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Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make 85,000 Dollars a Year (Paperback)

~ (Author) "When asked by Esquire magazine what he would have done if it hadn't been for writing, novelist Richard Ford replied: "Make more money..." (more)
Key Phrases: freelance commercial writers, prospecting directory, copywriting services, New York, Bob Bly, Business Marketing (more...)

4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

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Paperback Available from these sellers. Published April 15, 1990	Paperback, April 15, 1990	--	$4.17	$0.01
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Robert Bly tells you how to tap into the lucrative but lesser-known markets of commercial writing. This is a new, completely revised edition of a book that is a perennial favorite with freelancers and writers.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (April 15, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805011927
ISBN-13: 978-0805011920
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces

Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,903,754 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
When asked by Esquire magazine what he would have done if it hadn't been for writing, novelist Richard Ford replied: "Make more money." Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
freelance commercial writers, prospecting directory, copywriting services, freelance writing business, corporate writer, selling your services, commercial writing, freelance copywriter, sales letter, information kit

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Bob Bly, Business Marketing, High-Profit Writing, Express Mail, Federal Express, Advertising Age, High-Profit Writers, Sig Rosenblum, Big Clip, Creative Business, Milt Pierce, Standard Directory, Writer's Digest, Advertising Hotline, America On-Line, Amtrak Express, Roscoe Barnes

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Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats

Citations (learn more)

This book cites 22 books:

Tested Advertising Methods (Prentice Hall Business Classics) by John Caples on page 109, and Back Matter
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans on page 117
A Technique for Producing Ideas (Advertising Age Classics Library) by James Young on page 208
Creative Careers: Real Jobs in Glamour Fields by Gary Blake in Back Matter
How to Start and Run a Writing and Editing Business (Wiley Small Business Editions) by Herman Holtz in Back Matter

See all 22 books this book cites

Books on Related Topics (learn more)

Become A Recognized Authority In Your Field - In 60 Days Or Less by Robert W. Bly

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Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Third Edition by Robert W. Bly

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Too Lazy to Work Too Nervous to Steal by John Clausen

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Business-to-Business Direct Marketing by Robert W. Bly

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	22% buy Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Third Edition: How to Make $100,000 a Year or More 4.6 out of 5 stars (10) $11.56
	14% buy The Copywriter's Handbook, Third Edition: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells 4.6 out of 5 stars (61) $12.24
	11% buy How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business, 5th (Home-Based Business Series) 4.5 out of 5 stars (11) $12.89

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Customer Reviews

22 Reviews

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4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
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4.5 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My First Freelance Writing Book, July 26, 2002

By	Michelle Hall "Literaryhall" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Second Edition: How To Make $85,000 A Year (Paperback)

The title intrigued me, the numbers enticed me. I bought the book and changed my business path.

Though Bly had obvious advantages due to previous jobs in the field, I decided I'd give it a shot.

Mr. Bly offered some excellent insight and explanations about where to advertise your services and what services to focus on.

His line concerning the great american novel not being the best or most realistic way to earn a living as a writer, struck a something inside me. Yes, I wanted to be recognized as a 'writer' but I wanted to make a living as well.

With Bly's advice and direction, I began learning the tricks of the trade for copy and niche writing. The I created some samples and advertised. It worked! I now get rave reviews and returning clients.

This is a great first book and one to keep on the shelf for reference. I highly recommend Bly's "The Copywriter's Handbook", David H. Maister's "True Professionalism", and Ross Dawson's "Developing Knowledge-Based Client Relationships" as wonderful sources for writers.

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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good advice for any writer starting out, December 5, 2003

By	James Sadler (Plano, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Second Edition: How To Make $85,000 A Year (Paperback)

If you visit many websites on writing, particularly, copywriting, Mr. Bly's name generally comes up. He is sort of looked upon as the trailblazer, the guy who laid out the roadmap for people who want to write but not have to starve by doing so.

Peter Bowerman, author of "The Well Fed Writer," gives Bly all the credit in the world for essentially being his "muse" in regard to copywriting. Aside: "Well Fed," is a slightly better book, although I recommend you read both.

