I have just taken up a masters course in PR. My classes begin next week. What kind of PR writing do you do? How do u like your profession?

[PRWriterMom]

Thanks for your message! I never went as far as a master's, so I'd be interested to hear about what a PR class is like at that level. Please do post again and let me know.

I specialize in corporate PR writing. I'm doing ghostwriting primarily -- mostly ongoing columns in specialized professional magazines -- along with presentations, press releases and white papers.

Michelle

[sarathy]

Thanks for your message! I never went as far as a master's, so I'd be interested to hear about what a PR class is like at that level. Please do post again and let me know.

I specialize in corporate PR writing. I'm doing ghostwriting primarily -- mostly ongoing columns in specialized professional magazines -- along with presentations, press releases and white papers.

Michelle
Well my classes are yet to begin. It seems like a very professional course. To highlight some of the features of the course: Some of the skills imparted are:
Management of communication, Strategic Planning, Informative and persuasive writing, Crisis management and Negotiation, Relationship management, Mnaging Events, Public speaking and presentation, Managing internal communication.
Once my classes begin I'll keep you posted about how the course is handled.
Thanks.

[judilynn]

One of the things I have been doing is a bit of writing. Not sure if you would call it freelance or not. I did register with GURU. there seems to be a lot of freelance writing on there, but I have no idea what to bid for projects. I know what I want hourly. Anyone else ever bid on GURU?