by Leigh Goodwin

Created on: February 22, 2009

Establishing Goodwill Profits

Navigating publication lead time to sell freelance articles can be a timely process. I used to sit around and wait for responses- or worse- pen more articles which sat idle and stacked up against the wall. Then I discovered a way to use lead time to create goodwill writing profits. I decided that money is not the only reason I will spread meaningful ideas in the world.

What did I do? I began researching, writing and distributing a free one page monthly newsletter. Microsoft and other computer software has made it possible for anyone to create unlimited information products. I followed the plan below to serialize and distribute my monthly newsletter.

I began by studying "Starting and Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine" by Cheryl Woodard. Next, I followed the steps below to complete the process:

I opened a Microsoft and selected a newsletter template. I could have used the columns feature on the tool bar to create my own layout, but using a template was easier and faster. I followed the Microsoft tutorial by filling in each newsletter field. The most basic fields are the header and masthead. In the header I Iisted a title, volume and date information. In the masthead, which can be a simple textbox, I typed in my contact information as the publisher of the series. The masthead is placed on the lower left side of the page.

I gave my newsletter a title that indicates my newsletter theme.

I outline, pre-format and write articles that are 500-700 words so everything fits on one page.

Next, I went to the Library of Congress website, read and downloaded an ISSN Serial number application. To apply and receive the number is free and takes 6-8 weeks. If you are issued an ISSN number it will help librarians, researchers and scholars can easily locate your newsletter. An ISSN number is not a requirement to have your own newsletter. I like the way it establishes the publication of my newsletter and makes it look official.

Next, I created an email distribution list. Most of my subscribers are associates of friends and family members. I am in the process of learning to create an embedded color newsletter. Until then I email each newsletter as an attachment. So far it works fine.

Finally, I set up my free blog at www.blogger.com/start to give people another way to sign up for my newsletter.

My email newsletter has been successful. I write the article during week two of each month so it's ready to go on the first day of each month.

The benefits I get are twofold: 1) I establish a publishing track record whether I sell articles in the market or not, and, 2) I help others by providing valuable information and insight free of charge.

My readers have been grateful. They get timely fitness information and I receive goodwill profits.

For your information checkout:

Library of Congress issues copyrights and ISSN serial numbers for serial information products. http://www.loc.gov/issn/

Microsoft offers extra newsletter templates and publishing tool downloads in addition to computer software. www.microsoft.com/downloads

Learn more about this author, Leigh Goodwin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.