by David Dewitt

Created on: June 15, 2009

Staring out on Helium or any online writing venue is an exciting adventure but there are pitfalls that too many new writers fall into. Face no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. However, making fewer mistakes is the desire for many. Especially those who want to be writers. Common mistakes can hinder or even derail the possibility of ongoing success as an online writer for Helium.

Helium exists to promote knowledge and share it with those searching for it. Knowledge is power and being informed about Helium makes writing more potent. Knowing the mistakes is half the battle to success. Before starting out on Helium, it is important to learn what not to do. These are some of the most common mistakes that new writers on Helium.

1. Failure to Read Writers Guidelines

Helium has a set of specific guidelines for submissions. These guidelines include the type of content accepted, plagiarism policies, style and format along with unacceptable content. Helium has a ban on adult material and profanity. Any content submitted deemed unsuitable will be flagged and removed from the site. Writing in an unacceptable manner can lead to a writer being banned from the site.

2. Improper Format

Helium writers will need to adjust their writing style to an online format. Helium is looking for articles that have an easy to read format. Write with shorter paragraphs, use bullets to list specific points and clarify sub-headings with boldface, paragraph separations or numbers. Writing in a format that is not easily read will hinder the success of the writer.

3. Poor Quality Writing

Many new writers do not take the time to fully develop an article and submit content that is less than high quality. Make sure to develop every article and proofread it before posting it. Once an article is posted, only a leapfrog can change it. Check and double check every article before it is posted. Mistakes do happen but taking the time to be careful and precise will help limit those mistakes.

4. Writing in Blog Style

Helium is an online site for articles. Many writers simply fail to make the transition from internet chat or blogging to writing actual articles. Be sure to write in a manner that is magazine style and move beyond the blog for content on Helium.

5. Incorrect Word Length

One major mistake is producing content that is an incorrect word length. Minimum word length is 400 words and maximum length is 1600 words. Content not within these length boundaries will not be accepted.

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