The Web is built on words. For savvy writers, that means opportunities. Leading copywriter and writing teacher Angela Booth has just created her top ten tips to help writers to make money in 2010.

Angela writes several popular blogs, and offers a free weekly writing tips ezine for professional writers. She believes that there’s never been a better time to develop a high-powered freelance writing career.

“Oddly enough, the economic downturn has been good for writers. As businesses strive to cut costs, they move their marketing online, and they also ramp up their ecommerce efforts. This means there are many more opportunities for writers, particularly in writing Web content, and in blogging,” explains Booth.

The best writing jobs with great rates are never advertised. Unfortunately, she says, many writers both new and established, find the Web intimidating. She receives questions every day from writers asking her how to find writing jobs online which pay well, and how to make money online.

She says she created her Top Ten Writing Tips for 2010 to help writers to plan now for their best-ever year. She encourages writers to be both productive, and professional, because they’ll be amply rewarded.

In 2010, she encourages writers to set production goals, as well as marketing goals, and to ensure that they have a Terms of Service Agreement which they send to prospective clients. She reports that few writers understand that it’s necessary to set their own terms of service, as well as their rates, and that clients appreciate transparency.

She says that writers always want to know what they should be charging, but in a free market, it’s up to writers to set their own rates.

“There are no standard rates,” she reports. “New writers often get upset at what they perceive as low rates, but they’re not experienced enough to realize that the best writing jobs with great rates are never advertised. They go to known writers who have contacts, and who market. Becoming a known writer isn’t difficult. Writers who make getting known a top priority in 2010 will succeed far beyond their expectations.”

For further information on Angela Booth’s Fab Freelance Writing Ezine, and to subscribe, visit http://www.freelancewritingezine.com/. A sample issue is available. To download the free ebook, visit http://www.freelancewritingezine.com/2010tips.html.

I began my illustrious freelance career with visions of tweed coats, elbow patches, cigars, and pensive photos. My mind’s eye saw a cluttered office, checks strewn across my desk, and waking to one illuminating thought after another.

I believed I’d tap at the keyboard, mail queries, read my articles on glossy paper, and assignments would flow like water.

Small problem with that scenario. Tweed coats don’t look good on me. I don’t smoke, never have. And I usually wind up looking goofy in photos, no matter how hard I try to strike a pensive pose.

Ah, but my desk is cluttered. I do occasionally find a stray check in amongst the mounds of papers. But illuminating thoughts? Bah.

There’s a fundamental problem with my original scenario: my freelancing model missed a crucial element necessary for financial success.

For example, the cash I expected to earn from writing articles just didn’t add up to the numbers I hoped they would. Seriously. Spending weeks writing, rewriting, and finally submitting an article, only to reap a whopping 25 bucks just didn’t pay the bills.

Then I decided to write books. Unfortunately the small royalties barely covered my promo expenses. It’s exciting to sell books, but we needed some large volume sales to make this endeavor financially worthwhile.

How ’bout publishing? Again, after wholesaler discounts, distributor expenses, author royalties, and postage, we’re talking some pretty slim profits. And again, we’re talking volume sales to lower expenses and prop profits.

But then something magical happened. I discovered the wacky world of copywriting.

In case you’re unfamiliar with copywriting, a copywriter is a master persuader. They write ads, direct mail, sales letters, and such.

And (little did I know) proficient copywriters earn a lot. World Class Copywriters earn astronomical fees.

Copywriting isn’t difficult. But there are definite tricks to the trade. And you can cut your learning curve by years if you receive proper training.

But here’s where things really get cool.

Turns out these new persuasive skills made it far easier to write awesome queries. Boom. Article sales jumped.

Next, I revised the sales copy for my books. Boom. Another jump in sales.

I applied “copywriting language” to everything I wrote and kaboom… even more sales, more exposure, new readers found me.

And I haven’t even gotten into copywriting as a business: writing for clients turned out to be quite lucrative as well.

Now, I love to write. It’s my passion. There’s nothing like receiving a complementary e-mail outlining how something I’ve written has made someone else’s life easier, gave them hope, helped guide them through this wacky profession.

