At first glance, it’s a simple proposition. Read your manuscript to ensure there are no mistakes before you send it off to be submitted or published.

But, as any experienced proofreader will tell you, there are pitfalls along the way.

For that reason, the very best thing that you can do to ensure your manuscript is proofread to perfection is to get someone else to do it for you.

These tips can also apply to any business documents.

Fresh eyes are essential when it comes to picking up typos, in particular. If you have written the manuscript, structurally edited the manuscript, then copy edited the manuscript, you will no longer see the errors.

You see what you expect to see.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to bring someone else in, so these are my top tips for maximising the effectiveness of your proofread.

1. Print it out
If you’ve done all your editing to date on screen, this is the moment to read your words on paper. But even if you’ve been working on paper previously, print it out for the proofread. It allows you a different perspective on your words.

2. Get away from your desk
I do all my proofreading away from the place I write. Again, it’s about looking at your words in a different way. Choose a place with really good light so that your eyes don’t get fatigued.

3. Use a blank sheet of paper
When I was a cadet journalist, my editor taught me to proofread using a blank sheet of paper to block out everything under the line you are reading. It allows you to focus specifically on the words in front of you and stops your gaze from skipping ahead.

4. Read the page forwards – then read it backwards
Reading it forwards allows you to ensure context and fluency – reading it backwards makes you focus on every single word, ensuring no typo escapes.

5. Don’t overlook the fine print
When the type is small, our brain fills in gaps for us, giving us meaning but not necessarily picking up missing words and spelling mistakes. Blow the fine print up on a screen or scale it up on your printer if you have to, but give it the same attention you give the main type.

6. Pay particular attention to the BIG type
Everyone overlooks the chapter headings and the title pages. We think that headlines are too big to fail. They’re not – the mistakes are just more obvious once they’re printed. And, yes, I speak from experience. Give the big type the same treatment as the small.

Author bio
Allison Tait is the author of three epic middle-grade adventure series for kids: The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. A presenter at AWC and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast, Al is currently editing her latest middle-grade novel The First Summer of Callie McGee. Find out more about her at allisontait.com.

For decades, one powerful concept has captured the imaginations of millions: artificial intelligence (AI). An evergreen topic in popular culture, it’s been the subject of dozens of bestselling novels and blockbuster films, like Bicentennial Man, Her, Minority Report, and Ex Machina. While we’re still lightyears away from the robot-serviced society depicted in I, Robot, there’s no doubt that AI is building an imposing presence in our world.

2022 saw numerous developments and expansions in AI technologies that could have radical impacts on individuals and businesses alike. One of those innovations was ChatGPT, an interactive software application designed to simulate human conversation with a user. Developed by the non-profit research laboratory, OpenAI, this advanced ‘chatbot’ can form detailed responses to questions, write and debug computer programs, and compose music, long-form essays, articles, poetry, and songs.

But for all its capabilities, ChatGPT isn’t without fault. Many have expressed concerns regarding its factual accuracy, creative abilities, and influence on the demand for knowledge workers.

Between the pages of books and on the silver screen, sci-fi thrillers are dramatised with unexpected outcomes. An operating system helps a struggling writer find his voice before abandoning him. A band of highly-intelligent enslaved robots try to gain control over humanity. A nationally implemented pre-crime program attempts to imprison a man before he commits a violent crime. In reality, the stakes aren’t as high. But as we enter a global AI revolution, we can look to these action-packed plots to help us answer an important question: Just because we can, does that mean that we should?

What is AI content?

Let’s start with the basics. AI content is written material (such as blogs, articles, product descriptions, landing pages, and reports) that has been generated by computer software. Content marketing is a diverse field, and as such, there are many different AI content creators. Some well-known examples include Jasper, Copysmith, Writesonic, CopyAI, and ChatGPT. These web-based AI platforms are trained with millions of words to generate original, coherent, cohesive content.

In the case of ChatGPT, an interconnected group of nodes uses self-attention mechanisms to input data and learn the patterns and structure of human conversations. This allows it to generate human-like responses to questions. ChatGPT can create everything from short social media posts to multi-page essays. All you have to do is ask.

Can Google detect AI content?

AI content is a direct threat to Google. Why scroll through page after page in search of information when an AI content creator can provide you with answers in a fraction of the time? Prophesied as the ‘Google-killer’, ChatGPT is a potentially deadly competitor of our old faithful search engine.
But Google won’t give up without a fight.

As AI content creators become more sophisticated, Google’s bots continuously work against them, analysing trends and inconsistencies in writing style to detect and demote content that has been auto-generated to manipulate search rankings without regard for quality or user experience. When detected, low-quality AI content receives a manual penalty that impacts the ranking of its webpage.

So, what’s the verdict on AI-written content? Should we embrace it or reject it? How will it affect our global community of business owners, customers, writers, and readers? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits and disadvantages.

What are the benefits of AI-written content for SEO?

