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WMW 2025 Writing Challenge Day 1

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Writing Challenge Day 1

Words serve an essential purpose of providing food for the mind. Words are a substance that can generate energy to boost our creative juices. What other ways do words provide food for our minds?

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2025 in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

Words Matter Week Begins Today!

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Words Matter Week, which is in its 17th year, is a holiday that is celebrated annually the first full week in March, and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors delights in honoring its essence.

Words are the basis for communication, no matter the language spoken. Babies make sounds, which eventually are formed into words.

Here at NAIWE, we know the importance of words. We want to celebrate it with you all week long, and we believe in the importance of words all year long!

 

Spread the Word

Join us in promoting Words Matter Week! You have NAIWE’s permission to reproduce the poster on your website, with a link back to this page, and you may also print and display it. Please invite your friends to participate in this year’s event and show your support for Words Matter Week by placing the poster in your newsletter, on your blog, or in your social media. Words really do matter, so let’s spread the reminders!

 

Prepare for the Writing Challenge

During Words Matter Week, we host a writing challenge. Each day we will post a question on our blog and various social media outlets.

Respond to the question on your blog or social media page (be sure to include #WMW2025, #WMW, or #NAIWE in your response), and then link back to it in the comments of the corresponding article on the NAIWE blog. For each challenge you respond to, you will receive one entry (and a bonus entry for each response written on your NAIWE blog).

At the end of the week, we will have a drawing, and one person will win a fabulous prize, along with a mention and link in the next newsletter.

NAIWE on Your Side

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NAIWE is here to promote its members’ successes, and NAIWE is here to assist its members through their struggles. We at NAIWE provide a warm atmosphere to help one another whether it be to increase their marketing efforts or to grow in their skills.

NAIWE is home to publishing professionals of all varieties, allowing NAIWE members, many of whom are freelancers, to tap into our resources and areas of expertise.

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Community Through NAIWE Membership

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NAIWE is open to all people. Our members are publishing professionals who have been in the industry for many years, and our members are also those just starting out or interested in joining the publishing industry.

All of our members are treated with respect and valued within the NAIWE community, and we are thankful to have all of these voices.

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

NAIWE Known For Quality Freelancers

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It is always a great time to join NAIWE and become part of a publishing community. However, right now NAIWE is having its winter promotion. Any new member who signs up for automatic renewal membership can receive 50% off their first year’s membership (code: HOLIDAYS)!

Your membership in an association demonstrates commitment, credibility, and professionalism.

Why choose NAIWE?

  • You have an immediate internet presence, even if you’re not a technical wizard.
  • You’ll learn from our unique focus on building an online presence with multiple streams of income.
  • You will benefit from instruction from the NAIWE Board of Experts.
  • You are welcome here, even if you are a freelancer who doesn’t fit neatly into a genre or specialty.
  • Your business will benefit from our commitment to research, ongoing professional development, and marketing.
  • You have a partner who is committed to helping you build your career.
  • And finally, NAIWE is the association that truly believes in the power of working independently; setting your own hours; working with people you enjoy; being there for family; having time for friends, travel, and great books; developing multiple streams of income; and marketing with the end goal in mind.

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

NAIWE Known For Quality Freelancers

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Many people need to hire a freelancer, but where can they find one that takes their career seriously?

People visit the NAIWE website and post a job they have available. The job posting would then be sent to all active NAIWE members. Those members qualified and interested in the position can then contact the job poster to begin a conversation.

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Engagement Through NAIWE

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NAIWE encourages those with a love of the word to be active within the community.

During the first full week of March, NAIWE sponsors Words Matter Week, a holiday that delights in honoring the importance of words. During this week, libraries and other community locations have sponsored events related to the importance of words for people to gather, learn, and have fun.

In the summer, NAIWE leads a summer challenge, incentivizing people to complete those resolutions, piles of paperwork, and outreach projects that have been on their to-do list for too long.

In December, NAIWE announces the winners of that year’s Book Awards contest, promoting well-written books that have been written in the last five years in categories, such as children’s books, coffee table books, genre fiction, graphic novels, informational nonfiction, literary fiction, middle grade books, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and young adult books. Participating in a book award contest allows writers to connect with one another and promote their hard work.

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

NAIWE Reinforcements Available to YOU

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The primary focus of NAIWE is to support its members as they create multiple streams of income and develop the marketing components of their career.

Therefore, the members benefits that NAIWE highlights the most relate to marketing the products and services of its members.

