I just joined. What do I do now?

Welcome! The first thing to do is log in to your myAWAI Member Page. The instructions are in the Welcome Email you received right after you joined.

Didn’t receive your email? Check your “spam” or “junk” folder, it might be in there. If not, contact Member Services at U.S. toll-free 866-879-2924 (or outside the U.S., call 561-278-5557) and they’ll be happy to assist you. Member Services is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the east coast.

When you get to the myAWAI Member Page, take some time to look around and familiarize yourself with the site. Read through the bonus reports, watch the videos, and read the back issues of Barefoot Writer Magazine.

Also, be sure to look at the May 2012 issue, page 15. There’s an article in there about the seven most important things you can do to get started (they’re all no-cost steps). If you take those steps, you’ll make greater progress than a lot of people who don’t take any action.

When do I get my magazine?

Your monthly magazine comes out the first Friday of every month. It’s posted to your myAWAI Member Page, along with all the back issues. You can read the magazine online, download it to a computer or mobile device to read later, or print it out.

What comes with my Club membership?

Club membership gives you 12 months of Barefoot Writer Magazine, plus all the bonus reports and webinars, available on your myAWAI Member Page. In addition, you get access to the “Members Only” section of our website here at www.TheBarefootWriter.com. This is where you’ll find additional articles, tips, and bonus interviews.

You’re also welcome to join our Members Only Facebook Group, www.facebook.com/groups/barefootwriter.

We’re adding new member materials all the time, and as an active member, you get access to all of them. Be sure to check back often to see what’s new!

How do I find writing jobs?

There are several ways:

You’re welcome to pitch an idea for an article to be published in Barefoot Writer. The same goes for other AWAI publications, like The Writer’s Life, Wealthy Web Writer, and B2B Writing Success (you can learn more by doing a search on the AWAI site — awaionline.com).

One of the best ways to get writing jobs is through your own personal network. Be sure to tell everyone you know that you’re a freelance writer! Many of our members get their first (and second, and third) writing jobs by letting their family, friends, and acquaintances know about their new career.

You can also check out the magazine for more ideas on how to find writing clients.

Do you hire writers?

Yes, we hire freelance writers for certain projects.

How do I write for Barefoot Writer or AWAI?

You are welcome to pitch an idea for an article to be published in Barefoot Writer. The same goes for other AWAI publications, like The Writer’s Life, Wealthy Web Writer, and B2B Writing Success (you can learn more by doing a search on the AWAI site — awaionline.com).

Any article ideas should be tailored to our audience of readers. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself the following questions about any article you’d like us to consider:

Does it offer new or unique tips on writing?
Will it help other writers build their businesses?
Can it offer assistance as somebody builds a freelance lifestyle?

If you can answer “yes” to any one of those questions, please feel free to go ahead and submit your copy for consideration.

What’s the Cover Photo Contest?

The Cover Photo Contest is your chance to be on the cover of the magazine, and win $100 for doing it! Send us a photo of you enjoying life as a Barefoot Writer. The photo needs to be vertical, not horizontal. Make sure your camera is set to its highest resolution. And don’t crop it — there should be space around the subject so there’s room for copy on the sides.

You can look at previous covers to get an idea of what we’re looking for. If we like your photo, we’ll use it and pay you $100 for it! Email your photos to Contest@thebarefootwriter.com. We’re always looking for new cover photos, so you can send your photos any time.

How do I enter the Essay Challenge?

Every month, we’ll give you a new topic for the Barefoot Writing Essay Challenge. Winners get their essay published on our website, and a check for $100!

Entries must be submitted by midnight ET of the deadline. Check the magazine each month for the new topic, deadline, submission guidelines, and word limit. Email your submissions to Contest@thebarefootwriter.com.

I have a question that’s not answered here. How do I contact you?

Email us any time at Info@thebarefootwriter.com, or call Member Services at U.S. toll-free 866-879-2924 (or outside the U.S., call 561-278-5557) during normal business hours.