On the other hand, I hate marketing. It sucks. One rejection and I’m down for the count. At least for a while.

But by combining my writing skills with copywriting psychology, my self-promo time is automatically sliced in at least half because I’ve learned stealth persuasion to draw clients my way.

So now, clients (and publishers and editors) are attracted to me rather than my gunning after their very fractured attention.

So… where does the “farming” come in?

Simple. Rather than concentrate on one aspect of your writing career, think like a farmer. Plant many seeds and watch them grow at different rates.

Instead of becoming an article writer extraordinaire, write articles when the spirit moves you. Submit them when they’re polished. Start writing the novel that’s burning your heart. Eventually publish it. Research a nonfiction title. Write ad copy.

You can even take this further. I speak to the local high school. Elementary schools, too. How ’bout local organizations and the Chamber of Commerce? Once a businessperson sees you in action, they’ll be hooked.

Just keep planting seeds (remember, you’re a “farmer”) and before you know it, you’ve got more paying clients than you know what to do with.

But copywriting’s the linchpin that binds all these endeavors.

That’s because effective persuaders control their destiny… and their income.

So here’s to effective “farming” and inevitable success.

About the Author:
Beth Ann Erickson is the queen bee of Filbert Publishing and editor of Writing Etc., the free zine that’ll make your writing sparkle, help you create a profitable writing career, and get you on the road to publication fast. You’ll receive the e-booklet, “Power Queries” when you subscribe today. http://FilbertPublishing.com.

One of the biggest questions new freelance copywriters have is, “How do you get that first client when everyone wants to see a “portfolio” of your stuff and a list of people who will vouch for you?”

Well, besides trying some of the more “mainstream” ways — such as using auction-type services, sending offers around your home town, networking, etc — there is a little-known way to get started few people know about…or are willing to do.

And even though it takes a lot of guts and confidence in your abilities — and will stretch you way out of your “comfort zone” — it’ll improve your skills by leaps and bounds…and spare you the inconvenience and hassle of licking anyone’s boots to get those first few assignments.

Listen to this:
The way I got started — and you can do the same thing today — was joining an email group full of entrepreneurs and business owners.

These groups (which you can find ALL over the Web) are one of the best kept secrets on the Internet. Especially if you’re just starting out, looking for that first gig to “jump start” your career.

Here’s why: The one I joined was nothing more than a big email forum, where you’re encouraged to introduce yourself, tell everyone what you do…and even submit an offer to the entire list.

True, you could do this at any online forum, especially if they have a section for joint ventures and special offers. The only problem is…the majority of people reading those sections are submitting offers, not necessarily looking for offers.

But with an online group everyone on the list gets emailed your offer…and thus, sees it. And since they only send out about 4 or 5 offers and introductions at a time, there’s a good chance most people will see your offer.

Obviously, for someone just starting out as a copywriter, wanting to get their “feet wet”, it serves as an invaluable tool.

Now, here’s I used it to get started:
When I introduced myself, I included an offer to write copy in exchange for 5% of the gross sales. No upfront fees, no binding contracts and no strings attached. I was basically writing for “free” in a sense.

Did it work?

Well, let’s put it this way:
That very same day alone…I got over a dozen responses. And in the end, I managed to get 4 or 5 quality jobs out of the deal…gain a ton of “real world” experience…build a decent portfolio…and learn an awful lot about the business side of copywriting (i.e. dealing with clients).

And you know what?
You can do the exact same thing. Plus, if you deal with the right people…and work hard enough…you could very well end up collecting a few checks along the way.

About the Author:
Ben Settle is a direct response copywriter and author of “The Copywriting Grab Bag” and “Crackerjack Selling Secrets“. Although Ben almost never accepts clients anymore, he freely and generously shares his experiences and ideas at his website.

For more freelance copywriting secrets like this, check out the bonus CD that comes with “The Copywriting Grab Bag” at: http://copywritinggrabbag.com.

Advertising copywriters write the ads that millions of people watch, read, or listen to every day. Their words move people, and sell billions of dollars worth of products every year.

