Book Description
Booklist
In this era of entrepreneurialism, Atlanta freelancer Peter Bowerman shows those timid (but talented) souls how almost anyone can forge ahead as an independent writer. His advice is good, couched in brassy prose that is easy to read. He anticipates every conceivable question and issue, including typical charges, marketing oneself, types of available work, and dealing with deadbeats. There are great common-sense tips, too, in the psychology of handling clients who think they're writers, those with limited budgets, and others demanding creativity. Personal anecdotes make the life of the freelancer real; the author includes samples of cold-calling scripts, thank-you notes, and a story or three about starting a writers' group and partnering with other professionals.
Book Description
Dream of being a well-paid freelance writer? Long to carve out an enviable lifestyle with plenty of freedom, flexibility AND healthy income? But wait a minute…aren't the words "starving" and "writer" forever joined at the hip? Not anymore.
How about a writing direction with plenty of work, strong and growing demand for good writers, hourly rates of $50-100+ ($60-75 average) and where all time is billed? No flat fees with vast, open-ended commitments of time. Translation? Less time working to pay bills and more time pursuing your writing passions.
We're talking about freelance commercial writing - writing for business entities, large and small - the subject of The Well-Fed Writer, and quite possibly the answer for all aspiring writers who want to turn their love of writing into their living. The book was a triple-book-club-selection (Book-of-the-Month, Quality Paperback Book and Writer's Digest) and earned several prestigious awards in 2001:
1) Second place in the ForeWord magazine Book of the Year Awards (Career Category)
2) Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest magazine National Self-Published Book Awards
3) Finalist in the Publisher's Marketing Association Ben Franklin Awards (Best First Book).
Why commercial writing? In the past decade, two huge trends have sculpted the corporate American landscape: downsizing and outsourcing. Corporations are doing more with less: fewer people, less resources and smaller budgets. The workload is growing - especially with the exploding Internet - and many organizations rely heavily on freelancers to help them handle it.
Why do corporations hire freelancers? For good solid economic and creative reasons. With a freelancer, corporations don't have to pay salary, benefits, and vacation time. But they will pay a freelancer $60-80 (average) for their time. In addition, they pay only what they need when they need it. And with a network of freelancers, they get a broad spectrum of fresh talent (hard to get with in-house staff writers used to writing about the same topics day after day) which they can form-fit to their specific writing needs.
What's "commercial writing"? Marketing brochures, ad copy, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, video/CD-ROM scripting, speeches, sales sheets, proposals, web content, and so much more.
Veteran commercial freelancer Bob Bly, known as the freelance writing "guru" for his 35+ writing titles, says of commercial freelancing: "I know of no other arena of writing so lucrative yet so easy to get started in."
The Well-Fed Writer will take you step-by-detailed-step through, indeed, everything you need to know to quickly get your share of this exciting and highly lucrative arena of freelancing.
Customer Reviews:
Step by Step to Success.......2007-09-14
I checked out this book after reading much praise for it every time I searched for it. This is the real deal. I followed Peter's advice and his step by step processes and was earning money from writing within 2 months of reading his book. This is THE book for performing as a commercial writer in the freelance field.
Although I am a novice, I feel that I have a seasoned expert sitting at my side pointing out the pitfalls and steering me in the right direction all along the way. This book is, in a word, fantastic!
Highly recommended!
Roadmap for Success.......2007-08-17
I'm not a freelance writer, but I could be after reading Peter Bowerman's book, "The Well-Fed Writer. This well-written and engaging book is packed with all of the information that you need to gain financial self-sufficiency as a freelance writer. I was amazed at the depth of Bowerman's marketing knowledge and the amount of detail that he included in each chapter. He even had a terrific section on prospecting by phone. This book is a roadmap not only for writers, but for anyone looking to build a successful freelance business.
Cold Calling for Women: Opening Doors & Closing Sales
Bowerman knows his stuff!.......2007-07-04
Make fun of some of his techniques if you will, but this guy knows how to make a SERIOUS business. If you're writing as a hobby, this isn't practical. But if you want to be a REAL professional writer, I highly recommend it!
Go selling.......2007-06-03
There are other reviewers in this section that do a very admirable job of summarizing the contents of this work. The advice is solid. The chapters are well organized. The information is worth many more times than the cost of the book. So, let me get straight to the point. This is a book about selling your writing skills on a commercial basis. That means getting to the people in companies that make the buying decision and getting them to use your talents. It means cold calling, It means contacting 20 or many more for just one assignment and turning that assignment into a client. Premise of the book is very real. You MUST have the ability to sell yourself.
