Archive for the 'Priceless Information' Category
Do you know the appropriate time for using uppercase or lowercase letters in your writing?
For a freelance writer, the further you are from your high school or college days, the blurrier capitalization rules become. For starters, let’s get the obvious out of the way – capitalize the first letter of the first word at the start of every new sentence – even if it’s not a complete one. For some of the brick walls you may hit while writing Web content, reporting a news story, or penning the next great American novel – consider the following:
Academic Degrees
Earning an academic degree or professional designation earns you capitalization, whether you are Janice Jones, Ph.D. or Joseph Jones, M.D.
Bible References
All names for the Bible are capitalized, including all parts, versions, and names of other sacred texts. Examples include the Old Testament, Lord’s Prayer, Word of God, and Gospel of Luke. All deities are capitalized, such as Almighty, Lord, Holy Spirit, Messiah, and Holy Trinity. The Devil also receives capitalization honors, including Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, Satan, Evil One, and Beelzebub.
Continents, Countries, Counties, Districts, Cities, and Towns
Capitalize the names of political divisions, such as the United Kingdom. Other examples include Africa or Sierra Leone. Synonyms for a country are also capitalized, like the Nation or the Republic.
Courts
Capitalize federal, state, provincial courts when used with a definite name, such as the United States Circuit Court or the State Court of Appeals. However, do not capitalize district or city courts, such as the magistrate’s court.
Compass Points
When compass points indicate geographical parts of a country, region or city – capitalize. Examples include Southwestern states or Eastern troops. Capitalize northern, southern, western, eastern, east, west, north, and south when used as part of a proper name to refer to a world division, like the Western Hemisphere. However, if you are identifying a certain part of a state or province, such as eastern New York – do not capitalize.
Eras and Historical Periods
Common names for historical epochs, periods and events are capitalized, as well as scientific names for eras of the world, like the Iron Age, the Great Depression, and the Renaissance.
Flags
Show a little respect for the flags of our nations by capitalizing names and synonyms, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and Old Glory.
Government Departments
When writing that government mystery novel, make sure to capitalize any departments, boards, bureaus, offices, agencies, commissions, committees and services of the government when mentioning them by name, such as the Federal Reserve Board, Environmental Protection Agency, and the infamous Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Military
When referring to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, use capitalization. Examples: French Army, Marine Corps, 1st Regiment, the Army, and U.S. Air Force.
Names
While one of the first things we learned about capitalization was to give proper nouns their appropriate respect (like Cory Barker and Sandra D. Wilson), not all capitalization rules are easily committed to memory. Capitalize epithets added to proper names, people, and places, such as the Golden Gate, Alexander the Great, or the Dallas Mavericks.
When it comes to family, capitalize references to your parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins when personally addressing them, but not when used as a possession pronoun.
Examples: Aunt Mary had a heart of gold, but Cousin Jack didn’t care much for charity.
“You were the best thing that ever happened to me, Mother.”
My father and brother started a business, while my mother looked after the rest of my siblings.
Organizations
Established groups, clubs, societies, associations, companies, foundations, institutes, and organizations receive capitalization, like the Mooseheads, Democrats, Google, Knights of Columbus, and the National Breast Cancer Society.
Personal Titles
In academic and religious circles, capitalize a personal title when it precedes a name or if you are personally addressing an individual, as seen in Professor Joey Cantone, Dr. Paula Dupree, or “Doctor, am I going to live?” When using the titles Doctor and Reverend, please note that they are typically abbreviated, but often spelled out for formal instances.
Capitalize the titles of government employees, and people with titles associated with rank, respect, and honor, such as Senator Todd Thatcher, Secretary of Defense, Queen of England, and President of the United States.
Quotations
When quoting a source or giving a voice to your characters, remember to capitalize the first word of every complete quotation set within quotation marks, such as: My teacher asked, “Which literary figure do you like most?” However, never capitalize the part of a quote that resumes within the same sentence, like: “Which literary figure do you like most,” my teacher asked, “out of Shakespeare or Poe?”
Streets, Buildings, Parks, Statues, and Monuments
Capitalize the names of churches, thoroughfares, schools, parks, squares, and towers as well. Examples include Empire State Building or Mulberry Square.
Didn’t find an answer to your capitalization question? Ask the Priceless Team.
