Writing for web sites, blogs

One of our freelancers might have an opportunity to write for a clinical trials web site and do some blogging for them.

However, she isn't sure how much to charge and wants to ask the rest of us what we would suggest. She has checked Craigslist and says the rates are all over the place. Not surprising, because a lot of potential "employers" on Craigslist want to pay virtually nothing.

I understand that $50 to $100 an hour for web site copy is the going rate, depending on experience. I'm not sure about blogging for companies. She isn't sure whether it's standard to charge by the hour, page or project. I told her I charge by the hour for that type of thing, but I understand some clients might not go for that.

Can anyone weigh in on this?

Go see American Pastorela

Journalist and playwright James Garcia's annual holiday spoof, American Pastorela, runs Dec. 4-13 at Third Street Theatre, 1202 N. Third St. in downtown Phoenix.

If you've never seen it, please go this year -- it promises to be the best yet. It's always a funny, topical and local take on the Passion Play; last year it dealt with border crossing and Light Rail. This year it revolves around Sheriff Joe. Read more: http://www.newcarpa.org

Now, taking on Joe is a harrowing prospect for anyone, let alone a man with the last name of Garcia. You have to give him credit for having some big cojones. That alone is worth buying a ticket.

James is an award-winning playwright, journalist and ASU instructor, and an all-around decent man with a wicked sense of humor. View his bio here: http://kjzz.org/inside/bios/news/jamesgarcia. Follow him on Twitter at jgplaywright.

Question on copyrights

Paula wants to know if anyone else has had experience with getting works copyrighted...

"I’m fidgeting around w/getting some works copyrighted and wondered if others had done so (I’m SURE they have...) and if they did it themselves or used an attorney, agent, etc?"

Please use the comments field to respond. Thanks!

Education/features writers, $1 a word

Thanks to RuthAnn for passing this along!

Phoenix Focus magazine is seeking experienced journalists interested in taking on freelance assignments on a variety of topics outlined in its 2010 editorial calendar. The magazine is published monthly online and is aimed at University of Phoenix alumni and is operated by the university's alumni association.

Writers will need to demonstrate the ability to identify appropriate sources for each assignment by completing a brief query in the form of a bulleted list outlining how they would tackle the assignment and a list of who they plan to contact as sources.

Pay is $1 per word for news/feature stories ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 words each and shorter faculty and alumni stories about 500 words each. Assignments will be given with at least a month's lead time to allow sufficient time for research and reporting.

Topics for 2010 include:

Why is the U.S. education system in trouble?

Overview of University of Phoenix's annual academic report

Spotlight on the College of Education including what teaching models are trending now, etc.

Health and education

The environment and its impact on jobs and careers

Entrepreneurs (College of Business)

Information Technology

Community and Volunteers

Contact Jenifer Flatley at Jenifer.Flatley@apollogrp.edu to apply.

(One 'n' is correct)

Betty Webb seminar

Joan send this along; APW is Arizona Press Women. I attended a Jana Bommersbach talk earlier this year and it was fantastic. This looks to be fun and informative, too.

Betty Webb Seminar -- from Facts to Novel
Date: November 19, 2009
Place: Doubletree Guest Suites, 320 N. 44th St., Phoenix
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to APW members. $5 for non-members.
Lunch: Dutch Treat off the restaurant menu.
RSVP: apw.reservations@gmail.com or 480-778-8776

Betty Webb is author of Desert Cut and other darkly popular Lena Jones mysteries—and the humorous zoo mystery The Anteater of Death. A new Lena Jones mystery, Desert Lost, is due out Dec. 1, 2009.
After her brief talk, Betty will lead luncheon attendees through the same steps she takes to turn factual articles into best-selling fiction novels. There will be handouts and some on-site writing, so be sure and bring pens and paper—and be prepared to be creative!
Betty has been a successful writer for 30 years, moving from advertising copywriting to journalism, book reviewing and writing mystery novels. She has also taught creative writing at Phoenix College. Before writing mysteries full time, Betty was a well-known local journalist. Writing articles ranging from hard news to features, she has interviewed everyone from U.S. presidents to astronauts who walked on the moon, as well as Nobel Prize winners, the homeless, the hopeless, the dying and polygamy runaways. Her Lena Jones mysteries are based on stories she covered as a reporter.
Betty is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and Arizona Press Women. Copies of her books will be available for purchase and signing at the meeting.
"If Betty Webb had gone undercover and written Desert Wives as a piece of investigative journalism, she'd probably be up for a Pulitzer... The factual details - supported by re-search cited in an Afterward - are eye-popping." — The New York Times

