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The Helium Marketplace offers a real opportunity to earn money as a freelance writer. You can add a nice amount of profit to your writing income by writing Helium Marketplace articles, using a few tactics to increase your chances of success.

It is a good idea to keep a copy of the guidelines for each assignment you choose, and then you can follow the guidelines closely when composing your article.

~ Word Count and Keywords

Do craft each article to fit the word limit specified by the publisher. If they ask for 500 words, do not submit more than 550. It is better if your word count is just below the maximum, or just above the lower limit.

Do use keywords. A publisher may specify exactly the keywords they want you to use, and state how often these should appear in the article. Your article will be rejected if you don't repeat those words and phrase them exactly. Try using the keywords to introduce each paragraph.

~ Style and Format

Do make certain to use subheadings and bullet points, or supply useful links, when guidelines require them. If you are not asked to do so, it is better not to include links.

Don't submit articles without space between paragraphs, or with solid blocks of text within long paragraphs.

Do decide what style to use from the guidelines. Some publishers specify an informal conversational style, or an authoritative voice. If it is not specified in the guidelines, use the most appropriate style.

Don't write in the first person, unless you are asked for personal experiences or recollections.

Do some editing, to improve grammar and punctuation, before you submit. Proofread to correct typing errors, and don't forget to use a spellcheck.

Do keep a copy of your completed article. If you write it directly into the box on the Helium website, you could lose your text during the process of submitting it. Paste your article into the box, in plain text. You should always use the preview function before you submit.

~ Topics and Research

Do realize that most Marketplace assignments will be for topics outside your own area of knowledge and expertise. This does not mean you cannot submit to them. A good freelance writer can quickly research a topic and then write informatively about it.

Don't rely on a single source for your research. Try to find official sites and original sources. Information posted on a website is not necessarily correct, and misinformation is easily spread.

~ Quantity and Quality

Do continue to write and submit to as many Marketplace titles as you can, rather than write one and then wait for the publisher to make their selection.

Do remember it can take several weeks for some publishers to reach a decision. It is better always to have some articles in process, some that have transitioned to your Helium list, and some that have successfully been sold.

Don't think, when an article transitions, that you have failed. It just means that your article was not exactly what the publisher had in mind. Publishers do not always make it clear in their guidelines what they are looking for.

Do be professional. When writing to a Marketplace assignment, think of what someone using a search engine is looking for. They don't want to know your opinion or reminiscences, they want good factual information or instructions.

Don't forget publishers require content to bring more traffic to their site, or helpful content for their print publication. That's why use of keywords and correct style of writing are important.

Success in the Helium Marketplace can be yours, by carefully following guidelines, doing good research, being professional, and by submitting to as many assignments as possible.

Learn more about this author, Ruth Belena.
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