Thanks to my loyal customers, my time is more in demand than ever.
I am fully booked at present so I am not accepting new assignments and projects.
For scheduling purposes, only requests for ongoing blog posts and e-mail newsletters will be considered in the future.
I am fully booked at present so I am not accepting new assignments and projects.
For scheduling purposes, only requests for ongoing blog posts and e-mail newsletters will be considered in the future.
Still interested?
You can do it: one step at a time
Is there something you know is good for you or your business, but you just can’t seem to get around to it? Don’t look at how hard it is, how much you don’t feel like it, how long it will take, or the lack of immediate rewards. Focus on taking one step at a time. You will be able to look back and see you have accomplished great things.
Because I love time with my family and I own a business—you may see an immediate challenge there, even before I finish this sentence—it’s not realistic for me to spend several months of every year on a hiking trail. However, because I can use the exercise, I have chosen to set “trail” goals to keep me motivated and on the move.
I began with the Appalachian Trail. Family members and I hiked several sections of the actual trail in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I logged virtual miles for the remainder of this Maine-to-Georgia trail.
Is there something you know is good for you or your business, but you just can’t seem to get around to it? Don’t look at how hard it is, how much you don’t feel like it, how long it will take, or the lack of immediate rewards. Focus on taking one step at a time. You will be able to look back and see you have accomplished great things.
Because I love time with my family and I own a business—you may see an immediate challenge there, even before I finish this sentence—it’s not realistic for me to spend several months of every year on a hiking trail. However, because I can use the exercise, I have chosen to set “trail” goals to keep me motivated and on the move.
I began with the Appalachian Trail. Family members and I hiked several sections of the actual trail in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I logged virtual miles for the remainder of this Maine-to-Georgia trail.
My next challenge was the Pacific Crest Trail. Again, I did a combination of family hikes in California and virtual miles along the remainder of the Pacific coast.
My latest accomplishment is the equivalent of walking from the Atlantic Ocean to just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in California. I am blessed to have actually been to both these places and many amazing spots in between. Family joined me for walking/actual hiking in multiple states, national parks, climates, and conditions. We also detoured way north (Maine) and south (South Carolina) of the middle-of-the-country path for fun. The company and the diverse scenery made the miles seem to fly by. For the virtual portion of my coast-to-coast trek of the United States, I used the map provided at Webwalking USA Walking Program (https://www.verywell.com/webwalking-usa-walking-program-3432830).
You may think this was easy after all the practice I had. There were still setbacks I had to overcome—a foot injury, a sickness or two, family emergencies, work deadlines—but the habit was established and I could see results.
You can achieve the same success. Choose what you want to accomplish, what path you will take, who you want to walk beside you in the process, and then set out on your journey. You can do it, one step at a time.
You may think this was easy after all the practice I had. There were still setbacks I had to overcome—a foot injury, a sickness or two, family emergencies, work deadlines—but the habit was established and I could see results.
You can achieve the same success. Choose what you want to accomplish, what path you will take, who you want to walk beside you in the process, and then set out on your journey. You can do it, one step at a time.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” Psalm 37:23
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
What’s so special about this business anniversary?
I haven’t been in business 150 years like some corporations or even 5 decades like other companies. So what makes my business anniversary special? It’s you—my client.
Each and every client has contributed to the E-Content Butler story. Your field of expertise—often so different from my own—makes my work more interesting. Your questions keep me at the top of my game. How you do business has helped me clearly articulate my values.
Current and prospective customers also provide the impetus to explore new trends and technologies. Although the writing process hasn’t changed in my 12+ years in business, the process of sharing your words continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
Last but not least, I am thankful that business acquaintances and clients have become friends over the years. Thank you so very much. May your business also thrive and may you celebrate a wealth of milestones and business anniversaries of your own.
I haven’t been in business 150 years like some corporations or even 5 decades like other companies. So what makes my business anniversary special? It’s you—my client.
Each and every client has contributed to the E-Content Butler story. Your field of expertise—often so different from my own—makes my work more interesting. Your questions keep me at the top of my game. How you do business has helped me clearly articulate my values.
Current and prospective customers also provide the impetus to explore new trends and technologies. Although the writing process hasn’t changed in my 12+ years in business, the process of sharing your words continues to evolve at a rapid rate.