A press release with SEO will spread the word about our special 10% discount for eco-minded businesses.
Overlooked by many companies, press releases offer a hugely effective way of growing your company’s web presence through search engine optimization (SEO). A search engine optimized press release can also help you increase your ranking on Google. Far from simply being a method of sharing your latest news or service, a press release optimized for search engines can offer you an excellent and cost effective way of improving your visibility.
While many people think that SEO simply boils down to having a website and littering it with keywords and meta tags to impress the search engines, it’s a little bit more in-depth than that. Google, Yahoo and the other major search engines are constantly evolving the way their search optimization techniques work. Now you need a combined list of search engine friendly features to help you achieve the rankings your success needs – unique and custom content, social media and blogs are all part of increasing your presence. A search engine optimized press release is also part of this arsenal, and a highly effective one at that.
Why Do I Need a Search Engine Optimized Press Release?
According to respected information portal Hitwise, Yahoo News and Google News are both placed highly in the Top 10 news and media websites. People or companies looking for news stories now prefer to use Google and Yahoo to the likes of CNN, The New York Times and USA Today. It’s a perfect example of how the online news portals have ousted the more traditional methods with the people that matter.
A search engine optimized press release can take advantage of this newest trend. Not only will it share the latest news about your business, but by using an SEO-friendly writing style it will also target the very people you want to attract to your business. Some of the key features this type of press release can offer include:
- Keyword-rich content to rank highly on the all-important search engines
- Links from your keywords to strategic pages on your website.
- Company logo, graphics or even embedded video links to make full use of the social media aspect of the press release.
- RSS feeds so that when your company releases other news statements, the readers of the initial press release will automatically be updated.
The video link example is an excellent method of improving your search engine visibility. Although viewed as mainly a website where users can upload personal videos, Youtube is now the third largest search engine – impressive for a mere video sharing site. Taking advantage of this popular form of media, by uploading a company video and embedding it in your press release, is a sure-fire way to increase your own Google rankings.
Where Do I Distribute my Press Release?
There are many outlets where you can submit your press release for distribution, some with better results than others. However, unless you’re familiar with meta tags and targeted industry keywords, you might lose the effectiveness of the release by not submitting correctly. A SEO writing service specializing in providing optimized press releases and web content should therefore be used, to ensure the maximum success for your company press release.
Online networking takes your business to an international level of competition.
Are you tired of hearing about Twitter and Facebook? I was a skeptic too, but soon learned that it’s hard to overlook or underestimate the power of online interaction on a social level. Millions of people are congregating on the Internet and you don’t have to leave the comforts of your computer chair to tap into this networking energy.
I encourage you to dip your hand in the honey pot and you’ll be surprised at some of the golden opportunities waiting just around the corner. While it isn’t a guarantee you’ll become a success story overnight or even in a couple of months, smart social marketing campaigns have resulted in increased sales, new customers or web visitors, and at the very least, cost-effective advertising.
On a personal note, I’ve been introduced to a wide-range of business professionals, as well as leisure indulgences. From recycled journals and cheap magazine subscriptions to gourmet taffy, I’ve purchased items advertised on Twitter that I would have never found browsing my typical online haunts.
Still wish to resist current trends? There’s more to business networking than just Facebook and Twitter. Other networking platforms to explore include:
LinkedIn: More than 40 million professionals have already established their online identity with LinkedIn without worrying about their next Tweet or updated vacation pics. You can connect with past colleagues and classmates, but your interaction is not on display for the rest of the world to see. Industry experts are available to lend a helping hand, but for the most part, I see this professional network more on the minimalist side of business networking.
StartUp Nation: Expect helpful advice and networking opportunities geared towards small businesses. From getting feedback on a new website design to asking burning business marketing questions, StartUp Nation is an explosion of effective community resources. Set off on a fact-finding mission or simply mingle with like-minded entrepreneurs. Forums are constantly filling with new ideas to spark your own creativity and send you off in the right business direction.
Biznik: Network with indie business owners in a community-wide general discussion forum or ask questions of fellow participants. Unlike LinkedIn, Biznik doesn’t focus on posting resumes and credentials, but instead – concentrates more on the sharing of ideas and building support systems for entrepreneurs.