This book changed my life........2007-06-01
You read that right. I'd already been a part-time freelancer for several years, but didn't have the courage to quit my full-time job, even though it was killing me with stress and dissatisfaction. But I kept reading TWFW, and absorbing its wisdom and enthusiasm. I couldn't help thinking, "Hey, this guy isn't even a trained writer, and I am! If he can do it, I can," but still never made the leap. I did, though, follow the author's recommendations to sock away money to tide me over in case I did decide to do it. I also named my business, designed a logo and put together a brochure and a website -- all according to the book's advice -- which I quietly launched six years ago today.
Then one day, my boss made the situation intolerable. I thought over my options during my lunch break, made a few calls to some clients to see how much immediate work I could drum up, and went back to the office. I took a deep breath, thought about all the encouragement in the book, and resigned, agreeing to stay another 3 months to train a successor (I was, at the time, president of an ad & marketing agency).
In those months, I made cold calls (more advice from the book) from my cell phone over my lunch hours, made some more calls into western time zones where the business day was still going on after I got off work, and put more money away. I also purchased the more expensive equipment I'd need -- printer, reliable business-quality phone with headset, etc. -- while I still had a steady paycheck, more advice from the book.
Three months later, I woke up as my own boss and went to work in my home office for the first time as a Full Time Commercial Copywriter. That was in 2001. Last year I celebrated my fifth anniversary, and only one of those 5 years was my business in the red, and that's because my mom died and I was writing a book, which kept me away from the business.
Still, following Bowerman's advice, I maintained phone and email contact with my clients and did manage to get a few jobs completed just so no one worried that I'd fallen off the face of the earth. And when it was all over, I re-read parts of the book to help me get back in the groove and drum up some new business.
I'm sure I would eventually have launched my business without this book, but by then I could very well have been impaired by a heart attack or some other stress-related illness. Maybe I wouldn't even have lived long enough to do it on my own, because it was really, really bad.
Today I celebrate my sixth anniversary as a full time freelance writer, and I'm making a better living -- both satisfaction- and compensation-wise -- than I ever did as a freelancer before. I know that I can continue to get better at my craft and charge accordingly, limited only by my own willingness to work, which I learned from The Well-Fed Writer.
This book gave me hope when I needed it, sound business advice, and the courage to do what I really needed to do, WHEN I really needed to do it. I will be forever grateful.
Amazon.com
The Copywriter's Handbook is somewhat out of date. There are no references to Web sites or the Internet, and author Robert W. Bly advises that a freelance copywriter have a good typewriter. No matter. Bly has compiled an incredibly useful resource for budding, and even experienced, copywriters. Bly calls his book "a step-by-step guide to writing copy that sells." And that it is: Bly covers the writing of print ads, direct mail, brochures, catalogues, public-relations material, trade-journal articles, speeches, newsletters, commercials, and more. But equally informative is the substantial amount of space that he devotes to the copywriting business, in which he offers guidance in setting up a freelance copywriting business, getting hired by an ad agency, and hiring and working with copywriters (this section also includes a chapter on graphic design for copywriters). This is a terrific book. If you don't take my word for it, take David Ogilvy's: "I don't know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book," he says. "And that includes me." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
This is a book for everyone who writes or approves copy: copywriters, account executives, creative directors, freelance writers, advertising managers . . . even entrepreneurs and brand managers. It reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, and direct mail that are clear, persuasive, and get more attentionand sell more products. Among the tips revealed are eight headlines that workand how to use them eleven ways to make your copy more readable fifteen ways to open a sales letter the nine characteristics of successful print ads how to build a successful freelance copywriting practice fifteen techniques to ensure your e-mail marketing message is opened This thoroughly revised third edition includes all new essential information for mastering copywriting in the Internet era, including advice on Web- and e-mail-based copywriting, multimedia presentations, and Internet research and source documentation, as well as updated resources. Now more indispensable than ever, The Copywriters Handbook remains the ultimate guide for people who write or work with copy.
Customer Reviews:
Want to Write For a Living? Bly Shows What It Takes.......2007-10-21
Highest recommendation!
I'm a copy writer for a small company serving businesses across the country. I learned the ad writing business "on the fly via Bly" after miraculously landing a copywriting job when a very brave Pacific Northwest employer decided to take a chance and hire me -- even though I didn't have a single day's worth of "in the trenches" experience beforehand!
My resume documented that I had written four books and dozens of articles for magazines and newspapers, but writing advertising copy is a whole 'nuther animal!
Because of Bly's excellent books (he has several -- none of them will steer you wrong) and a few others by Joe Vitale, I was able to jump into the new job and truly wow diverse clients from the get-go. The information and insights in The Copywriter's Handbook saved my bacon!
