Hi all DP writers, I intend to develop myself as a professional writer. I took my earliest writing projects from 'getafreelancer' and some of you will be quite surprised to learn that I earned $.5 for the first 500-words article that I wrote. However, I've been luckier on some other writing marketplaces such as Odesk and Elance, and steady work has come my way with decent returns. But somehow I still believe that my work is worth more. So I leave it up to you to gauge my writing ability and decide what it's worth. Sample article Berlin – A Truly Fascinating Destination Berlin is home to many engaging and beautiful places. The historic city proudly displays exemplary monuments, towering churches, lush green country and varied cultural exhibits. The local delicacies are enjoyed by visitors from all parts of the world. Berlin is reasonably cold in the wintertime. The summers, however, are very pleasurable and most tourists prefer visiting the city in this time of the year. Berlin is characterized by dense forests and fascinating lakes. The pleasant landscape is featured on many German coins. The extensive columns encompassing the country open up to an entryway leading to the public offices. Here the visitors are welcomed by a statue of an old German poet. The magnificent German Cathedral, first built in 1708, stands across the square. After suffering much damage in the Second World War, the structure was completely rebuilt about 60 years back. Also found in the locality is the renowned concert hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, which hosts the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. The square also celebrates the pompous Xmas market year after year. The Protestant cathedral stands in the vicinity of the square and is reached by ferry crossing. A number of other old buildings from the Prussian Royalty are also found in the area. For an urban feel of the city, visit the Hackesher Market known for its brands and outlets. You will also find plenty of restaurants here that serve the most delicious cuisines. The staggering home of parliament, known as the Reichstag building, is also worth visiting. The stately building stands on huge pillars and is a brilliant example of classic architecture. The domed, glass ceiling of the structure overlooks the members of the parliament in session and allows for visitors to view the executives in action. Your comments will be highly appreciated
Well...it really doesn't convince me that Berlin is so fascinating. I like your descriptions, but article itself could use more work. Your paragraphs need to have a main idea and several supporting sentences. Instead, you write about one subject, then switch to another with no transition. For example, in your 2nd paragraph, you start out talking about the climate in Berlin and then begin talking about weather. Introduce your paragraphs by telling the reader what they can expect to see next, then give several supporting sentences. Whenever you switch to another subject, you need a new paragraph. A tip for future writing: Don't use "however" unless the statement following the word is negative. Wrong: However, it was a beautiful day outside. Right: However, it was dreary, rainy outside.
mm, I see your point...yes, I actually felt a lack of communication there ...well, here's another... Why I am fond of Writing? I believe writing is contagious! The more I write, the more I'm inclined to it. In my view, writing is a spectacular way of expressing myself. In writing, I do not find the 'pacing' that is observed in conversation. I am free to pause in the mid of sentences and evaluate where I'm carrying my train of thoughts. I can pause long enough to select the specific word that will precisely convey the meaning of my message. Expressing myself through writing further gives me the opportunity to research concrete facts and thoughts on any particular subject that I'm writing about. Additionally, my writing skills have enabled me to make a decent living while sitting at home. I find writing jobs a wonderful opportunity to cater for all my living and health expenses. I'm involved in this line of work for over a year now, and every moment that I spend writing expands my knowledge base and enables personal development.
Your writing article? Nothing. It's all about you. Why would your client want to hear about how much you like writing? Also, you're inclined to "Do" it. Not inclined to it...you can't really be inclined to a noun. That's like...I'm inclined to pie. From what I've read of your articles, you have no real flow, and they don't really convince me of much of anything. I hate to be particularly harsh, but to be completely honest, you just make a lot of bold statements with little to no examples. Don't tell, show. So you think Berlin is beautiful...why? Do the delicately carved monuments cast towering shadows across the lush, green landscape? Does the sunlight shimmer off the leaves in the summertime? Does the food's enticing aroma flow through the streets on a wafting breeze and seduce you to try it? Descriptions my man. Descriptions. If someone paid you $0.5 per word for these articles, then I commend you on your communication and selling skills. But if you asked me based on the merit, I wouldn't pay $25 for them.
Um, I'm confused. However is used (in this example) when you are introducing something that contradicts a prior statement. It's like saying "in spite of" or "nevertheless" so the statement that follows can be positive or negative. The weather in Berlin often upsets travelers and ruins their plans. We, however, continued our sightseeing and enjoyed our trip. The example from Strunk is: The roads were almost impassible. At last, however, we succeeded in reaching camp. Or am I missing some rule of thumb or psychological approach? Let me know if I am
She's right. After you get the rough idea of your copy, or article in this case, and even write it out, read over it again and inject emotion into it. People buy on emotion, and justify with logic. Therefore, when you can connect to them on an emotional level, they'll buy. And I doubt your clients will ever want you to write articles for them just so that they can brag about having an article writer working for them. They'll want sales.
That's what I remember reading in Strunk, too, before I learned this other "rule" in a writing class. Anyhoo, the reasoning was that the word "however" has a negative connotation and readers subconsciously expect to see something negative after the word. Maybe it's because I learned this "rule," but in the example you gave from Strunk, reaching camp doesn't seem as much of a feat as if it'd read something like: The roads were almost impassible. Fortunately, we finally succeeded in reaching camp.
Interesting, so it is more a psychological thing. I can see that being especially helpful with copywriting (I'm a content writer myself). I don't think I have a particular connotation either way, but then I might not be the rule as far as readers go.
Gotta agree with everyone else-it's pretty bland stuff. Read other great articles and books. Study the writing that gets you involved, and try those things out in your own work. Reading like this will help you develop your own sense of voice, and more importantly, get the attention of the customer.
you being new.....have a good potential for writing but i sugguest you to start at low rates to attract more customers...Berlin is Great BTW...
It looks like you've done some great research on Berlin. Let's just take two sentences and I'll suggest changes to them so you could get some other ideas for writing: Berlin is reasonably cold in the wintertime. The summers, however, are very pleasurable and most tourists prefer visiting the city in this time of the year. "Berlin is reasonably cold in the wintertime." What is "reasonably cold"? I've never heard that expression used, not in a weather report or a travel magazine. Use a simpler definition of the wintertime weather. "The summers, however, are very pleasurable and most tourists prefer visiting the city in this time of the year." What about something like "Berlin sees many tourists during the summer months with seasonable weather and popular destinations?" This lets people reading know that summer is a popular time for tourists and also that the weather is nice. Try using less commas as sometimes this means you need to organize your thoughts better. Not always - just sometimes. Not everyone is going to like every article you write every time. It's fine to ask for suggestions, but keep writing as long as you enjoy it. Take critiques as a "two cents" opinion and keep going towards your own success. No one person is going to come along and say "Congratulations, you're a bona fide writer!" or "You're not a writer" - and if they do - they don't have the right to do this. Keep writing and good luck! Abby
Your research is decent, and your writing is lucid, although it lacks a certain spark that really makes good writing. That said, your ability is sufficient to make more than $0.50 / 500 words. On DP, you can open a thread asking for $5 for 500 word articles, and you'll be deluged with work.
You article is not bad but it reads just like a bland boring write but the grammar is ok so it is worth .001 a word $5 for 500 words. Because to make sound interesting and get people to read on it would have to go to an editor and need an additional 15min of work from someone with a degree, a lot of experience or has been around Berlin. I think it is hard for a lot of people to write about stuff they don’t have any experience at. If someone grew up in Berlin and loved it they could write an awesome article that was colorful, in-depth, great.. If the average writer just opens wiki and plugs out another article on top of the other 8 that day it will be generic, dull and offer no valuable info to the reader.