Check out CityCircles

Phoenix Magazine managing editor Adam Klawonn and business partner Aleksandra Chojnacka have started up a phenomenally cool project called CityCircles.

Check it out: CityCircles.com

He recently told me the Zonie Report is kind of on the back burner while they rev up this baby. From thousands of applicants for a Knight News Challenge grant, only nine received them, and Klawonn and Chojnacka nabbed $95,000 -- way to go!

The Knight News Challenge site reports they will use print, web and mobile technology to cater to people using the Phoenix Light Rail. CityCircles.com mentions you could also be on bike or foot to get benefits from their service, too. They'll tell you about everything from news, discounts and promotions around the Light Rail to events going on in the area. See the "About" page on the site for more details.

Best of all, Klawonn said he plans to use paid (!) journalists to gather some of the info. Please do not flood the poor man right now with eager and/or desperate pleas for freelance work. I am sure he will get the word out when the time is right.

In the meantime, please visit and use CityCircles.com, and tell your friends, family and even people you don't really like so much. Let's help make this a success.

PT graphic artist needed

Thanks to Joan for passing this along...

POSITION OPPORTUNITY

PART TIME GRAPHIC ARTIST

GRAPHIC ARTIST FOR A TOP STATION IN A TOP MARKET WITH A TOP COMPANY!

KTVK- 3TV, azfamily.com and KASW-CW6, Belo’s premier family of media brands in Phoenix, Arizona, seek a Part time Graphic Artist in the Creative Services Department in the 12^th largest – and growing – television market. KTVK is a strong Indy with deep roots in the community and more local news than any station in the market. Azfamily.com is the online leader in news and information, and Arizona’s most visited television website. KASW is a CW affiliate with #1 entertainment programs targeted to a younger audience.

The ideal candidate will design and create high definition animated and still graphics for KTVK’s #1 rated morning newscast, Good Morning Arizona. Other duties include producing graphics for daily newscasts, news stories, the internet, local programming and promotion, and produce off-air media designs and print materials for station and community initiatives. Candidate must possess a keen eye for brand consistency and marketing effectiveness.

It’s a high-energy, fast-paced work environment. Hours are 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday but candidate will also be asked to work other shifts when necessary. Weekends occasionally required.

Phoenix offers a great lifestyle with lots to do! Interested? We want to hear from you!

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of three years as a designer and computer motion graphic artist preferred. Creative experience in a broadcast/production television environment required. Strong Macintosh, PC and server user. Must have technical and problem solving skills using these programs: After Effects, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Curious Maps. Experience with Vizrt a plus.

Must be organized, a team player and have the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. Must be able to take on highly involved motion graphics assignments with a creative flare and see through to completion with little supervision. Print layout and web material design experience a plus, In Design, Flash, HTML. A skills test may be required during interview.

Resume and Samples of Your Work:

If you qualify for the position, please submit resume and reel to: Creative Services Manager, 5555 North 7^th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013 or email:careers@azfamily.com. EOE.

Job openings at the Republic

From my sources deep within the workings of the Arizona Republic, I hear that the paper is looking to fill a few positions. I'm not sure if they are only looking to fill these internally; it didn't say. Can't hurt to check.

First, Alex Bloom is leaving, creating an opening for a Scottsdale education reporter covering Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills unified school districts, Scottsdale Community College, and the Maricopa County Community College District and its board. Deadline to apply is Nov. 20. This was posted by Cherrill Crosby; e-mail cherrill.crosby@arizonarepublic.com.

