"How To" Workshops

Lisa Saunders: How to Publish on Amazon & Smashwords

2012-12-23T05:39:00.001-08:00

Lisa Saunders: How to Publish on Amazon & Smashwords: Do you want to publish your own work? Amazon has made it so easy (and free except for their commission) to print and sell books through ...

How to Get Thin and Famous Walking the Mystic Seaf...

2011-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

How to Get Thin and Famous (especially if you're lazy): How to Get Thin and Famous Walking the Mystic Seaf...: "Face it—famous people have an easier time getting work, published or promoting their cause. If you’re thin on top of it, then you can live l..."

How to Get Cast in a Mystic Film

2011-06-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Disappointed you weren’t asked to be a zombie in the movie filmed at the Ramada Hotel in Mystic recently? Did you stroll back and forth in front of the hotel with a glazed look on your face, hoping the director would say, “Now there goes a zombie?”

Don't despair, there are ways of getting into the upcoming movies rumored to be shot here next--or at least to be considered for a part as an extra in a commercial.

Just as I was pondering how I, a plump 50-year-old freelance writer, could get a small role in a film, I received an e-mail from my new friend Kristin of Mystv Studios, the local production company that makes commercials and the travel show, "Mystic Coast Connection," which plays continuously in 4,000 area hotels (their website states: "Get in Bed with Your Customers”).

Anyway, Kristin’s e-mail that may have launched me from obscurity, said, "I was wondering if you'd be interested in helping out on a commercial shoot on June 14 at the Newport Grand Casino. You and I would be PAs, so we’ll be fetching and holding light screens, checking off the shot list, and various other unglamorous things. It might be fun and I know it would be more fun for me if you were there!”
I had no idea what a PA was, and was only being asked because I might be “fun,” but I certainly wasn’t going to reject this chance to squeeze my image somewhere into this film!

Scheming how I could go from PA to film star (or at least film “extra”), I watched taped reruns of “I Love Lucy” to study Lucy's sneaky antics that landed her small roles in Ricky’s shows. Having a terrible sense of style, I wondered what I should wear to catch the director’s eye (my husband, Jim, usually arranges my outfit when I need to look decent). Just as I was e-mailing Jim to remind him to lay out something appropriate, I received another e-mail from Kristin: "You might be asked to be 'peanuts,' meaning filler for the commercial, so make sure your husband dresses you." There was hope I’d get in this commercial—and without any devious plotting!

On Tuesday morning, the day of the shoot, I began learning a whole new industry (such as P.A. means Production Assistant) —and that almost anyone can get into a film as an extra (or a “peanut”)—even me! And if a person has some talent, they can get paying roles as a “principal” or a “secondary” in practical films such as training videos (one actress at the shoot was using her down time to practice a five-page monologue for her upcoming role as an organ transplant recipient in an educational film).

I was told just before the shoot that a “grip” had been hired, so I wouldn’t be needed to hold and carry film equipment. Still wanting to look important, I brought my own clipboard—and it worked! Looking like a person in authority, the actors came to me with important questions that ranged from “Where is the bathroom?” to “Do you think my scene will be shot soon?” One woman, an extra, wanted to leave for a while so she could hang out in the smoking area. I reminded her that the slot machine scene, which required extras, was scheduled soon, but she replied, “Someone else told me it wouldn’t be for an hour or so.” Sure enough, right after she left, I got word it was time for the extras to leave for their scene. I offered to fill her spot (it’s a dog eat dog world out there), but was told I was needed where I was.

How was I was ever going to get my chance to play an extra? I told the cameraman and the directors more than once that I was willing to fill out a scene. No response. Kristin told me not to despair—they might still need me to heap food on my plate in the buffet scene or to dance in the nightclub scene. Since I didn’t want to admit I was a terrible, uncoordinated dancer just in case that was my only shot, I stressed that I was very good at eating—that I would be just perfect for the buffet scene. Not to brag, but I did win first place in a New Jersey pie eating contest—twice!

