Krista Barrett writes a wide variety of articles on topics such as health issues, the craft of writing, short stories, poetry, recipes, and more. She has completed two fiction novels of the romance/drama genre and she is now working on her third fiction novel. She is the Managing Editor of a Writers Resource Site called WritersManual.

With writer-outlets like themestream.com, writeforcash.com, writtenbyme.com and others offering us a chance to submit and `publish' our writing, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, and get paid for it, I think it's easy for us to get excited and start writing anything and everything we can get our minds to focus
on.

Recently, there has been a growing concern at the amount of plagiarism cropping up in articles. Perhaps it's due to a lack of knowledge and basic ignorance to the do's and don'ts of writing (especially non-fiction writing), or maybe it's the rush to get more writing submitted to make more money. All in all, I think it's happening without many writers realizing they're doing it and there is a need for concern here.

It's been said that all writers get their ideas/words from another writer. What we learn from reading is what we build on in writing. But that doesn't give us the right to use another's words without giving them the proper credit where credit is due.

The reason for this article? To warn everyone that there are specific steps that must be taken in order to ensure your articles are yours, and to save you from the possibility of legal/illegal situations that can arise if you don't write smart. So let's get started!

**Note: This article will mostly pertain to non-fiction writing, but fiction writers beware as well.

The steps to avoid plagiarism:

1) First and foremost, all information on the Internet is not `free-for-all' to use at your leisure.

I think this is a very common misconception and understandably so.
The Internet has become a gateway to unending information. It's so easy to look up a subject or topic and find pages upon pages that offer you easy-to-use information for your articles. Some of you may say, `well yeah I used some of that information but I changed it all to my own words'. Sorry, that's not quite good enough according to what I've read on plagiarism (see (1) in the website listing at the bottom). Be aware of your writing and make sure that you are not copying another's words in any way. Yes, this can make writing very tricky but that's the challenge of it <grin>.

2) Permission MUST be obtained when using outside sources.

With any information that you glean from the Internet or any other source, you "must first ask permission to use the information from the source" (a) if you want to include it in your article/writing.
You must wait until you have received confirmation of this permission. Also "ask how they would like their source information to be listed in your article" (b).

Also note, if you '...use substantial verbatim excerpts of words (quotes) or reproductions of graphs, tables, etc. that appear in other works, then not only must proper credit be given, but permission from the originator and/or rights holder must also be obtained. In a case such as this, as long as proper credit is given, the issue does not appear to be one of plagiarism. But also, in this case if the permission is not obtained, then the issue becomes one of copyright violation, not of plagiarism, and that is a completely different issue.' (quote from (and my thanks to) Richard Telofski of Kahuna Content)

3) How to include quotes and facts.

If you are including quotes from another source, you need to put quotations around it and then list your source in brackets immediately following the quote. Depending on how many quotes/facts you are adding to your article, you can either put the source information immediately following the quote or you can use a number/letter format to symbolize which source it is in your source index. Look at the following examples:

Joe Brown stated that "plagiarism is on the rise." (Joe Brown - no-name magazine 1989)

or

Joe Brown stated that "plagiarism is on the rise (1)."

4) The source index.

At the end of your article, you must include a `source index'
- a list of all the sources informing the reader of where you
obtained all your facts, quotes, etc.

Why the source index?

As Karen Wiesner (see source index for more info) puts it, "Readers need that source information:

1) because it tells them that you did your homework. That you're not relying on your own assumptions in this matter. That you went to experts in the field so you could impart this information to them,

2) and because it gives them somewhere to go and find out more if they're interested (c)."

She goes on to say, "If I'm using only one or two quotes, then I don't need to get specific permission, but I do always include what and who I quoted, and where I found the information in my quintessential source list. This provides my readers with a sense of trust in my reporting skills because I went to the experts to find the information I'm giving them, and also gives those I've quoted
promotion (d)." Good steps for all of us to follow.

I hope that all of you will take precautions to avoid any conflicts/legal battles that could happen if you don't take the necessary steps in your writing.

***Disclaimer: Please note this article is written from a personal-opinion perspective and not legal opinion. If you are unsure of the legalities of your article information, then you should consult a qualified legal specialist.

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If nothing else you can begin posting stories to MY blog -- either articles, or short stories -- and, while I do suggest that you start your own user name there, you can use the anonymous user name of "TiPot" and the password of "Reader".

But, using the anonymous user means you'll have to come back here occasionally to pick up the latest key, because some jackanape has begun posting filthy stuff there. Once you see your own writing in print your confidence will grow and then you can start yourself a blog. When positive feedback begins to trickle in you'll gain confidence to stretch out to bigger and better things.

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Power Tools For Web Writers.

