Write your e-mail query as if you were writing a normal query. Induce in it same passion, same commitment and same confidence that you would like to project in a query sent by snail mail. Forget mantra that editors will delete long queries. Not a chance. If you’ve sparked interest of an editor, do you think she’s going to stop reading simply because it exceeded her one page limit? Nope.

As in a mailed query, take time and space you need to get editor’s attention. But refrain from rambling. Generally, your query (e-mail or otherwise) should fit into two pages or less. More than that, and you’re giving away too much. They should be succinct, to-the-point, and if you’ve done your job well, you’ll have editor asking for more. Always include your address and phone number should editor feel like calling and giving you assignment.

Remember how editors are busy people? That’s why, instead of sending them hyperlinks of all articles you’ve ever written, send in three or four relevant clips of your best work. And yes, attachments are strictly prohibited. Instead, include your article as text in your e-mail. But what about pretty pictures and beautiful fonts? Well, that’s why, above article, include link to article. If editor has time or inclination, she can go online and view it in its full glory. If not, you’re sending material in email so she doesn’t have to wander around cyberspace looking for your great creations.

E-mail queries aren’t much different from snail mail ones. If your query is professional, presented in an original style and makes editor sit on edge of her seat, you’ve got a winner. And always remember what mom preached— first impressions do count.

* This article was originally published on WritersCrossing.com (http://www.WritersCrossing.com)

Website Copy With Internet revolution finally having realized in its full form, small and big companies alike are looking for writers to write content for their websites. Not only do these companies pay well, but they also give writer a much-desired break. If you’ve written website copy, you’ll have no trouble finding more assignments of same kind. Simply guide prospective client to website and he’ll know what kind of work he can expect from you. Aim for start-up companies at first. They’ll usually hand over whole work to you and you can make a great portfolio.

E-books E-books are not here to replace print books. They’re here to provide an alternative resource for distribution. However, as opposed to print books, e-books are short, contain lots of web links and usually provide answers to a customer’s immediate needs. They can be downloaded off Internet in seconds, and you can profit from a single e-book long after you’ve written it. Don’t get fooled though-- writing e-books takes just as much time and dedication as writing print ones. It’s only mode of delivery that’s different.

Ezines Online newsletters, or ezines as they are frequently called, are becoming rage of publishing industry. Many of these ezines are paying markets and run regular features and columns. Many of them have associated websites too. While pay in this market is less, you’ll be writing shorter articles in much less time. Newspapers Generally, when we think of newspapers, we think news. But newspapers hold a lot more information than that. With regular columns, reviews and updates, latest findings, and point-of-view articles, newspapers are writer’s best bet. And if you’ve gained entry into one section of newspaper, other sections of writing open up to you automatically. Though slow on income, getting published in your local daily is still a major ego-booster!

Newsletters There are many households and small companies that publish newsletters. And all more are springing up each day. These newsletters are a great way to break into freelancing and gather clips. Their requirements are not as tough to meet as those of magazines and most editors are quite quick in their responses. To add to that, some newsletters also pay quite well, sometimes almost as much as small magazines.

Ghostwriting If it’s fame you’re after, you won’t get it here. But you can earn a decent amount of money ghostwriting memoirs, books or even articles for people who don’t want to or can’t write themselves. Ghostwriters are quite in demand today with more and more people trying to preserve their family history by getting memoirs or biographies written. However, apart from money, there’s nothing else. You don’t get credit, fame or even byline.

The prospects for writers today are immense provided you’re ready to experiment in different areas. The Internet has made it easier than ever to find writing assignments not only in your own country, but around world. A simple e-mail is all it takes to apply for a job and send in assignment.

It’s easy for a freelance writer to get stuck doing same old thing over and over. It’s not only fun, but sometimes necessary to introduce a little spice into your writing routine. If you’ve been writing articles all your life, try doing some greeting card writing instead. If money is slow, and you could really use some extra money, apply for a resume writer job. If book manuscripts are lying unsold, try selling short stories for a change.

With a little variation now and then, you’ll not only find your income shooting up, but also your inspiration. So next time you find yourself waiting for word on that manuscript, send out a few short pieces instead. It’ll definitely be worth effort.

* This article originally appeared on http://www.WritersCrossing.com