Moving is one of life’s biggest stressors. You have to find a reputable moving company, secure high-quality moving boxes so your valuables do not fall out of the bottom, and finally, you have to actually move. By the time you are done with this little checklist, all you want to do is kick your feet up and relax. But wait, there is one more important task to check off your list, and that is sending out moving announcements. Now, I know it can be easy to let this one slide. What is the point?

But, that is exactly the issue. We must stay in contact with our former work colleagues, our old neighbors, and our 2nd cousin on our mom’s side. You never know when or why they might need to reach us, but whatever the reason, take the time to send out moving announcements so all your old friends and family can keep in contact at a moment’s notice.

Creating the List

• When compiling a list of names for your moving announcements, start with your phone book.
• Go through your list and note family, former colleagues, college and school friends, and neighbors. Think about your current colleagues and which ones you should stay in contact with.
• Don’t be selective; you never know when you might need a personal or business reference or word-of-mouth job referral.
• Take into account your professional organizations and affiliations and put them on your list. Groups, such as the Boy Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce and other non-profit organizations like to keep abreast of current and past members.
• Include your CPA, personal banker, dentist, and doctor on your moving announcement list. At times, bills might need to be forwarded, or better yet, refunds might need to be issued and having a current address will expedite matters.

Making an Impression

• You can look online or visit your local stationary store or office center for companies who specialize in pre-printed and custom moving announcements.
• If your budget allows, choose a good quality paper with raised lettering and matching envelopes. It is a good idea to order new address labels at the same time and the good news is you can use them for your return address. Don’t forget to include your new home phone number, cellular number, and email address.
• If you are mailing a large batch of envelopes, check with the post office to see if you qualify for bulk rate or try metered mail, which can save you money on postage costs.
• If funds are tight after the move or you are just looking to save money, pre-printed moving announcements are an affordable option. Simply fill-in your information and pop them into the mailbox.

Keeping in contact in this fast-paced life is more important than ever. Take the time to send out moving announcements and you might be surprised by the rewards you reap.

If you’re writing an academic paper, you can use whatever you find on the Internet, right?

If you’re composing a blog entry, you can just copy and paste from other people’s work, right?

If you’re writing an article for an online publication, you can take another article and just rearrange the words and call it yours, right?

The answers to those questions would be wrong, wrong again, and seriously, no.

Plagiarism is a serious charge that no one wants to be on the receiving end with a “guilty as charged” conclusion. But, sometimes, even the best-intentioned writer can be tripped up in the brave new world that is the modern Information Age. Terms like “fair use,” “public domain,” and “common knowledge” can be complicated and confusing, making it even more difficult to figure out what plagiarism is and isn’t.

So, what exactly is plagiarism? Dictionary.com defines “plagiarism” as: “The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work, as by not crediting the author.” Essentially, you are laying claim to some words and ideas that are not your own. Hence, that is why the aforementioned definition comes with an author’s name (Dictionary.com) and quote marks.

These words and ideas are known as intellectual property. However, intellectual property isn’t limited to the written word. The World Intellectual Property Organization defines intellectual property as any creations of the mind including, “inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.” While some may not place value on something that seems difficult to quantify (case in point, someone might pay $4 for 400 words while another person may place a higher value and pay a writer $40 for 400 words, but I digress….).

An easy way to avoid plagiarism – besides never, ever copying and pasting anything – is to cite your sources. While the exact method of citing varies, depending on the style of writing you’re doing – for instance, academic versus non-academic writing – the gist is that you need to let readers know where you got your information. List the author’s name and the name of the work you are referencing, and attribute the website/webpage URL, if applicable. If you are quoting a person or a work, be sure to put that quote in quotation marks and let the reader know where the quote is coming from or who is giving it.

There are some instances where an author can legally borrow from someone else’s original work. Fair use is one of those instances. While fair use laws are still hotly debated in US courts, fair use is generally acceptable in cases of either parody or in criticism and commentary. Stanford University Libraries Copyright & Fair Use webpage discusses examples. For instance, journalists may use a few quotes from a book or a song when reviewing that particular book or song. Teachers may use excerpts from news articles as part of a lesson. Medical journals may be quoted in news reports about a related medical condition.

Another instance of being able to borrow is from works in the public domain. If something is in the public domain, it means the copyright has expired. However, even if a work is in the public domain, it’s still a good idea to attribute your source.

Finally, there’s a misconception that facts cannot be plagiarized. Actually, some facts can while others cannot. Facts that are considered common knowledge are not protected by copyright laws and cannot be plagiarized. For example, since everyone knows the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, that piece of information is common knowledge. You are free to include common knowledge in your work without citing a source or worrying about plagiarism. However, facts that have been determined through unique research are considered to be original, and as such can be copyrighted and must be properly cited.