I was not requested for the buffet scene, but was asked to laugh in the comedy club scene (the camera man neglected to film us when the director elicited genuine laughter with a joke--so we had to laugh afterwards on the count of three). Despite my reservations, I was also needed on the dance floor of the nightclub scene. But I'm not sure you’ll see much of me in this commercial, which is due to be aired during the T.V. show, Wheel of Fortune, and several other places, because I was told by the director, “Now you dance in the back—look as though you are still trying to ‘find your way.’”

I guess that’s true—I am still trying to find “my way” to get into “the act,” but I did learn some valuable tips from the other actors, whose backgrounds included full-time acting professionals, a tradesman trying to earn a little extra money, casino goers who received an e-mail about the upcoming commercial, and retired individuals who read the audition notice in their local paper.

To learn about upcoming auditions in the Mystic area, read local online and print newspapers and sign up to receive audition notices by clicking the "Like" button on the Mystv Studios’ Facebook page and by registering with talent agencies, such as New England Actors.

If you audition for a part, bring a headshot and a resume.

What to wear if you just show up at a shoot: If you haven’t been told what to wear, a costume designer out of New York, Terry Thiry, suggests that women wear “a plain, neutral dress and bring accessories—a couple pairs of shoes, scarf, jewelry, jacket, and sunglasses. For a man, a pair of pants, button down shirt, dressier casual shirt (like a polo shirt), jacket, tie, and sunglasses.”

Good luck!

Lisa Saunders
P.S. If you would like to see my other "How To" advice, which ranges from "How To Get a Job" to "How to Promote Your Business," visit my "How To" Workshops blog at: http://howtoworkshops.blogspot.com/

How To (and Not To) Dye Your Hair on a Budget

2011-06-09T03:54:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Saunders

Dear Readers,

I just got rid of the grey stripe down the middle of my head with the help of a high school student in the Cosmetology Department of Ella T. Grasso Technical High School.

Why do I go there to get this work done? Because I like to save money! Plus, it can be entertaining to see students shaped into professionals--because sometimes, I get to watch them get scolded! One student who did my hair said to me, "I'm much more mature than a lot of other kids my age because Mrs. Z [Lynn Zakowski, Instructor] makes us behave like professionals." (Being professional can range from changing the radio station to something more client-friendly to positioning their supply cart so it's out of the way.)

Another reason I'm committed to making regular appointments there instead of dying my own roots with over-the-counter products is to avoid sending Lynn Zakowski another e-mail like this:
Subject: Confession about what I did to my hair
Sent: Mon, May 2, 2011 4:58 pm

Dear Lynn,
I need your help with my hair. Can I get an appointment this week? I did something that you especially hate that I do.

I know you always scowl at me for applying "root touch-up" kits between visits (I can't remember why, was it because my head could catch on fire from the metals in it or something like that?).

Anyway, I saw a bunch of root touch-up kits for sale at the grocery store and thought I'd be a smart shopper. They weren't the color I normally use ("medium sunlit brown"), but I thought no one would notice if my roots were to become an auburn reddish brown.

I put the dye in my roots before going to church yesterday. I forgot I was only supposed to leave it there for 15 minutes and got distracted with something else--for a couple of hours. Well, my husband, Jim, was shocked when he got out of bed and saw what I'd done. He said my very obvious purple-red four-inch stripe down the top of my head "Looks like that cheap red women use--doesn't anyone ever tell them how strange it looks?" [See photo above.]

We sat in the back row at church, hoping no one would see me--but I could feel the eyes of those who walked by on the top of my head. Even people at Walmart were staring at me afterwards.

I have to give some presentations soon and wonder if anything can be done?

When I wrote to Lynn again asking why I shouldn’t be dying my hair with over-the-counter products, she responded:

Lisa,

Haircoloring is one of the most difficult skills to learn in theory and application. T.V. commercials make it look like it’s easy street and anyone can achieve beautiful haircoloring with over the counter products. Not so!

