I want to get my writing noticed- where do I start?
344909
Your motivation seems to be fine but what about 'you need to say something to the world' or 'you will never tell the secrets you have been told'. Yes the Internet sites are great for writers. The search-engine creepers can locate the key words and tell the world about your book. Yahoo has a report of how many have looked at your work each week. I finally gave up on my book writing but the effort was worth it. I started changing my book in the core areas. Maybe if I had written faster I would have several books by now. I admire the brains that can write. The world pays well for the best. Good luck!
1130055
You can find freelance writing assignments by going to sites such as Freelance Work Exchange, Guru and similar sites. These sites aren't the ones paying you directly; they are places for you to find people looking for writers. I believe there's a website called Associated Content that does something like this also.\n\nYou can also check out Writer's Market.
118534
Start writing. Post on anything, anywhere. Get published, and then take advantage of that to get bigger deals, bigger paychecks. I started by blogging, then freelancing, and now I make about $100K USD as a copywriter/editor. All from my home.\n\nGood luck!
407017
start a journal, write every day.\n\nlook at college classes, I like MIT open courseware, (see below for the one on writing)
63492
Write your songs, learn about copywriting and contact singers you know.  Start local and small. and work your way to more prominent singers.  You can get noticed if your good.  \n\nthe main point is not give up and keep writing.  All you need is a hit to get noticed.
1094416
Treat it as a business. Get the most recent Writer's Market and figure out what kind of writing you want to specialize in. There are all kinds of markets out there and you really can't chase after every single one. It's far better to be really good in one field than to be marginal in dozens. You can branch out once you have some good experience.
1125358
Yes, I approve of the topic.  Start writing!
533446
I was going to suggest purchasing a book called Writers Market that lists publications- what they look to publish and how to get them published. I noticed though, that they do have a website as well: www.writersmarket.com.  I have used the book several times and because there is so much information it is not always user-friendly, but it will get the job done for you.....
187962
Be creative about it.  A lot of people start by introducing themselves.  I started mine with a quote from a poem.
227123
Tell your friends, work collegues about it. List it on blog directories like Blogarama and Blogwise. Visit other blogs with common themes and interests and post interesting comments there that will motivate them and their readers to check out your blog. Ask questions on Yahoo answers about it directing readers to it like you just did :)
347301
A creative opening is the best way to catch interest in any written work. If you catch someone in teh first sentence, you'll have them for the entire report.  AN interesting line from one of teh Characters in teh book or a quote by teh book's author are good ways to go.  You could also try asking a qeustion in the beginning that you answer throughout the report.
83951
write big and put detail in everything you write just make sure you put every thing in it that you are suposed to, it is possible just suck it up and get it done
303964
Write in complete sentences , and whole paragraphs with correct punctuation and spelling. Study the writings of authors you admire, determine what you like about the structure(grammar and syntax) of their sentences and paragraphs and imitate them.\n\nStudy the dictionary everyday, learning and using new words to express your ideas. Words have multiple meanings and uses and learning this will help you select the ones that fit your frame of mind and purpose. Don't be afraid to use a good encyclopedia. Good writers are usually well-informed and good learners.\n\nDiscuss your writing with someone who likes to write, possibly a teacher-mentor-critic. Accept criticism and suggestions at first even if you later conclude your ways are preferable.\n\nWrite , write, and write until it is as comfortable as communicating by speech. \n\nPlay with expressing your thoughts in different words in different sentences and enjoy the freedom to write out what is on your mind limited only by your ingenuity and determination.\n\nThanks for the question, answering it helped me to organize my own rules for improving my writing skills.
257395
A good answer depends on what sort of writing you want to do.\n\nA great place to hang out and get help from successful writers is http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl\n\nThe group is generous and supportive. Newcomers are particularly welcome.
212181
If you want to be a freelance writer:\n\nAny publisher will accept a great article--if it's well written, targeted at their audience, and the type of writing they publish.\n\n#1 Call and find out what types of articles they look for from freelance writers. Most publications are in desperate need of *something*. \n\n#2 You won't be paid up front. But, once you know what they want, come up with a few story ideas geared toward the publication.\n\n#3 Call back and run the ideas by the editor.\n\n#5 Write and submit the one he seems most interested in, close to the word count he says. \n\n#6 If it isn't accepted, call back to ask for feedback why.\n\n#7 Edit your story until he likes it. And pays you for it. All publications have a per-word rate for writing.\n\nOnce you get a few pieces published--even 100 word details-only pieces, you will be considered dependable enough to be given "assignments" and you will have a "track record" for larger publications.\n\nAnd don't let an editor's constructive criticisms deter you either. They would love to find and encourage a great writer. Most people just don't follow through after not getting an immediate "assignment."\n\nAnd:\nGive them an intreguing title suggestion (A billion creative titles each year can get difficult for them to come up with)\nDon't write in first person (Don't say: "I went in..." Say, "When you enter the bordello..." ;-) \nUse an active voice (Don't say "As she was walking..." Say "As she walked.")\nAnd never EVER wake up from a dream at the end of your story.\n;-)
501044
Cafepress is really good for those beginner and expert writers. You can just simply take a demo. Like the one on lulu. I recommend lulu! Its soo helpful. A little confusing at times but was sure to help you out. When you get to lulu you can just take a demo that shows step by step what to do and click on lulu that will show you where to go.\nIts very helpful.
117473
Practice, practice, practice!  \n\nWhen you're writing a paper, have some of your classmates and/or professors read over it and give you feedback.  Make changes according to their feedback as you see fit.  Eventually you'll start to see the corrections without someone else telling you what to change.  I think you'll find that process will improve your writing skills a lot.\n\nRead scientific papers (in peer-reviewed journals).  As you read more of it you'll get a better feel for it, and your writing will start to sound more like the published papers.