Ecademy: Allow Ecademy to bridge the gap between you and the next entrepreneur. Gaining access to this online network opens many doors in the business world with the help of blog posts and message-board chats. For a more rewarding experience, the site offers an exclusive BlackStar membership program.
Focus: Sometimes you need a little help obtaining the goods and services to make your business ventures truly shine. With Focus, you gain the necessary assistance in an online community atmosphere to make important business decisions, conduct efficient research, and benefit from the expertise of others.
NetParty: If you live in cities like Boston, Dallas, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Orlando – then NetParty offers an opportunity for you to mingle both online and offline. Connect with qualified, thirsty-for-success professionals across the Net and then reconnect at happy-hour events about town. Dust off those business cards and get ready to pitch new job openings. Visit the website to find additional participating cities.
Photo Credit: nookiez
Get a little back for doing good.
With Priceless Writers, marketing and promoting your green business is now more affordable. From press releases to content to blog posts to social marketing , eco-companies and green websites can enjoy a 10% discount on all of our creative services.
Take the time to promote your sustainable products. Market your eco-friendly services on an international level or simply inform the world about the importance of adopting a green lifestyle.
Whatever your eco-initiative, Priceless Writers helps you save some green to spread the word and further your business. *Discount available to new clients only.
In our continuing commitment to earth-friendly causes, news, and information, feel free to browse some of our latest articles and blog posts concerning products and services that place less stress on the environment.
By Samantha Cummings
By Yona Williams
By Danielle Bullard
By Samantha Cummings
Writing a novel is extremely difficult, but it’s also a very rewarding and emotional process. Congratulations to you for finishing! Now that you’re done, and the manuscript has been edited and polished, you’re probably considering approaching literary agents. This is another extremely difficult process…and it typically starts with a query letter.
Most agencies do not accept unsolicited materials. The query letter allows you to introduce yourself to the agent, pitch the idea of your novel and make that agent want to read more. The hard part is fitting all of this into one page and making it interesting and informative. There are a few different parts of a query letter that are important.
Introduction
Remember that literary agents receive tons of query letters each day. It’s important to make your own stand out from the crowd. You have to hook the agent with the first few sentences of the query letter the same way you have to hook the readers with the first few paragraphs of your novel. Tell the agent why you’re writing, why you feel the novel is a good fit for their agency, and what the word count is. It might look something like this…
Dear Ms. Agent, (Remember to include the agent’s actual name. Don’t leave the introduction generic – show that you’ve researched and are willing to take the time to address each individual agent.)
My name is Vulnerable Writer and I’m writing today to tell you about my completed manuscript, ‘Great American Novel.’ It’s a fiction/drama and weighs in at 90,000 words.
Now, you’ve managed to introduce yourself and your novel in just a few sentences, which is great. Use the least amount of words possible to get an idea across, because agents are busy and you want them to continue reading rather than tossing the query letter into the trash!
Summary of the Novel
Next, you want to include a short summary of the novel that will pique the agent’s interest and get him or her excited about reading the full manuscript. This is very important if the agent’s going to ask for sample chapters or the whole manuscript. Think about the summary for a while, write and rewrite it until it’s perfect, and then have a few friends read it. It should be no more than a paragraph or two, and include the most important elements of the story. It might look something like this…
Megan is an ordinary girl who wakes up one day to find that her whole life has been one big lie…literally. She discovered it when she found the papers in her mother’s drawer. Her identity is false. To make matter’s worse, the guy she’s been in love with for the past two years lets her know in no uncertain terms – and in public – that he doesn’t share her affection. Megan’s brother, who is not really her brother, is the only one she can count on. Together, they embark on a journey to discover who Megan really is…and the truth shocks her to the very core.
Once you have the summary polished, you’re ready to move on to the next section.
Short Bio
In this part of the query letter, you’ll want to include some details about yourself. You don’t want to make this part boring, so include only information that the agent should know. For instance, if you’ve been published in the past or if you’re a new writer, the information should be in the query. Any relevant education, credentials or groups that you’re a member of might also be great information to include.
Example:
This is my first fiction novel and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ve researched your agency and feel that you’re the agent who can find my book a home. I am a member of the Fiction Writer’s Group and possess a degree in journalism from University.
With this part out of the way, you can include any research, statistics, facts or information that you’ve gathered about your novel’s genre. You might include what books are currently on the market that are similar to your book, but also how your book is different and stands out. Your agent is going to want to know where the book belongs in the store, and what the chances of success with the book are, so include what you know.