Kristine M Smith, Author
DeForest Kelley: A Harvest of Memories : My Life and Times With a Remarkable Gentleman Actor
Every copywriter's best friend - a must-read keeper.......2007-10-03
Bob Bly is the master of showing beginning copywriters how to write compelling copy. He also knows all there is to know about the copywriting business.
If you're just starting out in this business, you must buy this book and any time Bob updates it, buy the new one.
He helps you know what to charge. He guides you in the rules of the road in a way you'll understand. Reading this book could be the ticket to a great career for you. So pick up your ticket and enter the world of copywriting.
Highly recommended --- especially for beginning copywriters or those who need a handy everyday reference to refer to when they have a question.
The Copywriter's Handbook.......2007-08-29
Excellent service.
Arrived really quick and in excellent packaging.
Love the book, Thank you!
Breaks down the basics of writing killer copy.......2007-07-28
Before I started my own copywriting business years ago, this one was my first books on the subject. And I still refer back to it periodically. Bob Bly is a copywriting legend who is well-known for making the fundamentals of writing great copy easy to understand. Whether you're thinking about a writing career, or just need to make your marketing materials more effective, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to learn how to write to sell!
Good for direct response copywriting, but not so great for ad agency writing.......2007-05-18
Since this review is largely negative, I should admit that "The Copywriter's Handbook" can be found near my desk and I reference it often.
With that confession, I'll take my first punch: the author of this book has never won an advertising award. Not one that matters, anyway. But in Bob Bly's world, awards really don't matter.
Since 1985, "The Copywriter's Handbook," has been a guide to the ugly but lucrative subculture of advertising called direct response. In this world, Bob Bly is a self-anointed diety. Since the book was first published, mobs of enterprising disciples have drunk his Cool-Aid, hoping not for a promised land, but a six-figure salary.
It's true that copywriters can earn $10,000 for writing one letter. Of course, it's a direct response letter. The kind beleaguered with double underlined sentences. Features explained through benefits. Promises punctuated with exclamation points. And, of course, the grand finale is highlighted in yellow: an offer that must be acted upon immediately.
For industrious writers who want to come up with this stuff, "The Copywriter's Handbook," is considered a bible. But for anyone who aspires to create concept-driven advertising, there's not much in this book.
Bly starts this work by taking sides against concept-driven advertising. He explains, "A copywriter is a salesperson behind a typewriter." He warns against becoming "an artist or entertainer." For if you go down this dangerous path, Bly warns, "Your copy will be wasting your client's time and money."
Although I don't do direct response, as a freelancer, I write a lot of stuff that's not artistic, entertaining, concept-driven advertising. I often write stuff that works hard at doing more than building a brand. For those jobs, this book contains a lot of practical advice.
Of its nearly 400 pages, I found Bly's lists most helpful. "Copy motivators" offer 22 reasons why someone might buy a product, a good thing to ask your client before writing. Bly offers interview questions too, many of which I have incorporated into my own. He also outlines different types of ads, which can be useful in finding direction for an ad. Will we do a question ad? A testimonial? An offer of free information?
But for all of his juicy nuggets, so many of Bly's examples read like spam. They sound too good to be true, killing the credibility of his work. So much so that I think his audiences must be incredibly stupid to read - let alone respond - to what he writes.
"Would you pay $1,000 to save $5,500?"
"One of a kind. Is that phrase a little trite? I used to think so until I tried to find you. ..."
"Three years ago this month, a man I know - he was then a vice president of a big corporation in Illinois - walked into his boss's office and handed in his resignation. Two weeks later, he started his own company. ..."
Aren't we past this kind of stuff? Judging by the number of people who make serious cash writing Bly-style advertising, apparently not. I know that I don't allow any of it into my life, not even from nonprofits and politicians I believe in.
Despite the money to be made, you won't find me crossing to the schlock-y side of hard-sell direct response advertising. Even knowing about the profit potential of this work, I still want to create cool, concept-driven creative work. Because unlike Mr. Bly, I know that my kind of advertising can work for clients.
I recommend: How to Write Great Copy: Learn the Unwritten Rules of Copywriting
Book Description
The comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for the ever-expanding and always exciting children's market-now in a new and updated second edition.