Last but not least, I am thankful that business acquaintances and clients have become friends over the years. Thank you so very much. May your business also thrive and may you celebrate a wealth of milestones and business anniversaries of your own.
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Tell your story starting with this checklist
It’s your story but it’s my mission to help you tell it well. This E-Content Butler checklist will get you started.
1. Decide who your intended audience will be
Are you addressing your children or heirs, family and friends, those who need your expertise, individuals facing similar circumstances as you, future generations who will need an eyewitness account of history as it was being made, complete strangers who have money to purchase your story, someone who _________ ?
2. Pick your “voice”
Tailor your writing style to your intended audience. Pick easy-to-understand words and concepts for small children. Use humor to entertain family and friends and build them up. Share your expertise in a manner suitable for where it will be published—professional journals, for instance, require a more scholarly tone than a newsletter. Choose whether you will tell your story in first person (“I” and “we”) or in third person (“she” and “he”) from a narrator’s point of view.
3. Choose your format
Which format will you start with (you can expand to others later): audio recordings, blog, book in print, e-book, newsletter, series of articles, series of videos, or a Web site?
4. Create an outline
There is no one-size-fits-all for storytelling—you can organize your tale alphabetically (A is for _____, B is for _____), around one common theme that is repeated multiple ways, chronologically with a timeline, numerically (1. ___ 2. ___ 3. ___), ordinally (First ___. Secondly ____. Thirdly ___.), or sequentially—this can be as simple as an introduction, text, and conclusion or as complicated as a prologue, multiple chapters with subheadings or plot twists, and an epilogue.
5. Select your “look”
Like your voice, the presentation of your story should also appeal to your chosen audience. Things to consider include accessibility for those with audio and visual challenges; a coherent color scheme for branding, images, and any online presence; font size and font style; how you will handle captions, credits, footnotes, references; how much white space you want to include in your presentation; placement and number of images; and whether your storytelling will be playful, professional, or somewhere in between.
6. Gather supporting evidence
This includes facts, figures, photographs and other images, quotes, source and copyright information, and written permission to use all of the above if they are not your own.
7. Block off time each day to work on your story
The more writing you do, the easier it gets (as the E-Content Butler, I speak from experience) so mark your calendar now.
You have a unique story to tell. Let’s get started.
“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” Psalm 102:18
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Let me do that for you
I take great delight in beautiful gardens but find little pleasure in planting, weeding, and other upkeep that only seems to encourage the rabbits and deer to feast in my yard. That’s why I am such a fan of gardens done for me (and other visitors).
I get to enjoy the end result of someone else’s
• Expertise
• Planning
• Preparation
• Attention to detail
• Hours of labor
• Perfect timing
• Placement
• Maintenance
all without having to give it any thought.
The same holds true of content done for you. When I write your blog posts and newsletters, you get the E-Content Butler guarantee of original content AND you get
• My copywriting expertise
• Articles and posts that are carefully planned and crafted for your intended audience, not fluff pieces
• Material that is backed up with research and your notes
• Attention to details that will engage your ideal clients
• My labor instead of you staring at a blank screen or piece of paper for hours
• Timely posts
• Placement where you get the most traction
• A database of articles and posts we can link to and reuse in the future
Are you tired of creating all your content yourself? Contact me about content done for you.
I take great delight in beautiful gardens but find little pleasure in planting, weeding, and other upkeep that only seems to encourage the rabbits and deer to feast in my yard. That’s why I am such a fan of gardens done for me (and other visitors).
I get to enjoy the end result of someone else’s
• Expertise
• Planning
• Preparation
• Attention to detail
• Hours of labor
• Perfect timing
• Placement
• Maintenance
all without having to give it any thought.
The same holds true of content done for you. When I write your blog posts and newsletters, you get the E-Content Butler guarantee of original content AND you get
• My copywriting expertise
• Articles and posts that are carefully planned and crafted for your intended audience, not fluff pieces
• Material that is backed up with research and your notes
• Attention to details that will engage your ideal clients
• My labor instead of you staring at a blank screen or piece of paper for hours
• Timely posts
• Placement where you get the most traction
• A database of articles and posts we can link to and reuse in the future
Are you tired of creating all your content yourself? Contact me about content done for you.
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Luke 12:27
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Luke 12:27
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
How can I get work as a proofreader?
