|
|
|
Melinda Copp - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Melinda Copp is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and writing coach who is passionate about helping speakers, small businesses, and self-employed professionals use the written word to build an audience, communicate their expertise, and grow their businesses.
She is the founder of The Writer’s Sherpa, a full-service editorial consulting company that serves clients around the world. Melinda teaches her clients how to write articles, marketing content, and books that get readers excited about what they do ... [More]
[View Melinda Copp's Extended Author Bio]
[Display Categories] Sort By [Title] [Newest] [Oldest]
Melinda Copp Email Alerts
- How to Write Articles That Attract Ideal Clients
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing-Articles] Writing and publishing articles, as long as they relate to your area of expertise, will always result in traffic to your web site. However, not all those visitors will become clients, or even prospects. Why? Because oftentimes they don't find what they're looking for. But this can be avoided.
- Two Sentences That Make Or Break Your Article Marketing Success
[Writing-and-Speaking:Article-Marketing] After composing a brilliant marketing article that showcases your expertise and gives your ideal readers information they love, you'd think your article marketing work was done. But wait! The resource box-those two or three sentences tagged onto the end of all your articles. Think you can just slap something together, drop in a link to your web site, and send the article off? Think again.
- How to Grow Your Following of Ideal Clients and Readers
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:Traffic-Building] Imagine having a following of people anticipating the release of your book, awaiting your next seminar, or planning on working with you in the future. And imagine these people are your ideal clients, having self-selected themselves to receive your marketing messages. These are the people you write for, the people you want to build relationships with, and the people who your information can help.
- Creative Techniques That Make Business Writing Stand Out
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] When most writers think about marketing materials, press releases, and how-to writing projects, they assume creativity is a waste of time and energy. Why not give it to them straight-right? But business writing doesn't have to all business. Business writers can borrow several techniques from their creative writing counterparts to make their marketing materials fresh and unique.
- Magnetic Marketing Copy - Writing From a Position of Partnership
[Writing-and-Speaking] Do you ever feel sleazy or inauthentic when you write marketing or sales copy? Like you're pushing people, rather than pulling them in? I know I have.
- Make Writing a Priority, Not a Pain
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Whether you're working on a book or an article marketing campaign, writing is like exercise. And if you want it to really work for your business, then you need to make writing a priority, just like going to the gym or your yoga class.
- Writers - How to Find the Right Words Every Time
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Creating images in a reader's mind is what writing is all about. But oftentimes, finding the right words to express the meaning we want our readers to gain can be tricky. Writers toil over their words and nothing seems quite right. And this problem can have several different causes.
- Five Keys to Book Writing Success
[Writing-and-Speaking:Publishing] Writing a book isn't hard, but you have to make a commitment and put in the work to actually make your dream of becoming an author a reality. If you've been searching through web sites and books for a writing strategy that ensures success, then look no further. Use the following five tips to get your book done!
- Writers - Do You Procrastinate? Make it a Priority to Write Your Book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] So you've taken the plunge and started writing a book? Congratulations on taking the first step. But now you have to find ways to keep yourself motivated to keep going. If you're like most people that are trying to write a book, you started off strong and very excited and motivated to write-you couldn't wait to sit down and start plugging away. You finished the outline and maybe even got through the first chapter without a problem. Then life happened.
- How to Boost Your Online Book Sales With Effective Web Copy
[Writing-and-Speaking:Book-Marketing] As a published author, your web site should become the clearinghouse of your marketing efforts. Every ad you place online, every article you publish in electronic publications, and even every e-mail you send should link back to your web site, where a visitor can read about your book-possibly even a sample of your book-read about you, find additional information, and buy your book. And every print ad or article that mentions you, should mention your web site, as well.
- The Secret to Writing Effective Web Copy
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writing for the web is a whole different animal than writing for print or any other medium. Web readers operate in a different way than readers of other mediums, and therefore you should approach writing for the web in a slightly different way.
- When and How to Get Feedback on Your Book-in-Progress
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] If you're writing a book, eventually you need to get feedback on your writing skills, the material itself, and whether or not your goals were accomplished in the manuscript. After all, the goal of writing a book is to communicate with readers, and if no one has read your book at press time, you'll never know whether your message is perceived the way you intend it to be perceived. You can read it yourself over and over again, but you won't be able to get a sense of how others interpret your book without letting someone else read it.
