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Jan30
Resources for Writers, Part One

Several of my writing pals have asked me what resources I recommend for folks who are just starting out and are still in the "I think I can" stage.  I've got a whole stack of books and periodicals I enjoy, so let's just list them here where everyone can add them to the library list.

First of all, my favorite (and most writers', actually) would be the books.  While some of these address ways writers can bring in income, rather than the direct business of getting books and articles published, they are still excellent food for thought.  I signed up for service through Writer's Digest Book Club, which has gotten me some good deals and has lengthened the infamous Tuesday Library List.  So here are the books I actually sprang for:

  • Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer by Jenna Glatzer (Nomad Press, 2004) is one of my favorites.  Glatzer discusses everything from getting your ideas flowing to querying and pitches, then on to creating your bio, doing interviews and dealing with editors.
  • Writing for Dollars by John McCollister.  I happen to have picked up a copy printed for Barnes & Noble for only $6.98...originally on one of those "well, I'll keep the receipt just in case" moments.  That was 6 months ago, so you can figure I got something out of the 75 tips McCollister offers.  Broken into ten sections covering everything from curing "writer's block" to hiring an agent and dealing with the IRS, this book is chock full of good stuff.
  • Six Figure Freelancing by Kelly James-Enger (Random House, 2005).  One of the things I run into with all too many writer "wanna-bes" is that they don't understand the business efforts involved in writing.  As I've said before, the words don't just hop off your laptop onto the bestseller lists. You have to learn how to market your work, act like a professional, and deal with budgets and payment options.  This title will really help those of you who are fine on the creative side but need help with the business side.
  • The Wealthy Writer by Michael Meanwell (Writer's Digest Books, 2004).  This title was originally published in Australia as an e-book.  Meanwell covers topics such as e-publishing, copy writing, writing speeches and other options for freelancers that can bring in some serious dough while still allowing you to work on other projects as well.  My one caveat with such books is that some writers who originally hope to deal with fiction genres may get caught up in building a different sort of business and find themselves working full-time as a writer in a field they don't truly love.  On the flip side, if you do enjoy commercial writing, this is an excellent resource to figure out ways to write and earn.  (The two truly aren't mutually exclusive, I promise!)

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