Details: "Coverage generally involves education finance and overarching-policy issues that appeal to the older empty nesters that make up the bulk of our Scottsdale readers. This reporter regularly writes for a variety of platforms: the Scottsdale Republic, the Phoenix Republic (Northeast/Z7), Valley & State, A1 and the weekly Education page, as well as for azcentral.com and the education team blog - schoolgrounds.azcentral.com."

Also, Business needs a beat reporter:

"With Chad Graham’s promotion to social media editor, there is an opening in the business center for a reporter to cover jobs and workplace. This is a key beat in a state that has lost a larger percentage of jobs than Michigan in this recession. Here is the quick description. I’d be happy to answer any further questions.

Kathy

Jobs/workplace.

The jobs reporter would cover issues related to jobs, employment and unemployment. The focus should be on news of interest to the job seeker, the displaced worker and the underemployed worker and (now and then) on those fully employed.

The beat is trend-oriented, news-oriented and tips-oriented. Trend stories should touch on major issues, from delivery of unemployment benefits to the evolution of job training to the state of workplace discrimination. News stories might touch on who’s hiring, and for what types of jobs. We also expect practical stories. These tips stories might cover everything from what careers are hot/cold, to how to deal with resume gaps, to maintaining work-life balance. These stories might run on A1, in the Business section or in the Sunday CareerBuilder package.

It’s a true multimedia beat. This reporter will host job chats and blog on azcentral and likely will appear on Channel 12 frequently to discuss jobs issues.

Good communication is essential, as is a willingness to work within a team. This reporter will work closely with Betty Beard, who covers the Arizona economy, and with Mel Melendez, CareerBuilder editor, and will report to Kathy Tulumello.

In business, reporters also are expected to take GA shifts 2-3 times a month, handling whatever stories and briefs may be assigned. Simple interest in business topics is necessary; we’ll provide on-the-job training.

If you are interested, please contact Kathy Tulumello by phone or e-mail by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 16."

Finally, Metromix has an opening:

"MMX Phoenix (phoenix.metromix.com) strives to be a planning/going out resource for the 21-39 person without children in the Valley. This means a primary focus on nightlife; we do an extensive job covering the scene in Metro Phoenix, and we want to do more. There is also music and dining content, and events coverage.

The MMX producer is a combination of content editor and content creator. Strong copy editing skills, coverage balance and news judgment are needed, and the role requires creativity to help plan for big events and come up with new content concepts. You will be asked to add to most content items and to create some from scratch.

Those interested should be familiar with working in a content management system (enigma, Wordpress, etc.) to ease the transition into the MMX content management system. Proficiency in HTML, Photoshop and basic online workflow are required. On the job training can be provided, but basic skills are necessary.

A candidate will be expected to maintain social networking tools, such as Facebook and Twitter. Knowledge of both products is a plus.

Nominees will also be expected to take a lead in being the liaison between MMX corporate and the local product. There are at least two weekly calls that must be handled. Facilitating requirements and requests from corporate and transmitting all news to fellow staffers is expected.

Anyone interested in this position should contact Royce Martin, rmartin@azcentral.com, by Nov. 20. "

Want to write a book?

Interested in a book deal? Joan sent along this RFP to write the life story of Burton Barr. It looks to me like the author might have to do some fundraising to pay his or her salary, and of course, you'd be expected to help promote it.

I've never done an RFP, so don't ask me for advice.

Has anyone else responded to an RFP for a book project? Would you be willing to share advice? Please respond via the comments field.

Request for Proposal
To Write the Burton Barr Book

Master of the House – The Remarkable Story of Burton Barr

BACKGROUND
World War II hero Burton Barr applied the same tactics employed in his successful war experiences to become the master of the Arizona House of Representatives. He served as the house majority leader from 1965 to 1986, and almost every legislative enactment during his 21year term carried his imprint. Among his many accomplishments was his influence in the modernization of state government.