AI-written content has the potential to change the way many businesses market themselves through SEO. The benefits include:

AI content is more cost-effective

Bots are cheaper than brains. Cost-effectiveness is one of the driving forces behind the development of new AI technologies. Content generators are no exception. With the ability to create written work much faster than their human counterparts, clients can expect to pay a great deal less for the results.

AI is constantly improving

The very beginning of artificial intelligence began in 1935, when the concept was introduced by the English computer scientist, Alan Turing. Less than 20 years later, the first artificial neural network was created. By 1966, a robot with the ability to reason its own actions had been developed, and the following decade gave rise to the first personal computers. Cut to the current day, and AI devices have become a staple of daily life. Laptops, PCs, and smartphones are among the most popular devices.

Rapid progressions in new technologies are the source of AI’s persistent allure. Constant improvements and expansions trigger our curious minds to ask the question, “How far can it go?” Already, machines have been trained to reason and problem-solve, process language and images, and use tools to carry out complex tasks. Like all forms of AI, content generators are constantly advancing, finding new ways to develop human-like language that draws in readers and ranks high on search engines.

What are the disadvantages of AI-written content for SEO?

In spite of their overwhelmingly positive reviews, AI content generators have some serious shortcomings.

AI content has its limits

Sophisticated as they may be, AI content generators don’t quite add up to a human brain. These complex machines are mere imitations of human intelligence; the result of clever programming. Their functionality has limits. ChatGPT, like all AI content generators, is trained with material that has already been published on the web. When asked to answer questions, the chatbot strings together pieces of information from those sources, rearranging fragments of text to come up with something new. But bots cannot create truly unique content, as they lack the ability to form original ideas. Similarly, they cannot understand user intent, and struggle to impart a specific tone of voice. It’s these shortfalls that tend to expose them to Google’s AI-detecting crawlers.

AI content has quality concerns

AI-generated SEO content relies heavily on data analysis and algorithms. Sounds boring, right? That’s because it is. AI content tends to be keyword-dense, but lacks the qualities that engage readers. Without creativity, tone of voice, or nuances in local language, AI content tends to fall flat on human ears. For this reason, human-written content should continue to outrank AI content in the foreseeable future.
Inconsistencies in factual accuracy have also been identified as a major drawback of AI-written content. When used for SEO purposes, AI content must undergo fact-checking and editing by human content writers to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity.

So, how do we mere mortals measure up to machines? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of human-written content.

What are the benefits of human written content for SEO?

What is it to be human in the dawn of super-intelligent machines? What distinguishes us from segments of code, pieced together to replicate the complex structure of neurons? How are we unique?

Humans can be creative

Have you ever marvelled over a work of art? Ever experienced a burst of inspiration after reading a novel or watching a film? This is a reflection of your intrinsic human creativity; the result of synchronicity between multiple networks in your brain. It’s this quality that allows humans to come up with unique concepts and envision scenarios that have never occurred. Unlike bots, humans can harness creativity to develop ideas and create content that is truly original, entertaining, and tailored to a specific audience.

Humans can bring a personal touch

While ChatGPT and its peers can make data-driven decisions and create content limitlessly, they are incapable of conveying a brand’s unique vision and tone, and hence cannot form connections with customers. No digital tool, however advanced, can master the complexity of emotional intelligence. Humans, on the other hand, can empathetically adapt content to create a personalised customer experience that encourages brand loyalty.

What are the disadvantages of human-written content for SEO?

Our inherent uniqueness may give us a creative edge over AI, but it can also work against us.

Humans are less efficient

The human brain – while capable of sentience, empathy, and original thought – is at the mercy of fluctuating hormones, moods, and environmental factors. Ever had an off day? Maybe you were tired, distracted, or a little under the weather. As humans, our productivity can change from one day to the next.

This is where AI takes the ball and runs with it, leaving us straggling behind. A machine isn’t susceptible to the mental and physical afflictions that weaken humans. It doesn’t tire, and it doesn’t need to wait for inspiration to strike. It can churn out content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reliable and ultra-efficient, AI can outproduce even the most highly skilled team of content writers.

Humans are more expensive

Creativity costs. Business owners looking for truly original content with a tone of voice specific to their brand or business should expect to invest accordingly.

Will AI replace content writers?

For now, AI content generators will serve as a tool for human content writers, helping us to ideate and produce content quicker and at a lower cost to our clients. But when we look to the future, what is it that greets us? When does a personality simulation become the beginning of something more? How far will humanity go to preserve time and energy, and – perhaps more importantly – how far should we go?

That, my friends, is in your hands.

About the author
Kayla Chauvel writes SEO-optimised content by day, and action-packed, twisty mysteries by night. Her work has been featured in The Daily Telegraph, News.com.au, Herald Sun, and Earth.org. She lives in Melbourne with her snooty yet loveable ragdoll cat, Gracie.

1. Travel is your passion

If you would rather spend money on train tickets than new clothes, if you spend long weekends driving to interesting little towns, beaches or lakes instead of staying home on the couch, if you’ve got a list of dream holidays as long as your arm: you might just be the perfect fit for travel writing.