Unfortunately, even if you’ve done your best to cite your sources and come up with original material, accidental plagiarism can and frequently does occur. How do you avoid it? There are many free websites that check documents for plagiarism. The following list is by no means comprehensive, but these are a good place to start:

• Plagium.com
• WriteCheck.com
• ArticleChecker.com
• DupliChecker.com

Before turning in or posting any written work, be sure to run it through a plagiarism checker. The short amount of time it takes is well worth the peace of mind of knowing you’re turning in an original piece of work. For writers like myself and the others who work with me, writing projects are our livelihood and it’s one that we don’t want to compromise. It’s just not worth it and it’s just plain unethical.

Can you remember the last time you actually set foot in a library? Yeah, me either. With the wealth of information available on the Internet, it’s possible to find research materials on just about anything. Whether you’re doing academic or content writing, it’s all there if you know where to look.

Google Books and Google Scholar

Google Books works with authors, publishers, copyright holders and libraries to bring users a searchable resource of everything from snippets to the complete works across a wide range of books. Each book has a correlating reference page with relevant information, such as reviews, links, maps and more. Print books can be purchased or even borrowed, and e-book editions are available for purchase through the Google eBookstore.

Google Scholar is a comprehensive search engine for “scholarly literature” with interdisciplinary sources available from a wide selection of academic documents. Google Scholar also allows users to locate a complete copy of the resources needed on the web or through the user’s library.

YouTube

Not just for music videos and home movies, YouTube is a rich source for research material. YouTubeEDU is home to a comprehensive selection of videos and lectures from world-renowned and highly esteemed instructors and universities. YouTube is also home to channels, such as the ResearchChannel, which features hundreds of videos on a variety of academic and scholarly subjects.

The Invisible Web

You don’t need special glasses or get a magic spell from Hogwart’s to access the Invisible Web. The Invisible Web is simply the online information search engines don’t have access to. According to About.com, the Invisible Web is about 500 times bigger than the searchable Web. How big is that? Imagine the earth’s layers. The searchable Web would just be the earth’s crust while the Invisible Web would be more like the earth’s mantle.

What type of information is available? Most of the information contained in the Invisible Web is academic. There are various portals of access through sites, such as the Virtual Library, CompletePlanet, and the SJSU Academic Gateway. However, these are just a few examples of the numerous resources available.

Use Your Noodle

Websites, such as NoodleTools, not only offer resources, but it also connects you to extremely useful tools to help track down those resources. On NoodleTools, users can search by topic, type of information desired, and even by experience level. Tools, such as NoodleQuest, also make searching even easier by asking a series of multiple choice questions before customizing the search results to match your research need.

Research Help is Here
If you are still completely lost, there are writers like me have the years of experience to gather research material and even compile it for you, saving time and potential headaches for you. Just contact me now to find out how easy it is to work with your own personal researcher.

One of the more rewarding aspects of being a freelance writer is the opportunity to help small businesses. I recently took on a new small business client, Aqueous Pools Inc., a company specializing in custom in-ground swimming pool installation, as well as repairs, renovations and cleaning services. Aqueous Pools Inc. serves the greater Antelope Valley area and also offers a wide range of backyard landscape and entertainment options including spas, fountains, barbecues, gazebos and patio covers.

There are several ways in which a writer can help a small business like Aqueous Pools. Working with a freelance writer instead of a big marketing firm is much more cost effective, and allows for a personal touch.

I’ll be working closely with Aqueous Pools, providing a range of customized copywriting services, including web content, blog posts, and a social media platform with regular updates to its Facebook fan page. Each of these services is an integral part of a successful Internet marketing strategy for businesses both big and small.

• Web Content – In today’s competitive market, a website for any business is a must. However, in order for that website to be effective it must have creative, quality content and effective SEO (search engine optimization). Potential clients must be able to find a business online and receive relevant content once they are at that business’s website. A friendly, engaging website will bring clients in and keep them coming back. Visitors to the Aqueous Pools website will be able to view a catalog of available products and services with clear and detailed descriptions, as well as contact the owner for pricing information and appointments.
• Blogs – Frequent blog posts are a great way to keep content new and fresh, and to provide clients with meaningful, useful information. Not only can a blog post tell clients about an upcoming event or promotion, but a well-crafted blog can convey actionable information such as tips or ideas on how best to use or maintain a given product. The Aqueous Pools blog will feature topics such as landscaping ideas, and how to choose the pool or spa that’s right for you.
• Social Media – A presence in social media outlets, such as Facebook or Twitter, is essential. Word of mouth and grass roots marketing is one of the most effective and powerful tools at the disposal of a successful business. It’s crucial to have frequent, engaging content to keep potential clients checking in and spreading the word. Watch this space!

