What do you think?
Rate this book
The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing: How to Write, Work, and Thrive on Your Own Terms
Prime Your Freelance Writing Career for Success!
So you want to be a freelance writer. Great! But now you're faced with a laundry list of Should I freelance full time or part time? Should I write for magazines, newspapers, or online markets? How do I dream up the perfect article idea, and how do I pitch it successfully? How do I negotiate contracts, foster relationships with editors, and start getting steady work while avoiding financial panic attacks and unpleasant ulcers?
The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing answers all of these questions--and much more. From breaking in to navigating the basics of the business, this book is your road map to a fruitful and rewarding freelance life. You'll learn how
• Dig into various markets, including consumer magazines, trade journals, newspapers, and online venues.
• Make your digital mark and build your writing platform.
• Pitch like a pro and craft solid query letters that get responses.
• Conduct professional interviews in person, by phone, or by e-mail.
• Write and structure various types of articles, from front-of-the-book pieces to profiles and features.
• Quit your lackluster day job, and live the life you've always wanted.
Filled with insider secrets, candid advice, and Zachary Petit's trademark humor and blunt honesty, The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing won't just show you how to survive your freelancing writing career--it will teach you how to truly thrive.
So you want to be a freelance writer. Great! But now you're faced with a laundry list of Should I freelance full time or part time? Should I write for magazines, newspapers, or online markets? How do I dream up the perfect article idea, and how do I pitch it successfully? How do I negotiate contracts, foster relationships with editors, and start getting steady work while avoiding financial panic attacks and unpleasant ulcers?
The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing answers all of these questions--and much more. From breaking in to navigating the basics of the business, this book is your road map to a fruitful and rewarding freelance life. You'll learn how
• Dig into various markets, including consumer magazines, trade journals, newspapers, and online venues.
• Make your digital mark and build your writing platform.
• Pitch like a pro and craft solid query letters that get responses.
• Conduct professional interviews in person, by phone, or by e-mail.
• Write and structure various types of articles, from front-of-the-book pieces to profiles and features.
• Quit your lackluster day job, and live the life you've always wanted.
Filled with insider secrets, candid advice, and Zachary Petit's trademark humor and blunt honesty, The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing won't just show you how to survive your freelancing writing career--it will teach you how to truly thrive.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2015
130 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Zachary Petit
8 books18 followersZachary Petit is an independent journalist and editor. Previously, he served as the content director of the HOW+PRINT brands, editor-in-chief of the National Magazine Award–winning publication PRINT, managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, and executive editor of several related newsstand titles.
Alongside the thousands of articles he has penned as a staff writer and editor, covering everything from the secret lives of mall Santas to creative legends, his words have appeared in Fast Company, National Geographic, Smithsonian, National Geographic Kids, Mental_Floss, Eye on Design, Melissa Rossi’s What Every American Should Know book series, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and many other outlets. He is also the author of The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing: How to Write, Work and Thrive On Your Own Terms and Treat Ideas Like Cats.
Alongside the thousands of articles he has penned as a staff writer and editor, covering everything from the secret lives of mall Santas to creative legends, his words have appeared in Fast Company, National Geographic, Smithsonian, National Geographic Kids, Mental_Floss, Eye on Design, Melissa Rossi’s What Every American Should Know book series, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and many other outlets. He is also the author of The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing: How to Write, Work and Thrive On Your Own Terms and Treat Ideas Like Cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 3, 2015
For the past month, I've been on a binge of reading everything I can get my hands on regarding freelance writing. So far, Petit's book is the best I've come across.
Throughout his book, Petit takes the reader through the process of getting started in the "freelance business." Not only does he provide extremely clear instructions, he does so with a sense of humor that makes the book even more enjoyable. He also provides many examples of what to do - and what NOT to do - which makes the information even easier to absorb. I'm someone who learns better through practical examples rather than theory, so this was a huge plus for me.
Oh - and he has been an editor for several publications, so his insider perspective is a huge plus!
If you are just getting started in freelance writing, I highly recommend this book.