2. You’re not afraid to take a chance

To find the best local restaurants, the secret shortcut, or the place to stand to see a stupendous sunset, you will need to try things out. If you’re writing about Paris, suggesting that your readers visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre isn’t going to excite them: you need to get off the beaten track, talk to locals and give things a go. Good travel writers are optimistic and flexible, and they know that even if their plans don’t work out, they can still end up with a great story to tell!

3. You enjoy writing creatively

Good travel writing will help the reader feel as if they were there with you. Simply listing the facts of the situation isn’t going to do that. You don’t need to be over-the-top, but your writing needs to be evocative and draw your reader in.

4. You’re realistic

Getting paid to travel sounds too good to be true – and don’t get us wrong, it’s a great job to have. But if you take a week’s holiday a year and you look forward to it as an opportunity to really switch off, leave your phone and laptop at home and relax, travel writing might not be for you – it’s a very different kind of holiday. Even though you’re out and about experiencing a new place, you’ll be asking questions, gathering information, and taking notes so you remember exactly how something looked or tasted or felt in that moment. If you’re an inquisitive and active traveller already, you might be the perfect fit as a travel writer!

5. You’re a natural linguist

You don’t need to learn a whole new language every time you go to a new country – but a few key words and phrases will go a long way! ‘Hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please/thank you’, ‘water’ and ‘how much’ are basics to master, and you can add to them depending on the holiday you’re planning.

6. You pack light

As a travel writer you’ll probably have a laptop, notebook and maybe some other tools with you: you don’t want a suitcase with half your wardrobe in it too. If you are a quick, organised packer, you’ll be well-prepared for any kind of travel writing.

7. You’re confident

Whether it’s figuring out the public transport in a foreign country or negotiating with an editor, having self-confidence is key for travel writers. To get the gig in the first place you need to market yourself as a writer, and you could be setting the agenda for your trip yourself: you need to back yourself to do the job well.

If travel writing appeals to you, our Travel Writing course will teach you all about how the industry works, how to pitch successfully and how to write in a way that will capture readers’ imaginations.

On second thought, why not stay inside in the aircon and learn a new skill instead? For those of you who would much rather enjoy the heat from the comfort of inside your refrigerated living room, here are nine online courses you can do this summer.

HOT TIP: You can do these courses while sitting outside, too. Just remember to slip, slop, slap.

Make the most of the new season by following your passion for writing…

1. Reinvent Yourself

Reinvent Yourself is the perfect course if you have the inkling you'd love to write, but have no idea where to start. 

Valerie Khoo's lessons guide you through the different paths available, sharing inspirational stories from people who were just like you once – and who found their passion for writing. The course includes an 318-page workbook loaded with tips, advice and strategies, 19 inspirational case studies, and 15 exclusive interviews with successful writers.

It's the practical blueprint you need to kickstart your new career.

“Reinvent Yourself is the perfect start for anyone who is interested in following their writing dreams. I found this mini yet extremely jam-packed course full of helpful tips. A bible that I shall return to for that push I'll need when doubt starts to creep in.” – Linda Sulman

2. Creative Non-fiction

If you're hankering to tell a true story in a rich and exciting way – think Peter FitzSimons or Malcolm Gladwell – then you need to learn the skills of creative non-fiction. 

Creative non-fiction is one of the most exciting genres in the literary world. People love to learn new things by reading well-crafted stories that read like a novel. So if you have a true story that is stranger than fiction, discover the techniques to create a work of non-fiction that reads like a page turner.

“I learnt so much from the Creative Non-fiction course and I am a better writer for it. From the very first lesson I felt like I was being welcomed into a place of learning for writers – it felt supportive and encouraging. It encouraged me to question my story narrative, its structure and tone, as well as my characters. I couldn’t have written and published my book without AWC.” – Anika Molesworth, now a published author of Our Sunburnt Country with Pan Macmillan

3. Fiction Essentials: Structure

Structure is the foundation of your story. It's what helps to move your story from an exciting beginning, through an engaging middle, to a satisfying conclusion. If you can't quite put your finger on why your story isn't working, the culprit is probably the structure.

Our Fiction Essentials: Structure course is designed for fiction writers looking to improve the framework and pace of their stories. Many courses talk about what structure is, but this one will show you exactly how to do it. Developed by bestselling author Pamela Freeman, this nuts and bolts course will transform your storytelling.

“There were little surprises in every module. I was unprepared for the joy that flooded over me as I heard about narrative tension. I had no idea such a process as ‘building narrative tension' existed. Before, it was like trying to build a house without a hammer! The advice I received in this course about those topics alone was worth the asking price. The rest of it is a bonus.” – Ivan Ballin

4. Fiction Essentials: Characters

For many writers, the character comes first; but that doesn't always mean it comes easily. A great story is one where characters come alive on the page. Your readers are transfixed by their behaviours and have strong feelings about them – either good or bad! 