Boxed hair coloring contains harmful metals which just coat the hair and do not penetrate the cuticle, cortex, or medulla. They are called Progressive haircoloring because they just build up on the hair, coating the hair so it becomes darker and darker with each application of harsh chemicals that dull the hair in appearance with harmful metals. The color is based on a guess work system and does not take into account the person’s natural hair color, underlying tone (gray, gold, red) or desired shade, as it is based on a white base of haircolor. The results are pure guess work!

Professional haircoloring can’t be applied over this because of the coating action, and harsh metals. (The client’s hair will not take, or worst yet, because of the copper in non-professional haircoloring, could catch on fire if bleach is applied!)

At “Top of The Town” Salon at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School, students are trained in professional hair coloring with ammonia-free professional products that have a molecular weight under 2000 that penetrate the hair with 19 of the essential 22 amino acids in your hair. The end result: healthy, shiny, beautiful haircoloring!

Lynn Zakowski, Dept. Head/Cosmetology
Ella Grasso Technical High School, Groton
860-441-0332

"Top of the Town" Salon at Grasso Tech is a full service salon and spa, and also offers services such as: pedicures, manicures, facials, massage, haircutting, relaxers, perms, make-up applications, and nail art—all at a reasonable fee!

P.S. Sorry, Dear Reader, you will have to wait until September to make your appointment as the students are off during the summer. See their website at: http://www.cttech.org/grasso/technologies/hairdressing/hairdressing.htm

You can watch Lynn Zakowski discuss their services on this YouTube video at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LisaSaundersCom#p/u/38/pqlMoIEnsuY

How to Get a Job (or start a business?)

2011-06-08T03:52:00.000-07:00

Mystic Pizza and Beyond: A Seafarer's Trail: How to Get a Job (or start a business?): "Dear Readers, I just returned from walking my beagle/basset hound, Bailey, at Bluff Point State Park and was excited to see a small trailer..."

How To Know If You Need An Acupuncturist

2011-05-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

by Kathleen T. Poole, M.S., L.Ac, Mystic River Acupuncture

Of course, everyone needs an acupuncturist! Seriously, though, acupuncture may balance your energy nicely, but how can you know when to try it for real health problems? Here are some tips.

1. First of all, make sure your condition is not serious. You must consult a physician or naturopathic doctor for serious or on-going medical problems. Your acupuncturist will be happy that you have done this, and nowadays many physicians routinely work with acupuncturists. I have a number of area physicians who refer to me. If your problem is an injury, you might also consider consulting a chiropractor.

2. Acupuncture can provide relief in acute situations (such as a common cold, allergies, sprains, tendinitis, stomachache, tension headache, etc.) I often treat patients to reduce their pain while they wait for a doctor’s appointment or surgery, and I also treat them while they are waiting for their prescribed medicine to “kick in”. Acupuncture is easily combined with conventional types of medical care.

3. If you are reasonably healthy and “catch” a virus or become run down and get sick, acupuncture will help you recover quickly. A treatment or two is often enough to get you back to feeling well again. If you know you are getting run down, you can even schedule a session to boost your immune system before you get sick.

4. Acupuncture is the best therapy for anything that is stress-aggravated or stress-induced. Immune disorders that worsen with stress, tension headaches, muscular knots, performance anxiety, asthma, digestive problems, the list goes on and on. It also relieves emotional strain when going through difficult periods of worry or transition. If stress is a factor, acupuncture can help.

5. Acupuncture is good for seasonal problems. I treat people for a wide variety of ailments that act up at certain times of year. Seasonal allergies, chill or back sprain from shoveling snow, aches and pains from spring yard work or getting back to an exercise routine are common reasons to seek acupuncture. A back-to-school tune-up is always recommended for boosting the immune system, and acupuncture will see travelers through their journeys in less pain and in better health.

6. Acupuncture may be the only thing that works well and safely for menstrual pain or PMS. Within a few cycles you’ll feel much better. It’s also good for menopausal issues, and in my practice I treat moms-to-be through all stages of pregnancy, including birthing and postpartum.