€ Includes new chapters for illustrators, on submissions, portfolios, art directors, and more
€ In 2001, children's book publishing was a $1.8 billion market
€ Offers practical advice on getting started, plus the basics on writing-and selling-books that kids will love and parents will buy
€ Very few books on this topic provide specific information by experts
€ Covers picture book, juvenile, and young adult markets
€ Includes sample queries and proposals for most types of children's fiction
Download Description
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books by Harold D. Underdown and Lynne Rominger invites novices into its pages with plenty of white space, clearly labeled sections and humorous line drawings. Sidebars offer ""Vocabulary List"" words with definitions of industry lingo (such as ISBNs); ""Stories from the Playground,"" with practical advice from published pros; and ""Can You Keep a Secret?,"" with hints on a range of topics, including how to approach an editor at a conference and how to ""write using active rather than passive constructions whenever you can."" Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Extremely helpful.......2007-09-09
Haven't finished reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books but, I have found it full of good and helpful hints and suggestions.
I would recommend it to any person trying to break into the field of writing books for children.
Publishing Children's Books.......2007-05-19
This book provides you with a step by step guide on how to publish children's books. It's a valuable resource for the children's writer, and gives some great ideas on how to ready your manuscript for publication.Woman Reclining
Detailed Info.......2006-08-28
Very detailed and necessary information for those interested in writing and publishing a childrens book. A wealth of information available at your fingertips 24/7. I would definitely recommend this book for those who are contemplating becoming involved in the childrens book industry.
Please don't speed-read his one........2006-03-17
This book answers questions we never thought to ask. No doubt editors everywhere will be pleased to read submissions that have followed these sugestions. Could be sub-titled "Reduce Rejction Slip Clutter". Please don't speed-read his one.
Good Idiot Book.......2006-03-09
Enjoyable reading, with great ideas, positive message that if you really want to publish, you can do it!
Book Description
In Hardball for Women, Pat Heim shows women how to break patterns of behavior that have put them at a disadvantage in the business world of men. Whether the arena is a law firm, a medical group, a corporation, or any other work environment, Hardball for Women decodes the male business culture and gives readers strategies on how to use its rules to get ahead—and stay ahead. Readers will learn to:
• Be assertive without being obnoxious
• Display confidence
• Engage in smart self-promotion
• Lead both men and women—and recognize the differences between them
• Use “power talk” language to your advantage
Customer Reviews:
Hardball for Women.......2007-10-10
I first read this book in 1993. I was one of 3 team leads on a large project and we were just getting started. This is straight, no nonsense talk. Within 3 months, the other 2 team leads read it as well as the project lead, the project manager, our division administrative assistant and our pruchasing agent. Only 1 of these persons was a male. He got just as much out of it as the women.
My extremely well-worn copy gets perused at least once a year. This is a must read for both genders.
Excellent guide to communication, power, and perception in the workplace........2007-07-28
I enjoyed this book and have recommended it to my executive coaching clients-- both men and women who have also benefited from it. As a psychologist I appreciate the thorough research references and developmental lifespan approach (the authors discuss how difference communication and behavior patterns are formed based on how girls and boys play).
The only reason that I gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars is that it had a slight flavor of how to be more like men to be successful in the corporate world. I believe that it is important to be aware of cultural variables and how they impact the way you are perceived and your power in the workplace. However, there is a great body of research that shows that the way people are *most* successful is to capitalize on their natural strengths and talents.
My concern is that women may become focused on how to play hardball (i.e., act differently than how they have been socialized to act) and neglect to harness their true inherent or learned strengths. We as women need to focus more on how we can use our house and doll lessons to our advantage instead of always focusing on how to play hardball. That said, this is an excellent book that every business person needs to read.
A useful guide for men, too........2006-12-20
OK, so I'm pretty secure in my masculinity -- I eat woman-specific Luna Bars and think they're delicious! This book could equally be titled "How to Play Hardball," as the truly woman-specific sections on dress and biology are few and far between.
As someone coming into a management role from a male-dominated but "softball" field (engineering academia/research), I needed to understand what the game *was* and how to play it right. This book is especially worthwhile for men if you don't have a childhood background in competitive sports or you're a man more inclined towards collaboration than competition.
Insightful.......2005-12-31
This book points out a lot of things women might be aware of but don't really think about. It really changed my perspective and the whole office politic games. I bought this book are a couple of women friends in management and would recommend this to anyone in a supervisor position.
Learn to play hardball--woman style.......2004-08-15
This review is a collaborative writing project completed by a ENGL/227 class at DeVry University in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This book teaches you how to be a team player as well as a leader. Playing hardball doesn't mean being ruthless or heartless. Highlights include using nonverbal cues to your advantage, using "power talk" to come across as confident, and making the most out of criticism. The only thing we would change is the book's cover design. It is very outdated. All in all we would recommend this book to all professionals, men and women. :)
Book Description
This primer on the writing of the NIH proposal and the mechanics of applying for NIH grants offers hands-on advice that simplifies, demystifies, and takes the fear out of writing a federal grant application. The graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or junior research faculty member applying for a prestigious NIH grant - anything from a training grant to a full-blown research award - faces many complex issues. Although several grant writing guides already exist, they are overly general and do not focus on the NIH process. Also, although several NIH institutes provide information regarding grant submissions, this information tends to be voluminous and insufficient to guide one through the process. This book provides specific and detailed step-by-step guidance in completing an NIH application through a number of unique features.
