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Title: Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Second Edition : How To Make $85,000 A Year by Robert W. Bly ISBN: 0-8050-4760-3 Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc. Pub. Date: 15 August, 1997 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.53 (17 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: My First Freelance Writing Book
Comment: 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.
Rating: 4
Summary: Good advice for any writer starting out
Comment: 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.
Rating: 5
Summary: Real Advice From an Upper Echelon Source
Comment: The advice in this practical "how to" book is not limited to freelance writers, but to consultants of all varieties. Robert Bly takes you step by step through the process of discovering your strength and reaching your target audience with your expertise. An additional section of the book that is worth the cost alone is the section dealing with negotiation. He's been there and writes authoritatively on how to get the value your work is worth and not be pushed around by people trying to denigrate the value of your work.
He mixes his personal "war stories" in with insightful quotes from various sources. In fact, I found some of his citations to be educational in making me aware of newsletter I never knew existed. There are numerous "hidden markets" that exist, this book helps you to discover how to search them out, make the necessary contacts, and make your pitch.
Robert Bly's success has benefited more people than himself. As he has shared his trials and triumphs, others can learn and follow the path of a pioneer who has paved the way.
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Title: The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman ISBN: 0967059844 Publisher: Fanove Publishing Pub. Date: September, 2000 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: The Copywriter's Handbook : A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing That Sells. Updated Edition by Robert W. Bly ISBN: 0805011943 Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc. Pub. Date: 15 March, 1990 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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Title: How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business, 3rd by Lucy Parker, Karen Ivory ISBN: 0762706600 Publisher: Globe Pequot Pr Pub. Date: 01 August, 2000 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Start and Run a Copywriting Business (Start & Run A...) by Steve Slaunwhite ISBN: 1551803062 Publisher: Self Counsel Press Pub. Date: April, 2001 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Damn! Why Didn't I Write That? How Ordinary People are Raking in $100,000.00...or more Writing Nonfiction Books & How You Can Too! by Marc McCutcheon ISBN: 1884956173 Publisher: Quill Driver Books Pub. Date: October, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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