What is a writer’s most essential tool? Besides our creative minds and our muse, most of us would say our computer and the Internet. Writers depend on the Web for research, resources, work, networking, and self-promotion. Some savvy writers use the Internet as their sole source of income—whether through freelance writing, blogging, or website ownership. So how do we tap into this resource and utilize it to our advantage as a writer? That’s what we explore in this month’s issue… 
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Let WOW! help you start and grow your freelance career! Premium-Green isn’t just markets listings, it’s a guide with community benefits. As a subscriber, each month you receive a 100+ ebook filled with articles not found elsewhere and markets for writers of every genre and profession: freelance gigs for editors, copywriters, ghostwriters, bloggers; fiction markets; anthology calls; magazine markets; writing contests; niche markets; and… MORE >>

The results are in! After careful deliberation our honorable guest judge, literary agent Melissa Jeglinski, of The Knight Agency, has made her final decisions. Read the winning entries of the 750 words or less open prompt Summer ’09 Flash Fiction Contest…MORE >>

Blogs represent an opportunity for writers: while it is difficult to create a blog of your own that will replace a full-time income, it is more than possible to support yourself by blogging. The secret is becoming a blogger for hire. In this article, Thursday Bram reveals what’s expected of you as a blogger for hire, what the going rates are, and the best places to find blogging jobs. She also consults expert bloggers Celine Roque and Meryl Evans who share… MORE >>

Why do you need to analyze your blog’s statistics? There’s the curiosity factor of wanting to know how many visitors your blog is attracting, of course. But what is more important is what the analytical data tells you about readers and how you can use it to improve your blog. In this step-by-step article, expert blogger Anne-Marie Nichols shows you how to install Google Analytics and explains what all those statistics on the dashboard mean: visitors, map overlay, new vs. returning, bounce rate, page views, traffic sources, referring sites, content and keywords. By learning how to track your readership effectively, you can tailor your blog’s content to your audience and keep readers on your site longer… MORE >>

Online promotion has changed exponentially for authors and freelance writers. A good website will increase your visibility with readers, expand your online presence, establish your expertise, and create an interactive space for people who are interested in your writing and/or book. If you haven’t set up your personal one-stop writing shop in cyberspace, it’s time to do it now. Annette Fix provides a comprehensive checklist for creating a writer’s website and a book website… 
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Writers, ranging from those on the New York Times bestsellers’ list to first-time authors to journalists, are embracing the technological trend that co-exists with traditional publishing. In some instances, these podcasting writers are building a loyal following of readers and listeners that rival their print-only contemporaries. WOW! columnist LuAnn Schindler interviews successful podcasters to find out their secrets: Mignon Fogarty (a.k.a. Grammar Girl), Steve Bennett (founder of AuthorBytes), Stephaie Romanski (web editor and social media coordinator for Nebraska’s newspaper, Independent), and bestselling author Jodi Picoult… MORE >>

If you want to start earning income from your blog or website, you’ve come to the right place. We asked site owners around the country to share their best monetizing techniques, and they delivered some great tips on how to make money from your website or blog. From affiliate marketing to selling e-books, mastering search engine optimization and so much more, you’ll find a ton of ways to make money from your own site. Take a look at the advice, and choose the techniques that work best for you. Financial success is on the way… MORE >>

Did you ever dream of being an editor or publisher? Marcia Passos Duffy did. She wanted to have all the fun and glory associated with laying out pages, picking photos, putting together an editorial calendar, and yes, even that cool task of fielding pitches from writers. But the idea of dropping $100,000 or more to start up a glossy magazine was not financially wise, or doable. Instead, she dipped her toes in the publishing waters by starting an online magazine, which became profitable within six months. In this article, Marcia shows you how you can start your own e-zine too. Learn how to pick a topic you’re passionate about and research it through Google Keywords, get a name and domain name, design a website, add content to your site and send e-mail newsletters to your subscribers… MORE >>

Kim Wilson is the founder of two popular websites: WriteFromHome.com and PreemieParenting.com. In addition, she’s the author of an inspirational book for parents of premature babies, a full-time freelance writer, life coach, a mom of two sons, and wife to a civilian police officer/army reservist. Talk about a woman who does it all! In this inspirational interview, Shaunna Privratsky chats with Kim about starting her websites, how she manages to balance life as a stay at home mom with freelance writing, and how she keeps reaching for her dreams… MORE >>

With so many gadgets out there, it can be tough deciding which ones will fit your needs. And if you’re a blogger, you know gadgets are an essential part of your career. But which gadgets are worth the purchase and where can you find some good freebies? Don’t worry! Anne-Marie Nichols has answers. In this article, she shares her must-have picks for smartphones, netbooks, blog editing software, video cameras, video editing software, and online photo editing tools—just in time for the holidays… MORE >>