Pop quiz! See if you are good at editing...

Choose the right answers [The Writer’ s Life]( July 5, 2023 "Editing is simply the application of the common sense of any good reader. That's why, to be an editor, you have to be a reader. It's the number one qualification." – Robert Gottlieb, Renowned Editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster, Alfred A. Knopf, and The New Yorker I have a fun quiz for you, {NAME} … Real quick: A) Gold mine or B) Goldmine? A) Firsthand or B) First-hand? A) The event's star-studded lineup or B) The event's star-studded line-up? A) Deep-seated or B) Deep-seeded? A) First come, first serve or B) First come, first served? I'll give you the answers in just a second! But first … Do any of those ever trip you up? Lay vs. lie is another one I always have to stop and think about. Here's a helpful "cheat" for it … Lay ➡️ pLAce, Lie ➡️ recLIne … So … He lay down his keys. (Lay means to place something down flat; it's transitive and doesn't need an object to act upon.) She decided to lie down. (Lie means to be in a flat position on a surface; it describes something moving on its own into position or already in position.) As writers, knowing the right word to use at the right time is power. Making mistakes with word choices … confusing meanings of words … mixing up words like "capital" with "capitol" … it's not only embarrassing but can cause us to look less professional than we want. That's why we stress holding the "final" stage of any writing project — the review and edit process — until you've let the copy rest a day or two, so you're coming to it with fresh eyes. If you write for AWAI, you'll be assigned a professional copyeditor … We literally pay someone to edit every single piece of copy we publish … on top of what we pay the writer! I'm talking articles, blogs, social media posts, ads, web pages, news items, sales promotions, guides, products, scripts, and more. (It's a LOT!!) Copyediting is a great way to start making money in this industry ([more on that here]() … And every company on the planet can benefit from someone who can do it. Because while effective copyediting is invisible, it's also critical. Copyediting ensures the material is accurate, clear, and correct, so nothing distracts the reader. Beyond proofreading and checking facts, editing guarantees the copy is readable, free of inconsistencies, and of the highest quality (which is also super important for Google, and if the writer is using AI!). Now for the answers … A A A A B How'd you do? Think you have what it takes to [be a copyeditor](? If you love words … love improving and clarifying writing … and love the idea of helping to make whatever was written shine … you'll be a good fit. As eminent editor Robert Gottlieb once said, "I don't like writing — it's so difficult to say what you mean. It's much easier to edit other people's writing and help them say what they mean." Ain't that the truth! Curious how it works? [Check out this quick over-the-shoulder training]( with Mindy McHorse, Executive Editor of Barefoot Writer magazine, and freelance writer Bonnie Fanning. They show you how easy it is to turn a boring block of text into a voice that comes alive and speaks directly to the reader. They also give you three tricks you can use to improve any piece of copy, and answer questions about the opportunity and getting paid to edit copy for clients. If you're looking to make money sooner rather than later … Or have been stalling on jumping in as a writer for any reason … Copyediting may be the perfect opportunity for you. [>> Go here to learn more.]( To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI CLOSING: Only Accepting New Writers Until Midnight Tonight! Get accepted into the Barefoot Writer Club by MIDNIGHT tonight to claim your "Getting Started" writing gifts, worth $363 – FREE! You're a good fit for the Barefoot Writer Club if … - You enjoy writing. - You want to make great money doing it. - You want control over what you write about and who you write for. But hurry … You only have until midnight tonight! [Get Accepted Here]( What's Hot at AWAI … 🔥 [Get up to 90% off our most popular programs during our 4th of July Sale!]( 📝 Interested in getting paid to edit copy? [We have the perfect thing for you!]( 🤔 [Why AI is driving demand for this specialty in the digital world.]( 👉 ICYMI: Inside a Copywriting Agency with EditorNinja Founder John Doherty. [Watch the interview here.]( 🙌 [FREE Training: Get Paid as a CopyEDITOR.]( 😄 Want stronger copy? [Check out these seven tips!]( 👀 What's that on the horizon?! It's BOOTCAMP!! Do you want to be a well-paid copywriter this year? Then you NEED to attend. [Here's why.]( From "kicked to the curb" to successful copywriter … [Social media post about going from laid-off worker to AWAI Bootcamp attendee to successful freelance copywriter] Starr D. was "downsized from a cruel, faceless corporation that didn't give a fig for the time I had served them. They kicked me to the curb." In need of an income fast, she turned to copywriting, and found a new world that appreciated what she had to offer. At her first Bootcamp, she met "the greats we all aspire to be like." Inspiring experiences can happen to you too at Bootcamp this October 24-26. [Big names and popular favorites]( will be in-person, ready to meet you. Unexpected connections could make a real difference in your career … We've got countless stories of chats in the hallways, over meals, or in the bar that led to projects, partnerships, accountability groups, and more. If you're not yet signed up for this year's Bootcamp, don't miss your chance to grab a seat. [You'll find all the details here!]( Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! Free Training: Make a Great Living as Led-Gen Copywriter [Inside AWAI with Pam Foster and Rachael Kraft Lead-Gen Copywriting Become a Rainmaker for Companies] Friday, July 7, at 11 a.m. ET 👇 [Access Instructions Here]( INDEPENDENCE DAY SALE We've discounted our most popular training programs up to 90%! You'll find dozens of resources that will help you land the best clients … say yes to more well-paid writing projects … grow your freelance income … create YOUR own financial independence. IT'S ALL … ON … SALE … At the lowest prices you'll ever see! This is going to be fun … [Click here to check out the savings!]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- SEO Writer/Editor — Fidelity TalentSource Full-time, Durham, NC Fidelity Workplace is looking for a talented SEO Writer to work with a new and growing content team, which is responsible for coordinating an audience focused B2B/B2C content strategy and providing content development services across the Thought Leadership and Marketing teams. --------------------------------------------------------------- Content Marketing Writer and Editor — Neo4j Full-time, Remote We are seeking a Content Marketing Writer and Editor to help us craft compelling and engaging content about Neo4j and our mission to help the world make sense of data through relationships. --------------------------------------------------------------- Content Marketing Writer — Apex Fintech Solutions Full-time, Portland, OR The Content Marketing Writer role is one part business strategist, one part investigative reporter, and one part captivating storyteller. The position works closely with business unit leaders, subject matter experts, and an array of fellow marketing professionals to create compelling messaging, content, and campaigns that engage audiences and drive business results as measured through increased conversion rates, leads, asset downloads, and more. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2023 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? Simply direct them [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- American Writers & Artists Institute 220 George Bush Blvd, Suite D Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 278-5557 or (866) 879-2924 Ensure your subscription delivery. AWAI Whitelisting info available [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are subscribed to this newsletter as {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe from any future issues of The Writer's Life, please click here: [Unsubscribe from The Writer's Life](. To unsubscribe from all AWAI broadcasts click here. [I want to permanently unsubscribe from all AWAI emails](.