You’ve decided to hire a writer for your next project. Fantastic! But now you’re faced with the potentially daunting task of determining your budget allowance for that project and finding a writer to work within that budget. If you’ve never worked with a writer before, you might not know what to expect or how projects are priced. Keeping a few key points in mind, you can easily create a win-win relationship in which both you and your writer are satisfied.

As a client approaching a writer about a project, naturally the cost of the project is going to be a major consideration. There are several aspects of a project that contribute to the overall cost.
• Project length. Do you need a 30-word product description, 400-word blog, or 1,000- word essay? Shorter projects are commonly priced by the word. The longer the piece, the higher the cost.
• Frequency. If you plan on a higher volume of work, such as ongoing weekly blogs or monthly articles, it is fair to think that a frequency discount applies. After all, a writer likes the idea of guaranteed work they can count on month in and month out.
• Project type. The time and effort required to write a short blurb differs greatly from that needed to write a 70,000 word novel. Depending on the subject matter, extensive research may be involved, requiring even more of an investment of the writer’s time and energy. While not directly part of the project’s word count, this time and effort does increase a project’s cost.
• Deadline. How long does the writer have to finish the project? Rush jobs and fast turnaround times will almost always come with a higher price tag. When you are asking to step to the front of the queue, think of it like the incentive you give the club doorman or the restaurant host.
• Revisions. Depending on the agreement you have with your writer, revisions may or may not be included in the original price of the project. Some projects – such as academic writing or ghost written novels – require multiple revisions while many other types of projects generally do not. It’s important to discuss with your writer ahead of time if revisions will be expected and, if so, how they will be priced in relation to the rest of the project. Very often, one to two rounds of revisions can be negotiated as part of the price.

While seeking out potential writers, you may have noticed some writers seem to offer their services for a song while others are asking for the entire double album. You may wonder if it wouldn’t be more cost effective to simply hire the least expensive writer to save some money on your project. While it may be tempting to try to cut corners, especially when budgets are tight, writing is truly an instance where you get what you pay for. What might that be?

• Time. “Time is money,” the saying goes, and this is true for writers as well. A writer is investing time in your project, and that time is valuable.
• Expertise and experience. A seasoned professional writer has the background, education and know-how to produce the quality writing you need. This is a honed, specialized skill not everyone has in their toolbox. Writers are providing a valuable service worth your investment. Sure, someone can say they have been doing something for 20 years and that may not necessarily count but it does hold some merit in terms of honing one’s craft.
• A personal touch. When you approach a writer about a project, that writer is taking time either on the phone or in person to work with you and make sure you get exactly what you need. This may include multiple conversations, research, interviews, and more. All that is part of the process of producing the best, highest quality work possible. Although brief phone calls can be part of the package, expecting numerous long conference calls often push the writer to bill separately for that time.

Finally, when contracting with a writer, always get the details of the project and the project’s budget in writing. This will protect both you and your writer and will smooth the way for a successful partnership. While a relationship should not focus on money, it is certainly get those details, including the potential for some payments upfront on large projects or with new clients or the terms of billing periods, out of the way so the focus can be on what brought you together in the first place: the experience of writing and collaboration.

Whether it is academic writing or an article for a magazine, the process of simply creating engaging material can seem difficult enough without the additional stress of what style to use. APA? MLA? WTH??? Not only do you have the topic, but now you have to figure out what style to use and how to use that style correctly. Luckily, determining which style to use is usually fairly simple as this request is often provided upfront. If they do neglect to mention it, most times they are more than happy to tell you if you just ask. However, sometimes it’s not that simple. And, even if you do know which writing style to use, why on earth does it make a difference?

The two major academic writing styles that are most often used are the APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association). There are, of course, numerous other styles like Chicago and Harvard to name a few but those tend to be more niche-specific.

APA
This style is typically used by students in science and research fields as well as in social and behavioral sciences. As stated on the APA’s website, this style has been specifically developed to help “reduce bias in language,” “avoid charges of plagiarism,” and “cite references in text.” The APA style can be used in a variety of forms of academic writing, including term papers, research reports, empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical articles, methodological articles and case studies. Numerous articles and online content companies are now also requesting this style.

MLA
This is a simpler, more concise style generally used at the collegiate level by those studying the humanities (history, literature, philosophy, etc.). It is also the style taught in middle and high school. The MLA style is favored at that level because it provides more detail about the types of media and references middle and high school writers tend to use, such as audiovisual material, cartoons, advertisements and interviews in addition to the usual books and encyclopedias.