Example:
I feel that my book is similar to the wildly popular ‘Amazing Book,’ in regards to potential fan base and the human struggles within the book. However, ‘Great American Novel’ is also different in that the characters are more defined and individualized. In a survey where I asked 200 readers of similar genres to look at a summary of the book online and tell me whether they would be willing to purchase the book, 95% said they would be willing to pay the price to read the book.
Closing
The hard part of the query letter is over and now it’s important to close it properly. Simply thank the agent for taking the time to read the query and let them know that you hope to hear from them soon. It’s that easy.
Example:
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this query and I would love to send you some sample chapters or the full manuscript if you’re interested. I hope to hear from you soon and am excited at the possibilities of working with you to bring ‘Great American Novel’ to other readers.
Sincerely,
Vulnerable Writer
Don’t forget to include all of your contact details so that the agent can get in touch with you if he or she wants to request sample chapters or the full manuscript. If you’re sending the query through e-mail, you need to paste the query into the body of the e-mail. Most agents will not open attachments unless they specifically request them.
Other Tips for Writing a Query Letter
- You shouldn’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in the query letter. If your book is a comedy and you’re naturally a humorous person, a little light humor couldn’t hurt. However, it’s important to remember that the query letter should be professional and you shouldn’t speak in the letter as if you’re familiar with the agent.
- Once you’ve sent the query letter, there is nothing to do but wait…or craft query letters for other agents. Do not call or e-mail the agent asking about the query letter. You can be sure that real literary agents will review all query letters and if they’re interested, they will get back to you.
- Proofread the query letter before sending it. The last thing you want is for an agent to notice misspelled words or grammatical errors in the query letter…they will be dreading the book and the mistakes that must be present in it. If needed, have a friend read it or hire professionals to proofread it for you.
Getting Rejected
It’s inevitable. Most wildly famous and successful writers have received at least one rejection. So, what do you do when you get rejected? Politely thank the agent for their time and send out two more query letters. Eventually, if you’re persistent and your work is good enough, you’ll make it! Good luck.
Photo Courtesy of RichardDooling.com.
This summer, it’s not too late to enjoy an eco-friendly getaway or hit the greens at an eco-certified golf course. The latest earth-friendly blog posts from Priceless Writers touch upon vacation stays in a room paying homage to a popular frozen indulgence, meeting a master in green decorating, and tee time with musician Justin Timberlake.
If you require any content that spreads the word on respecting the environment or highlights your eco-friendly efforts, contact Priceless Writers – we offer a 10% discount for companies who actively support or supply green products or services.
Green Your Game: Timberlake’s Eco-Certified Golf Course Ready for Tee Time
By Danielle Bullard
The Green Queen: Eco-Designer Kelly LaPlante
By Samantha Cummings
8 Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation Getaways
By Yona Williams
Calling all Transformers fans...this creation is 8 feet tall.
If you’re looking to purchase an extremely unique piece of recycled art or wish to send out eco-friendly wedding invitations to announce your special day, consider the following eco-blog posts that Danielle, Samantha, and Yona would like to share with you this week.
by Yona Williams
by Samantha Cummings
by Danielle Bullard
At Priceless Writers, we continuously work with clients who wish to make a positive impact in the world with green business practices and spreading the word regarding eco-friendly living. We spend a great deal of time keeping our noses to the ground – sniffing out the latest products, services, and information.
Each week, we will share with you some of the eco-blog work we’ve done. It is our hope that you might just start a composting pile in your backyard, support an artist that uses recycled materials, or simply help spread the word regarding earth friendly practices. Last week, Priceless Writers penned the following eco-blog posts:
By Danielle Bullard
By Samantha Cummings
By Yona Williams
It's important to think global!
What can the Internet do for you? As an entrepreneur, you are constantly thinking of new and inventive ways to push your product or sell your services. Somewhere between print ads, conference calls, and attending seminars, you have either created a website or thought about establishing an online presence. With all of the millions of websites floating about the World Wide Web, how will you take advantage of the Internet and use it to best benefit your business?