This online course will help you develop the main players in your story as well as your entire cast of characters. Because without great characters, there's no story.

“Although I'd thought I had given my characters a background story, it really made me think and understand their motivations more fully.

There will be less writer's block if you put in the work to fully develop your characters, then you can focus on the storyline and enjoy the writing process because you know how your characters think, feel and react to certain situations in your story!” – Peta Henshelwood

5. Laugh Out Loud

Would you love to write a funny story for kids, like the Treehouse series, Tom Weekly, Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Toffle Towers? 

This course is for people who think they might have a funny bone, but aren't sure where it is. With surgical precision, popular children's author Tim Harris will help you to locate yours and guide you through the process of crafting a funny story or book. Plus you'll also receive his professional feedback on a writing exercise.

“Tim Harris knows funny! He has crafted a course which unpacks humour in an easy-to-grasp, insightful way, and his delivery literally made me laugh out loud. I'm finishing this course knowing a wee bit more about toilet humour, ready to put my characters through hell for the sake of a joke, totally understanding recurring humour and totally understanding recurring humour. See? I'm so much funnier now. Thanks, Tim!” – Amelia Lewis

6. Content Writing

Everything you read on the web has been written by a person. Think about it. There are millions of websites, and all of them need one thing: content. There is a massive demand for good quality content writers, and the great news is that it's a skill you can learn, especially if you already have a passion for words.

This online course is ideal if you want to learn the art of communicating with customers through great content or start a new side hustle.

“I didn't know how to start writing content before. It's taken the hesitation away and I feel confident to start now, using the templates. It's not brain science! Just need to use a structure, and start!” – Steph Austin

7. Short Story Essentials

Writing short stories is the perfect way to hone your fiction writing skills. Crafting a compelling story with interesting characters and a strong arc is not easy when you're constrained by a word count, but that challenge is what makes short stories so satisfying. Not to mention, the appetite for short stories keeps growing and growing, with thousands of competitions and anthologies each year.

This is a unique online course where you learn the materials at your own pace. Once you've completed all the modules, you can submit your own short story for assessment by editor extraordinaire Cathie Tasker. It's an extraordinary opportunity to get feedback from an industry professional.

“I just read the feedback that Cathie prepared and I wanted to pass on my gratitude to her for a wonderful course. I really appreciate the amount of work she put into critiquing my story and the excellent content in the modules. After taking this course I now know what makes a good short story and the importance of fully engaging in all stages of the editing process. My sincerest thanks.” – Andrea Wilson

8. Professional Business Writing

Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? Go ahead and improve your business writing skills while sipping margaritas in your pyjamas. Our Professional Business Writing course is designed for people who want to improve their business communication in a practical non-nonsense way.

Good business writing comes down to clarity and confidence, and that's exactly what you'll gain in this course. Even while sipping margaritas.

“I feel confident knowing I have the knowledge to write professional correspondence. I look forward to modifying my templates as per the guidelines provided. Highly recommend. Well worth the time and money as the course content is spot on.” – Janelle Adolphe

9. Real Estate Copywriting

If you're looking to emerge from the summer with a brand new skill that you can earn an income from immediately, look no further than Real Estate Copywriting. It's the perfect course for writers who want to expand their repertoire or carve out a niche specialising in writing property listings. 

Everyone loves sticky beaking at real estate ads and dreaming of new possibilities. Why not be the person who helps to create those dreams?

“This course gave me the confidence to take the first step towards finding my first client. It was delivered in a very aspirational and positive way, making the world of copywriting seem very inviting and the goal of becoming a real estate copywriter achievable!” – Jennifer Marshall

As a freelance writer, it’s important to have as many strings to your bow as possible. But what if you’re not sure exactly how each string is tied?

There can be a lot of crossover between copywriting and content writing – but there are also some key differences that need to be considered.

What does a copywriter do?

Copywriters typically write “words that sell”. Or, at the very least, words that persuade you to take action in some way – whether that’s to download information, book an appointment, call the business, or purchase a product.

This might include writing text for a website and other marketing channels. Think social media, advertising, emails and more. But this is not just any text. The purpose of copywriting is to grab attention and encourage action – to craft words in advertising material that will sell a product or brand and prompt a purchase.

Copywriters often have only a few words with which to hit their mark. Writing sales copy tends to be short-form – consider ads, social media posts, landing pages, video scripts, email campaigns, and billboards for starters.

As a copywriters, you need to understand not only the product or brand they are trying to sell, but competitors, target audiences and industry trends. It’s about creating a unique voice for that brand through the clever and eye-catching manipulation of words and ideas.

If you're interested in copywriting, check out the course Copywriting Essentials as a great starting point into this lucrative career.

What does a content writer do?

Content writers set out to educate, inform, entertain and, above all, engage existing and potential customers. Content is about encouraging a deeper relationship with a brand, inviting readers to stick around and come back for more.