Bly does a great job of laying out what copywriting entails, what you will need to do the job, and how to become a copywriter. All great information. But I have two problems with the book (just don't let these problems dissuade you from reading it).

First, the book is very light on advice on obtaining clients. Bly touches on it, gives some advice, but ultimately there is a lot to be desired in advice on finding work. Bowerman's book does a better job in this area, although even he doesn't provide any magic formula that will have clients lining up at the door to hire you. Hint: you've got to work to find the work; just no way around it.

Second, and this is a problem I have with every book or program out there that seems to indicate everyone and anyone can become a copywriter: It just ain't so, folks! Pardon the poor grammar, but that's part of the problem.

A sizeable chunk of our population is clueless about how to write anything, much less advertising and marketing copy. I think before a lot of people assume they can read this book, become a freelance writer, and suddenly start earning enormous amounts of money, they are going to need to go back to school and develop an understanding of basic grammar.

But, in part, that is what creates value for freelance writers. They do something that most other people actually can't, even though many people believe they could do it if they just took the time.

So, I have a problem with the promise that almost anyone can become a freelance writer. But if you have a decent grasp of grammar and a little creativity, you probably can and this book will be an excellent place to seek help in starting out.

Just be aware, you will probably want to pick up some of Bly's other books on copywriting that actually explain the process of writing effective copy.

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68 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Promises too much, October 31, 2000

By	Timothy Daiss (Metro-Manila, Philippines (Atlanta, GA USA)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Second Edition: How To Make $85,000 A Year (Paperback)

Not that Bly's book isn't filled with useful information, it is. But it becomes somewhat problematic when he glosses over the difficulties in breaking into freelance commercial writing. He did, however, discuss this in the book's predecessor: The Copywriter's Handbook. Buy Secrets of a Freelance Writer for its invaluable information on the nuts and bolts of ad writing and commercial writing in general. But read it with the premise that cracking open your first commercail acccount(s) is considerably more difficult that the author conveys.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars FREELANCE WRITING ADVICE
I found this book to be helpful, easily readable, and provided sound judgement on the way to developing a copywriter career. Read more

Published on May 12, 2007 by William J. Bly

5.0 out of 5 stars Outdated but still a classic
When I was looking for business inspiration recently, a friend let me borrow this book. I think that the book's value comes from forcing you to look at your writing income in a... Read more

Published on September 16, 2006 by D. Olonovich

5.0 out of 5 stars Bly's book helped me to earn money from my writing
When the first edition of this book came out, I bought a copy and immediately followed its practical suggestions --- and attracted business in my field (education)! Read more

Published on October 5, 2005 by Chief Scribe: www.profitable-p...

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for starting a copywriting business
Although this book is not new, it is still a great book to use for starting a copywriting business. It helps you establish fees, go after business and much more. A great book.

Published on June 1, 2005 by Jennifer Woodward

3.0 out of 5 stars promises much, delivers little
I was OK with the advice up until the part where it suggested that if you'd already published a how-to book and some magazine articles, you would probably have success branching... Read more

Published on February 11, 2005 by E. M. Bristol

4.0 out of 5 stars Next best thing to a veteran freelancer living next door ...
... or perhaps better, because you don't have to feel you're imposing. Bly takes all those niggling apprehensions you have about launching a freelance business and dispels them... Read more

Published on August 27, 2004 by Kelly Cannon Hess

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Advice From an Upper Echelon Source
The advice in this practical "how to" book is not limited to freelance writers, but to consultants of all varieties. Read more

Published on February 6, 2004 by Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great How To Manual For The Newbie
I very much enjoy Robert Bly. He is very giving and encouraging. I took notice of Bly in the acknowledgements in Peter Bowerman's The Well Fed Writer. Read more

Published on July 10, 2003 by Kelly Pierce

5.0 out of 5 stars Fundamental Volume
As essential to a freelance writer as graduation is to a diploma. Buy it now!

Published on February 27, 2003 by susieque

5.0 out of 5 stars If you've been there/done that, go ahead & get this book.
Im a pampered copy princess who has worked on national accounts at big Chicago ad agencies. Creatives of my ilk have generally smirked with superiority at freelancers, John... Read more

Published on August 20, 2002 by djandotherletters

› See all 22 customer reviews...

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