7. If you can’t or refuse to take medicine for some reason, acupuncture may be just the ticket. Acupuncture can almost always alleviate side effects from medication, including chemotherapy. Some people have severe allergic reactions to certain drugs. Pregnant women may be afraid of how medicines will affect the fetus. People who can’t have certain medical intervention for religious reasons often choose acupuncture. Some prefer natural remedies or have concerns about pharmaceuticals. Many parents prefer using alternative methods first with their children. In these situations, acupuncture may reduce the necessary dosage or eliminate the need for medication.

8. Many people use acupuncture to maintain their health. It’s not uncommon to get acupuncture every four to six weeks to maintain your sense of well-being. Some people come for a balancing/wellness treatment at the change of seasons. People with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or migraine, find that regular acupuncture sessions will reduce their overall level of discomfort, and many find it to be good for immune support.

9. Acupuncture treats a wide variety of illnesses. Among the things acupuncture treats are respiratory and digestive problems, all sorts of pain conditions, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, male and female fertility issues, fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, and immune disorders. While acupuncture may not cure all of these conditions, it can reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. Visit the World Health Organization’s website for a list of problems acupuncture can help: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html.

10. Choose a qualified acupuncturist. Now that you know whether you need an acupuncturist, be sure to choose a qualified one. This means a “Licensed Acupuncturist” or L.Ac. in Connecticut and a “Doctor of Acupuncture” or D.Ac. in Rhode Island. (I hold both licenses.) Laws differ from state to state. For more information about qualifications, visit http://www.mysticriveracupuncture.com/faq/qualifications-faq.

About the Author:

Kathleen T. Poole, L.Ac., D.Ac. practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Groton, CT and is the owner of Mystic River Acupuncture. Her clinic offers both private and community-style acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and therapeutic massage, and has a traditional Asian pharmacy on the premises. Ms. Poole (or Dr. Poole in Rhode Island) has been in practice for over twenty years and has extensive experience teaching in her field. Visit www.mysticriveracupuncture.com for more information about her practice and background. You may contact her at mra89@99main.com.

Ms. Poole is available for workshops and lectures.

How to Promote Your Business

2011-05-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Saunders

The steps for getting good publicity for yourself or your business are different (and usually cost less) than paying for an advertisement. The pubic knows you paid for an ad, but if they see a positive article by or about you, you will be seen as a trustworthy person. Positive press gives you credibility, make you an authority on a subject, and lets others know that you are willing to contribute your expertise to your community.

You can do the following steps yourself or you can hire a publicist to help you if you don’t have time or media connections:

Get Featured in Articles
Send press releases to the media
Attach your own photos
Post news on your website and social media sites
Call reporters
Make yourself available as a quotable source

Suggested Newsworthy Events
Your elderly employee is earning first college degree
You are giving a free lecture on “How to Get a Job”
Local school brings students to your business
You’ve written a “How to Tile Your Bathroom” article
You have developed a new product
You donated goods or services to needy children
It’s your company’s 30th anniversary
Someone in your organization won an award
Your secretary was promoted to executive secretary

Press Releases
Post it to your website—reporters search by topics
Make your release stand out—without using hype
Cleary state why the public should care
Most important information first
Write according to Associated Press (AP) style
Send a photograph taken by you or your staff

Internet Marketing (social media)

Youtube: good to have a video posted there if you would like speaking engagements or to sell products or services. A few weeks ago I videoed authors at a book event at Olde Mistick Village, and one author, Nancy Rupert, e-mailed me shortly afterwards, stating, "I sent the video to my Facebook page and a person saw it and ordered the book on line!" See my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/LisaSaundersCom

LinkedIn: good site for professionals
Facebook: good for non-profits, museums, colleges
Twitter: good site for news organizations, non-profits
Blogs: “Blogging” is good for anyone who can write

Your Website: Business and Personal
People will look there first
Keep it up to date

