The Zen of Writing an Effective Query Letter

Categories: BlogTags: editor, query letter, writer, writer tipsAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

Next time you begin writing a query letter to send out to perspective publications, consider this scenario:

A desk cluttered with manuscripts, a computer with over 100 new emails every day, a phone that never stops ringing and deadlines that are always looming.

Welcome to a typical day in the life of a  successful editor.

In much the same way that zen practices help to simplify your life, mastering ways that your query letter makes an editor’s job easier will give you an edge over the competition.  Read more →

How to Write Effective Hotel Reviews

Categories: BlogTags: blogs, hotel reviews, writer tipsAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

Ever been assigned to write hotel reviews? They may not be as easy to write as they seem. Many leading travel publications and online travel blogs offer good wages for writing top-quality reviews. 

In fact, according to a recent study by Olery, a company that helps the hospitality industry turn their reviews into revenue, 49% of travelers won’t even book a property without reviews (more interesting stats from that study)! Hotels themselves understand the importance of a good review and the harm to their reputation due to a bad one. Read more →

Creative Block: What to Do When the Words Aren’t Flowing

Categories: BlogTags: writer, writer tips, writer's block, wunderkitAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

As with any creative profession , writers can sometimes get stuck or alternately lose their motivation. We have all been there at some point or another; staring at a blank computer screen…writing a few lines… deleting. Trying again…deleting. The hours tick away as your deadline looms closer as panic sets in. What can be done? Even though we cannot help being in this scenario from time to time, there are a few steps one can take  in order to get back on track and write to their full capabilities.

 Here are 5 tips to get you back on track:

Read more →

Landing Your First Job on oDesk

Categories: BlogTags: freelancer, odesk, online jobs, writer, writer tipsAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

oDesk is fast becoming one of the leading freelancer outsourcing sites on the market. Writers can set up a free profile that includes a bio, skill sets, and portfolio of projects. In addition, contractors can take an unlimited number of proficiency tests that determine how experienced they are with any given skill such as spelling, grammar,blogging, etc.  On the downside, this fairly easy registration process attracts thousands of potential candidates — all vying for the same writing  jobs and thus rendering the competition fierce.

Here are 5 tips on to get you started on oDesk, while improving your chances of getting hired quickly: Read more →