In this guest post, author and psychologist Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman, Ph.D., describes how to stay in the zone and succeed as a writer. 
First, a quip from Arthur Hailey on how to be a successful writer:
“I set myself 600 words a day as a minimum output, regardless of the weather, my state of mind or [...]

As a full-time freelance writer, I comb through each article or book chapter until it’s as perfect as I can make it. It’s true that editing, revising, and rewriting your work is the key to good writing. To bring that writing advice alive, here are tips from book publicists, published authors, freelance writers, and writing coaches. 
And, a [...]

The most successful writers, freelancers, novelists, playwrights, and poets know how to stay motivated to write despite rejection. These writing tips from published authors and freelance writers will help you stay motivated even when you’re not getting paid - and when you feel despondent about your chances at getting published. 
Natalie Goldberg said, “I’ve never met [...]

These top tips about a successful freelance writing career are taken directly from the horse’s mouth: a former McCall’s editor. Check out these 10 ways to write better articles; Don McKinney knows of what he speaks.
To get the writing ball rolling, here’s some writing advice from William Zinsser:
“Never tell your readers what they should think [...]

Here are 10 practical, effective ways to make money as a freelance writer. Some are based on Kelly James-Enger’s Six Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money. Others are based on my own experience as a freelance writer, plus other writing resources, such as The Renegade Writer. 
First, a quip for writers: 
“For many writers [...]

Sometimes you’re so enmeshed in your writing, you can’t tell if you’ve improved, gotten worse, or are treading water! Here’s a list of qualities of excellent writers, to help you measure your writing progress and objectively and honestly assess your writing progress. 
First, a quip for writers from Doris Lessing: 
“Advice to young writers? Always the same [...]

When you send story ideas or book proposals, you don’t want to drown in the slush pile. New research reveals one way to get people to remember your writing - and it’s a tried-and-true literary technique. 
First, though, a quip for writers: 
“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: [...]

As a full-time freelance writer without a Journalism degree, I’ve learned things the hard way. Here are 8 lessons I’ve learned from writing for magazines. 
First, a quip for writers from Natalie Goldberg: 
“A student in a workshop walked up to me swinging his briefcase. “Hi, I’m an engineer. I make $46,000 a year. How long do [...]

Here are 4 great questions from a “Quips & Tips” reader - they really are the foundation of how to earn a living as a freelance writer. She asked about writing successful query letters, finding writers’ guidelines, researching magazines, and taking writing classes. 
First, though a writing quip from Elmore Leonard: 
“I don’t believe in writer’s block,” [...]

Good writing skills are learned through reading, writing, and reading about writing. Check out these five ways to make your articles or books publishable. 
First, try this writing quip on for size. 
“Of course, everyone who submits a book thinks it’s good and deserving of publication, critical accolades, and brisk sales,” writes Pat Walsh in 78 Reasons [...]