Different Styles, One Purpose
There are similarities and differences between the APA and MLA styles, but both styles exist for the same purpose: to standardize writing. Having a standardized format for citing references used in writing makes it much easier for an instructor, a peer reviewer, or article reader to find and check the resources used in a given piece of writing. Without that standardization, verifying those resources would be extremely difficult and time consuming.

It also is a way to ensure that a specific format is provided in terms of the number of spaces between a period and the next sentence, the way numbers are written, and the number of commas used when a series of items are used within a sentence. Different writing channels and mediums require a specific look and feel so it is good to have a working knowledge of these styles to accommodate all clients and writing projects.

If you are having difficulty with the APA or MLA styles, you can visit APAStyle.org or MLA.org/style or download a copy of these guides to your e-reader. You can even take the “old school” approach and buy a book at Amazon.com or through a bookstore. Alternatively, writing partners and writing services that specialize in academic writing and knowledge of these styles can help. There are plenty of resources both online and off (remember your friendly research librarians!) to help make sure you’ve got the “write” style.

A smoothly functioning society is based on clear communication. This clear communication does not simply happen on its own accord; instead, it comes from language. Our language gives us the ability to communicate with nuance, detail, and precision. Consider how often one letter completely changes the meaning of a word: hat or hate, lose or loose, meet or meat. The list is nearly endless.

The proper placement of punctuation has the same effect. For example: “Let’s eat, Grandpa,” has an entirely different connotation than, “Let’s eat Grandpa.” Notice how one comma made all the difference between a harmless statement and something much more sinister. It’s easy to laugh and to brush it off as a silly example but the fact is, punctuation changes meaning and proper punctuation is critical to clear communication.

With the advent of texting and tweeting, more than ever we’re seeing a linguistic shorthand taking over on cell phones and the Internet – and it’s not just teenagers who are using it. Phrases, such as “LOL,” “BRB,” and “OMG,” are commonly used and understood by pretty much anyone who owns a cell phone or a computer. According to CNN Tech, as of February of this year, that’s 90% of Americans.

So, if we’re able to get our point across with abbreviations and shortcuts, what’s wrong with that? Nothing, if it’s in the proper context. Just as you wouldn’t wear pajamas to the office (except those of us who may be lucky to work from home!) or go to the gym in formal wear, you wouldn’t use phrases, such as “C U L8R” on an interoffice memo or “IMHO” in an academic paper. Using this type of communication between friends or within informal settings is fine, but in any professional or academic setting, it’s completely inappropriate.

At every level of our society and with every decision we make, clear communication is essential. Think about your average day. You get up in the morning and check weather and traffic. You rely on clear, precise information in order to decide what clothing is appropriate and what route is best to take to work or school. Of course, if there’s a miscommunication, you’ll maybe be either a bit hot or a bit cold or maybe a bit late to work. Not a big deal, right? What if you’re an emergency room doctor or an air traffic controller? One miscommunication and lives could easily be lost.

Luckily, most of us usually don’t have to worry about life or death situations. But that doesn’t mean proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation can’t have a big impact on our daily lives. Having a good command of our language can determine whether or not we land or even keep a job. In business, proper grammar usage is crucial to projecting an image clients will trust and respect. Would you want to hire a firm whose employees couldn’t put together a clear, well-written proposal? Of course not!

Our language is an amazing thing. Generally you can butcher and mangle it nearly beyond recognition and still get close to what you mean to say. However, if you’re trying to get a point across to someone, is close really good enough?

The freelance writing career path is one fraught with potential scams and dork traps. I am extremely fortunate to have a seasoned professional, Nina Gass, to help light the way and guide me through. Unfortunately, not all would-be freelancers are so blessed. Recently, I sat down for a cup of coffee with Nina, and we chatted about the pitfalls new writers tend to encounter and how to avoid them.

Holly Layman: One of the hardest things for me was figuring out where to start. There are so many sites out there claiming to have work available. It can be overwhelming trying to sift through them all. Are there any specific resources you can suggest to the new freelance writer?

Nina Gass: There are several legitimate websites that offer real jobs. These are good places for a new freelancer to start. WriterAccess.com, Seed.com, DemandStudios.com and Guru.com are all reputable, established companies with solid track records.

HL: I’ve done some jobs through some of those sites and have had good experiences. I signed up for a free membership with Guru.com, but it’s a bid site. I’ve noticed there’s a paid membership available. I thought the general rule in freelancing was never pay to get jobs?