Written by an author with proven success in obtaining NIH grants and in developing grant application workshops for university and convention settings, this book features actual forms from NIH grant applications - including the brand new SF 424 forms - which have been annotated so as to guide readers step-by-step, highlighting unexpected nuances that can make all the difference between winning and losing a grant. This unique book extensively covers SBIR and STTR grants as well.
Writing the NIH Grant Proposal offers several key benefits to the reader:
- Provides detailed help for both the PHS 398 and the brand new SF 424 grant application forms
- Utilizes specific supporting cases and examples to clearly illustrate the grant proposal writing process
- Includes flow charts illustrating the grant application review process at NIH
- Features a section in which actual reviewers give advice about common pitfalls of proposals and what they, as reviewers, look for in a "fundable" proposal
- References additional helpful resources in several appendices, including a glossary of terms used in NIH grant applications, a directory of helpful web sites, and a set of checklists to guide the reader through every aspect of the writing process
This book is an ideal and must-have resource for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members who are planning to apply for a NIH grant.
Customer Reviews:
The Best Manual Around.......2007-08-21
I am surprised by the low rating. I completely disagaree. I highly recommend this book, escpically for beginners like me. If you are just starting or already in the world of grant writing, this book is a MUST. It takes the unceratinty and stress out of writing and the daunting task ahead. If you don't know where to start and need guidenace along the way without hiring a grant writer or delegating the responsibility to someone else in your organization, then get this book. I've scanned other books in this area, and they do not come close to what this book offers.
Just the facts..........2007-05-27
This is a pretty nuts and bolts approach to preparing an NIH grant and reads much like the pages on the NIH websites. It has nicely brought together a lot of the detailed information (different types of grants, different application deadlines, etc) that is on the NIH websites and into a somewhat more user friendly format. But do not think about buying this book to help you actually WRITE a grant. This is for novices who don't know a K01 from a P01. If looking for help in preparing the best possible grant, I suggest the books by Ogden or Yang.
Book Description
Writers and publishers depend on one another, but it often seems as if they speak two different languages. Getting It Published is a lively, insider's guide to academic publishing—a book that will tell you not only how publishing works, but how you can make it work for you. Written by a veteran editor with experience in both the university press and commercial worlds, the book fields the big questions in a scholar's life. Why do editors choose some books and decline others? How does a writer decide where to submit a project? How does the review process work, and why is it necessary? What can an author expect from a publishing house—before, during, and after publication? William Germano answers these questions and more, and along the way, offers encouragement, tips, and warnings.
This savvy guide unravels the mysteries of publishing and walks you through the process from start to finish. You'll learn how to think about your book before you submit it and what you need to know about your contract. With wit and humor, Germano also addresses some of the finer points of publishing etiquette, including how—and how not—to approach a busy editor and how to work with other publishing professionals on matters of design, marketing, and publicity. Graduate students, recent Ph.D.'s, and experienced authors alike will appreciate the chapters on "Quotations, Pictures, and Other Headaches" and on compiling and editing collections and anthologies.
"Scholarly publishing is a big, noisy, conversation about the ideas that shape our world," Germano writes, "Here's how to make your book part of that conversation."
Customer Reviews:
Very useful for anyone interested in publishing his or her work.......2006-12-12
This is a great end-to-end book on the publishing business for scholars and trade publication authors. It gives an excellent overview of the business, talks about the ins and outs of contracts and provides a lot of useful inside information.
This book is relatively short, but it is organized well and packed with useful "to the point" tips. It also introduces the vocabulary one needs to understand and negotiate publishing a book or other work.
As the title suggests, this is a serious book, but it is an easy an enjoyable read. The author is very credible and you can trust the information contained within.
I learned about this book from a fairly well known author and editor. He thought it was the single best resource on the topic. I own at least 5-6 other books on this subject and this is probably my favorite too.
Useful for scholars and trade authors alike!.......2005-05-11
Having read a number of books on publishing in the past several months, I was delighted to stumble upon "Getting It Published." Although it isn't directly related to my current career path - presently, I'm self-publishing a general trade nonfiction book, as opposed to a scholarly tome - I found Germano's advice to be helpful, thoughtful, and eloquent nonetheless.