The book envisioned by Jack Pfister and Brent Brown intended to review Representative Barr’s childhood history, his military and business careers, and his legislative accomplishments. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan urged Mr. Barr to run for governor of Arizona. Although he had resisted earlier pressures to run for higher office, Barr, still the consummate soldier, responded to his commander-in-chief. He was opposed in the primary by car dealer Evan Mecham, and in a bruising election, Mecham defeated him. Mecham went on to win a three-way general election race against Carolyn Warner and Bill Schultz.

The book also intended to review the primary election and Mr. Barr’s post-legislative activities. Burton Barr was the most influential member of the modern Arizona legislature and left an enduring mark on Arizona’s history.

Items that have been completed for the book include:
1. Book Chapter outline – Appendix A
2. Eight volumes of notes, oral histories, and detailed research – Appendix B outlines the contents of the notebooks
3. Numerous photos of Barr at different stages of his life
4. Oral histories (transcribed) from the following individuals:

Babbitt, Bruce DeBolski, Jack McCain, Senator John
Barr, Burton Fannin, Bob Pastor, Ed
Barr, Louise Goddard, Terry Shelp, Lawrence
Barr, Michael Gutierrez, Alfredo Skelly, Jim
Barr, Suzanne Hamilton, Art (2) Sossaman, James
Basha, Eddie Herstam, Chris Stevens, Charlie
Boyd, Mike Heller, Vic Strasser, Stephanie Barr
Brown, Jack Hull, Gov. Jane Dee West, Tony
Burns, Peter Isaacson, Don Pastor, Ed
Bush, Jim Kaplan, Richard
Clark, Lloyd Kolbe, John
Collins, Rick Kyl, Senator Jon
Cornell, Nikki Lane, Joe
Daley, Mike

CURRENT SITUATION:
Brent Brown passed away a few years ago, and Jack Pfister passed away suddenly in July 2009, and was unable to complete his dream of writing this important contribution to Arizona’s political history. Jack’s family and friends are interested in seeing this book completed. This RFP seeks to solicit proposals from interested authors who wish to finish the book using Jack’s research and generally follow his outline for the publication. All the papers and documents have been willed to the Arizona State University Library, but will be made available to the selected author exclusively in the Luhrs Reading Room in the Hayden Library until the project is completed.
A selection committee will review the RFPs and intends to help support the author with some fund raising and coordination as necessary.

RESPONDING TO THE RFP:
If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please provide the following:

1. Resume of experience and any specific qualifications you have in writing books, monographs, and/or lengthy articles. Any experience related to writing biographies should be highlighted and full citations should be provided of work done.
2. Please answer the questions/statements:
a. What interests you about completing this project?
b. Why do you believe you would be qualified to write the book?
c. Describe any personal experiences you had with either Jack Pfister or Burton Barr.
d. What is your understanding of and connection to Arizona history, culture and politics?
3. Provide a brief budget to outline the costs you expect to incur and the fees you propose to charge.
4. Provide a timeframe indicating when you might be able to complete the project.

The Pfister family will provide some assistance to get the book published, and can assist with promotion as necessary. The family wants to reserve the foreword to describe Jack’s vision for the effort and passion behind it. In exchange, Jack Pfister’s contribution to the original research and publication outline must be acknowledged in the final publication. The family would like to stay as close to Jack’s outline of the book as possible, but understands that once the author has gone over the information and has begun writing that some modifications may be necessary to enhance the quality of the final product. A formal letter of agreement will be negotiated with the approved author, so expectations by all parties are clear.

Your responses should not exceed 8 double-spaced pages. The deadline for submission is January 15, 2010.

Responses should be sent to:
C/O Martin L Shultz
PO Box 53999
Phoenix, Arizona 85072 - 3999
Mail Station 9020
If you would like to review the source materials prior to submitting your proposal, the materials will be available for viewing at the Flinn Foundation Library, 1802 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. You can arrange a time to view the material by calling (602) 744-6800.

We look forward to your response.



