Writer for Hire, 101 Secrets to Freelance Success

by Kelly James-Enger

Awarded the -Outstanding Book Award- in the service/self-help category for 2013 from the ASJA (The American Society of Journalists and Authors)!

There's no shortage of books on crafting book proposals, writing novels, overcoming writer's block, and getting in touch with one's muse. But what about a book for writers who simply want to earn a regular paycheck? Writer for Hire is just the wisdom full- and part-time freelancers need. Author Kelly James-Enger details:


101 secrets to success, organized into five overarching strategies. You'll be able to implement what you learn immediately.
Invaluable advice on managing deadlines, querying effectively, working with clients, handling taxes, invoices, and more.
Strategies for getting more writing gigs, including networking (in-person and online), establishing yourself as an expert, working more efficiently under tight deadlines, and handling rejection with confidence
James-Enger looks at the -whole freelancer, - addressing both the craft and business of freelancing.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Business, How To, Social Media

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

I “escaped from the law” on January 1, 1997, leaving behind a legal career to become a fulltime freelance journalist. Since then I’ve published more than 700 articles in 50+ national magazines including Family Circle, Health, Parents, Redbook, Self, Runner’s World, Continental, and Woman’s Day. I’ve authored, coauthored, and ghostwritten twelve books, and specialize in health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness subjects. I’m an ACE-certified personal trainer and motivational speaker, and balance a busy work schedule with my most rewarding job of being a mom to two--as well as a wife to one and a dog-walker and treat-provider to one more.

Reviews

[Valerie Steimle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift from my daughter and it is the best writer's book I have ever read and I have read a lot. If you want to make money at writing then read this book. The author lists concrete, sensible ideas for anyone who wants to break into writing and make money at it. It is amazing!!!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to give guidance to your freelance writing career, Writer for Hire is the book to read. Kelly James-Enger gives insider knowledge and translates it for the new-to-the-industry writer.

There are aspects of a writing career that are not glamorous and sometimes down right ugly. Taxes, marketing, and accounting are just a few of the necessary elements of running a freelance business. Enger takes you through the enjoyment of earning a living through writing, and also offers steps for turning writing from a hobby to a career.

[Andrew Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. An excellent (and quick, and thoroughly digestible) collection of excellent tips on how to break into the business and keep it going strong. This book really opened my eyes to what a freelance writing career actually looks like and requires on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis. Got my head on straight about quite a few misconceptions. Thanks, Mrs. James-Enger!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of very useful hints and tips although it's geared more towards writers who are already freelancing. It's a good overview of a freelancing career. The author has been a freelance writer for 15 years, so she knows what she's talking about! This book also mentions several other resources helpful to freelance writers including books and web sites.

[Tonya Meers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave some very good advice and was also quite motivational I think the key is if you really want to freelance is not to give up. My only slight criticism is that there were a few minor grammatical errors which obviously got missed in the proof reading.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that is a must have resource for any writer, regardless of whether they are a freelancer or not. So much so, I am going to get myself acopy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides you with a lot of good information about the world of freelancing. Some of it is writing specific, but a lot of her tips can be applied to any freelance career.

[William Visher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical and useful book for those wanting to go into the freelance writing business. Also a good primer for those who may have been in the game awhile and need to be renewed

[Mandy Eve-Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative and gives a great insight into freelancing as a career.
I will be returning to its chapters frequently.

[Rachel Schmoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Practical steps to get you started. It made me feel like I knew what I was doing when I started writing.

[Zade Ahmad Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as part of my research for the EMBA final report. I bought two of her books, the other one is a Six-Figure Freelancing.

This book is full of insights on what it takes to become a freelance writer. Not only that, she provides details on how and what we can do in order to become a successful freelance writer. She also provides alternative, if we find that freelancing is too overwhelming.

This is the kind of book that I like. It's full of practical information. Loaded with the good stuff for my knowledge. I wrote 11 pages of notes from this book, discounting those that I just tagged in the book itself. So much valuable information!

In this book, Kelly talks about marketing, relationship-building, being productive (making full use of our time), running the business as a business (being professional) and how to balance life (freelancers do face that work-life balance dilemma, okay).

It is a good reference book especially for those newbie like me, who is looking for some proven cases of successful freelancing and who is also trying to make sense out of this.

"Embrace your career choice. Claim yourself as a freelancer. Don't give up!".