In general, content is long-form writing. Think blog posts, articles, podcast scripts, ebooks, reports and more – anything that will help to establish authority for the website or brand and encourage readers to save and revisit.

If copywriting is all about getting out into the market and grabbing attention, content writing focuses on bringing the market home and keeping it there.

One of the roles of content is to boost the visibility of a brand’s website in the all-important Google search, driving traffic to that website and helping to generate business opportunities. In this way, while not a direct selling tool, content writing is an integral part of a business’s overall marketing.

Content writers therefore, often need to consider search engine optimisation as part of the process of writing their text, creating content that potential customers will actively seek out through search.

If you’re a content writer, you also need to understand the brand and its target audience – and know how to add value for that audience. You need research skills, the ability to create new angles on industry topics, and the SEO skills to incorporate relevant keywords in a natural ways. Editing skills are highly valued in content writing where authority is key.

This course in Content Writing is a ideal if you're a freelance writer or copywriter looking to upskill in this area.

How they differ – and where they overlap

So, what does this actually look like for a freelance writer?

As an example, a copywriter may be asked to write a web page about a new mattress that eases back pain. The aim of that copywriter is to persuade you to buy the mattress, discussing its features and benefits.

A content writer, however, might be asked to write an article for the same company’s blog along the lines of ‘how to choose the right mattress for your needs’. The aim of the content writer is to educate the potential customer and position the company as an authority in the industry. Of course, the article may also mention the brand-new mattress that eases back pain.

Which is not to say that the same writer might complete both tasks. The skills involved in copywriting and content writing are actually quite different, but most companies see it all as ‘writing’. So a company’s existing copywriter may be asked to write content and vice versa – often because that company wants to work with a writer who already knows their product or industry.

So, even though the words ‘copywriter’ and ‘content writer’ are sometimes used interchangeably, the roles are different and require different skills. As a professional writer, it’s important to understand the distinction – and know what you’re signing up for!

 Author bio

Allison Tait is the author of three epic middle-grade adventure series for kids: The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. A presenter at AWC and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast, Al procrastinates by making reels. Find them at @allisontaitwriter on Instagram.

Authors can earn money from a diverse range of income streams. Check them out ….

Diverse income streams are key

So, where does the money come from? How can you make a living as an author?

If you’re an author, whether traditionally published, hybrid or indie published, investigate all of these options thoroughly to see what might be possible for you.

Advances and royalties

Core business for any author is the writing of books, and advances and royalties are the income derived directly from that core business. These advances and royalties may be produced by the original sale of a work, or by further sales into different publishing territories.

Lending rights

The Education Lending Rights (ELR) and Public Lending Rights (PLR) programs can make up a good portion of an author’s annual income. Under the Australian Lending Rights Schemes, Australian book publishers or creators – authors, illustrators, editors, translators and compilers – can be compensated for loss of income through the free multiple use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries. Find out more here.

Copyright payments

If you are the creator of a work and hold copyright for that work, you may be eligible for a payment if that work is reproduced. The Copyright Agency collects licence fees for uses of content that would otherwise require a copyright clearance from a rightsholder. Visit the Copyright Agency for more information and to register works.

Speaking and appearance fees

Children’s authors, in particular, can create a useful income stream through author visits to schools, but all authors should investigate the possibilities afforded by paid author talks and literary festival appearance. The Australian Society of Authors publishes guidelines for recommended rates of pay.

Freelance writing

Writing is a highly transferable skill and many authors supplement their fiction writing with features and content writing, as well as copywriting.

Teaching

Once established, authors can be in hot demand to teach workshops, seminars and classes related to their craft. The amount of work involved in the creation of a course or workshop shouldn’t be underestimated, but, once completed, can provide an ongoing income stream.

Literary grants

Although highly competitive, literary grants can provide a welcome income buffer for successful applicants. This article by award-winning poet Melinda Smith for Arts Hub has some great tips for applying for funding.

Awards and prizes

Major awards and prizes can bring major financial benefit with them, but even smaller prizes can offer a bonus for your bottom line. We’re always updating our list of short story competitions so start there!

Why not consider opening up some income streams to make your dream life as an author even more viable?

Author bio

Allison Tait is the author of three epic middle-grade adventure series for kids: The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. A presenter at AWC and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast, Al is gearing up for a busy month of author talks as Book Week approaches. Find out more about her at allisontait.com.

Interviews are an essential part of life for freelance writers and content writers, but they’re often overlooked as part of the skill set you need to create a successful career in these fields.

After all, isn’t an interview just about writing out a list of questions and then asking them, either face-to-face (real life or Zoom) or on the phone?

You ask the question, you get the information, you write the article, case study or blog post. End of story.

Well, yes – and no.

It is true that one of the keys to an interview is preparation and going into the interview with a selection of questions designed to result in information.

But a great interview? One that results not just in information, but the insights that can take an ordinary piece of writing to the next level? That’s a different story.