Throughout his book, Petit takes the reader through the process of getting started in the "freelance business." Not only does he provide extremely clear instructions, he does so with a sense of humor that makes the book even more enjoyable. He also provides many examples of what to do - and what NOT to do - which makes the information even easier to absorb. I'm someone who learns better through practical examples rather than theory, so this was a huge plus for me.
Oh - and he has been an editor for several publications, so his insider perspective is a huge plus!
If you are just getting started in freelance writing, I highly recommend this book.
September 28, 2018
He is a bit pompous, and tries really hard to impress and connect with the writer. His anecdotal stories sometimes got insufferable. But that said, I found this to be one of the better written books on Freelancing. He is detailed without getting monotonous, and he is not constantly repeating the same information he covered a page earlier. He is informative, and I really liked that he took you step by step through the whole process. The two chapters in the middle were really long. I wish he would have broken them up to make the digesting a bit easier.
I'll definitely be rereading this anytime I am stuck, and taking notes in the future.
I'll definitely be rereading this anytime I am stuck, and taking notes in the future.
May 10, 2023
I thought this book would be a big help to me in learning more about the freelance writing business. I read most of it, but it was not what I thought.
If you want to write for magazines only, this might be useful, but be forewarned, he jumps all over the place without building a foundation and going step by step for people who are interested in entering the business.
The book was published in 2015 so it doesn't say much about writing jobs for freelancers online except mentioning blogging a few times, but in the case of blogs he just mentions them in passing, not offering any details or useful advice.
I don't like to feel that I wasted time reading a book, but in the case of this one I do.
If you want to write for magazines only, this might be useful, but be forewarned, he jumps all over the place without building a foundation and going step by step for people who are interested in entering the business.
The book was published in 2015 so it doesn't say much about writing jobs for freelancers online except mentioning blogging a few times, but in the case of blogs he just mentions them in passing, not offering any details or useful advice.
I don't like to feel that I wasted time reading a book, but in the case of this one I do.
June 23, 2019
Those who follow me might notice a trend. I am reading a series of books on freelance writing and on writing and communication in general. This book, part of a series by Writer’s Digest, talks about how the author continues to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Petit talks about the art of the query (i.e., pitching an idea), how to freelance both as a full-timer and as a part-timer, and what to expect from the business end of the transaction. For his credential, Petit is a senior editor at Writer’s Digest magazine. He knows the industry both as a writer and as an editor.
The book is full of examples and thoughts about emerging issues. It’s a good, solid review of what it takes to get published again and again.
Petit talks about the art of the query (i.e., pitching an idea), how to freelance both as a full-timer and as a part-timer, and what to expect from the business end of the transaction. For his credential, Petit is a senior editor at Writer’s Digest magazine. He knows the industry both as a writer and as an editor.
The book is full of examples and thoughts about emerging issues. It’s a good, solid review of what it takes to get published again and again.
August 4, 2017
I think this book is great for journalists, but not as helpful for technical writers who have a strong niche. A lot of this book talked about how to pitch stories to magazines and newspapers, which isn't something I plan on doing too much of (if at all).
August 30, 2018
This book is a goldmine. Zachary Petit is an experienced writer and editor, so you know you’re in good hands. Although I plan on further enriching my knowledge on writing through other books on the subject, honestly I could stop after this one if I so choose. It’s just that concise.
Be aware, however, that this book is geared specifically towards writers wanting to submit to magazines and newspapers. If that’s you, then this is a must read.
Not only is Petit clear and thorough, he also manages to make an easy (and at times, dare I say, entertaining) read out of an otherwise dry subject.
What are you waiting for? Go devour this book and then write, write, write.
Be aware, however, that this book is geared specifically towards writers wanting to submit to magazines and newspapers. If that’s you, then this is a must read.
Not only is Petit clear and thorough, he also manages to make an easy (and at times, dare I say, entertaining) read out of an otherwise dry subject.
What are you waiting for? Go devour this book and then write, write, write.
April 7, 2020
This book touts as the answer to all your freelance writing questions; however, I didn't feel any more educated than before I read the first page. Granted, it does explain most freelancing lingo and basics of the business, but I already knew most of that.