“Are you hiring?” and “How do I get a job as a proofreader?” are two of my more frequently asked questions. I am not hiring. However, I can offer these tips.
Put your college English degree to good use
Anyone can use a spellchecker and point out other people’s mistakes. A good proofreader, like an editor, can explain how and why something should be changed. This involves grammar, spelling, subject/verb agreement, overly repetitious phrasing, good and better word choices, and so much more.
Start your own business
If you truly like proofreading, editing, or both, become a freelancer or start your own business. Good proofreaders are hard to find and your services will always be in demand.
Work during your best hours
If you are a morning person, set aside those morning hours for proofreading. If you function better at night, proofread at night. You will be more accurate and productive than trying to proofread an entire 8-hour day. Use the remaining hours of your day to build and run your business or learn something new.
Only accept completed work
It’s much easier to proofread fresh, new material than text you have read and reread because the author keeps changing it. Whenever possible, insist on the final draft before you start proofreading.
Begin working with people you know, like, and trust
Give it a try in a friendly environment. Discover your preferences.
• Do you work best under pressure (I need this by lunchtime today) or with a more relaxed deadline?
• What length works best for you—the quick one-pagers, the book manuscripts, or somewhere in between?
• Would you choose fiction or non-fiction?
• Are technical and scholarly works worth the extra time and attention they require from you?
• Will you accept something that is handwritten and needs to be typed and then proofread?
• What is the average time it takes you to proofread 350 words or about one page from the genres you typically find yourself proofreading?
Specialize
Once you know your preferences, do not try to be all things to all people. Concentrate on the kind of work that you enjoy because proofreading can be intense work. You might as well enjoy what you are reading.
Know your worth
There are plenty of people who want a proofreader to deliver perfect work, the same day (if not earlier—if that were even possible), and for pennies. Perfection takes time and comes with a cost. Don’t sell yourself short. Say “no, I won’t proofread for you” to the person who insists someone else will do the same work for a ridiculously low sum. Otherwise, you will find yourself haggling or unpaid in the future.
With time, you can establish yourself as a proofreader. I did and now I have a thriving business that includes writing, editing, and publishing for a select group of clients.
“Are you hiring?” and “How do I get a job as a proofreader?” are two of my more frequently asked questions. I am not hiring. However, I can offer these tips.
Put your college English degree to good use
Anyone can use a spellchecker and point out other people’s mistakes. A good proofreader, like an editor, can explain how and why something should be changed. This involves grammar, spelling, subject/verb agreement, overly repetitious phrasing, good and better word choices, and so much more.
Start your own business
If you truly like proofreading, editing, or both, become a freelancer or start your own business. Good proofreaders are hard to find and your services will always be in demand.
Work during your best hours
If you are a morning person, set aside those morning hours for proofreading. If you function better at night, proofread at night. You will be more accurate and productive than trying to proofread an entire 8-hour day. Use the remaining hours of your day to build and run your business or learn something new.
Only accept completed work
It’s much easier to proofread fresh, new material than text you have read and reread because the author keeps changing it. Whenever possible, insist on the final draft before you start proofreading.
Begin working with people you know, like, and trust
Give it a try in a friendly environment. Discover your preferences.
• Do you work best under pressure (I need this by lunchtime today) or with a more relaxed deadline?
• What length works best for you—the quick one-pagers, the book manuscripts, or somewhere in between?
• Would you choose fiction or non-fiction?
• Are technical and scholarly works worth the extra time and attention they require from you?
• Will you accept something that is handwritten and needs to be typed and then proofread?
• What is the average time it takes you to proofread 350 words or about one page from the genres you typically find yourself proofreading?
Specialize
Once you know your preferences, do not try to be all things to all people. Concentrate on the kind of work that you enjoy because proofreading can be intense work. You might as well enjoy what you are reading.
Know your worth
There are plenty of people who want a proofreader to deliver perfect work, the same day (if not earlier—if that were even possible), and for pennies. Perfection takes time and comes with a cost. Don’t sell yourself short. Say “no, I won’t proofread for you” to the person who insists someone else will do the same work for a ridiculously low sum. Otherwise, you will find yourself haggling or unpaid in the future.
With time, you can establish yourself as a proofreader. I did and now I have a thriving business that includes writing, editing, and publishing for a select group of clients.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version
©1973, 1978, 1983 by The International Bible Society. Used by permission