General Advice

The ladies at the Renegade Writer give some thought to the importance (or not) of the signature line on an email. Me, I like just the facts, ma’am. I think it’s nice when people find, say, an inspirational quote that they love, but it’s practically invisible to me (unless I get confused and think it’s some sort of postscript and I wonder, Wait, why is she talking to me about Anais Nin?. Having an unprofessional signature can also turn off an editor. But a funny one might make them laugh and like you. Read more about choosing one here.

The latest topics being talked about on the mb boards. You might be able to help, or, get your question answered:
Food writers/editors: how do you not gain weight?
Hello, can anyone recommend a reputable career counselor in Manhattan? I am seeking a career change from ad sales into SOMETHING ELSE, I do not know what. I guess you could say that I’m at mid-career level. I also can’t go TOO expensive, so someone under $100 per session would be best.
How do you self-edit?
Whatever my word count, I always seem to go over and then agonize over what to cut out and what to leave in. I feel like whatever I cut out, it will ruin the flow of the feature. Any tips on how not to do it in the first place and how to cut a feature, when you’re already over?!
I’ve completed a young adult mystery and have sent either query letters or sample chapters with outline to about 30 literary agents who represent YA authors. I’ve gotten rejections by either email or a standard form letter. Now I’m not sure whether I should shelve the project and move forward, send out more queries to agents, send it to publishers, self-publish it or turn it into a screenplay. I’d love some advice from people who have gone through the same process.

When an editor or publisher posts a call for writers online, it’s almost a given that they’ll be swamped with submissions. We writers are always looking for work, and a “writers wanted” posting sends most of us into a drooling tizzy. So, when responding to these ads, you know the odds are stacked against you– the competition is going to be fierce. However, there are ways to stand out in the crowd.

Absolute Write’s Jenna Glatzer shares those ways here.

Being a stay-at-home freelancer and mom sounds great to me. But then again I don’t have kids, I’m not married and I have a day job. SO, it’s possible that it’s more difficult than I imagine it is. For those of you who suffer the stress of balancing both jobs, Christina Katz at Writer’s Digest has some advice.

…is now available online, for members and nonmembers (PDF). Pick up a few tips on humor writing, literary agents and mo’.

I am using Scott H. Young’s blog post to address the fact that I am having a hard time finding good stuff for my readers today. I don’t know if it’s me, or the Inter-Web being lame, or a combination of the two. So maybe this will help:

1) How much action have I been taking?

The same as usual. Maybe not as much as I could be: I’ve been relying too much on finding good links today instead of coming up with original post content.

2) What assumptions do I have?

I get it. I shouldn’t assume that the universe will provide me with useful content. Point taken.

3) How much have I been experimenting?

Admittedly, not that much. Although this post itself is kind of an experiment. Although some could just call it a gimmick.

4) Do I have the proper attitude?

Today? Absolutely not.

5) Have I gathered outside experience on this matter?

Yes, but it’s frustrating because usually I can power through blogger’s block.

6) Have I looked at the problem through multiple perspectives?

No. I guess that could help.
7) How long have I been working at this?
Off and on, all day although things got more dire around 1 PM.
I think point being is that tomorrow I will a.) get to bed before 2 AM and b.) take the bull by the horns so I at least have feelers out that will bring in good posts down the line and feel better that I’m not just sitting here wishing it was bedtime already.
Perhaps answering these questions will help you solve whatever problem you’re facing.

It’s Monday, it’s the holiday season, and if you’re like me you’re feeling very fat and sleepy. IE you’re not in the mood to get anything done. If you’re sitting at your desk, letting your eyes go unfocussed rather than actually accomplishing anything, this article at Brazen Careerist on time management might help you at least get your ball rolling. I found it via Lifehacker, where the readers weigh in with additional input on what works for them.

Questions being asked, answers being provided. You might have one of your own queries being answered this very moment!
How can a writer find an artist for a comic book collaboration?
I’m writing a book. What’s the difference between a prologue, a foreword, an introduction, and a preface?
How do you learn to write quickly? I have a good number of 5-15 page papers due in the next couple of days and they’re killing me.
Do you have any recommendations for solid creative non-fiction magazine columns or the like?
Looking for inspiration in two kinds of books. Perhaps you’ve got some recommendations? 1) Novels with very short “chapters” or fragments or pieces, that combine to make a whole; 2) Books boldly written, whether that be a writer being bold with timelines, punctuation, language, etc.
The cat’s out of the bag: I told an (non-supervisor) acquaintance at work about my (before now) secret blog. What do I need to do to not get fired?
I’m 23 and working as a sales assistant/helpdesk support/office admin/web designer/receptionist in my hometown. How do I go about getting a paying job as a writer, without formal qualifications?

An interesting question submitted to Since You Asked at Salon:

I’m a journalism grad student at a pretty good j-school, but I feel more and more like I’ve made a huge mistake.
The thing is, I’m shy. Or rather, I’m deeply afraid of people — of talking to them, of asking them nosy questions about their lives. Left to my own devices, I’d stay in my room, do nothing and never go out.
When I decided to try a journalism career, I thought it would be a good antidote to these sorts of tendencies. And sometimes it is. On good days, it’s pretty exhilarating to be able to learn about all different kinds of things. I feel like a member of the human race, engaged and even a little powerful.
But on the bad days — generally the days that involve any sort of uncomfortable questions, or even worse when I have to ask uncomfortable questions of a source I’ve come to like — I just wish I could disappear, die, erase myself. And I’m nauseated by the thought that my work will appear under my name — that everyone will know I’m responsible for this crap, that they will tear me to shreds for my ignorance, my biases, my moronic misinterpretations of their lives.

Just a few days ago a journalism friend and I were discussing how we love writing but hate calling up complete strangers to ask them probing questions about their lives. And how we dont see what’s wrong with that. Does Cary Tennis agree? Read on (you may have to sit through an ad). via Romenesko.

37 Signals has an interesting blog post on how best to elegantly handle a crisis when other people are depending on you. You may not run a web-based business but the lesson proves that whether you’re dealing with editors, publishers, agents, what have you, explaining any setbacks that may affect others as they happen instead of trying to cover things up will help mitigate negative outcomes. I know from a few bad experiences on the other end–if somebody doesn’t have what I ordered, or doesn’t have time to get back to me, getting a notice up front, having a status report always mollifies me. Nobody likes being left in the dark.