- From Headline to Conclusion - Writing Web Content That Works
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online] If your web site content is not attracting visitors, selling products, or keeping your readers' interested, then your copy is not reaching its intended goal. Writing compelling content starts with an enticing headline, continues with interesting and appealing copy, and ends with a strong call to action. These three elements all work together to keep browsers interested in your site, and compelled to buy from you.
- Are You Writing Your Book For the Wrong Reasons?
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Have you been struggling to finish your book? If you've been working on the project for what seems like forever, and made little or no progress, you might need to reconsider your motive for taking on the project in the first place.
- Ghosting on the Job - How to Capture Someone Else's Style in Writing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] When you take a job at a company, whether you're hired as a writer or not, being asked to write a memo or some other kind of document for someone that you work with is pretty common. Perhaps the person who's asked you to do the writing is busy or perhaps you know a bit more about the subject than they do-either way, ghostwriting requires being able to capture the "author's" personal style on the page.
- Improve Your Writing Habits Now
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writers sometimes develop poor habits, and end up doing more thinking about writing than actual writing. I know, because although I write for a living, and I still don't always spend enough time on the writing that I most want to do. And for those people who aren't writers by trade, but need or want to write for professional or business reasons, then you may need a little help developing your writing habit.
- Your Marketing Plan - The Basics of Selling Your Writing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Marketing is important for all writers who hope to sell their work-whether that means books or articles or writing skills. I used to work for a book publishing company, and for several months I was in charge of marketing my boss's book. It was a writing reference book, actually, and although I had no idea what I was doing when I took over the project, I learned fast and had a lot of fun doing it.
- Chapter by Chapter - Ten Self-Editing Questions Every Writer Needs to Consider
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Whether you're working on a narrative or instructional manuscript, self-editing skills are important to your success as a writer. However, many writers don't know where to start when it comes to looking at their own writing objectively. They can easily skim through for grammar and punctuation errors, but when it comes to the effectiveness of the content and images they create on the page, their own perceptions can be very different from what a reader reads.
- Writers - Master the Art of Brevity and Satisfy Readers
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Time is precious, and readers need a reason to keep reading-it's a fact of life these days when information is available almost instantaneously. Especially in the Internet, you must get to the point right away, as studies have shown that on average you've only got nine seconds to make an impression and hook a reader before he or she clicks away. Readers want to know why they should bother reading the documents you produce, and they don't want to wade through dense, unclear prose, which is why writers can make their work more successful by learning the art of brevity.
- How to Achieve the Appropriate Tone in Your Written Communications
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Years ago, business writers wrote all their communications in a formal tone that sounded the same throughout the piece-passive verbs, jargon, and the editorial "we" were all characteristic of this business writing style. Only radical writers broke away from these established business writing principles.
- Five Tips For Writing Ad Copy That Sells
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] The world of online advertising is very competitive, and writing ad copy that sells can be quite challenging. Generic ads are seldom effective and to successfully sell your product your ad needs to stand out from the crowd of ads for your competitors. It may seem like you need a professional copy writer to create ad copy for you, but by following these simple steps, virtually anyone can create successful ad copy.
- Five Tips to Improve Your Writing Today
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] At some point in your career you will have to produce some type of written content, and this can be stressful for many people who think their writing skills are less than perfect. Written content is an important part of business-especially these days when such a huge amount of business happens online.
- Five Business Writing Strategies That Get Results
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] The purpose of business writing is to effectively express your message to your reader, whether that is a potential customer, associate, or a person interested in joining your business. In business communication your message must be clear, concise, and compelling to get the most favorable response. To make sure your business writing is effective in whatever goal you are trying to achieve-whether that is to make sales, recruit members, or inform the public about your business-you can use the following strategies.
- Four Secrets to Earning a Paycheck With Your Writing!
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writers write because they love to do it. They look forward to sitting down at their desk to write each and every day, and they don't feel "normal" unless they do. However, not all writers make a living doing what they love. So, why are so many passionate writers not making a living?
- Writers - Do You Need a Motivational Kick in the Pants?
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] One of the greatest challenges of writing a book is staying motivated throughout the project-this is something every writer struggles with at one time or another. And that's okay. No one can stay focused 100 percent of the time. What's important is that you stay committed to writing your book and you know how to re-motivate yourself when you feel like setting the project aside.
- How to Find a Writing Process That Works For You
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writing projects often take longer than anticipated and that's simply because many writers don't have a process that helps them work efficiently. All experienced writers develop a rhythm to their work with practice and experience. They understand how they work, when they work best, and the different phases of the writing process-and they accomplish more as a result.
