Tweet, Tweet!

It is a new world out there with social media sites and not just fun only. One of the fastest growing and nearly mentioned everywhere is Twitter. From Larry King to Allure Magazine to endless corporations all seem to have an address on this social networking site, so there must be something to it.

You too can be a part of Twitter. But is there any potential for using Twitter as a writer’s tool? Twitter can be found at http://www.twitter.com/ and should be considered as a mini blogging tool. The service is free and you are allowed to enter a series of small text entries (140 characters), known as tweets.

The basis of your posts can be interactive with other users.You can create your brief biography, customize a background, add an image and link to your blog. It is a good idea to follow along and watch others when you start out. Then tweet away, as tweets will announce you, your ideas and projects.

Make the most out of your tweeting experience with the following tips. They should help you succeed in your quest of conquering the masses on Twitter.


1. Join the conversation and build relationships. If you are a travel writer, fashion writer, techie; follow those in the industry and send a request to follow you. They often tweet the latest and you can get first dibs on any story lines. Head straight to @freelance_jobs, @journalismjobs, @media_pros and @mediabistrobs and follow them immediately.

2. If you need assistance on something, tweet your question. Tweeting often leads to response tweets from your followers offering helpful suggestions and links to other resources. Writing is no longer a lonely profession.

3. Twitter Feed is used by Twitter users to broadcast writing gigs. The search engine at the bottom of the Twitter screen is the place to visit. Enter into search writer, freelance writer, blogger, etc, and see what comes up. Your next gig may be a click away especially perspective client is tweeting about job listings.

4. Post links to your latest work, Helium zone, blog or anything that helps promote you and your writing. Offer help and answer questions related to your level of expertise. Always respond to anything addressed to you.

5. This one will sound pushy, but as you gain more followers, just ask for a job. Begin to send your portfolio or website to all potential clients. You can establish your expertise with them and stand out from the crowd.

Are you a twitter and actively use it to promote your writing?

Begin as a Part-time Writer

Since the popularity of the Internet, more and more people are venturing into professional writing. The great news is there are numerous opportunities abound, even for a novice writer. For many of these novices, undertaking writing can gradually lead to a part-time business while they still maintaining a day job. This makes sense given the economic downturn right now.

Writing should be a contrast from the drudgery of the “day job,” but there can be set backs with part-time writing.

The number one culprit is “burn out.” In fact, many part-time freelancers never make it past a few on-line or print gigs, without throwing in the towel. A budding writer with the potential to make the transition to a full-time time writer can be easily discouraged.

There is no denying that set backs can happen even for full time writers. As a new part-time freelance writer on the block, take note of these tips to assure you do not get used up before you even begin.

• Begin your part time writing with one of the on-line writing sites. Not only can your earn some money but can gain knowledge and build a portfolio.

• Find where to look for work as you gain more experience. Several freelance writing blogs have job listings each day. Set some time to go through these listings, apply and make sure your cover letter is error free. You are presenting you and your talent.

• Rushing into the world of writing too fast only to make a quick buck never works. Quality work is always better than quantity. Trying to do twenty articles a day is exhaustion and you want to have a steady clientele.

• Remember you are a professional writer first in a legitimate business. Set aside a dedicated area to write in, free from distraction.

• Invest in your craft by making sure you have all the proper and powerful equipment and software for your freelance writing business.

• Join some social networking sites. Get to know other freelance writers with sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Hack Writers Guild. A circle of peers who share valuable tips will never let you feel as though you are alone.

• Never on Sunday or whatever day you choose. Having both a day job and a part-time freelancing can take away from your personal life. Schedule a day or time frame to chill out; otherwise you will resent being a freelance writer.

• Monitor of your successes. Keeping a log of successful projects completed is an important task for the beginning freelancer. Not only this record encourage you when you feel discouraged, but will form the basis for your professional portfolio.

The rest is up to you. A transition may take place for you to become a full time freelance writer.