How to Network
Show an interest in others
Read their business cards and comment
Send customers or reporters their way

Where to Post Your Profile or Resume
This is especially important if you are a consultant
LinkedIn
Organizations you belong to
College Career Service Centers
Your company website
Your personal website
Google Profile
Careerbuilder.com and monster.com
Industry-related resume database sites
Jobcentral.org
Craigslist.com
indeed.com

Don’t Have Time?
Ask a professional for help—many give free initial consultations
If you would like to discuss how my services may help you, contact me at:
Lisa Saunders
Marketing & Publicity Specialist
Awarded National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion
saundersbooks@aol.com

Testimonial:

“Lisa helped me revitalize my marketing strategy with innovative ideas. She repackaged a series of individual lectures I was giving (plus secured me three more) into a news-worthy item: ‘Senior Acupuncturist Kicks Off Spring Lecture Series,’ which became headline news in our local paper. Everyone saw it." Kathleen T. Poole, M.S., L.Ac, Owner of Mystic River Acupuncture

E-mail Lisa received from her former employer upon relocating to Mystic, CT: “After reviewing the previous year’s media clipping on the College, what struck me is how many wonderful human interest stories there were, all as a result of your alertness and diligence. You really did a wonderful, wonderful job of unearthing stories and getting the media to pump out a steady stream of positive press. I know it was your ‘job,’ but you really embraced it with such enthusiasm--it really made a difference!” Tzipora Reitman, Director of Communications, SUNY Rockland Community College

How To Get a Job: Five Steps

2011-05-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Saunders (my next "How To Get a Job" workshop is at the Mystic & Noank Library on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 5:30 pm.)

1. Just layed off? Thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them and ask if you can stay in touch.

2. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. They may know people hiring.

3. Prepare your resume: Don’t include an objective—they can be deadly. Instead, post an experience (or skill) summary at the top of your resume, making sure to tailor it when applying for a specific job. Buzz words to include in your online resume: any and all that are listed in job openings. Resumes can be more than one page—especially when posting a general one on the Internet and for applicants with technical skills. Avoid fancy formatting and don’t overstate your skills—employers may think you are overqualified and not committed to remaining in the position if you get it. Give specific examples of how you helped a business.

4. Post your resume on these free, often overlooked resume posting sites (see below for activated links): jobcentral.org/ct; indeed.com; Craigslist: http://newlondon.craigslist.org; and linkedin.com. Other free job search sites: careerbuilder.com; job-hunt.org; monster.com; theladders.com; usajobs.gov; and aarp.org/jobs (promotes candidates over 50). Join industry organizations that will post your resume (employers look there for highly skilled candidates). Free Job Hunting Resources(Department of Labor): http://careeronestop.org/; www.ctdol.state.ct.us/.

5. Visit companies with your resume on good paper. You may show up just as they were thinking of posting a job opening.

Interviewing
Bring employer’s phone number (in case held up in traffic) and extra copies of your resume on good paper. Research the company beforehand and have questions/comments such as, “When do you expect this product to be launched,” or “I think it’s great that your company is…” Come prepared with a list of your strengths and examples of how they specifically helped your former employer. If asked about a weakness, have one, but mention your strategy to overcome it. If the interviewer wants to talk about himself, let him, he’ll like you for it. NEVER say anything negative about a former employer. If asked about compensation, have a figure in mind but state that it is not as important as getting a position where you can contribute since you are confident the company will be fair over the long haul.

While you wait for a job
• Attend functions given by business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce because employers go there to network. Also, go to funerals, parties, art openings, Motor Vehicles—anywhere there are people! When you meet people, focus on being interested in them instead of trying to get them to be interested in you. Ask them what they do, etc. Ask them for their business card, then offer yours—a simple, high-quality one with just your name and contact information. Tell them you are looking for work and ask if they have any advice (that sounds better to their ears than asking them to help you get a job). Prepare a one-minute commercial about yourself –how your experience and “can do” attitude can help an employer (“As a publicist, I help people or their businesses become known as experts in their field and contributors to their community”).

