Customer Reviews

Online Markets for Writers: How to Make Money by Selling Your Writing On the Internet

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book to be extremely helpful. I think that Paul and Anthony Tedesco explain all the ins and outs of actually earning a living by writing for online markets in a way that is very easy for even the most inexperienced freelance writer (ie. ME) to understand. I especially appreciated all of the contact information for various online markets that they provide--so many "writer's guide" books stop after explaining HOW TO WRITE for the intended market and don't explain HOW TO FIND the intended market. The legal/contractual information and contacts they include are really valuable too--I could have jumped headlong into this writing arena without knowing my rights and been taken advantage of rather easily... Their conversational, quirky style also makes what might be intimidating to computer-insecure writers seem familiar and accessible, as do their down-to-earth reviews of the online markets. Best of all, they offer FREE market updates in a newsletter!

Online Markets For Writers is just about the best book on getting online writing assignments I've come across. Listings of hundreds of markets, sites, resources, advice and examples on how to query, contracts, negotiating payments - the works. Maybe the best thing about it is the interviews. The Tedesco brothers decided to go right to the source, online editors and successful working writers, and ask, `How do you do it? How did you break in? What's hot? What are editors looking for?' The result is not just a book listing places to send your submission but a collection of sound solid advice from dozens of people directly involved and making it in the new media.

If there's one thing to fault about the book - apart from the fact that I wish there were more of it! - it's that the writers do so much listening they don't do more writing of their own. Paul and Anthony Tedesco's writing is a perfect example of `wired style': hip, clean, fast, funny, to the point - exactly what most editors seem to be buying. I wouldn't have minded a more expanded edition, just to hearing more from them about their own experiences.

But this is nit-picking. The bottom line is, this book should be on the shelf of every writer who writes or wants to write for an online publication. It gives you hundreds of places to go, tells you what the editors are looking for, and shows you what to do and what not to do in clear quick easy-to-understand language. It's the book to get, period: I did, and believe me, it's worth every cent. Stop reading this review, and go buy it.

David Pascal

If only I had purchased this book before I sent out my first query letter! I managed to stumble through the negotiations of my very first contract/assignment, but it would have been much less nerve-wracking if I had read ONLINE MARKETS FOR WRITERS first. The format is excellent: informative and easy to use. It includes a brief history of the Internet with a crash course in "the only HTML you actually need to know", interviews with online editors and writers, how-to tips (electronic queries, net style, contract negotiation, etc) and an online market database packed with essential information.

The writing styles of both the Tedesco brothers, while distinct, are conversational, easy-going and not without humor. It's like getting advice from more experienced friends who are trying to save you some trouble.

This is the best book about online writing that I've come across, and a stand out among the crowded field of books on writing in general. Anthony Tedesco and Paul Tedesco are clearly excellent writers, and it shows. They are also pretty funny. It's not often that humor finds its way into a "how to" book, but I found myself laughing time and again while reading *Online Markets for Writers*.

Along with nuts and bolts market information, the authors provide many author "spotlights," where writers who have experience with online publishing share their views. This is invaluable to freelancers, who much prefer practice to theory.

The bulk of the book is a list of over 200 profiles of online markets, which provide all the information anyone will need and then some.

*Online Markets for Writers* is a superior book.

"Online Markets for Writers" is an essential tool for an experienced or new writer to own. Like it or not the internet is a strong force changing the writing market as we know it today. If you don't become net - savy you will be left behind. Take that all important first step and get this book! The chapters covering electronic rights will be an essential resource for years to come. Anthony and Paul also dispell the myths about web sites being unable to pay writers. Stop giving away your work for "exposure" and start making money. My copy will be dog - eared from over use in short order!

-This book covers all the basics you need for writing online; the how to's of query letters, electronic rights, pay rates, contracts, and more. It's informative, well presented, and enjoyable to read. In addition, the authors even have a sense of humor. I've ordered other books on the subject and "Online Markets for Writers" is clearly the best.

-MUCHO THANKS TO THE AUTHORS FOR MAKING THIS INFO AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE!

Best Regards--Dan Murphy

This unassuming little book is a veritable Bible for anyone who is trying to break into web writing. It's easy-to-read, affable style makes it easy to devour - it doesn't feel like you are reading the dictionary. I found it to be engrossing reading. The interviews with people actually working on the web were extremely valuable. They ring true and are helpful. Of course, the listings are great too! I only wish it were longer. It certainly will make you want to sit down and type in a couple URLs - its encouraging, honest style makes you feel like you have a shot at this. It cuts through the jargon and secrecy that many people feel the web is prone to. You now have the inside scoop, so no more excuses!

This book is a must for anyone who wants to be an online writer. Without a doubt, it is the most comprehensive and authoritative source for online market info. Best of all, it's fun to read--and if you can make HTML coding instructions funny, man you have some career ahead of you. Can't wait for more material from the Tedesco brothers.

I've been a full-time freelance writer for five years, and this is the best market guide for writers I've ever seen. It's full of very specific, inside info on pay rates and how to deal with specific publications.

The section on contracts, electronic rights, and negotiating with editors is illuminating and applies to both online publications and print. It teaches writers how to conduct themselves professionally and to ask for better pay and better treatment.

The book is also funny. From the introduction: "I know, I know. The Internet is basically a big hype sandwich."

The short profiles of 25 writers and editors will also give you lots of ideas about how to make a living as a freelance writer.

I hope they write a follow-on book about writing for print.

If you're even remotely serious about writing online, you need this book. The spotlight stories were very informative and the markets section is filled with leads. I lost count of how many markets I found that I'm querying.