I was recently asked by a fellow freelance writer how best to submit articles to the various directories, particularly when some articles have links within the body of the article and the author writes on various subjects. He emphasized in his note to me how the process of submitting can take so long.

Well, to get right to the point: submitting articles isn't a snap task. It does take time and most article directories today do not allow links within the body of the article. So, if you have articles to submit, any links within the body must be deactivated and/or moved to the resource box [and limited to no more than 3 different links at that].

Going further, I advised the writer to be selective about which directories he selected [better to use those with a strong track record first] and to be careful which category he chooses to place articles under. As it is, many directories use different terminology for the same topics. For example, I writer scads of automotive articles. With some article directories there are automobile sections, others call it "Vehicles" another one uses the term "Transport" while one directory lists its as Home:Cars. Believe me, it can take time to remember, but I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of many of my articles and add my notes concerning the submission process.

One final note: I absolutely DO NOT submit everything I write. I get enough free SEO out of what I do submit, but some articles do not need that much exposure. Besides, I would be really ticked off if someone lifted some of my better works off of the internet and used it as their own. Try enforcing copyright violations with someone who is in eastern Europe!