• Volunteer, intern, apprentice, job shadow—even if you are not a student (internships.com). You need to be seen by potential employers, meeting new people to recommend you, and learning new skills or industries.

• Learn new skills at your library, online, community college, etc. You MUST keep your skills current

• Becoming a speaker or a writer can lead to a job offer or secure clients (I can help, write to me: saundersbooks@aol.com)

• Start your own business (visit your Town Hall to get the required information needed to begin) or become an independent consultant--at least temporarily (even when the economy improves, the Department of Labor states that many jobs are unlikely to return). Get my FREE e-books on How to Get a Job or How to Promote Your Business (or yourself)

Lisa Saunders, a former job recruiter and winner of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion Award, helps individuals or organizations promote themselves or their work through Internet marketing, public speaking, networking, and creating news that leads to free publicity. Visit www.authorlisasaunders.com or write to saundersbooks@aol.com

Activated Job Opening links:
http://www.jobcentral.com/ct/index.asp

http://www.indeed.com/

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/

http://www.linkedin.com/

http://www.careerbuilder.com/

http://www.job-hunt.org/

http://www.monster.com/

http://www.theladders.com/

http://careeronestop.org/

http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
http://usajobs.gov/

Only if interested in these particular institutions:
http://www.mysticaquarium.org/about/employment

http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=E36BC236-929C-6708-261A906B15D4D34B

http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/

http://community.mitchell.edu/page.aspx?pid=395

http://www.conncoll.edu/employment/JobPostings.cfm

Read this article on the importance of social networkings sites such LinkedIn.com at: Click here: How Social Recruiting Is Revolutionizing the Job Hunt: A Q&A with the CEO of JobFox - DailyFinance

Caution: some interviewers like to ask "behavioral" questions. See the complete list at: http://blog.emurse.com/2007/05/21/complete-list-of-behavioral-interview-questions/

How to Get Published

2011-05-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

How to Get Published
by Lisa Saunders

If you're just starting out, you might as well know the truth now--you have to be "famous" (at least well-known) to get published by a major publisher. Unfortunately, I'm not kidding. (Don't believe me? Then how did Paris Hilton's dog, Tinkerbell, get published?) At the very least, the publisher needs to know you personally or know your best friend personally to consider your manuscript. It is difficult to convince them to take a chance on an unknown unless you have unique credentials to cover a topic that fits in with their general themes. One intern at a major, glossy magazine finally told me what I always suspected, "We never read unsolicited manuscripts."

If you want to get paid (or at least read by more than your mother), then you need to find a way to start writing about topics of interest to readers. Once editors and readers get to know and trust you, then you can start branching out with your own personal stories.

How to begin:

1. Build your portfolio--local newspapers and magazines WANT to print your words
The easiest way to get your thoughts into print and begin gathering "your" audience, is to submit letters to the editor (don't forget to include your hometown when you do) and to submit stories to those free weekly newspapers and monthly magazines you see lying around. They are short staffed and welcome free stories with a good photo or illustration (thoroughly caption your image and only send them work that won't violate anyone's copyright).

2. Call local editors directly, offering a story for free
I finally began earning money as a freelance writer when I called a Rockland County magazine offering them a story I did on a friend in the area who beat the Guinness World Record time for paddling down the Mississippi River. The editor replied, "That sounds very interesting, but we have a limited budget and won't be able to pay you." I assured him that was fine. I just needed to get my foot in the door. That article lead to my very first assignment (though still unpaid) from the magazine: "Will you go to Nyack and find people to discuss Russell Crowe's stay there while he's working on his current film in New York City?" I have to admit, it was a bit exciting to walk into bars with a reporter's notebook and pen and ask around if anyone had seen Russell Crowe. After uncovering a few "Russell Crowe" sightings, the magazine offered me the chance to write the cover story, "The 7 Wonders of Rockland," and I was to be paid! The response to the story was great--not only did people call the magazine asking for several copies to use as a sightseeing guide, but a local developer contacted me with an offer to write about the towns where they were building. They paid my expenses to sleep in a bed & breakfast and eat in fancy restaurants in order to review them. They also paid for my husband Jim's expenses in exchange for digital photographs of our travels.