After decades of interviewing people for everything from Q&As in Countdown magazine and feature articles, to podcast conversations and one-hour author events, these are my secrets to a great interview.

1. Listen

When you’re sitting there with your list of questions and, probably, a limited timeframe to ask them in, there’s a tendency to focus on what you think you want to know rather than on what the interviewee is saying. Listen to the answers to your questions.

Don’t be so focused on what you’re going to ask next that you forget to zero in on what’s being said right now. If you listen, you’ll be able to ask the most important questions an interviewer can ask:

“Why?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Can you tell me more about that?”

The last thing you want is to be listening to your recording or reading your transcript the next day and realise all the questions you should have asked.

2. Follow the tangents

Don’t be afraid to deviate from your set questions – you can always come back to them. The best results I’ve ever achieved in interviews have been from following the tangents – the offhand remark, the additional bit of information, the anecdote.

You can always tell when an interviewee gets on to a subject they’re passionate about. Go with them.

3. Don’t talk more than your interviewee

It’s easy to get carried away – to show off how much research you’ve done on a subject or person, or converse rather than interview.

Don’t.

Remember that you’re there to get information from the person you’re interviewing. More importantly, you’re there to get usable quotes. Quotes from you don’t make a great story.

So, make sure you let the interviewee finish their thoughts and, particularly, their sentences.

Get the quotes and you’ll be able to write a great story.

After all, that is the point of the exercise.

Author bio

Allison Tait began her career as a cadet journalist at the age of 19 and has been asking questions ever since. She is the author of three epic middle-grade adventure series: The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. A presenter at AWC and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast, Al reads a lot, writes a lot, and blogs at allisontait.com.

Homes are not simply bricks, timber, glass and subway tiled splashbacks. They are offices, entertainment spaces, retreats, libraries, gyms, classrooms and so much more! And when it's time to sell a home, it is so often about emotion rather than simply “3bed, 2bath, 2car”. 

Successful real estate copywriters can take any address – big or small, fancy or festering – and tell its story in the best light. They dispense with common cliches and instead get potential buyers excited about living there (or investing). It’s a fun job – allowing you to witness first hand the current (and not so current) trends and create powerful sales messages for a variety of homes. And with many jobs, you can do the whole thing from home (with supplied photos, floor plans etc).

So, how exactly can you break into this real estate writing game? Here are some ways to improve your chances…

1: Do a Real Estate Copywriting course

Okay, it’s a shameless plug up front (this author created the AWC course on Real Estate Copywriting), but it’s also a great way to understand the psychology and methodology behind writing unique and creative real estate copy. 

Suitable for new and existing copywriters as well as property agents, this self-paced course is a fun romp through what the industry expects of real estate writing and how you can stand out. It’s great value and a great investment – with plenty of practical exercises and examples to cement your learning. Highly recommended! Ahem.

2: Contact your local agent

Every town has a real estate agent. Most have two. Or three. Or six. And the best way to contact them is simply to walk in and make yourself known! (Yes, it’s scary, but it can pay off.) By making a personal connection, you’re already on your way.

Even if an agent cannot offer something on the spot, leave your details. For example, many agencies may say “we do our writing in house” or “we have a content place that handles that” – but that might not always be the case. Agencies change hands and things may open up. Sometimes the decision on writing is up to the individual agent – not the principal of the agency. If that’s the case, contact ALL the agents on site (get their cards – they love handing them out!). Also keep an eye on new agent announcements (often advertised) – welcome them and offer your services at the same time.

If an agent seems unsure, offer to rewrite a current listing. If you catch their attention this way, it could be all you need to get a foothold for future work.

Note that there is no set industry fee or rate – every relationship with an agency or agent will be different. However it’s a good idea to establish a fixed rate from the start – based on what they require and what you’re happy to receive for your time. By getting this sorted upfront, you won’t need to quote every job and the agent will feel confident in their marketing spend.

3: Team up with another provider

Speaking of marketing spend, a good mindset to get into is to think of yourself as an essential part of the marketing mix of a property. An agent will typically engage a professional photographer, floor plan designer, perhaps a videographer for a walk-through or drone footage, as well as sign company for the front lawn. As a copywriter, you are an integral piece of this puzzle – so don’t sell yourself short!

In fact, so wide is the list of providers for agents that you may already know a friend (or friend of a friend) who works with an agency. This can be a softer way to introduce yourself, on the back of an established provider.

For example, you may know a photographer who does real estate work – so grab the agent’s details off them and (with permission), use their name as a springboard to introduce yourself. If the agency already loves the work this other provider does, it can make your ‘cold call’ somewhat toastier.

4: Join a real estate content company

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em – and with many agencies choosing the “one stop shop” of companies that do it all (photography, copy, plans, printed material etc), your skills will be highly sought after at such a location. Here’s an example of one in Australia.

Whether it’s a boom or a bust, people are always on the move, meaning there are always houses for sale. That’s why these kinds of places are always looking for copywriters to write great listings. (And because people are always on the move, new jobs come up all the time). The advantage is that you don’t need to contact agents yourself – your jobs are delivered to you. 