In welcome contrast to the many publishing books that are aimed at more general audiences, "Getting It Published" does not dumb itself down for the lowest common denominator. Germano's writing is witty, enjoyable, and informed - it's as though you're receiving guidance from your academic advisor rather than reading a how-to book written by some faceless, self-proclaimed publishing "guru." It should come as no surprise that Germano is the VP and publishing director at Routledge. His wealth of insight is remarkable - he covers the process of publishing scholarly work from beginning to end. From writing the manuscript, to crafting a successful proposal, signing a contract, and seeing the work through to publication, Germano doesn't miss a beat. He even covers the not-so-little details, like copyrights, permissions, quotations, artwork, and cover design. His discussion of the various publishing houses and their tasks ("What do publishers do?") was most informative.
"Getting It Published" is a must-have for those new to scholarly publishing. Newbies to the world of publishing who aren't looking to publish scholarly work won't be disappointed, either - there's plenty of useful information in here for everyone. It also serves as a much-needed break from all those awful "For Dummies" books and "Idiot's Guides" that seem to saturate the publishing market!
- Kelly Garbato
Author & ePublisher
Peedee Publishing / Hot Dog!, LLC
useful handbook.......2002-08-27
Gives consistent and straight-forward advice, with a few bits of practical inspiration. There are no real trade secrets here, and Germano makes some points that are certainly arguable, but these qualities may be why this guide will remain current and useful for some time.
Tremendous.......2001-07-27
The former editorial director of the Columbia University Press lays it all out for aspiring non-fiction authors. From finding a publishing house to choosing a title for your work Germano provides solid advice which the would-be writer should ignore at his or her peril. His advice certainly made me re-think the working title "Get Over the Schmuck: Bereavement for Dummies" when submitting my motivational guide to coping with loss, and it paid dividends. An indispensible guide.
An expert publishing guide for scholars.......2001-07-07
William Germano became an expert in scholarly book publishing as editor in chief of Columbia University Press. Today, he is vice president and publishing director of Routledge. This book summarizes the most important lessons of a life in editorial development.
Germano explains book development from two perspectives. As an editor and publisher, he explains what a book must do for the press that releases it. He helps aspiring authors - and editors - to understand their role in the process of creating and developing the book a publisher will produce.
Germano's easygoing, informative style reminds me of the old-fashioned editors and publishers I have known. This is an overview of working with books intended for a scholarly or scientific audience. It is a systematic guidebook to the publishing process. It explains what publishers do, how a manuscript must be prepared, how to select a publisher, and how to propose a book. Then it explains how to work with publisher or editor from proposal to finished product.
First-time authors and editors will find this a valuable resource that helps beginners to avoid common mistakes. Seasoned authors will find value in the concise, well structured tour of the publishing process.
Book review published in Design Research News, Volume 6, Number 7, Jul 2001 ISSN 1473-3862.
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful tool.......2007-05-09
This book will help you a lot in your dissertation as show you how to go thru all steps need it to finish and succeed in your dissertation
Book Description
As any successful freelancer well knows, writing for hire is a business with opportunities for earning a great living, if one knows the tricks of the trade. This thorough guide, produced by the foremost organization of nonfiction freelancers in the United States, presents those trade secrets. The chapters, each written by a successful free-lancer, include: -Planning a Writing Business -Seven Secrets of a Successful Magazine Query -Research: Finding the Right Stuff -Going Full-Time -And more. An invaluable final chapter collects 'Tips from the Pros'-lessons learned the hard way. This essential reference is a must-have for anyone in the nonfiction writing business, as well as for those longing to give it a try.
Customer Reviews:
Indispensable.......2006-11-10
If you are a freelance journalist/writer, this book is a must have. The writing and advice is top-notch.
A must have for your library.
Useful collection of essays for the freelance writer.......2006-05-28
Instead of just setting down a list of dos and don'ts, the ASJA guide presents a series of how-to essays by published authors that include how to work through the different aspects and challenges of freelance writing. This format allows for experience to provide guidance. I like to read about success stories and examples of what worked and what didn't work. I have used it many times to figure out different aspects of our freelance writing business.
Learn from Expert Nonfiction Writers.......2006-04-24
If you take the information in this book and study each chapter, it's like going to a high quality professional writers conference. You can learn about a variety of areas of nonfiction writing from veteran much-published writers.
If you can only get one how-to book on nonfiction writing, get this one.
Start Here.......2006-02-25
If you are like me, that is, if you were just starting out as a freelance writer, then this book is a great place to start. I have to admit, that much of the material actually scared me away from freelancing. I love to write, but it sounds like there are too many legal matters, contracts, copyrights, etc. to enjoy the profession. Maybe an agent would help? The book seems to cover almost every angle, things to avoid, ways to succeed, how to get started...