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11 WAYS TO TRANSFORM PLR ARTICLES, SMALL REPORTS & EBOOKS INTO COLD, HARD CASH
Content makes the world go round. At least in the “world wide web” it does. The problem is that it’s darned hard to sit and write content all day, and it’s expensive to hire someone else to write it. So, what’s an Internet Marketer to do? Private Label Rights (PLR) to the Rescue! If you're working online, you've likely heard buzz about PLR or “Private Label Rights” content. If not, where have you been hiding? ;) If you aren't familiar with PLR products, basically they are digital items (articles, ebooks, etc.) that are provided in a file that you can edit and use in various ways. How's that for vague? The reason the description is so vague is that PLR content can be found in many forms: Here is the download page..

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A Story Of Two Tales reveals a shortcut to learning how to write brilliantly. One of those power tools mentioned above will really settle some hash on this kind of power play.

Quotes for Writers You can use these quotes to brighten up your prose. Use them to brighten up your day. Use them for a springboard to brighten up your career.

Be a broker for artists and writers. It could be the easiest living you ever make. Watch the first video in this series today.

Building The Golden Membership Site.. Making more money from your writing, every month!

Are you able to come up with enough ideas to write about? Here is a resource, and it is a FREE resource, that will give you not only ideas, but complete ideas to write about. Just download and go to work. Now, if you decide you want a continuous supply of these great ideas then, and only then, should you sign up for the low cost service. Me, I love it. Click HERE for your first, FREE look.

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Productivity begins by recognizing and valuing your brilliance, time, and space. It starts with awareness of what works and what does not. It continues with examining what needs grease, or other needs. Search for the truth for what you need in order to rev up your writing.

3 other books that are fairly good when used together. Beginners Guide To Freelance Writing, Virtual Assistant, and one big boy that I have dubbed, freelancing pro.

$30 Book Covers Use your cover to make your books look real BEFORE you write them -- and this will help you to sell your books to publishers and editors.
Book Sales Made Easy

The Casablanca Secret. Good writing is often designed around a character who has a distorted vision of himself or of the world. During the story, he is placed under sufficient pressure to force an epiphany, a moment of clarity in which, he sees the world as it is, not as he wished it to be.

Writing Books for Kids who think they hate to read.

Bullet Proof your Proposal

When your book DIES

Sell Your Books While Asleep

Use Your Words To Sell Your Products: Now you can make the words in your sales copy surge like an arsenal of power tools. When you use the right words in the right place they have the ability to entice a prospect, hold the attention of the potential buyer, and ultimately result in the establishment of a relationship that not only results in a sale today, but helps to create other sales activity in the future.

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Learn the art of SALES POWER.

Why Should You Get e-Published?
A success story from Lin Stone.

Cafe Hemingway, news, peace and rest.

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There are many success systems available to the world of writers, including the Christian's Self Improvement Plan.

How to tell if you are helping web pirates.

Crime in the Modern World

CONTACT

Travel Writing

Search Engines

Writer Friendly Insurance

Free pictures that can help get you published in a hurry.

Golden Writing Resources Over 100 articles are available to help you write better, faster, and find the readership you crave.

Profit Pumping PLR. Learn what PLR is, why it is so easy to write, how you can create it, and how to get maximum pay from your efforts.

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Maybe none of the writers you see working here at Tale Wins will ever be that good, but we intend to give them every chance to make it into the Literary Hall of Fame. Remember too, you don't have to be THE best to be proud of doing your best.

It is said you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

On the web that is very definitely NOT TRUE. Writers on the web can change the ending of each story twice a day, or even change it every time a new visitor comes, according to whether it is a man, woman, or child visiting, or some other criteria entirely.

On the web you can go on improving your story any time and every time you feel like it. You can have your own web site and rearrange each page in it as often as you like. You can change the links and the navigation system as often as you like. If you aren't getting paid enough you can find better advertisers.

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How to Outgrow Write What You Know.

FOUR easy to use self defense tips your character can use to get out of a vicious attack and live to tell about it. Look like an expert, weave these tips into your story or book.

Voice in Narrative and Dialogue: When we as authors break a rule or two of grammar, it must not be because we're ignorant. It must be because we have good reasons to break them.

Common mistakes writers make in their manuscripts, and how to correct them.

Walking Talk: mincing steps, prancing strides, describing the way one of your characters walks can bring life to dull scenes.

First Tips
MORE Tips
Dealing with criticism
Starting your fiction book
15 Questions to help you write better
Elements of the Query
Bulletproof Your Nonfiction Proposal
Dealing with tigers
The role of the Literary Agent
Plotting made easy.
Writing for the Web; Find something to write about!
Creating REAL Characters
Do you hate being swindled?
Dealing with thieves on the internet
How to Sell a FREE ebook
Promotional Powerhouse from publishing your own ebooks

When your book goes out of print
Protecting Your Work
The elements of a Proposal.
A sample proposal
Ten Reasons to have a web site
The Clause writers worry about
Free Plots you can use
The real secret of success
Understanding Children's categories
Overcoming the fear of writing
Free Artwork
What to do about spam
Ten Steps to Online Marketing
How to Sell Books while you sleep

Make Your Book Stand Out
Place That Face
Plagiarism
How to Conduct Interviews

The Publisher's Magical Chalice
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MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK
AND
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