APPENDIX A: BOOK CHAPTER OUTLINE
1. Introduction
2. Barr’s entry into politics and confrontation with Senator Harold Giss
a. Giss – Barr confrontation
b. Barr’s election
c. First term
d. Rise to power
3. Early childhood and education – 1917 – 1940
a. Barr’s parents
b. Elementary school
c. High school
d. College
e. Interruption to earn money
f. Competition of College
i. ROTC
ii. Jewish fraternity
4. Military – 1940 – 1946
a. Early assignments
b. North Africa campaign
c. European campaign
i. Italy
ii. Germany
d. Military honors
e. Wounds
f. Discharge
5. Early business – 1946 – 1951
6. Businesses
a. Parmenter – 1951 – 1969
b. Maverick – 1969-1985
7. Family
a. First marriage
b. Divorce
c. Second marriage
d. Children
e. Barr as a family man
8. Political
a. Rise to power
b. Reapportionment
c. Barr’s relationship with Arizona Governors
d. Role as House majority leader (could be a separate chapter)
e. Barr’s involvement in major policy issues
i. Health care
ii. Transportation
iii. Air quality
iv. Water quality
v. Water quantity
vi. Floods
vii. Tax policy
viii. Higher education
ix. Other
f. Why Barr was so effective
i. The importance of the era in Arizona history
9. Campaign for Governor in 1986
10. Post political activities
11. Conclusion
a. How Barr changed Arizona politics
b. His death
APPENDIX B: NOTEBOOK INDEX
Volume I
• Research Outline
• Oral History Matrix
• Obituary
• Early Childhood
• Parents
• Home Photos
• Portland
Volume II
• Oral Histories
Volume III
• Oral Histories
• Business
• 1955 – 1970 Clips
• 1980s Clips
Volume IV
• 1986 Gubernatorial Election
o Pre-Mecham period
Volume V
• 1986 Gubernatorial Election
• Post Mecham Period
• Mecham Campaign Literature
• Beth Isaak Paper • Horizon Transcripts
• Sunday magazine pieces
o 1/3/82
o 1/12/86
• National Election Reports
• Dolphin Group

Volume VI
• Legislative Accomplishments
• 1987 Clips
• 1988 Clips
• 1989 Clips
Volume VII
o Misc. Resources
Volume VIII
• Military Record
• 3rd Infantry History
• Military Structure
• Reapportionment
• Correspondence
• Research Notes

Dan Poynter coming to town

Thank you to Alan Korwin for sharing this:

Arizona Book Publishing Association
presents Dan Poynter
Opportunities! Book Publishing: Past, Present and Future

November 19, 2009

Where is book publishing going and how did we get here?
What opportunities are emerging as the Book Trade evolves into new forms?

The large publishers are downsizing, the brick and mortar stores are closing, and readers are embracing eBooks. These and other changes are affecting literary agents, wholesalers, distributors, reviewers, printers, truckers and everyone in the book trade. The winners will be the authors and smaller publishers.

Everything you’ve heard about book writing, publishing, distributing, and promoting is obsolete.

Suddenly, research is faster and easier-if you know where to look.
Publishing is quicker and less expensive if you know where to go.
Distribution is simpler and more lucrative if you know the channels.
Book promotion is easier and more fun-if you know where to post information about your book.

With change comes opportunity. These are exciting times to be authors and publishers.

Dan will describe the changes in book publishing and share with us how to take advantage of them.

Dan Poynter is an author (100+ books), publisher (since 1969), and speaker (Certified Speaking Professional). His seminars have been featured on CNN, his books have been pictured in The Wall Street Journal and his story has been told in US News & World Report. The media come to Dan because he is the leading authority on book publishing. A professional speaker, he travels more than 6,000 miles each week to share his book plan. Dan is a past vice-president of the Publishers Marketing Association. He lives in Santa Barbara.

Join us for this powerful program!