- Overcome Writer's Block - How to Cure This Common Ailment
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Every writer at one time or another suffers from writer's block. It's that painful inability to get your thoughts down on paper and it comes after all different kinds of writers. Unlike other ailments, writer's block is not cured by taking two aspirins and going to bed. On the contrary, that approach can often only aggravate the condition, since pressure mounts and panic increases as the task is delayed.
- Writing a Book Sounds Daunting, But You Can Do It!
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] If you've always wanted to write a book but put it off because it seemed too difficult or you just didn't know how to start, it's time to stop procrastinating and start writing. Sure, it may seem hard. But writing a book is really more about organizing your thoughts than anything else. Once you learn how to organize your book and have a solid plan in place to follow as you create your book, then the actual writing isn't that difficult.
- How to Plan on Finishing Your Book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Do you want to write a book detailing all your business knowledge and your experiences in the business world? Writing a book is a great way to increase your sales, broaden your customer base, brand your business, and establish expertise. But if you've never written anything longer than an e-mail or letter, the thought of writing an entire book can seem complicated and confusing.
- How to Write Better and Faster - And Have More Fun Doing It!
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] We are a quirky bunch-that's for sure. Every writer has different habits, unique strengths, and mistakes they always make in their work. For example, some can't get started without a cup of coffee. Some always forget when to use "that" or "which." And in some cases, these quirks severely limit a writer's success.
- Breathing Life and Reality Into Your Writing by Reporting
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] When most people think about reporting, they think about journalists at the newspaper-those are the real pros. But reporting is going out and observing the real world, interviewing real people, and researching real places. And regardless of what you're writing-a novel, a case study, your memoir-reporting can make your writing more personal and realistic.
- Writing For the Web Basics - Three Keys to Effective Copy
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] Writing for the web is one of the most important types of business writing most people have to do-especially if you conduct business online, and these days, who doesn't? Maybe you have a web site that needs updated content, or you need a press release or sales copy to help move your product. Whatever the reason is that you need web content, you should be aware that not all types of content are effective, and in order to reach your goals with your content you need to write content that is designed for success online.
- Want to Write a Book? Five Tips to Set and Achieve Your Writing Goals
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] If you want to write a book, or tackle any other important writing project, then setting clear, powerful goals can put you on the path to success. No matter what you hope to accomplish, the following five tips can help you get there.
- Get Published - Three Secrets of the New York Publishing World
[Writing-and-Speaking:Publishing] Every writer dreams of attracting a lucrative contract from a major New York publishing company. And although not everyone achieves that dream, many writers do. But they have to rise above everyone else and prove they have what it takes to write and sell a profitable book.
- Write a Memoir - How to Write About What Troubles You the Most
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Everyone has a story to tell, and unfortunately those stories aren't always pleasant. What makes memoirs and other personal stories of recovery and triumph so appealing is that struggle is universal. And writing about it is one way-a great way-to make sense out of what troubles you the most.
- Want to Write Better? Strengthen Your Writing With Three Self-Editing Tips
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] The English language, like mathematics, has rules that make your message clear and understandable. In today's era of e-mail and text communications, some may feel the rules of communication are largely unimportant as long as one gets the message across. But we know from verbal communication that how one says something is often as important, maybe even more important, than the actual words being said.
- Writers - How to Plan Your Next Writing Project
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Like any endeavor in life or business, in writing, a good end result is often attributed to a good starting plan. Just to sit down and to start to write can be effective as a jumping off point to figure out what your ideas are. But once you've put your main ideas into words, take some time to plan how those ideas relate to your main point and how the relate to each other. This process will help to ensure the composition flows from one sentence, one paragraph, or one chapter to the next.
- Where to Start Writing Your Book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writing a book is such a big project that many aspiring authors have no idea where to start. If you've been thinking about writing a book, you can use the following three steps to turn your thoughts into action!
- How to Develop Your Book's Structure
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] A man came to me last week because he needed help writing his book. He told me that he's had this project on his to-do list for years, but he just couldn't seem to get started. He's literally been staring at the task-start writing my book-almost every day, and when he came to me, he still hadn't done it.
- Want a New Career Challenge? Try Writing a How-To Or Self-Help Book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] If you're a business professional and you're ready to try something new, think about writing a business book. Writing a book about your expertise in a specific industry or even business in general is an excellent way to expand your business and branch out into speaking and consulting. It lets you try something new, but you don't have to completely abandon the field you're in.
