When I tell people "I write for Helium," I say so with the confidence that I am a professional writer who writes for a professional website... meaning that Helium is recognized as a credible venue for writers AND we are paid for our work. This is not a game or a joke to me... it is not a "hobby" - it is serious work for serious pay and opportunities to have my work read, purchased, and published by other professional websites and publications.

Since Helium is a professional venue, it is imperative that I present myself professionally. Here are some basic guidelines for accomplishing this:

* Choose a professional pen name. This is not the place to try to be cute or clever. We are professionals writing professionally, so I feel we should use our real names. I use a "handle" on my e-mail and other sites... usually FirecrackerBaby57. While this is fine for Twitter or selling on Etsy or eBay, when it comes to my writing career, I feel publishers and readers alike want to see an author's real name, not a cutesy moniker.

* Develop a solid "About Me" page. Always look at your "About Me" page with one thought in mind... "If a publisher for a major magazine or website came to this page, what would he/she think about me as a credible, professional writer?" Does your page showcase who you are as a writer and a person? Do you come across as an interesting person? Does your page make others want to get to know you better and read your work? Did you post a good head shot of yourself? Is this photo something you would be proud to see beside your byline in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web?

* Cultivate an identity on Helium. Participate in Contests and Marketplace opportunities. Do some creative writing. Rate and write and build your star power and other credentials. Wow others who visit your "About Me" page with a well-rounded, impressive portfolio and "resume." If you have the time and expertise, consider applying to become a Channel Steward for Helium and help others cultivate their

* Choose a channel and write to several topics there to build a following. While I have written to a wide variety of topics on Helium, I have focused on articles for subchannels such as Elderly Parents & Care, Cats, Grief & Loss, Retirement, Small & Home Business, and Allergies. By making a name for myself, so to speak, in these areas, I have developed credibility. As a result, people are more likely to be interested in reading articles I have written on other topics, as well.

* Use Leapfrogs to keep your articles at or near the top of the rankings. Review the articles you have written from time to time to retool and refine them to keep things fresh.

* Writing for Helium is not not all a "numbers" game. While it is true that the more you have written, the more potential you have for earnings, quantity does not trump quality. You want to be recognized for crisp, clear, well-written articles and not having dozens of poorly constructed pieces.

* Get it right. There is no room for poor grammar, run-on sentences, misspellings, and excessively long paragraphs. Obscenities and slang have no place in professional writing. Proofread your work. Use the tools to preview how the article will look. Spell check. Read, read, and re-read the article to make sure that you have crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, and your article is the best you can possibly post. Put your best foot forward at every turn.

Helium is a professional website. Many who write articles for Helium epitomize what constitutes a "professional writer." Following these simple guidelines can ensure that you are among them.

Learn more about this author, Debbie Robus.
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