Many enjoy this option as it can provide a more regular stream of work and payment is straightforward. (In the Real Estate Copywriting course, we include a case study of a content agency writer.)

5: Set up your OWN real estate copy agency!

As a property writer, you might work in a content company like above or provide your copywriting services direct as a freelancer. As the latter, you might also do other copywriting jobs (for example, an ad for a hair salon or web copy for a new local cafe). But if you decide that property writing is your thing, why not double down and create your own brand specialising in purely real estate writing? (In our course, we include a case study of a writer who has been successful doing exactly this.)

Now, do you still have to secure gigs and form relationships with agents and clients? Of course you do. But by marketing yourself in this niche and creating a specific brand, it may give you more clout than offering direct services as a ‘jack/jill-of-all-trades’ copywriter.

Finally, the most common question: how much can you get paid as a real estate copywriter?

The beauty of real estate writing is that there is always a supply of potential jobs – with every house that goes on the market. How much you’re paid to write a listing will depend on many things, including the budget for marketing (a fancy house may allocate more $ for copy), the services required (script, signage, inclusion list, feature story etc) and whether you need to visit the address in person or can write remotely.

A typical listing on a property website usually has a limit of 2500 characters (including spaces) – approximately 400 words. For this, you should expect to be paid approx $150 to $250 – a rough ballpark as many writers get less writing short blurbs in bulk, while others charge more for luxury listings. 

Ultimately it’s about knowing your worth – valuing your time and doing the sums. If you think your writing is worth $100/hr and the job will take you three hours (including travel if necessary), then $300 it is. Just be prepared to be more flexible than stubborn at the start (while still needing to eat) – getting in the door with a new agent is sometimes the priority.

Remember, as a property writer you are providing a valuable skill. And if you do it well, just a few property listings a week can provide an excellent side income. Happy hunting!

Dean Koorey is a freelance copywriter who has created more than 1000 property listings for everything from shacks to mansions. His online course, Real Estate Copywriting has valuable information on how to write memorable property listings, as well as many dad jokes.

1. Networks are important

Freelance writer Jo Hartley says it’s a tough gig, but if you put in hard work you will get results, and you will make the connections you need to succeed.

“I’ve built good relationships across the board in terms of online and print publications. I most regularly write for Sydney Morning Herald Lifestyle section – that would be published a couple of times a month and also other sections of Sydney Morning Herald like Essential Kids and Essential Baby – I have regular posts in there and also Sunday Life Magazine is also another regular for their Wellbeing sections, and I’ve written for multiple other places online and in print such as MiNDFOOD Magazine, Sunday Telegraph, Marie Claire and across a range of other magazines as well.”

2. You can write for any publication you can dream of

Josefa Pete, before she became a writer, was a research scientist and also worked for her father’s construction company. She says she was intimidated to write before, but she came away from the course filled with confidence. 

“The course finished on a Sunday afternoon, I’m pretty sure I sent my first pitch the next day,” she says. “I followed what I’d learnt on the Sunday, followed the pitch guidelines, I had Valerie’s voice in my head, don’t put that, put this, know your audience, know your editor and I wrote two pitches. I closed my eyes and hit send on that email and ran away from the computer and went ‘oh no, this is going to be terrible’, and two pitches came back with, yes we would love you to write this for us.

“I have to be honest, the idea of pitching to an editor, especially to a publication you’d been reading perhaps all your life and you admire so much, for me was overwhelming. It stopped me in my tracks. But the course took all that away, I just walked out and went, I could do this, I will do this.”

Former human resources expert Megan Blandford says she aimed high at first, and it gave her the confidence to keep going.

“I had in my head a couple of mind blocks of who I didn’t think I’d ever be good enough to write for, and I thought I’m going to hit those first and if I can do that then I can make this work. I can do anything after that. I thought I wouldn’t be good enough to write for a newspaper and I wouldn’t be good enough to write for an in-flight magazine. They were just my little things that I had in my head. So I just started pitching to The Age and to Jetstar magazine and funnily enough, I got a yes. And I’ve just kept running with it since then.

“I’m now a full-time writer, so I have a few avenues of how I make that work and have that income. One of the main sources of income I have at the moment is writing content for corporate clients, which is often for their blogs, I do travel writing as well, which I really love, and I write a bit of parenting stuff. My writing work has appeared in The Age, Jetstar magazine, Essential Kids, International Traveller, Wellbeing, Practical Parenting, Kidspot and lots more.”

3. Freelancing is a viable career

Even though Joy Adan had a bachelor’s degree in media and a master’s degree in publishing, she still didn’t feel confident that she could make a living as a writer until she took the Australian Writers’ Centre’s course.

“Being a freelance writer was just this idea in my head that I really had no idea how to go about, but throughout the year I really learned step by step the things that you need to get in place: the fact that I need to value my time and charge well for my time, to have an idea of the publications or the platforms that I want to get published in, and to really back myself.”