- Keywords Aren't Everything - Five Tips For Writing Compelling Web Copy
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing-Articles] If you have a web site you probably know the importance of web copy-the words that cover your pages. The expression "content is king" is very true, as quality content adds value and interest to your site and encourages repeat visitors. Sure, keywords are important, and you should strive for keyword-rich web copy. But you should keep in mind that the readers-the people you attract to your site-don't care about keyword density; they want quality content.
- Reach Your Reader - How to Make Your Letters a Success
[Business:Marketing-Direct] Letters-and even e-mails-are person-to-person communications; they are usually written by one person and read by one person. They have the power to win you're your reader like no other marketing material can. However, there is no such thing as a routine letter. As soon as you start to regard external correspondence as just a task that needs to get done, your letters may lose their personal touch and competitive edge.
- Four Steps to Ensure Accuracy in Your Written Communications
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Think of written materials like a shop window-the transparency a well-put-together document affords a company is most likely the best advertisement they can get. However, any mistakes that are not caught and get into print or published online reflect badly on not only the writer, but on the entire organization or publication as well. When a document has inaccuracies, readers tend to distrust everything, including the statistics, opinions, and facts.
- Six Tips For Getting More Media Attention With Your Press Releases
[Business:PR] A press release is a great method for informing the public about your business, whether you are just opening, expanding, or have other important news. An effective release will catch the attention of readers and spread the word about your business. As with any other type of business writing, there are certain things you should do and certain things you should avoid when writing your press release to make the best impression and effectively convey your message.
- How to Motivate Your Readers to Work With You
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] When you sit down to write your marketing copy-whether for a web site, article, or report-your ultimate goal is getting your readers to buy your products or services. But you can't just type, "Hire me," and expect people to come calling. You have to convince them that you're better than everyone else and that you can help them solve their biggest problems. You have to persuade them. And you have to motivate them to take action.
- Speakers, Coaches, and Experts - Write to Sell During a Recession
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] Money is tight, but that doesn't mean people don't need you and your solutions. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that the people in your market need the guidance and insight you provide now more than ever. But in a recession, it takes a little more encouragement to get people to help themselves by buying your products and services. In other words, you may need to fine-tune your marketing.
- How to Use Written Reports to Grow Your Business
[Writing-and-Speaking:Copywriting] Giving something away for f-r-e-e is one of the best ways to attract attention. People just can't resist it. And for this reason, giveaway reports are an essential marketing tool for businesses that want to generate prequalified leads online. In other words, if you're trying to build a list of people you can market to by e-mail, you need to write a lead generation special report.
- Start Marketing Your Book Today - Whether You've Finished it Or Not!
[Writing-and-Speaking:Publishing] Although everyone thinks about book marketing AFTER they've published a book, smart authors start before they even go to press. Especially as a first-time author, if you start marketing your book at least six months before it's done, then you can build an audience of readers who are ready to buy as soon as the book becomes available.
- Persuasive Writing - How to Harness the Power of the Story
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Most people love stories for entertainment-we go to the movies to watch stories, we read novels before bed, and we share our own stories with friends. But aside from the entertainment value, storytelling is a powerful marketing and selling technique that you can use for business-related writing projects. And by understanding how stories work, you can engage your readers and teach them with examples that illustrate your ideas.
- How to Grow Your Business by Writing and Publishing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Writing for print and online publication can generate new business leads, drive traffic to your site, build relationships with your clients and prospects, and attract an audience. If you need to grow your business, consider the following ways to get your byline out there.
- How to Design Your Book to Grow Your Business (and Your Income)
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Many savvy business owners know that a book can be the ultimate marketing tool. Writing a book on a topic related to your business establishes expertise, expands your marketing influence, and generates new leads-all while bringing in income from book sales.
- Simple Ways to Improve Your Creative Writing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Creative writing can be a rewarding pastime. Many people turn to the pen to unwind after a stressful day. Some creative pieces can even be sold, turning a pastime into a source of additional income. However, many pieces that get written never see the publisher's desk. Why? Because although creative writing is a hobby for many people, they need to produce professional-level work if they want to get published.
- How to Use Social Media to Market Your Book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Book-Marketing] Social media web sites, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and even MySpace, can be perfect places to market a book. If you are already connected to the online networking and media world, stay there, and start promoting your work. If you are not connected, consider adding a few of the following strategies to your marketing tool kit.
- Multiply Your Speaking and Consulting Income With Content
[Writing-and-Speaking] One of the best ways to multiply your earnings from speaking engagements is to fill the table in the back of the room with books, workbooks, manuals, DVDs, CDs, and other information products. Because after exciting the audience with your speech, many people will want more (and be willing to pay hundreds of dollars for it). So how can you create a catalog of information products fast?
