The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing: A Professional Guide to the Business, for Nonfiction Writers of All Experience Levels

by Timothy Harper (Editor), Samuel G. Freedman (Foreword)

Whether you're just starting out, considering going full-time, or are already a successful freelance writer, you'll find the information and insights needed to take your work to the next level in this smart, thorough guide. Compiled by the prestigious American Society of Journalists and Authors, the book's twenty-six chapters cover the business from every angle, tackling the topics every freelancer needs to master in order to make it today.

Chapters planning a writing business * generating fresh ideas * the secrets of a successful magazine query * the latest research tools and techniques * writing for the Web * developing areas of specialization * promoting yourself and your work * op-eds, essays, and other ways to leverage your knowledge * contracts * taxes and deductions * working with editors and agents * going full-time * key lessons you won't have to learn the hard way * and more.

Written by twenty-six of the top freelancers working today, this indispensable guide provides trade secrets that others have learned the hard way, inspiration to take your work where you want it to go, and a revealing view into the minds and working habits of freelance writers at the top of their game.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Erin]

This book is 15 years old and very out of date but I bought it for $1 so I got what I paid for. I did pick up a couple of tips and I got some laughs at how dismissive these writers are of that new fangled Internet Machine. This book was intended for already established writers who could afford to quit their day job and freelance write, its not for writers who don't have any contacts or a long track record.

No rec.

Around The Year in 52 Books: A book with a text only cover.

[Gary]

Some great general info but was kind of outdated.

[Barbara]

I have a piece in this anthology, so I can't exactly say it's great. I will say, though, that there are a great many very good, useful pieces on the craft and business of journalism by fellow ASJA members.

[Luke]

A pretty good overview for the novice aspiring freelancer; lots of practical tips, including the nitty-gritty of writing queries, negotiating contracts, and maximizing tax deductions.

The section on online journalism seems quite dated, however.

[Sue Bridehead (A Pseudonym)]

Published in 2003, this book unfortunately is a dated already. I read only the chapters that applied to me and left the rest. In spite of being a little behind the current curve, I found it helpful in motivating me to rethink new directions for my freelance writing and editing career.

[Missy]

So far it's FAB!!! Exactly what I needed as I start my slow and steady pace to becoming an incredible freelance writer. :-)

[Melissa]

Informative. Not my cup of tea - I'm reading it for a class I'm taking - but it is packed full of handy, practical information for the aspiring freelancer.

[Tracy]

I bet this book was fantastic in 2003, but it's comically outdated now. A few chapters were still quite informative.