I appreciate the section on deconstructing a query. Maybe I was expecting a step-by-step explanation as to what I am doing wrong in the business and suggestions on how to fix it?
The book is useful and insightful, but do not think, if you read it - you are truly prepared for the freelance writing world.
I appreciate the section on deconstructing a query. Maybe I was expecting a step-by-step explanation as to what I am doing wrong in the business and suggestions on how to fix it?
The book is useful and insightful, but do not think, if you read it - you are truly prepared for the freelance writing world.
March 5, 2016
User-friendly, conversational and incredibly helpful, both for the novice and the seasoned professional who needs some pointers about the business or how to market their work. Highly recommended.
November 25, 2017
Excellent. Well-written, funny, and oh so helpful--a must for every freelance writer and freelance writer wannabe.
September 22, 2025
Thoughts from March 2024:
Why did I read this book? I read this book because I am interested in writing more. Can writing become a profession for me, either part-time or full-time? I don’t know and I figured a book like this might provide some clarity.
My initial impression of freelance writing is that it’s about much more than getting paid to write articles. First of all, it’s a business. The odds are that success will not find you overnight. Freelancing requires a large swath of time devoted to marketing yourself and your products (portfolio). You can immediately immerse yourself in the intricacies of the profession and the publishing world, but it seems to me that would be a futile effort if you don’t have the writing skill to deliver quality products to your various new editorial connections.
This is where I am at right now, honing my craft in the shadows (with the exception of Goodreads Reviews) and hoping that if I read enough books I will become a great writer. Any profession in writing will have to wait until I’ve stored more relevant experience under my belt: let’s say Blog Posts, longer book reviews, short stories, etc. Like Ray Bradbury says, “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers” (quoted on page 210).
Review
I saw an older review of this book that called Petit a pompous author. I disagree. I’ve read pompous, hate pompous. Petit is the opposite of pompous, he seemed desperate to ingratiate himself with us readers and separate his style from the “editorial asshole” stereotype. I thought this weakened his voice and I didn't connect well with Petit’s humor either, but the tone was not detrimental to the text.
Petit is a magazine editor and former journalist so his commentary on freelancing skews towards magazine and newspaper. I thought this was fine, I’ve not read much on journalism in my life and found it a compelling profession to learn about. One issue I took with the book was the lack of emphasis on digital media / the Internet. Despite being written in 2015, I thought this book could have been from 2005 the way it omitted mention of modern technology. At one point in the book, Petit advises that you may want to think about bringing a cell phone with you if you’re going out in public. Where ya been Zach, it’s 2015.
Recommendation
I won’t talk about the content of the book because I am not planning to pursue freelancing anytime soon. I will say however, this “Essential Guide” is a decent primer for learning about Freelancing as a profession. You won’t be an expert but you’ll have some preparation for the scary world of publishing. And taxes! Deduct Deduct Deduct!
This reminds me that I never edit my Goodreads reviews. I hate editing. This is a major flaw for a writer as poor as me. I’m a one draft man, what can I say..
Why did I read this book? I read this book because I am interested in writing more. Can writing become a profession for me, either part-time or full-time? I don’t know and I figured a book like this might provide some clarity.
My initial impression of freelance writing is that it’s about much more than getting paid to write articles. First of all, it’s a business. The odds are that success will not find you overnight. Freelancing requires a large swath of time devoted to marketing yourself and your products (portfolio). You can immediately immerse yourself in the intricacies of the profession and the publishing world, but it seems to me that would be a futile effort if you don’t have the writing skill to deliver quality products to your various new editorial connections.
This is where I am at right now, honing my craft in the shadows (with the exception of Goodreads Reviews) and hoping that if I read enough books I will become a great writer. Any profession in writing will have to wait until I’ve stored more relevant experience under my belt: let’s say Blog Posts, longer book reviews, short stories, etc. Like Ray Bradbury says, “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers” (quoted on page 210).
Review
I saw an older review of this book that called Petit a pompous author. I disagree. I’ve read pompous, hate pompous. Petit is the opposite of pompous, he seemed desperate to ingratiate himself with us readers and separate his style from the “editorial asshole” stereotype. I thought this weakened his voice and I didn't connect well with Petit’s humor either, but the tone was not detrimental to the text.
