Tip: Write for Free Sometimes

Here's why: do you know the first thing a lot of publishing houses do when they get a book proposal? They Google the author. This is because they want to see how much the author is already out there, how much they are already working to be visible, how much they can help promote their own book. This is sometimes called the author's "platform," especially for nonfiction books. But publishers are extremely interested in this information for fiction books, too. Also, if the author is doing other kinds of writing, it enhances his or her professional credentials.

A great way to get mentions on Google or any search engine and to show that you are out there working is to do a little writing for free. I don't advocate making a habit of accepting no pay for your work just because you're "lucky" to get it out there, but there are still a lot of things you can do that don't take up too much of your time. Many online services and community newspapers and magazines are very eager for short work from good writers, but can't pay or can't pay much. For example, I used to do book reviews for the Sierra Club Bookstore website. I didn't get paid, but there was my writing, for a perfectly credible outfit, there online, and I could list the Sierra Club Bookstore as one of my freelance clients in my query letters. It didn't take that long either; I just had to read the book (most were quite interesting) and write a review of a couple of paragraphs.

The other nice result of this is that you will soon have a library of clips, and who knows what that can lead to? Possibly a specialty you are known for, or more lucrative writing jobs.

To get this kind of gig, search online for writing job opportunities (many of them are for no pay, surprise, surprise), and look at the small community publications and circulars in your area. You might want to familiarize yourself with info about how to pitch a story, especially for the community newspapers. When I get home I'll hunt up some of my journalism textbooks to see if any are helpful. And Writer's Market usually has some good info on this.

Good luck.

Meanwhile, I am leaving France tomorrow -- ah, California, home sweet home! Will try to blog again Tuesday. Signing off.