Please join us at
Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport North
427 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: 602-220-4400
For the the exact location, visit Mapquest.com
North of Van Buren; south of 202

Program (includes dinner) 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Early Registration (by Nov. 11): $25 members $35 non-members
Late Registration: $35 members $45 non-members
Advance payment is required for registration; no refunds after Nov. 11, 2009.

To register for the monthly meeting
http://azbookpub.com/abpa-education/poynter-nov19/

or RSVP to the ABPA hotline (602) 274-6264.
Questions? Email info@azbookpub.com.

3 writers; 1 stop shopping

Hey everyone - check this out! Three of "us" are now big-time authors, and they're signing their travel books. Go support them, see the Visitor Center, and pick up some books with great ideas for your upcoming Arizona vacations.

First Author Book Signing at Downtown Visitor Center

Three Phoenix-based authors will sell and sign their Arizona guidebooks from 1-5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, at the downtown Phoenix Visitor Information Center, located at 2^nd Street and Monroe, across the street from the Hyatt Regency Phoenix hotel.

This is the first such event to take place at the visitor center, which is located on the west side of Convention Center West (look for the sign on the sidewalk out front).

The three first-time guidebook authors include:

ü Jackie Dishner, author of Backroads & Byways of Arizona

http://www.countrymanpress.com/titles/BackrdByAZi1.html

ü Christine Bailey, author of Great Destinations: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona & Central Arizona

http://www.countrymanpress.com/titles/GDPhoenix.html

ü Teresa Bitler, author of Great Escapes: Arizona

http://www.countrymanpress.com/titles/EscapeAZi1.html

Aside from having the opportunity to meet the authors in person (cash-only purchases, please), a visit inside this unique tourist information center will bring you face-to-face with a floor-to-ceiling grid of nine 50-inch plasma screen TVs. They put the spotlight on Arizona’s desert landscapes and tourist hot spots—magnified and in color. The center also houses an interactive 43-inch iMap with touchscreen function to help you locate the nearest restaurants and nightlife venues. Additionally, you’ll find more than 500 state travel brochures and two computer workstations where you can check your e-mail—all of this for free.

If you’re planning your upcoming weekends or Arizona outings, you’ll find all the information you need here. The books make a great holiday gift, too!

For more information about the visitor center and the book signing, call 877-225-5749.

Do you know this company?

Does anyone know anything about Allison & Partners, a big PR firm with offices here?

Someone I know has applied for a job there, but wondered if anyone else has had dealings with them and could share any information.

Please post in the comments field. Thanks!

Paula poses a question

Paula Hubbs Cohen would like to ask the group for advice:

"What do you say to a publisher who asks you to edit a magazine, and after you find a ton of grammatical/punctuation errors, etc. in articles submitted by other writers/advertisers, tells you to only point out the “BIG” errors? I’m really flummoxed by this, because what a “BIG” error is to one person is not-so-big to another... Yes, there is a difference between an errant comma deep inside an article and a snarling typo/misspelled name on the cover, but if you find them both, why not fix them both?? What do others suggest one should say to a request like that? (and they defined a “BIG” error as something like a paragraph missing or something like that...)"

Hmm, sounds like the publisher doesn't want to pay for your time correcting "picky" details like spelling errors, etc. I'd have a reasonable chat with him or her and explain how even small errors can erode readers' confidence in the product and make advertisers look like morons. If the publisher doesn't care, and still doesn't want to shell out, you have a few options:

1. Decide you can live with the publisher's request;

2. Work out a deal where you can make corrections at what he or she deems a reasonable fee; or

3. Give up the job.

Everyone, please use the comments field to reply. Thanks!

We're back!

After a many-months hiatus, I'm going to revive the 60 Percenters. Please try to visit and post comments often so we can keep active.

As we all know, it can be frustrating to get frequent e-mails from the group, especially when you're on deadline. And it gets too time-consuming for me to act as the "hub" of the group, shooting e-mails back and forth between colleagues.

But I really want this to work. It's even more essential in this economy for us independent contractors to stay in touch and share information.

So let's use this as our forum. I'll start with the following post.