Informative, Thorough and a Must Read for Aspiring Freelancers .......2006-02-23
This book has exceeded my expectations. Usually when purchasing an anthology you get crumbs of information, but rarely enough to actually develop and execute a plan. I'm grateful for this guide! Not only does it break down 26 crucial areas of a freelance business in only 360 pages, it is written by those who've tasted many years of success. The experts don't sugarcoat, or offer false hope ... they are very realistic in their approach. The book also provides countless resources to help one research articles, locate experts and writing markets, make contacts, contracts, submit photos and so much more. After reading this book, I am well on my way to building an at-home business that works!
Book Description
The definitive guide to becoming a successful freelance writer, now in an updated and expanded third edition
Secrets of a Freelance Writer has long been the authoritative guide to making big money as a commercial freelance writer. In this new edition, you’ll find out how to make $100,000 a year—or much more—writing ads, annual reports, brochures, catalogs, newsletters, direct mail, Web pages, CD-ROMs, press releases, and other projects for corporations, small businesses, associations, nonprofit organizations, the government, and other commercial clients.
You’ll also learn how to start out as a freelancer, market yourself to clients, create a successful personal Web site to cull more sales leads, follow up on potential customers to build your practice, and run your business on a day-to-day basis.
Secrets of a Freelance Writer is the definitive guide to building a successful and lucrative freelance writing practice.
Customer Reviews:
Read ALL you can by Robert Bly!.......2007-09-28
I was blown away by the information in this book! I wanted inside secrets to help me have a successful business, and that is exactly what I got. Not only "secrets" but plenty of right-on advice! If you truly want to be a successful freelancer, then this is one that should be on your shelf. This is the 2nd book I've read by Robert Bly, and I will read all I can get.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Being a Copywrighter.......2007-09-24
This book is loaded with lots of good information and gives you a very precise picture of the copywriting business. Whether you are interested in writing advertising copy or other types of free lance writing, it's an excellenct resource book for any writer to have. The information was well organized and easy to reference. Highly recommended.
You Should Read This!.......2007-07-28
Considering a freelance career in copywriting? Then you should read this. Once again Bob Bly has come up with a clear, concise book that touches on all the basics you need to know to get your new business up and running.
I bought this years ago when I was starting out as a professional copywriter, and it was--and is--an invaluable resource.
Tremendous Valuable Information.......2007-04-10
In Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Third Edition, Bob Bly does a tremendous job sharing information about starting out as a freelance writer. I liked that he has updated the information so it's valid and applicable to the 2000s (first decade). Although it's an advanced read - long chapters and sections - it's filled with tremendous amounts of information. I feel I got my money's worth and will gladly take on the challenge of other Bly books, knowing I'll have bundles of reference information in my collection.
Gotta have it........2007-04-05
SECRETS OF A FREELANCE WRITER by Bob Bly is a bit of rehash. Yes, I know, this is a thrid edition and is supposed to be an updated rehash, but there is also a lot of content here from some of Bly's other books, such as The Copywriter's Handbook. The thing is, there is also enough new and valuable content here to make this another "must read" for copywriters.
This book also very closely mirrors Peter Bowerman's Well-Fed Writer with much of the same content. That's not necessarily a bad thing and just adds confirmation to the advice being given.
I wont begin to talk about what you might take away from this book. Different people are going to take away different ideas. But suffice it to say, you WILL learn a lot here. Even though this plate has leftover vegetables, the meat is hot off the grill.
Book Description
An experienced and award-winning ghostwriter shares insider information on ghostwriting, one of the most lucrative careers in writing. Aspiring ghostwriters learn how to attract and evaluate clients, capture clients' voices, master the mechanics of ghostwriting, write and sell ghosted proposals and synopses, and negotiate financial and legal issues. The advice and techniques provided apply whether ghostwriting books, magazine and newspaper stories, brochures, pamphlets, speeches, or advertisements. Writers will learn how to launch a ghostwriting career or propel their success even higher.
Customer Reviews:
Ghost Writing For Fun and Profit.......2007-05-14
If you ever have a question about Ghost Writing this book is THE reference book because it tells you everything you need to know. I recently had an opportunity to get into ghost writing and I used Eva Shaw's book as my guide. The result is that I am now getting paid for my work. Whether you are looking for a way to get into the business, information about how to write a contract for your client to sign, or a detailed description of your responsibilities and your client's responsibilities - this is the book to buy. I am really excited about my new career. Thank you, Eva, for giving me such great guidance!!!