- Five Tips For Writing A Successful E-book
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] People write e-books for many reasons. You may want to market your web site, product, or business through an e-book giveaway. E-books are a great way to share your expertise with prospective clients. Or you may want to write an e-book that you can sell and profit from directly. After all, e-books cost little or nothing to publish and ship-they're almost pure profit for your business. No matter what the reason you need to write an e-book, there are a few things you can do to make sure your e-book is interesting, appeals to your audience, and that you do the best job writing it as possible.
- Entering the Publishing Game - Tips on How Not to Get Scammed
[Writing-and-Speaking:Book-Marketing] Congratulations! You've finished writing your book. Now, it's time to start thinking about how to get that manuscript published. The publishing industry grows every day, and authors have numerous options for getting their book into print. However, not all publishing companies are created equal.
- Developing Your Bestselling Book Idea
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Everyone has at least one book in them-I firmly believe that. But bookstore shelves are packed with titles, all competing for readers' attention. So how can you tell if your book idea is ready for the competitive publishing business?
- How to Reach Your Audience through Words
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] As a writer, the most important person in your work life is your readers-the people who pick up your book, buy it, and take the time to read it; the people who see your article and contact you for more information; and the people who go to your web site and decide to buy your product or service. Your readers are your audience, the people you are trying to reach and persuade. Therefore, you should always keep your readers in mind as you write.
- Seven Ways to Add Value to Your Book or Ebook
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] When you're working on a book or ebook-any writing project you intend to sell-the question, "Will people actually want to buy this?" inevitably comes up. Although in most cases this is your inner critic trying to sideswipe your creative efforts, the question is valid. Will people actually see the value in the information you're providing? Will they want to spend their money on your book?
- The Finishing Touch - How to Craft Titles That Sell
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] When you're perusing the shelves at your local bookstore, what's the first thing you notice about almost every book you pick up? The title! Titles are important because they attract attention, and some book biz experts even believe that a title can make or break a book.
- 5 Simple Self-editing Tips to Clean Up Your Prose
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Okay, you're finished with your first draft. Congratulations-that in itself is a big accomplishment. However, don't celebrate for too long because all first drafts need a good clean-up before they're ready for the reading world.
- The Easy Formula for Article Success
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing-Articles] Writing and publishing articles, both online and in print, is an excellent way to build a buzz around your book, business, and/or web site. People will see a sample of your writing, your expertise, and the solutions you can offer. And articles tend to end up in a variety of places and reach a broad audience of people who may never have heard of you otherwise.
- Researching Your Memoir - How to Mine the Material of Your Life
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Life is the raw material from which all writers work. Personal experiences and relationships with people often stir the urge to create and inspire the stories we put on the page. If you're working on a memoir, or a story based on your life, the strategies in this article will not only help shape your story, but also give it depth and dimension beyond what you can remember.
- See Your Book Through to 'The End'
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] How long have you been working on your book? A year or better? If you've been working on your book-or rather, not working on it-for a long time, these strategies will help you rebuild the momentum and excitement you had at the start of the project
- Five Ways to Make Your Press Releases More Successful
[Business:PR] Media mentions are like free advertising for your business. When you use these five strategies for creating your press releases, your media savvy will shine.
- Writer's Block Doesn't Exist!
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Ever sit in front of a blank word processing document, cursor blinking on the screen, mind searching for what to do next? If so, you're not alone. Every writer struggles with where to start, how to keep motivated, and where to go next with their work. But you don't have to let writer's block control your writing success -- these strategies will show you how.
- How to Create an Email Newsletter that Hooks Clients
[Internet-and-Businesses-Online:Email-Marketing] Email newsletters are one of the best ways to offer advice, highlight special offers, and reveal new services you bring to your business. If you want your business to reap the benefits of publishing an email newsletter, consider these tips for creating something that your clients actually want to read.
- Connect to Your Customers with Superb Sales Letters
[Business:Marketing] Keep your direct mail pieces out of the junk pile by using these strategies for getting your readers' attention and keeping it.
- Five EASY Ways to Improve Your Business Writing
[Writing-and-Speaking:Writing] Have you ever wondered why some people can make millions writing books, and others (maybe you) can't even complete a simple business letter worth reading? As a busy professional, you’re probably more interested in finishing that letter than reaching the best sellers list. But that doesn't mean you can't improve by using these five easy methods.
|
|
|