Petit is a magazine editor and former journalist so his commentary on freelancing skews towards magazine and newspaper. I thought this was fine, I’ve not read much on journalism in my life and found it a compelling profession to learn about. One issue I took with the book was the lack of emphasis on digital media / the Internet. Despite being written in 2015, I thought this book could have been from 2005 the way it omitted mention of modern technology. At one point in the book, Petit advises that you may want to think about bringing a cell phone with you if you’re going out in public. Where ya been Zach, it’s 2015.
Recommendation
I won’t talk about the content of the book because I am not planning to pursue freelancing anytime soon. I will say however, this “Essential Guide” is a decent primer for learning about Freelancing as a profession. You won’t be an expert but you’ll have some preparation for the scary world of publishing. And taxes! Deduct Deduct Deduct!
This reminds me that I never edit my Goodreads reviews. I hate editing. This is a major flaw for a writer as poor as me. I’m a one draft man, what can I say..
July 29, 2021
If you have a desire to become a freelance writer stay away from this book. It will scare the excitment for a new career right out of you. Unless you only want to write for newspapers and magazines.
I was excited to read this book. It looked as though it had all the bells and whistles I needed to start my career doing the thing I love - writing. Then I read it. Be afraid, be very afraid. At least that was what this book seemed to tell me about freelance writting.
First the positives. The book is an easy read and the author is very humorous in his telling of how to become a freelance writer. His antidotes and style are his selling points. HE makes you feel as thought the two of you are sitting in a bar and he is giving you the ins and out of the biz. He knows the writting business well and it shows. His area of freelance writing centers around writing articles for magazines and newspapers. Which is superb if this is the type of work you wish to do and that is the niche you are hunting. The book is full of helpful information, ideas and what not to do bits. However; if you wish to write white papers, B2B, or long blog freelance work, this is not the best book for you.
Secondly, the negatives. While his tone is light and engaging the undertone is one of "this isn't gonna work out well for you". The author does highlight the rough side of freelance work and how you will spend your life in a sea of rejection. Which is true to a degree but the tone seems to pemeate the book and almost turns you off from your choice of a new career (or side job). I was left a little afraid to even start writing when I read certain chapters. I got to the point where questioned if I could write well enough to make it a living. (Then my fiends, family, and people I had written items for would tell me this was just a lie and that I should be writting for a living since I had been doing it for free for free.).
Ultimately I read the book in its entirety and used the negative feelings in conjunction with the positive points the author gave to go forward with my freelance work. Yes, it is a struggle and it is grulling, but it is worth it.
I give it three stars because it only covers half of the freelance world.
I was excited to read this book. It looked as though it had all the bells and whistles I needed to start my career doing the thing I love - writing. Then I read it. Be afraid, be very afraid. At least that was what this book seemed to tell me about freelance writting.
First the positives. The book is an easy read and the author is very humorous in his telling of how to become a freelance writer. His antidotes and style are his selling points. HE makes you feel as thought the two of you are sitting in a bar and he is giving you the ins and out of the biz. He knows the writting business well and it shows. His area of freelance writing centers around writing articles for magazines and newspapers. Which is superb if this is the type of work you wish to do and that is the niche you are hunting. The book is full of helpful information, ideas and what not to do bits. However; if you wish to write white papers, B2B, or long blog freelance work, this is not the best book for you.
Secondly, the negatives. While his tone is light and engaging the undertone is one of "this isn't gonna work out well for you". The author does highlight the rough side of freelance work and how you will spend your life in a sea of rejection. Which is true to a degree but the tone seems to pemeate the book and almost turns you off from your choice of a new career (or side job). I was left a little afraid to even start writing when I read certain chapters. I got to the point where questioned if I could write well enough to make it a living. (Then my fiends, family, and people I had written items for would tell me this was just a lie and that I should be writting for a living since I had been doing it for free for free.).
Ultimately I read the book in its entirety and used the negative feelings in conjunction with the positive points the author gave to go forward with my freelance work. Yes, it is a struggle and it is grulling, but it is worth it.
I give it three stars because it only covers half of the freelance world.
