Customer Reviews

This Business of Writing

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an established freelance writer, I am often asked to coach writers new to freelancing. Most need to learn to see themselves as businesspeople, as well as writers. Toward that end, I always refer them to two of my 'bibles': "Persuading on Paper" by Marcia Yudkin and "This Business of Writing" by Gregg Levoy -- the best written resource I've seen for helping freelance writers make the transition from 'wanna-be' to full-fledged, self-supporting professional.

As an established freelance writer, I am often asked to coach writers new to freelancing. Most need to learn to see themselves as businesspeople, as well as writers. Toward that end, I always refer them to two of my 'bibles': "Persuading on Paper" by Marcia Yudkin and "This Business of Writing" by Gregg Levoy -- the best written resource I've seen for helping freelance writers make the transition from 'wanna-be' to full-fledged, self-supporting professional.

I'll give it four stars--had it been written more recently, I'd rate it a full five.

This is actually a useful book for freelancers, even though it's from 1992. It seems like a collection of essays (maybe from Writers Digest, since that's the publisher). The sections on computer technology, fax machines (!), etc., are obsolete, of course, but the basic advice about the day-to-day work of a writing career is still spot-on. I particularly liked the comments from writers at the end of each chapter, offering various suggestions and ideas about the chapter's subject (organizing, promotion, money, persistence, etc.).

Recommended for those trying to make the transition from writing as a hobby (or labor of love), to writing as a career.