Paul McAllister
Learn from The Best.......2006-05-07
Whenever I take a seminar or read a book or a magazine article, I normally skip to the author's credentials. I want to learn from the experts--people who have repeatedly succeeded at a critical skill.
This book gives you step-by-step insight from a seasoned professional. It's one of the rarely discussed aspects of book publishing--yet potentially one of the easiest ways for a writer to make a solid living. You don't need a "platform" or a huge audience to be the writer for someone else--or their ghost. Whether you get your name on the cover of the book or not, I've learned you are generally not credited writing a particular book. Ghostwriters fill a huge need in the publishing industry and practice their craft as servants of the story.
Dr. Eva Shaw has ghostwritten books for over thirty years and readers of this comprehensive title gain the benefit of her experience, teaching and insight.
Few books are written on this particular how-to topic. When Ghostwriting was out of print, I tracked down a used copy and read that version--just to show how intense I was on finding some instruction on this topic.
Every writer will gain from reading Ghostwriting. It will improve your business practices, your techniques and raise your antenna for the ghostwriting possibilities in your own backyard or across the world. If you are open to the possibilities, ghostwriting opportunities are everywhere.
A Ghost's Best Friend.......2005-03-12
This book guided me to a successful ghostwriting business. I started out hardly knowing what a ghost-writer is, and now I am one!
Dr. Shaw describes completely what a ghost-writer does, how to get clients, what to do on the first appointment, your rights and responsibilities as a ghost, plus much more. She answered all my questions.
This is truly a book to get you started in the business and to keep by your side all the way to the bank.
(Forgive the unedited Introduction to the Second Edition. Imagine the author trying to dash off a quick Intro while the publisher drums his fingers and taps his foot.)
Jan Martin
Ghostwriter/writer/editor
martinpublishing.net
Great Stuff In This Little Book.......2004-07-06
I found Ms. Shaw's book so helpful and encouraging I've taken the step and asked for work, found ghosting clients and started writing for this lucrative field. While I teach writing at a community college and have freelanced for a number of years I wouldn't have had the courage to ghost without the help of the no-frills guidebook.
This isn't a career for everyone, thank heavens, but if you're toying with or determined to make a living as a writer (and you're a good writer) I highly recommend the tightly written manual. I especially appreciated Chapter 3's "How To Begin." The writing is strong and clear, like Shaw's other books.
The book should be on every writer's bookshelf. It's an excellent resource for writers--especially with the sample contracts, how to determine fees and of course the ethical aspects of the business.
I've already recommended it to others.
Best yet? I've just received my fifth check from a ghostwriting client. Would it have happened without Shaw's book? No way.
Good information marred by poor execution.......2004-07-03
The author of this book has many interesting and helpful points to make, but they are mired down by such statements as "ghost writers pour over research ..." and by inconsistent, often incorrect, punctuation, diction, and spelling. These errors are so prevalent they really get in the way of the useful information she has to share.
As a ghostwriter myself, I found Shaw's book to have some nice nuggets. However, mining them was harder than it should have been. A stronger editorial eye would have helped this book. There are even mistakes in the Table of Contents and Acknowledgments. The author is clearly a professional, but this work is so unpolished it is not a good advertisement for her skills.
Books:
- The World Is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
- The World Is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
- Usability Testing and Research (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication)
- WORDS THAT WORK: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT'S WHAT PEOPLE HEAR
- WORDS THAT WORK: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT'S WHAT PEOPLE HEAR
- Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-By-Step Resource for Clear Communication
- Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job
- Your Complete Retirement Planning Road Map: The Leave-Nothing-to-Chance, Worry-Free, All-Systems-Go Guide
- 7 Steps to Better Written Policies and Procedures
- A Handbook of Job Aids
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens
- Don Troiani's American Battles: The Art of the Nation at War, 1754-1865
- The Asian Century: The Economic Ascent of the Pacific Rim and What It Means for the West
- The Encyclopedia of Restaurant Forms: A Complete Kit of Ready-to-use Checklists, Worksheets, And Tra
- Value-at-Risk: Theory and Practice
- Cruel As the Grave: A Medieval Mystery
- 21st Centuty Manufacturing: National Initiative For Product Data Exchange: Product Data Exchange Bas
- Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization: A Legal Guide
- The Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages
- The scented wild flowers of Britain;
General
| Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
The Well-Fed Writer: Back For Seconds A Second Helping Of "How-To" For Any Writer Dreaming of Great Bucks and Exceptional Quality of Life
The Wealthy Writer: How to Earn a Six-Figure Income As a Freelance Writer (No Kidding!)
The Copywriter's Handbook, Third Edition: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells
Start & Run a Copywriting Business
The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success (The Renegade Writer's Freelance Writing series)