Reach New Clients and Markets
The World Wide Web is an ever-growing hand that stretches across the world to reach potential clients, consumers, and markets. With the help of the Web, you can locate the customers most interested in listening to what you have to say. Use the Internet to go beyond the typical parameters of location. Think outside the box. Think national. Pursue global prospects.
Feed Your Creativity
The software and online capabilities of today are absolutely amazing. Whether its providing website visitors with a helpful video demonstrating the benefits of your product or supplying live customer service, the Internet allows you to tap into the never-ending possibilities of your creativity.
Turn the “Interested” Into Customers
From a T-shirt shop in the mall to a brick and mortar business on the boulevard, the Internet can turn the casual observer of your business into a new customer. After a potential consumer has scanned your ad in the newspaper, heard someone else mention your company name, or passed by your store on the way home – a website can encourage the “interested” to walk through the doors of your business or order from your catalog once they’ve learned more about your business.
Create Repeat Business
With the help of email postcards, online newsletters, and your website, you can encourage repeat business from current customers or clients. A few ideas include:
- Send alerts regarding new products.
- Publish articles centered on your niche.
- List events and activities of interest.
- Email periodic coupons and discounts.
Kill the Confusion
In this day and age, it’s better to save time, money, and energy by reducing the number of bad leads that come when interested parties aren’t quite clear on who you are, your location, skills, and what you have to offer. A website allows you to “kill the confusion” regarding your business by answering important questions without ever having to open your mouth.
Boost the Impact of Press Releases and Ads
Press releases and other forms of advertisement inform the world about new businesses, products, and services hitting the marketplace. Capitalize on this connection with the public by allowing potential customers to gather additional details through your website. Keep in mind that this is a great way to bolster business sales.
Save Money
If you invest in printing and postage for your business, consider the prospect of saving money by replacing your printed materials with online advertising delivered through your website and email. Not only will you save a few bucks, but you’ll also place less strain on the environment.
Gain A Heads Up
A website allows you to gauge some of the most appealing aspects of your business. By routinely checking site stats, you can follow the surfing habits of visitors and get a sense of the products, services, and information attracting the most attention. This practice will also help you plan future events for your business, tweak advertising, order appropriate inventory, and predict sales.
Aim high but make sure you don't miss your mark!
Maybe you’re trying to impress new mothers who have virtually no time for themselves and very little sleep. Perhaps you have your sights set on middle-aged businessmen who seek luxurious lifestyles. Who you’re trying to impress depends entirely upon what sort of products or services you’re offering. The trouble is that it’s pretty easy to lose focus in trying to become desirable to everyone. Here is some valuable information on finding your target market.
What’s a Target Market?
If you’ve been in business for a while, you know that a target market is a group of people that are most likely to purchase your products or services. If you’re selling a weight loss pill, you might be targeting middle aged women who want to lose a few pounds. If you’re selling the most comfortable shoes ever – you might be targeting nurses or others who spend long hours on their feet. These are the people who need what you’re selling the most and who are probably more willing to buy it than anyone else.
Taking it a Step Further
Many businesses make the mistake of trying too hard to target a huge group of people – such as men, women, parents or people who own a car. When this happens, advertising and the message it carries becomes diluted. The thinking behind this is understandable; the more people you target, the higher the potential for sales, right? Wrong. Actually, if you send out a strong message to a highly targeted and smaller group – you will probably sell more. For instance, if you sell organic dog food to everyone who has a dog, you may get some people who are interested.
However, if you target eco-conscious people who own purebred dogs and get them regular vet checkups and grooming appointments, you will probably sell more. If you add that these people should be middle aged and financially stable, you will probably sell even more. The more targeted you get, the higher the potential of sales – if you’ve done the correct research and found the right group of interested individuals.
Give Them What They Want
Another important thing when it comes to target markets is giving them what they want. That market is seeking something – an easier solution, a time-saving product, etc. Give it to them. This is where market research becomes important. Find out who you’re selling to. Find out where they live, what kind of lives they lead, what they are seeking and what they’re settling for. Of course, you don’t need to become a stalker to do this – you can hire professional market researchers or perform the research yourself by visiting forums, sites, local events, etc.
While finding the target market may sound intimidating, it’s actually not. Look at who your major competitors are and the people they are going after. Perform market research and learn about the people you want to sell to. By doing this, your advertising dollars will be saved and your messages will pack a punch that customers can’t refuse.
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