4. You can use your existing experience or interests as a writer

Lisa Schofield says she’s enjoyed the variety of writing she’s been able to do as a freelance writer.

“I focused on pitching to magazines I was interested in about subjects that I love and I had some early wins with Women's Running Magazine. I also wrote for Run for Your Life magazine, I was interested in running at the time, I started writing for Health and Wellness magazine, Prevention, Shape, Women's Health. 

“I started to really enjoy writing for those magazines and then I started to diversify a little bit and get a little bit more structured in who I was going to write for. I didn’t want to write about only health and wellness, I’m interested in slice of life and human interest so I’ve written for Sunday Life, Good Weekend. 

“I also enjoy going back to my business roots and my banking roots, so I’ve been writing for Marketing Magazine. I love travel writing and I love travel, so I’ve been writing for International Traveller and Jetstar magazine. I do other kinds of writing as well as feature writing, I do corporate writing and I have corporate clients that I write for.”

5. Watching others succeed will help you to succeed

Part-time freelance writer and blogger Michaela Fox says connecting to other writers through the course really helped her stay on track. 

“It connected me to other like-minded people – and I think when you’re pursuing a creative passion like writing you need to find your tribe – and it gave me access to people like me who are writing and trying to do it as a career. 

“It's just so inspiring to see what other writers are doing and the successes they’ve had since doing the course. I think that really motivated me to keep going and taught me that it really is possible to do something you love, and that life is too short not to be doing something you love, and that you need to sort of put your fears aside and feel confident that you actually can make your dreams come true.”

Freelance writer and actor Susannah Hardy says the ongoing support from the course has helped change her career and life for the better.

“One of the best things about doing the course was that it didn’t just end once the course finished, it’s an ongoing community feel with the teachers and with the students alike, and that has been a great support over the years.”

If all these tips have inspired you to get into freelance writing, taking the Australian Writers’ Centre’s Freelance Writing Stage 1 course will set you up perfectly. You’ll get a solid understanding of the industry and how to pitch, as well as mastering the techniques for researching, interviewing and writing. 

1. It doesn’t have to be a competition

Brad Kelly, who was a school teacher for 15 years before he made the transition to writing, says getting to know the Australian Writers’ Centre community really helped him on his journey to becoming a freelance writer. 

“So many people out there want to be writers and they don’t really think that it can be done and they can make a living out of it,” Brad says. “But there’s lots of support and there's a sense that there’s lots of work out there for everybody, it’s not competitive. It’s a very supportive environment, that’s been very beneficial for me.”

2. Dyslexia is not a barrier

Catherine Rodie, who came to freelancing after starting a successful motherhood blog while on maternity leave, says she learnt she could succeed as a dyslexic writer. 

“I was told at school I would never be a writer because my spelling was so appalling and I’ve really carried that with me,” she says. “What I’ve found is that the content is the most important thing and yes, I have spelling mistakes, but as long as I get someone to proofread my work first before I file it then the spelling doesn’t have to hold me back.”

3. You don’t need a degree to make money from writing

Emily Joyce, who had been a stay-at-home mother for a few years before becoming a freelance writer, said she’s found making money from writing is open to anyone. 

“A really pleasant surprise to doing the course was being able to make money straight away from writing. Prior to the course, I thought you had to have some kind of official degree and years of training. However, through doing the course with the Australian Writers’ Centre I learned that anyone can write, if they have some tools and can apply themselves.”

4. Everyone can improve and grow as a writer

Gabrielle Martinovich, who had a background in corporate PR, says she’s learnt that everyone can improve as a writer.

“I often did it for work, but you just never know if it’s enough to sort of write a feature article,” she says. “It can be a different skill set. I’ve learned more tricks of the trade, because I’ve worked on the PR side and I was used to pitching media releases. So this feels like it’s sort of the complimentary side of it. It’s been a really good year in consolidating those skills.”

5. Getting your pitch right is key

Part-time freelance writer Jennifer Johnston says an important part of her journey to becoming a paid freelance writer was to learn how to refine her pitches. 

“The way I started my writing journey was approaching local newspapers and getting unpaid writing gigs,” she says. “I was having success with them, but after a while you get a bit frustrated that you can’t move on from an unpaid to a paid gig. I realised afterwards, after having done the course, that it was because my pitches were failing. My approach was not as good as it could have been.”

Freelance writer and part-time lawyer Libby Hakim says targeting her pitches to specific publications was key to getting her byline into print.

“I learnt how to analyse a publication, to really understand the audience that the publication is speaking to and to be able to craft stories to suit the particular magazine or newspaper. I also learnt how feature stories are structured, they may appear quite simple but there’s quite an art to it. And of course I learnt how to approach editors; how do you get an editor to say ‘yes, I want you to write this story for me’.”

For more tips on becoming a freelance writer in Australia, check out our graduates’ success stories, or join one of our Freelance Writing courses.