Careers for Writers & Others Who Have a Way with Words (Paperback)

by Robert Bly (Author) "Writing is an intensely personal act..." (more)
Key Phrases: corporate writers, New York, United States, Publishers Weekly (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The only career series designed expressly to turn passions into paychecks!

These inspiring books let career explorers look at the job market through the unique lens of their own interests. Each book reveals dozens of ways to pursue a passion and make a living--including the training and education needed to polish hobbies and interests into satisfying careers.

About the Author
McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2 edition (March 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007140600X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071406000
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #579,916 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Anyone with the desire to be a writer would benefit, February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Careers for Writers & Others Who Have a Way With Words (Vgm Careers for You Series (Paper)) (Paperback)

Anyone afflicted with the desire to be a writer would benefit from a quick read of this comprehensive analysis of career realities for writers. Robert Bly's first chapter, "The Writing Business," provides a balanced analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a writing career: You probably won`t get rich, but you probably will be fairly satisfied with your work and your working conditions.

Other chapters explore book publishing, magazine writing, newspapers, advertising, public relations, corporate writing, technical writing, television and film, and freelancing. The chapter on technical writing is thorough and accurate, particularly the quote from Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., that "Newspaper reporters and technical writers are trained to reveal almost nothing about themselves in their writing. This makes them freaks in the world of writers, since almost all of the other ink-stained wretches in that world reveal a lot about themselves to the reader."

Although I applaud Bly's broad treatment of career possibilities, I am bothered by a nagging suspicion that the entire book is dated. In spite of its publication date of 1996, it cites examples no later than 1984. The references to printed books in each chapter are also outdated, with no citations from the 90s. This makes Bly's lists, such as "Fifty Prominent Book Publishers," very suspect.

Therefore, I'd recommend this book for historical research, followed by checking out recent sources to see a realistic, current picture of your career possibilities.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of the possibilities for those who write..., May 19, 2003

By	G. Maxwell (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bob Bly has created a useful book which delves into the variety of possibilities awaiting those who either like to write or want to make writing a career choice. Bly pulls no punches, however. He makes it clear where the pitfalls are and frankly discusses some of the hurdles that all aspiring authors need to be prepared to jump over.

Overall, the book is a realistic appraisal of the markets awaiting good writing and how best to get there.

Balanced and clear in its discussion, it should find a way onto every writers book shelf.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, but general, July 7, 2002

By	S. R. Moore (Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Careers for Writers & Others Who Have a Way With Words (Vgm Careers for You Series (Paper)) (Paperback)

This book is a great starting point for people who want to begin a career in the writing field.

Bly lists the various avenues that writers can pursue to earn a living, and gives tips on how to get started in each different category. The book is very general, but Bly also tells the reader how to obtain more information.

I would have to agree with the previous review that the book is outdated. I think that a revised edition (something written after the invention of the Internet) would be a very helpful read.

If anything, this book is great for generating ideas and heading you off in the right direction.