Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $100,000 a Year or More

by Robert W. Bly

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.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2006

About the author

Bob Bly is a freelance copywriter with 4 decades of experience in direct response and business-to-business marketing. He is the author of 100 published book on topics ranging from science, sex, satire, and science fiction -- to small business, writing, advertising, and online marketing. McGraw-Hill calls Bob Bly “America’s top copywriter.”

Reviews

[Sue Bridehead (A Pseudonym) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly useful reference book for any freelance commercial writer to have. Bly has many helpful suggestions on how and where to look for clients/work, how to price your services, etc. I particularly appreciate the Appendices, in which he includes items like sample sales letters to prospects and a copy of his fee schedule.

Was there info in here I already knew, after years of freelancing? Sure. But there was more that I didn't know, or hadn't thought to try. The takeaway: there's always *something* proactive, useful and empowering you can be doing to bring in more work or raise your profile or skill level as a writer.

It never hurts to be reminded of this! I'll probably buy a copy to keep around.

[Konrad Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book overall. A couple dry parts. Definitely a book to read through once then use as a reference. Large appendix with highly useful examples/resources.

[Pedro Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bly's 'Secrets of a Freelance Writer' is a useful guide for people interested in giving commercial writing a try. I read this book four years into my freelancing career and found dozens of ways to improve what I'm doing plus a few more new tactics I can implement to earn more money from my craft. Regardless of where you are in your freelancing journey, you're guaranteed to get valuable advice from this guide written by a writer who's 'been there and done that.'

[Chip Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bly is one of the Ascended Masters of Copywriting.

This is essential reading for people in my business, at least for those of us in America.

[Mindi Rosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct information for the aspiring freelance commercial writer, one can discover whether or not this income avenue interests him, or not. Step-by-step instructions are clearly stated, as well as, a thorough appendix section. Charts, price guidelines, and sample letters are included.

If you are not seeking to write commercially, this book would not apply to your circumstance. Those only interested in fiction, non-fiction magazine articles, and newspaper journalism need not check out this book. Very little of the information is applicable to these professions.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Bly writes about makng money in commerical writing, i.e., writing brochures, catalogues, newsletters, direct-mail packages, how to instructional manuals, advertisements, etc., for clients. He suggests that you get all assignments in writing so you can be more assured of getting paid for your hard work. He says that he often requests a retainer up front. I would like to make some money writing, editing, or proofreading, so Bly's book is inspiring to give it a try.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold, bold, bold. This writer uses his confidence and intellect to make over a hundred thousand dollars per year in the freelance writing business. With clients ranging from corporate giants to multibillion dollar national corporations, Bly pushes past objection with confidence. Those he comes across as arrogant at times, his clear and concise writing style backs up his bravado. I'd love to have the stones that Bly has in his approach to a non-conventional career choice.

[FirstSpeaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read if you want to succeed!

Robert is an excellent writer and his wisdom of the writing world inspires you to start your freelancing career immediately. One thing that stuck with me is when he mentioned that most people fail because they give up right before they are about to achieve success. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering a writing career or just looking to start a small business.

[Wes Locher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Bly's "Secrets of a Freelance Writer" was a great pairing with Peter Bowerman's "Well Fed Writer." Both provide ample information to help you succeed in the world of Freelance Writing.

Bly's tips and tricks are those of someone who has been in the industry for 20+ years but both give great perspectives and give you the tools you need to pursue a writing career.

Highly recommended!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the utmost confidence and no lack of detail, Bly explains exactly how to make money from commercial writing for corporations. I'm going to give his methods a try. Will it work? Who knows! The one thing Bly glosses over is the fact that he already had relevant experience before becoming a pro in this field, although he seems confident that amateurs can accomplish it with enough effort.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book with great information, some evergreen and some painfully outdated. The chapter on SEO and "the next big thing": blogging was very cringeworthy, but short compared to the wealth of really great tips in the rest of the book. He covers it all, from marketing to what to write and all the business info on between. Great book!

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

despite that sleazy title, learned things from this book. didn't get to finish, though.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sales is like a 15-round boxing match in which 90 percent of salespeople give up during round 14."
Be in that 10% that never gives up and is standing victorious at the final bell.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's dated in terms of technology and economics. (The last printing was 2006.) Still, lots of useful info about thinking of yourself as a business.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical information but needs an update.