That statement alone provides me with the answer to my uncertainty.

So, yes, I would recommend this book!

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

|4.5 Stars|

This was interesting! It talked a lot about nonfiction work, about writing articles and everything that I have very little to no experience on, and so that was something that was pretty cool to read about. The author brought up some interesting points and tips that were things I'd never heard before, neer thought of before--and I'm glad I read this one. I think it was definitely a good idea to pick it up.

[Elizabeth Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This an excellent book for any writer aspiring to take his or her first steps out into the freelancing realm. As someone who is no stranger to the industry, I found that most of what I read I had learned already through experience—but for readers of this book, that's a good thing! It validates the advice disclosed in James-Enger' book. I would highly recommend it to writers looking to try their hand at freelancing full-time.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely helpful in explaining the necessities of freelancing, getting started, and how to take yourself seriously! I ended up purchasing it for my own personal library!

[George Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many great ideas for aspiring freelancers. Inspiring!

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little out of date at this point but had some helpful tips.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very a very practical, no nonsense, and very helpful book on freelancing. The author gives 101 tips on how to be a successful freelance writer. She gives tons of useful information such as how to write query letters, how to collect payments, how to write invoices, how to manage your time, etc. What I found most helpful was the information on how to make good money on freelancing and all the information on how to handle it tax wise. What I loved most about this book was the author never asks the question, "Are you REALLY sure you want to do this because it going to be hard?" crap that a lot of how to authors put out there. Enger already assumes that you want to be a freelancer already and this is how to do it successfully. She lays out a good game plan of the steps to take. One thing I did find however, is that the book does start off a bit rough. Enger starts off with terminology that the novice may not know yet (such as a query) which may feel a bit intimidating to new freelancers out there who haven't dipped their toes in the water yet. However, it quickly evens out. I walked away from this book feeling like I know so much more about freelancing and am ready to start tackling that world. Enger keeps it relatable in a "if I can do this so can you" kind of mentality. She is the equivalent of a good coach :).

[Blake Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer for Hire, 101 Secrets to Freelance Sucess is a knowledgeable, accessible, well-written resource for freelance writers.

Though geared to those looking to write for magazines, James-Enger provides 101 invaluable insights that any freelance writer can immediately implement into their workflow.

As I recently transitioned from employment to self-employment as a full-time writer and editor, I was glad that she covered more than just the nuts and bolts of freelancing with chapters on marketing, efficiency, relationships, managing yourself, and seeking life balance as a freelancer.

If you're a part-time or full-time writer looking to get paid for the work you do, this book will help you save yourself from making costly mistakes.

[Chad Schimke · Rating 5 out of 5]

WRITER FOR HIRE - The author is a formidable freelance success with over 700 articles to her credit. With topics such as selling yourself, making the most of your time, building connections, running your business and balancing your life--there are a lot of gems in this book. With so many writing reference books devoted to formats, proposals, novels and creativity; this one delivers something quite different. Its sole focus is the creation, craft and business of being a freelancer. I do recommend it because there’s nothing else quite like it. Make sure to add Writer for Hire by Kelly James-Enger to your writing reference collection!

[Jamie Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer for Hire will definitely help me get started with my magazine writing career! I knew nothing before reading Kelly's book, but it has loads of information to help me get into the business. I am also a newspaper journalist and an author, but there was so much I didn't know that this book taught me about becoming even more involved in the writing business. Thank you Kelly for sharing your knowledge!

[Windypicnic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writer for Hire isn't for anyone seeking a comprehensive guide to the current world of freelancing. It is, however, full of useful hints and tips for those seeking ways to help bolster their current freelance work/attitude.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I've thought about freelancing but honestly had no idea where or how to begin. This book is like having a coach in your pocket. It was the nudge I needed to finish up a book proposal and to start pitching articles. It is well written, full of practical strategies, and worth every penny!

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good tips offered in a to-the-point fashion.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to pick up useful tips on freelance writing. She knows her business.

[Wendy Bachelu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good nuggets of information presented in a very digestible format

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice for the freelance writer

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for new freelancer writers and freelancers who need a reminder on how to run their business. Loved it from start to finish.

[Mills College Library]

808.02 J276 2012

[Camilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the perfect, helpful book I needed right now. I took so many notes!

[Di Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with some great resources and strategic ideas.