(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hi Anne,
I’m a freelancer new to the game. I have been offered a gig at a local parenting magazine that has a huge circulation. They have only recently sent the writers agreement even though my column has already appeared in two issues. I really need some advice, like I said, I’m a newbie and don’t want to be taken advantage of.
Here is part of the contract. I have left out the specifics of the publication.
“In purchasing First North American serial rights, the content will appear first and exclusively in XXXX (and cannot appear elsewhere in print within …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)

Dear Anne:
I have a question about fiction submissions and copyrights.
Several years back, I wrote a few stories that won short fiction awards and were published in my college’s literary journals. Now I am thinking of sending them out to other publications for reprinting. The problem is that I want to edit and rewrite (to a degree) these stories. Does that affect the fact that they have already been published?
Once I publish something in a literary journal, does that mean I can’t rewrite it and sell it again, even if it is to a ‘accepts …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hi Anne:
At what point in a freelancers career is it appropriate to set up a website? I have one national publication and at least 10 regional publications. Is this too early. If so how long should you wait to set up a site?
–Maureen, Atlanta, GA
Hi Maureen,
First let me apologize. I’d forgotten your question was in comments… I’ve been looking for it in my email! That’s why the delay.
No, it’s not to early; you should set up a website today! Right now! In fact, I suggest writers set up websites very early in their careers these days.
I don’t know what’s going …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hi Anne,
Maybe you can help me. I live in Kolkata City, India. I am a web content writer with 1 years 6 months experience. In my 1 and half years of experience as a full time content writer, I have written on a vast range of topics ranging from travel and tourism, food and lifestyle, fashion and e-magazine (traveltorch.com) to health and fitness, sports, education and beauty tips. I have also gathered experience in writing on topics related to finance (loans, taxation, insurance, banking) and technical keywords (internet, laptops, cell phones, automobiles). Officially, I have also done blogging for indiaedu.com …read more

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)
Hi Anne,
Back when I was in college I wrote an academic paper on a topic I’m truly interested in. The research was fun, I got an A on the paper and the subject, reworked, would be timely today. I’d like to see it in one of the big magazines, maybe the New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, or The Atlantic. Since I already make my living writing books, I’m pretty secure in my ability to convert my paper to something for top notch consumer magazines.
But I’ve been sitting on this for four years! I’ve talked about it, dreamed about it, occasionally looked …read more