We left January with ideas on business planning ranging from the simple–choosing "just one thing" to improve your business–to the formal–our interview with author Gwen Moran on how business plans benefit professional writers.
As we trudge into the gray days of February (if you’ll forgive my Midwest-centricism), Meagan and I want to focus on learning some basic rules of freelancing, and when to break them. Some of these resources will apply to book authors, too. The requisite skills used to communicate effectively in a query letter–a combination sales pitch and first-and-best chance to wow editors with your dazzling prose–apply well to writing book proposals, a theme we’ve set for the future at D2D. Regardless of genre or specialty, every professional writer needs to know how to do market research and put themselves out there with a confident, "I’m the best writer for this job" instead of a toe-shuffling, head-down, "Would you please, like, maybe, consider hiring me to write for your publication?"
Today’s entry is all about getting started and kicking some of that gray away to do some nuts-and-bolts learning. Following are some good basic resources for those of you new to freelance writing:
LINKS:
Weekly market guides delivered to your inbox each Wednesday, forums, market guides, and scam warnings.
The online adjunct to the print magazine, The Writer offers content for both subscribers and non-subscribers to the print version. Click the "on the web" tab and then "web only" to access the free goodies.
The beginner’s classic resource, The Writer’s Market exists both in book and online forms. You can buy the annual print edition or subscribe to their online database. This link is here because there’s great content for beginning freelancers, too. Most is available only for subscribers, so you must decide whether the content is worth the $29 annual fee.
Freelance Writers’ Portal at About.com
A wealth of information despite the ubiquitous pop-ups. Give thanks for your pop-up blocker and dig in; tons of great articles here.
Freelance writer and author Jenna Glatzer’s site for writers includes interviews with writers, online writing classes, and pithy content on the writing profession.
Worldwide Freelance offers a free weekly newsletter and content for beginning writers (click on the "Writing 101" link to view articles divided by subject). The site also contains both free and subscription-based market guides, with information on per-word pay rates, frequency of publication, etc. Free markets available by subscribing to the weekly newsletter, distributed electronically each Wednesday.
BOOKS:
How to Write Irresistible Query Letters by Lisa Collier Cool
This is the gold standard of books on writing queries. A must-own as far as I’m concerned, written in a clear, accessible style and packed with great tips and info.
Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer: How to Win Top Writing Assignments by Jenna Glatzer
I haven’t (yet) read this book, but I’ve heard universally good things about it.
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer by Robert Bly
Bly has authored several "how to" books for both fiction and non-fiction writers, and this is his latest offering. I’ve found his books both user-friendly and inspiring in that "itching to drop this book NOW and WRITE!" way. But still, I keep reading–and writing–with Bly’s encouragement and sound advice.
The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman
Bowerman focuses on corporate writing, a decidedly different animal compared to consumer or trade magazine writing. But his enthusiasm is infectious and this guide is a must-have if your family life or child care situation allows for those vital face-to-face meetings when writing for local businesses.
The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing
The subtitle of this book, produced by the American Society of Journalists and Authors, says it all: "A Professional Guide to the Business, for Nonfiction Writers of all Experience Levels." Each chapter is written by a member of the Society, and the emphasis is (wisely) on running your writing business like a business.
The Six-Figure Freelancer and Ready, Aim, Specialize! by Kelly James-Enger
Both titles seem to fill the amazon wish lists and shopping carts of both beginning and seasoned writers. To get a sense of James-Enger’s approachable and helpful style, read our interview with her from last month.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Business Plans by Gwen Moran and Sue Johnson
Moran and Johnson make the process of business planning far less painful than it seems on the surface. Read our interview with co-author Gwen Moran here.
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If you’d like another reason to kick out the February blahs, visit our message boards and post, post, post! The registered member who writes the most messages between Feb. 1 and midnight Feb. 14 wins a copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Business Plans. So get gabbing, writers!
We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for "must read" resources for freelancers who are starting out. Share your progress, add your insights, or ask questions on our message boards. Click here to comment!
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