The internet has literally changed my life.

I've gone from 95% trying to make a dollar online, to working when I feel like it. Truthfully I can't even call it work.

I get paid to have fun.

If I can do it so can you. Let your articles be your training ground.

Over time you'll start your own viral marketing machine.

Some of long term benefits to you and your business are:

* Instant branding

* More online friends than you can shake a stick at

* Tons of sites linking to you

* More joint venture offers than you could ever accept

That's just tip of iceberg.

The internet is a writer's paradise and if you're not taking advantage of it, shame on you.

Do yourself and your business a favor and start writing. You'll not only help yourself, you may just help others along way.

Not using query letters - If you really want to get your articles published, you need to be sending out dozens of query letters every single day. How is this done? Simply pick up your most recent copy of Writer's Market, pick a magazine or other publisher, think of an idea they might be interested in, and write a letter pitching that idea to magazine (or other) editor. Be sure to follow guidelines given by magazine (you can get this from Writer's Market, on web or by sending a request to publication). You may only get one bite out of a hundred, but if you don't ask you won't get any at all.

Why use query letters instead of writing articles? Writing an article can take a significant amount of time. It's wise to find an editor who is at least marginally interested before taking time to write a full article. Query letters must be written fast and often to be effective.

Writing in someone else's style - You are a unique individual with your own talents, faults, goals, objectives, abilities and characteristics. You also have your own unique writing style. Be yourself when you write; if you are someone else (and you write like someone else) you will never make big times. This does not mean you shouldn't experiment with different writing styles; it means you should make each style your own as you write.

Asking other writers for advice - This is fine if you are taking a class taught by a writer. In most other instances, unless writer is a good friend, you have to understand that other writers are competitors. Unless they are very ethical, it's very likely they may be trying to discourage you or move you away from their own preferred market.

Keeping poor records - Create a record-keeping system and stick to it. There is little more embarrassing (or time- wasting) than sending out same article twice (or more) to same editor who rejected it first time.

Not treating writing as a business - Keep good records of expenses and income, and treat it all as important and vital. You have to pay taxes and you may need to account for any money. Also, expenses (and even your home office) are often write-offs on taxes.

Not checking facts and doing proper research - Getting a fact wrong now and again won't kill you, but it does effect your credibility. Get major facts wrong too often, and you may find that you cannot sell anything anymore.

Not handling copyright infringement - If someone steals your work without compensation, handle it fast and efficiently. Talk nicely, then not so nicely, then call in lawyers. You own copyright, so enforce it.