NG: That’s an excellent rule of thumb. Websites wanting you to pay to get work are indeed generally scams. However, the benefits of the paid membership of this particular site are the networking opportunities. I’ve found several paying clients that way with whom I’ve worked with for many years now. Those contacts have led to yet more contacts and to more paying work. However, if you do go the route of a bid for work site, always read the fine print and be sure to familiarize yourself thoroughly with how the site and bidding system operate before jumping in. The reputable websites have safety features that when used properly can help protect you from the occasional unsavory client. Guru.com tends to have one of the highest volumes of work, and it’s up to you to keep putting up bids and proposals to get attention.

HL: Often I’ll see writing jobs available, but the pay is minimal. If a new writer doesn’t have any writing samples, is it worthwhile to take the low paying jobs in order to get experience and clips?

NG: Absolutely not. As writers, we’re providing a valuable service and, as such, our time is valuable. There’s plenty of work out there to be had and accepting jobs that don’t make the time you put into them worthwhile is simply bad business. You’re not going to make money that way and, in the end, you’re only being taken advantage of. If you need a writing sample, write one. Don’t sell yourself short for the sake of a clip. Certainly, have a few samples ready but try to avoid the ones that want a full article or press release in their industry. Most likely, they will take it and run with it and you’ll never hear from them again. They got free work and you are still waiting in front of your computer screen for paying work.

Like most people, writers love validation. It’s extremely gratifying to use creativity to make someone happy. In a nutshell, it’s what writers do. We take what you want to say and say it in a way that best meets your needs. You’re happy, we’re happy. It’s definitely a win-win. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. However, keeping a few simple things in mind you can easily have that satisfying win-win relationship.

The most important step is to know what you want. Are you looking for web content, ad copy, blog entries, tips or press releases? Do you need a script for a speech or talking points? Maybe you’re working on your memoirs and need help sorting out your manuscript. Whatever your needs are, be sure you have a clear idea of what you want so that the writer can deliver.

The next step is to refine your needs. There are several specifics that writers need to know besides the project type:

• Word count and keywords. Knowing the length of a piece is important not only for making the piece fit the project’s needs, but it is also critical for determining cost and budget. In today’s SEO-driven world, keywords are a critical part of any online work and of getting your content seen. Often, you may not know and that’s okay. Writers can happily suggest a ballpark figure on length, and they can even provide some keywords if you need to go in that direction.
• Format and style. Whether it’s a Word document in APA style or an Excel spread sheet with comic sans font, it’s important to know the project’s desired format. Each type of writing has accepted norms and standards, and, depending on the intended audience, adherence to those standards is crucial.
• Audience and tone. Writing for a 40-something business person or for a 12-year-old girl are two very different prospects. Knowing the project’s intended audience helps determine the tone to be used. While academic work is generally quite formal and dry, ad copy or content writing should be engaging and entertaining. Using the appropriate tone for the appropriate audience will go a long way toward getting your message across and making the right type of impact.
• Message and purpose. What is it you’re trying to say and why are you trying to say it? Are you a business reaching out to customers in order to increase sales, or perhaps a non-profit organization looking to recruit volunteers? Knowing exactly what it is you’re trying to convey and why will ensure the writer you’re working with knows too. Again, you may not now and that’s okay. There is nothing like a little brainstorm session with another creative mind to get to the right place.

Most people have a hard time finding the right research for their paper let alone writing it. When you hire a ghostwriter, they can help you with everything from the outline to writing the entire paper for you. Of, if you have already put a lot of work in, they can proofread or edit the paper to help you improve it.

An academic paper all starts with that perfect outline, the thing that seems to be the easiest but takes awhile. A ghostwriter will take your topic and do research on it and follow it up with a model answer that you can use, add to, or create a new paper from.

I’ve been doing academic writing for over five years all through essay services and I’ve worked with some great ones and I’ve run across some horrible ones. It’s often hard to know which service is good for you. A good place to start is a friend who might have used a service and can recommend one. This saves having a bad experience and ruining your grade. If you don’t know anyone that has used an academic writing service, then look around online. There are forums and groups that talk about all the essay services. I know because I went on these to try and figure out who I would like to work for.

The best company I’ve worked for is All Answers (Academic Knowledge, UK Essays, and UK Dissertations are just some of their other companies). They are in the UK but they provide exceptional service and some of the top writers that deliver quality work and high marks. They continually work to improve their technology and service and offer competitive pricing. I also work for University Work and Imperial Essays, two other fine services.

Look out for those writing services that simply sell papers. You want a company that delivers original work rather than just resells the same set of papers. All Answers uses plagiarism checkers to make sure their writers deliver original work. And that’s what you want!