Although this magazine and developer were paying me to write on a specific topic, I was still able to share my personal insights and "voice" within. The local magazine went on to hire me to write reviews of hair salons (thus I got a free haircut from a lady who styles the heads of celebrities), and other places in my area.

3. Contact editors by name at national magazines
It's almost pointless to send a query letter to an editor without addressing it directly to them. You can find an editor's name by flipping through the pages of the big general books like the "Writer's Market" and "Literary Market Place," which are probably available at your library or local bookstore. I've always found my updated contact information by sitting on the floor of bookstores and libraries and skimming through magazines looking for the current editors, or I call publishers to find out who the submissions editor is.

4. Write a query letter that grabs their interest right away
The next step is the query letter, which introduces you and your work to a publisher. I've had the most luck when I begin the letter letting them know I've read their publication or I simply jump right into my story, hoping to catch their interest in the first sentence. For example, this query letter landed me a publisher for my memoir, "Anything But a Dog!" It began: "Inevitably, most kids ask for a dog. And who can blame them? Dogs like Lassie adore you, keep you warm when you're caught in a blizzard and drag you out of burning buildings when you're unconscious. But by the time we're adults, we've learned the truth: dogs urinate on your new wall-to-wall carpets; dig holes in your leather recliners to hide their rawhide bones, and bite your neighbor's kid. So when my seven-year-old daughter Jackie asked for a dog, I said no. Our younger daughter Elizabeth was disabled and wouldn't be able to protect herself from a frisky animal. But I did make Jackie a promise: 'If God brings a dog to our doorstep, you can have it.' In the meantime, I offered her a hamster..."

5. Learn how to use a digital camera
Magazines and newspapers need images to make their pages come alive--and many have had to lay off their photographers. Offer to provide images with your story, and if that's not possible, suggest in your query letter an image they might want to consider. In my historical story, "The Hanging of Henry Gale," I wrote to the magazine: "After reading the article about the Revolutionary War in your June issue, I thought you'd be interested in my story, 'The Hanging of Henry Gale.' My ancestor Henry Gale was a captain in the war who later became a leader in Shays' Rebellion. He was found guilty of treason and sentenced to hang. I can submit a photo of his headstone and suggest an illustration of Shays' Rebellion from the New York Public Library image database."

6. Get out from behind your computer and network
Meeting people in the industry is important. You'll never be "discovered" spending all of your time at a desk. Attending a writer's conference or taking a writing class improves your chances of finding work. At 45 years of age, I finally took my first writing class at Rockland Community College--Introduction to Journalism. Not only did I finally learn that periods should be placed before the end quotation mark, but the instructor was a copy editor who helped get my work published in her newspaper. I also joined the 18-19 year-old student staff of the College paper and learned how write and edit for that. When the College had an opening for a writer in their Camus Communications Department, I was offered the job.

7. Give readers what they want--but stay true to your voice
Why do you need to please your editors/readers first when starting out as a freelance writer? Only when you have developed an audience can you can branch out and truly say what you want to say.

When it came time for mw to write the humorous account of how a homeless dog found his way onto my disabled daughter's couch, I wanted to secure a publisher before spending the time finishing the manuscript. So, I wrote a book proposal (required when seeking a publisher for non-fiction), sharing my harrowing search for just the right pet and analyzing the market, stating who my "readers" already were and who I thought would also be interested in my story. My query letter interested a few agents and publishers enough to ask for my book proposal. One publisher liked the proposal, so we signed a contract and "Anything But a Dog!" was published. You can read an excerpt at: http://anythingbutadog.blogspot.com

8. Write from your soul
When you write, write from your heart--really share your soul. Don't write what everyone else is writing. If you lay your heart bare, your readers may just find a kindred spirit in you.