Your NAIWE Website. You may have read about how a strong presence on the web can build your publishing-related career, but you may not have wanted to spend a lot of time and money creating a website from the ground up. As a member of NAIWE, a professionally-designed website will be available to you. Adding content to your new website is as easy as typing an email, and you will be provided simple how-to instructions to get you started.

Your NAIWE Blog. A feature of your NAIWE website is a blog where you can reach out to readers and potential clients with business breakthroughs, new books published, speaking engagements, articles, tips, news, resources, and more! Every time you post on your NAIWE blog, NAIWE will re-post it on its social media accounts, expanding your reach even further!

NAIWE Newsletter. Posts on your NAIWE blog may be promoted in The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work With Words, which is the NAIWE newsletter that has a subscriber list of over 9,000, as of January 2024. Both members and prospective clients subscribe to The Edge, so your blog posts promoted in the newsletter become calling cards to introduce yourself and advertise your books and services.

NAIWE Social Media Marketing. The posts you share on your member website are eligible to be promoted on NAIWE’s social media pages. Many post titles and links are posted on NAIWE’s social media to increase your readership.

Guest Posts on the NAIWE Blog. As a NAIWE member, you may guest post on the NAIWE blog. All guest posts will include a member byline and a link to the member’s active NAIWE website.

Guest Articles in The Edge. The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work with Words is the NAIWE monthly newsletter that encourages and equips publishing professionals. It features information about NAIWE, professional development opportunities, and engaging material written by NAIWE members.

NAIWE Podcast. Members have the opportunity to be interviewed on the NAIWE podcast. This benefit has great PR potential, as you can post the recording of your podcast interview on your own site. This interview will provide an opportunity for you to share your story with readers or potential clients and network with other members. And the positive press helps to build your career!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

NAIWE Promotes Virtual Communities for the Publishing Industry

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NAIWE offers a discussion list for its members to ask questions and talk about grammar, business, new book releases, and other publishing-related topics.

Our goal for the NAIWE discussion list is to provide a positive environment where publishing professionals can connect with one another, ask questions, and share ideas. It is a place for learning, support, collaboration, and brainstorming.

NAIWE members are automatically subscribed to the discussion list during the first full month of their membership, and they can remain a member of the discussion list as long as they are an active member of the organization.

On the discussion list, NAIWE members agree to the following standards:

  • Be respectful. Discussion list members are respectful, professional, polite, and considerate. They use positive words to build up or educate one another.
  • Stay on topic. Discussion list members help keep threads organized by making sure the discussion matches the subject line and hashtag.
  • Respect others’ privacy. Discussion list members refrain from sharing sensitive or personal information about others.
  • Include your name. Discussion list members use their names in posts.
  • Include the correct hashtag. Discussion list members use hashtags in the subject line to aid members in searching for specific discussions.

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

 

Aligning Values

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NAIWE and its members agree to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in all publishing and business transactions.
We will:

  • Be honest: We will seek to negotiate contracts that are mutually beneficial and will abide by all applicable intellectual property and business laws.
  • Be loyal: We will support the artistic, academic, and/or business goals of those we work with. We will treat each client’s creative works as private and confidential, and protect the integrity of information or documents entrusted to us for writing or editing.
  • Be fair: If contracted to provide writing or editing services, we pledge to do so in a fair and unbiased manner, providing outstanding service based upon our knowledge and understanding of the subject as well as our professional expertise.
  • Be competent: We will not accept contracts that we are unable to fulfill. This includes work that is outside the scope of the writer or editor’s expertise, or jobs that are presented with an inadequate time for satisfactory completion.

In addition, NAIWE will:

  • Offer professional development: NAIWE will host monthly webinars on a variety of topics of interest to writers and editors, as well as maintain and expand its list of on-demand trainings. In addition, NAIWE will co-sponsor the Be a Better Freelance conference.
  • Communicate promptly and courteously: NAIWE will communicate on a monthly basis to members about upcoming professional development opportunities as well as poll members to discover what topics they would like to see covered.

In addition, NAIWE members will:

  • Continue professional development: Members will maintain, improve, and update their knowledge and skills through reading, classes, and networking with others.
  • Communicate promptly and courteously: Members will use the preferred method agreed upon with the client while maintaining professional courtesies.

NAIWE and its members are bound by the NAIWE Code of Ethics. We commit to working with each other, our clients, and our agents, editors, and publishers with honesty and integrity. NAIWE invites you to join us and let the world know these are also the values that you live and work by and that you believe that business ethics and business success can work together for the good of the publishing community!

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

 

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