January 4, 2023
It’s hard to find a book that covers all the different and often unglamorous aspects of freelance writing but this one fills the bill. By focusing on both the genres involved in pitching to magazines and online sites as well as what you’re specific interests are, the author does a more than adequate job. I especially appreciated understanding the complexity of writing a feature article, its basic structure and variety of form as well as just breaking down the elements that make up a typical magazine and how content creation depends on where it is located.
I used this for a professional writing class but would recommend for anyone interested in or already writing freelance. The tone is sometimes irritating as it tries too hard to be clever and humorous but that shouldn’t deter from gleaning information that is often hard to find. Other chapters on finance, part time vs full time, dealing with rejection fill out both the challenges and real life situations that are part of the writing life.
I used this for a professional writing class but would recommend for anyone interested in or already writing freelance. The tone is sometimes irritating as it tries too hard to be clever and humorous but that shouldn’t deter from gleaning information that is often hard to find. Other chapters on finance, part time vs full time, dealing with rejection fill out both the challenges and real life situations that are part of the writing life.
September 16, 2017
I couldn't have found this book at a more perfect time. When I as a writer have decided that time's a-wastin', and it was high time to get myself out there and start submitting to literary magazines. I'll never make it as a writer if all I do is dream about it right?
Not only does Petit know his stuff (being a freelance writer himself AND a magazine editor) and offer helpful advice, but he's a pretty funny guy - including plenty of writer/publisher-type humor to make it a fun and engaging read, rather than just being handed information.
I recommend this to writers looking into freelance work, especially previously unpublished (unless community college/university lit magazines count. Do they, Zachary?) ones like me who are looking to possibly start their careers this way.
Not only does Petit know his stuff (being a freelance writer himself AND a magazine editor) and offer helpful advice, but he's a pretty funny guy - including plenty of writer/publisher-type humor to make it a fun and engaging read, rather than just being handed information.
I recommend this to writers looking into freelance work, especially previously unpublished (unless community college/university lit magazines count. Do they, Zachary?) ones like me who are looking to possibly start their careers this way.
February 14, 2020
There is a lot of good info in here delivered in a concise and approachable manner. Petit adds in a some humor and personal voice to keep it interesting. The content is definitely focused on freelance writing as a journalist for newspapers or magazines, so keep that in mind. I was hoping for a little more content about freelance writing for businesses, so some of this didn't feel entirely relevant to what I was personally seeking. At the same time, I still found a lot of useful content about writing in general and the professional environment of writing, so it was still worth my time to read through it (and just skim through some of the stuff I wasn't as interested in).
January 18, 2018
Great resource for those looking to enter the writing field, especially those looking to work for newspapers or magazines. Zachary Petit offers valuable information to help you kick start your career and start off on the right foot, and he covers every aspect of having work published from pitching ideas to submitting to publication to getting paid...and of course everything in between. Very conversational , making it easy to read and surprisingly funny at times. Definitely a resource I'll be coming back to!
July 17, 2020
The main take-away I had from this book is that I'm already ready to freelance write, I just need to do it. I'm not sure how this book would play for someone who is starting earlier in their career (I've already got a PhD, am a published writer, and an editor). The most useful chapter was the business one, and I wish it had been longer. It is a quick read and informative. (though not as funny as the back cover would lead you to believe)
January 19, 2021
An informative read on getting into the freelance writing business. Most individuals do this part-time for extra income but it is a competitive market. The author provides advice on how to stand out and teaches you to look for stories everywhere. He suggests that you go out and meet people, talk to them. In my current line of work, this is the norm and being that I would like to get into nonfiction blog writing, I found this book helpful.
August 27, 2023
An easy-to-read guide offering insight into the industry. It covers publications you could write for and how to pitch, conduct interviews and structure stories. Although it was only published in 2015 it does (surprisingly) feel a bit dated in that the focus is on print, and video interviews don't even get a mention. It's also American-centric. But there's still lots of useful info for understanding how to start out.
May 13, 2017
This is probably the most informative and concise book on freelance writing I've ever read. Petit offers instructions and examples, as well as explanation regarding what is always true, sometimes true, and totally fluid in the freelance marketplace. His writing is pithy and entertaining, and he speaks with an impressive portfolio to back up the talk.