As an advertising copywriter you will have a job that is creative, stimulating, often glamorous, and generally just a lot of fun every day of the week. One day you could be flying across the country to shoot a national TV spot with a celebrity. A week later you could be conjuring up the name of a new breakfast cereal.

Are you cut out for copywriting?

• You love all kinds of media – movies, music, books, TV, the web, etc. (You’d watch the Super Bowl just for the commercials.)
• You have a great sense of humor.
• You have a unique ability to understand human nature and what makes people tick.
• You’re creative. When faced with a problem, you can come up with ways to solve it.
• You’re open-minded.
• You have a way with words, and your words can move people to action.

The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to become an advertising copywriter, including:

Getting Ready
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a degree to become a copywriter. This section of the guide explains how you can quickly get the insider knowledge of advertising that will give you a huge advantage in this competitive job market.

• Ways to learn advertising copywriting, including:
• Other skills employers are looking for and how you can develop them
• Understanding who’s who at an advertising agency
• The best resources (including many free online resources) for keeping up with advertising industry news
• How to quickly get practical experience through internships and volunteering
• How to prepare your portfolio (also known as your “book”) – a collection of sample ads you have created to show prospective employers

Getting Hired
Agencies are constantly bombarded with phone calls, portfolios, and e-mails from hopeful candidates trying to get their foot in the door. This section of the guide can help you effectively get past that front door.

• Different types of ad agencies, including which type is easiest to break into and get hired for an entry-level copywriting job
• Where to find job openings and employer contact information, including:
• Information on dozens of advertising agencies throughout the United States and Canada
• Insider opinions of the “best” advertising agencies to work for
• Tips on writing your resume and cover letter
• How to ace your interview
• Tips on negotiating your salary (includes typical salaries and benefits)
• How to get your foot in the door through other ad agency jobs or freelancing

PLUS, you will discover:

• An overview of advertising industry jargon so you can talk like an insider with prospective employers
• Opportunities to get an advertising job overseas
• How to be successful on the job once you’re hired, including:
• Valuable resources that some people take years to discover (including the best professional associations, publications, etc.)

As an advertising copywriter you will have a high paying job that lets you see the results of your creativity – on television, in magazines, on billboards, and elsewhere. Plus your workplace will likely be filled with perks most people can only dream about (loft offices, in-house coffee bars, free samples of the products you’re selling, and much more).

If this sounds like the career of your dreams, the Guide to Become an Advertising Copywriter is for you! In this e-book you will discover how you can get started and succeed in the exciting advertising industry.

The guide’s author is award winning copywriter Brooke J. Claussen. Brooke has worked for agencies in the U.S. and abroad for nearly 20 years, from small creative shops to worldwide mega-agencies such as J. Walter Thompson and OgilvyOne.

If you’re not familiar with the term copywriting, it refers to the words you use to create your various sales messages and promotional tools. Copywriting can be used on everything from your business cards to flyers to brochures to websites.

The problem is, many business owners don’t understand the power copywriting can have in generating more sales. They throw together a business card or website and then wonder why nobody follows up with them. Effective copywriting urges your potential customers to take action on your sales messages. If you use well-crafted copy in your business, you’re likely going to be ahead of much of your competition.

Here Are Some Starter Copywriting Tips:

• Understand your target market – The more deeply you understand who you are writing to, the more effective your copy will be.
• Understand your product – Understand what is unique about your product and why it would appeal to your target market.
• Focus on benefits – The features of your product are important, but it’s the benefits that will sell your products. For example, you may sell an aromatherapy candle in a particular scent and that scent is known to reduce stress. The scent is the feature and the benefit is stress-reduction. People want to know the scent, but they really want to know what they’re going to get out of using the candle.
• Use simple language – Avoid using big words or long, complicated sentences and paragraphs. Respect the fact that the average person’s reading level is likely lower than yours and make it easy for them to get your message.
• Focus on your reader – When we write about our business or products, we tend to focus on ourselves. Instead of using a lot of “we” statements, turn it around and speak to your audience. For example: Instead of saying, “We value customer service,” say, “Your customersatisfaction is guaranteed.”
• Prove your claims – Back up claims with real and detailed testimonials, research facts, etc. The more believable your copy is, the more likely you are to clinch the sale.