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November 27, 2009 5:03 PM
Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor
This week’s tips on “elevating” your writing:
 
a)      Learn your audience’s language. If they talk “deliverables,” “ROI’s,” “what the heck this does,” or “pedagogy” – you would respond in like.
 
b)      Before you begin – be sure your reason for writing is very clear. Do you want to entertain your reader? Get action? Sell? Or just to inform?
 
c)      Now determine what you, the writer, hopes to accomplish. First, you want the entire manuscript to be read. Second, is the readers’ response.
 
d)      Wait! Add a solid understanding of the audience’s needs for your manuscript. Their reason to read likely differs from your reason to write.
 
We will continue with the writer’s impact on his/her writing.
 
Kind regards…
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November 23, 2009 11:34 AM
Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor
The following excerpts are from the presentation I gave to one of my local networking groups. These are tidbits on how to “elevate your writing” from an editor’s point of view.
 
a)      The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you didn’t write.” – Unknown. Meaning DON’T NOT write – two negatives = a positive. Therefore, write!
 
b)      READ everything and anything…cereal boxes if nothing else. Reading improves your writing – especially if you choose the literary classics. You will discover the tools the authors use to entice you to continue reading.
 
c)      ALWAYS…ALWAYS keep the “reading” audience in mind – even 3rd party readers. You should focus your writing for their benefit (not yours). What do they need to get out of your written work?
 
d)      The age at which you start a writing career does not matter. Whether 5 or 50 or 85 – of concern is your dedication to your craft. Don't wait for spring - do it now...and enjoy.
 
e)      Know your audience. From a business owner's point of view clients differ from financiers, who differ from suppliers – each has diverse information needs. For students...professors differ from publishers in what they want in your manuscript. Write according to who your audience is and what they want.
 

Stay tuned – there are more mini writing lessons to come.

Linda Fletcher

Freelance Editor

LAFletcher@wingedhorseenterprises.com
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November 13, 2009 10:10 AM
Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor
As promised here are the last six lessons divulged by Mike Armitage, the producer of the Dragon’s Den. These should help you in presenting your business to an audience – whether the audience includes Dragons, bankers, financiers, suppliers, or your potential clients.
 
Mike’s Lesson #6 – Personalize the presentation. True stories build trust with the Dragons. Stories can humble you and create credibility.
 
Mike’s Lesson #7 – Tell how you uncovered a need. Let Dragons know the reason your business started. Compel the audience to listen to you.
 
Mike’s Lesson #8 – Know your numbers. Speak Dragon-speak: finances, price structures, cost margins, etc. Know how business will make money.
 
Mike’s Lesson #9 – Know what you don’t know. Trying to bluff Dragons causes embarrassment on both sides. Admit your ignorance and learn.
 
Mike’s Lesson #10 – Individuality. Let Dragons see what makes you different and better than the competition. Communicate your uniqueness.
 
Mike’s Bonus Lesson #11 – Value simplicity. Capture Dragons: state your dominant business facts concisely. Make it short and knowledge-based.
 

Good ideas all - Thank you, Mike.

 

Many of these can be transferred to your written presentations and your online presentations – as well as the oral ones. Incorporating these into your presentations can only enhance what the audiences sees/hears, which in turn could help your goals come to fruition.

 
Happy Presenting,
Linda Fletcher
Freelance Editor
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November 8, 2009 4:49 PM
Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor
 
-          James Thurber (American Writer, 1894 – 1961)
 
My opinion:
I agree with James Thurber. I would say it is the case for any writer – not just the older ones. It is not my job to change your manuscript to suit my opinion.
My editing style is to suggest changes – noting that I did not understand a particular section, thus believing the end reader may not understand it as well. I will then suggest a rewrite for what I think the writer intends.
He/she then has the capacity to say “Yeah” or “Nay.” However, by offering my point of view – the writer can reread what was written with more subjective eyes to see how the original passage was interpreted differently than he/she intended.

Inserting these types of comments and suggestions takes more time – I believe, it is time well spent to make the piece as honest to the writer’s voice as possible. I may add personal opinions on the topic, but these comments are prefaced by “Aside:” to denote these are not part of the edit.

LAFletcher@wingedhorseenterprises.com
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November 5, 2009 10:14 AM
Posted By Linda - Freelance Editor
On October 26th, I heard Mike Armitage, producer from the Dragon's Den, give tips on how to present your business - valuable lessons all. The following are my take on Mike’s lessons. On this and one other blog entry, I will encapsulate summaries of what I took with me from Mike’s presentation .
 
Mike’s Lesson #1 – Know your audience. Board games = zero Return on Investment; thus, Dragons won't invest. Give target AUDIENCE what they need.
 
Mike’s Lesson #2 – Be concise. Headlines should give Dragons Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How as simply as possible. List benefits fast - it isn't a mystery play.
 
Mike’s Lesson #3 – Don’t over promise/under deliver. Be honest with your Dragons concerning your deliverables (what/when). False bragging does not become you.
 
Mike’s Lesson #4 – Could your Grandmother Dragon get your message? Do not let your audience shutdown before they get a chance to understand your benefits.
 
Mike’s Lesson #5 – Forget garish staging. Props should help Dragons understand the message. Keep your presentation in sync with your brand.
 

Come back soon to see the next 6 lessons.

Linda Fletcher

Freelance Editor

LAFLetcher@wingedhorseenterprises.com

www.wingedhorseenterprises.com

 
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