February 16, 2018
I love the humor and easygoing approach this book takes in explaining all the essentials. It would have been nice for the author to go into a bit more detail with some parts (particularly the bit about contracts and financing/taxes), but overall it was a great read and a book I shall be referring to again when I get my freelancing going.
July 3, 2018
Truly is an essential guide to freelance writing.
Everything from starting freelance writing to style, from editors to edits,and publications to payments and everything in between. It also includes bonus links to useful articles on WritersDigest.com. Based on the author"s recommendation, I also subscribed to Writer's Digest and am glad I did. I would recommend this book.
Everything from starting freelance writing to style, from editors to edits,and publications to payments and everything in between. It also includes bonus links to useful articles on WritersDigest.com. Based on the author"s recommendation, I also subscribed to Writer's Digest and am glad I did. I would recommend this book.
October 6, 2018
The book is sort of light and conversational but it appropriate for the situation. Mostly just works through expectations that you'll face as a writer before you have to deal with them, like the terms people use, what to do during interviews, etc... It was a good first book to read about something that I've started doing without knowing what I'm doing.
January 9, 2020
Zack's humor along with interviews he has with such people as Neal Adams and Joe Hill make this book worth reading. The only negative part of the book is it is slow in the beginning, but like with a meal, you gotta eat your vegetables before you can dive into the meat, potatoes, and the dessert (PS The dessert starts around page 184)
August 12, 2017
Probably the most helpful, approachable, and digestible book on writing I've ever read. Funny, too. Lots of helpful (and most importantly of all, encouraging) stuff in the appendices, too. Gave me the oomph I needed to try to launch my freelancing career. Thanks, Zach!
September 11, 2018
I found the overview of pitching to publications very helpful. I took extensive notes so I could easily reference the advice in the book, but I plan to purchase my own copy as well. Highly recommend for anyone getting into freelance writing.
June 23, 2019
Definitely a good starter for someone interested in being a freelance writer. It wasn’t my favorite “how-to” ever, but I learned things from it and it got me to spend some time putting together my website. Certainly helpful!
May 11, 2020
Easily readable, and a good introduction to the industry. I read it, even though I've been freelancing for a long time, because I've been doing it more as side work and I'm wanting to focus more on freelancing again. It was a good refresher for me, but would also be great for newbies.
September 20, 2020
What I would give to have read this book ten years ago. Now I’m looking back on previous forays into writing and journalism, and kicking myself. What a book.
Essential reading to writers of any kind.
Essential reading to writers of any kind.
Read
September 23, 2020This is the rare book that is both informative AND entertaining. I feel more confident about how to query a nonfiction article now, and I'm keeping this one in the office because I'm sure I'll refer back to it. Even better? I was quite amused.
March 15, 2017
As concisely written as any aspiring scribe could hope for. Petit will not string you along with generalizations like many of this book's ilk will do. "There's a set of stairs. That is your plot. Walk up the stairs. Now you're on the landing and ahead of you is a door and behind that door is your novel, open it. The room is dark, but don't turn on the light, for your novel wants to be found not shown. Feel for it in the darkness, stretch out your arms, wave them in front of you until you touch it. It's in there, just waiting for you to find it. The room is your mind, your mind is black. Give it light."
No! Petit is a pro and he spares no words. Though it has nothing to do with writing novels, and its focus is primarily journalist freelancing, any writer will benefit from this direct line to an industry insider. Everything from how to write a query to an editor, how to research markets, how to interview, practice ethics, and even tax preparation for the freelance writer, (which he executes beautifully) are covered here. And, for added good measure, it's hilarious. Best How To I've ever read.
No! Petit is a pro and he spares no words. Though it has nothing to do with writing novels, and its focus is primarily journalist freelancing, any writer will benefit from this direct line to an industry insider. Everything from how to write a query to an editor, how to research markets, how to interview, practice ethics, and even tax preparation for the freelance writer, (which he executes beautifully) are covered here. And, for added good measure, it's hilarious. Best How To I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews