Kudos Matter  

I collect kudos, do you?  

It doesn't have to be a full-blown testimonial to count, although those are impressive when posted on LinkedIn. Small compliments received in an email, spoken in words of thanks, and provided as feedback comments shape who you are, and how you are perceived by others.

Such informal kudos don't need to be hidden from view. Asking "May I quote you?" often grants permission to post someone's praise, lending credibility to your website or other promotional materials. If you can't use their name or mention their company, a generic reference will work, such as Project Manager, Major Oil and Gas Company. The same goes for including customer quotes in case studies, white papers, newsletters, etc.

Sample list

Here's an example of my collected kudos:

"Perfect article!"

"I'm smiling out loud."

"We appreciate your help."

"Thank you for the edits."

"Yes, this works."
"Looks great, Thank you for your handle on this as always!"

"I can't believe that literally a week later I've got exactly what I want, and it's even better than I dreamt."

"It looks beyond fantastic. You did a great job with the layout and fonts, etc."

"Fabulous."

A measure of success

When put to use, kudos help build your reputation. While it may seem low-tech in an era of big data analytics, it's another way of measuring success one soundbite at a time. Sometimes, it's just one word that epitomizes your brand. So, don't toss away even the smallest thumbs-up. Add it to your kudos list. Consider working it into your vision statement. Whether or not you share this information with anyone else, glance at it occasionally to affirm how you're doing. Positivity breeds positivity.

Work with me to tell your positive story via blogs, whitepapers, case studies, and editorial articles. 

eye4content@gmail.com

CASE STUDIES FOR FREE, WELL ALMOST

The next best thing is case study preparation at a fixed fee. With no surprises! 

We've all seen large Resource libraries on corporate websites containing case studies on every imaginable topic. Hiring skilled writing talent to build those libraries is not always an option for small and mid-sized companies; thus, limiting their ability to compete in keyword searches. You might argue that AI is up to the task, but I maintain the human touch is still needed to tell a human interest story.

I'm committed to making sure everyone can afford to produce as many case studies as they need to boost their SEO, while simultaneously telling a compelling story that increases the credibility of a product or service. If what you did made a difference to someone, somewhere, it begs to be told. 

So I've figured out a way to offer high-quality case study writing at an affordable, set price. You can leverage my experience and efficiency to get results without worrying about the mounting costs of an hourly rate scenario. I personally handle each project from start to finish, including interviews with your SME and the end client, two written drafts and review cycles, and final polished content complete with images and testimonials, ready to put into your existing case study template. 

All for a predictable, flat charge. 

If needed, I can also provide a basic layout at a nominal fee.

Contact me directly to see how this Writing as a Service arrangement could work for you.

Deborah Long, MA
Award-Winning Writer

Email: eye4content@gmail.com
Text: 832-868-6100
Website: www.eye4content.com

GHOSTWRITING IS ALIVE AND WELL

Do you have a book inside of you dying to get out? Consider hiring a ghostwriter for a pain-free experience and quicker outcome.  

How it Works

A good ghostwriter will get to know you well enough to essentially tell your story for you. It typically involves a series of brief phone interviews and research on the topic to gather facts. In the process, a single voice emerges and the passion of the storyteller comes through. The ghostwriter is the necessary vehicle, the muse if you will, who inspires the project and guides it to completion--without which your ideas could languish on the shelf for years. 

Year of the Book

While the past few years were dominated by writing blogs and short-form social posts, 2024 looks like it might be the Year of the Book. Whether it's a downloadable e-book or a full-scale, printed book, what better way to share your knowledge and impress your clients? I have clear evidence of this trend in my own work, as existing clients are asking me to ghostwrite their books. For some, it is a first-time venture into the world of publishing, for others it is the next novel, memoir, or textbook they are authoring.

Impact

Books, or booklets, can be made available for sale when presenting at a professional conference or private speaking engagement. You can even hold a book signing event to promote the release, perhaps at a venue that relates to the topic. Printouts of white papers serve the same purpose but lack the impact of an actual bound book.

Benefits

Publishing a book in your area of expertise lends credibility, builds your reputation, and provides another income stream. The electronic age may offer quick, convenient access to downloadable information. However, many people still enjoy the feel of a tangible book they can hold in their hands and read at night after turning off all blue light devices for optimum sleep.

Trending

Being published is no longer limited to academia, where professors must 'publish or perish.'  It is now a common personal goal of people in business or just about anyone who has a story to tell. And with book templates in Microsoft Word and self-publishing through amazon.com, it has never been easier. All you need to do is put the words on paper, as they say.

DIY vs. Ghostwriting

If you have the time to do it yourself, that's great. If not, I am here to offer my writing acumen so you can keep doing what you do best. You still own the content and get to have your name as the author. This is one instance when I am perfectly happy being invisible.

Let's write together...

Writing as a Service

Most of you have heard of Software as a Service (SaaS), and then there's the more technical Network as a Service (NaaS). But why isn't anyone talking about Writing as a Service (WaaS)? With the proliferation of websites offering hudreds of writers for hire, it's actually an operational term although not officially called as such. I hereby coin the phrase.

While there are similarities between WaaS and other technology services, i.e. more efficient and more cost effective, the game for writers seems to be degrading rather than upgrading quality. I choose not to compete on such sites, where the lowest bid wins with no regard for experience and the time it takes to deliver a worldclass end result. Okay, so maybe worldclass is a stretch; but surely, quality still counts in some situations. Doesn't it?

I believe you can have it all...fast, high quality, and affordable writing. But not dirt cheap! Professional writers need to be fairly compensated for their expertise, just like any other field of endeavor. They're not a dime a dozen. It's not like an online auction for used clothing or furniture. It's a serious business that deserves serious consideration, and that includes pay. 

My secret to repeat business has always been quick turnaround, without sacrificing quality. Apply an hourly rate, and you win! After years of honing my craft, I can hit the ground running and wrap my mind around new, unfamiliar content in no time at all. My clients marvel how I am able to grasp technical information and write about a product "they" invented. It's become a sixth sense, hard to explain, nevertheless proven again and again. I cannot tell you how many times I've been called on to "fix" what a previous writer did not do correctly. As my website proclaims, Writing that Works. It just does!

Besides being a native New Yorker, where bragging is never an issue, I have certainly earned bragging rights at this stage of my career. So let's talk about your writing needs and get it done, now. No muss, no fuss, no long-term contracts. Plain old freelance writing (or WaaS) minus the bidding wars!

AM I A PROPOSAL WRITER? YOU BET I AM!

We live in a specialized, compartmentalized world where it is easy to get pigeon-holed. But I submit to you that the pandemic has leveled the playing field to a great extent. We can now work from home (and see each other's homes) as we meet via Zoom. There is less need to "dress for success" and impress each other. Women have even stopped wearing as much makeup, if at all. And we continue to chant that we're all in this together. You get the picture...

So when I was recently asked if I can write proposals, my response was, "Of course I can." Just because it is not spelled out in ALL CAPS, bold at the very top of my resume--nor do I promote this skill as my primary forte--I approach proposal writing like any other job request. And that's always with the necessary gusto, research (if needed), SME interviews, reference to a template or go-by, etc. 

My existing clients across diverse industries know and understand that I can write about virtually anything they hand me. It's not up for discussion whether my writing or editing skills are transferrable to proposals...they just are! In fact, I recently edited a technical proposal that was submitted to NASA. I also wordsmithed a batch of 10 proposals to promote the sale of technical research studies. And in the past, I worked on proposals for the Arizona Department of Transportation, as well as the FDA. Now, if that's not proposal writing, I don't know what is.

It comes down to whether I should bill myself as an official "Proposal Writer" (which usually means higher pay), or continue as more of a generalist Technical/Marketing Copywriter. I think the latter suits me, as I enjoy the mix and the variety of writing assignments. But I do offer proposal writing as part of that mix, at the same rate of any other type of writing. Such a bargain!!!

If you're planning to submit a proposal in the near future, let me know and we'll face the challenge together...it's not rocket science:-)

Be well,
Deborah
eye4content@gmail.com
Mobile 832-868-6100

WORDS HAVE POWER

We have recently seen how much power our president has just by virtue of the spoken word. As individuals, we have similar power in what we say to ourselves and each other. Taking it a step further, "You are what you say you are." Whether you're a writer, public speaker, or business leader, this concept can work for you, in every aspect of your life!

In the business realm, it can help boost confidence (internally) and let others know what you stand for (externally). If you don't step out there and openly declare who you are, it leaves room for speculation. On the other hand, when you boldly take responsibility for owning your brand, you get to control what other people think of you.

It starts early in life, when you apply for that college you wish you could go to. How you portray yourself in a 500-word essay can override any test scores; it's that powerful a tool. Follow that up with applying for your first job (and every job thereafter) with a powerful resume and cover letter, along with an in-person/Zoom interview, where you get to tell "your story." 

It's not considered bragging (and so what if it is) when you tell the truth about yourself, don't hold back, give it your all. Both the written and spoken word have equal power! So, be brave, be bold, speak up, and speak out in ways that positively and powerfully define who you are. We all need to let our voices be heard. If not now, when? 

Let me know how I can help craft your message in a blog, newsletter, video script, or whatever gets you known for who you are. Email me at eye4content@gmail.com.

Writing to Beat the Pandemic Holiday Blues

Holidays can bring on the blues, as we miss loved ones no longer with us. This is especially so for those who have lost family members or friends to COVID-19. And my heart goes out to you, as I am no stranger to loss. Then, there's the daunted expectations, when others don't show up, or act the way we want, or buy the right gift.

This year brings the added challenge of isolation, as we attempt to celebrate apart from one another. After the Zoom sessions are over (and believe me, they are great mood lifters), how can we cope with feelings of doom and gloom as we move forward to a (hopefully) brighter 2021?

I believe that writing is a great remedy and a way to find solace this time of year, or actually at any time. As a professional writer, I have writing projects I'm working on for clients, in addition to my novel writing endeavor. Both of these activities help me forget about the virus, if only for a short while. I get in the "zone" and the next time I look up, it's hours later!

You can do the same by writing in a journal, composing a letter or email to a friend you haven't seen in awhile, or something cool I've heard of lately...take the perspective of being 100 years old, and write advice to your "younger self." Besides being cathartic experiences, you will be surprised how uplifting it can be to get your thoughts down on paper (rather, into the computer).

Finally, try writing your goals for the coming year. This is more than casually making new year's resolutions that more often than not are forgotten. It means coming up with measurable actions and steps you can take to accomplish specific, attainable goals. Then refer back to your list in the months ahead. Things may change, and goals may be adapted, but the written word makes it more real.

Happy Holidays! and

Happy Writing!

Your writing partner,

Deborah