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Freedom to Freelance by Rusty Fischer (Writing Advice)
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Featured Author: Writers Exchange Ezine Issue 10 - January 2001 If I had to list the many things I loved about this book, I think the main one would have been the writing style. Rusty has an informal, conversational style interspersed with irreverent humour. His wit does not detract from the quality of the information presented, instead it turns this writing manual into an entertaining read. The set out of the book is also well done - with each chapter starting with a "Top 5" list and ending with another five point recap at the end. The following are some examples of what you will find in Freedom to Freelance:
The chapter on finding great writing websites is full of useful tips. Some of his criteria include: "the frequency of site updates, organisation and access, and whether the website is maintained by a fellow freelancer?" After advising us on what we should be looking for in a writing site, he even
shares his own personal Top Five picks.
In his next chapter he shares more of his own writing related bookmarks and includes a small review of each site. At the end of each review he summarises with a "Top Five Things I Liked About This Site" list, which is well worth reading.
We all know how hard a freelancer has to work to make money, and time is definitely not a resource to be wasted. Now, thanks to Rusty's chapter on Free E-Newsletters you will be able to sit back and let the markets come to you.
If you weren't already convinced of the benefits of email queries, read the chapter "(No More) Paper Trail, or: Welcome to the World of Wired Writing" and you soon will be! Over this (and a couple of other chapters) Rusty gives us an insight into his life as an editor. Sharing his experiences in the quest for freelancers to write a series of books. From the online advertising, email responses and the end results we learn how an entire project can be completed without ever picking up your phone.
Have you ever wondered about whether to bother with Message Boards? Well, Rusty has that subject covered too, from the benefits to the pitfalls and everything in-between. His sage advice teaches us about lurking and how to participate and what we can expect if we join this particular Net society.
Once you have found suitable markets, Section Two of "Freedom to Freelance" will advise you on how to get the work and keep it. Starting with the basic Query Letter we then progress to how to interact with your editor. Email etiquette is vital and this section will help your online relationships immensely. There is much, much more to the book - but you will have to read it for yourself, and I do believe it is worth the money. The ONLY negative I found with \"Freedom To Freelance\" is that Mr Fischer could have covered the subjects more deeply. Sometimes I felt that he had only skimmed the surface, and that there was much more he could have said. Mr Fischer has said that he will be constantly updating and expanding the book, so I am sure this one problem will be fixed as he continues working on it.
Rating = 8.5 out of 10
Featured Author: Sharon Wren When you write, you tend to accumulate books on the craft. This year I've read more than my share and this ebook is one of the few that really gave me trouble. The problem was that I would read a section and be so inspired that I had to stop reading and take Fischer's advice on organizing files and researching markets. When I first started reading it, I didn't stop until I was halfway through - no small feat when there are small kids in the house! Fischer's tone sounds like that of a mentor who's interested in each writer's welfare - the editor we all secretly wish would read our work. This book would be a thoughtful gift for a newbie and a valuable resource for anyone.
Featured Author: Tami Parrington, http://www.geocities.com/tamiparrington Mr. Fischer's wonderfully warm, and engaging style makes this highly informative book on the art of freelancing an enjoyable and enlightening read. Mr. Fischer's book is packed with tips and links that make breaking into the highly competitive world of freelance writing a less frightening endeavor. While at some points repetitive, the entire book is full of important information, and splashed with personal insights that make the facts both understandable, and fun to learn.
Freedom To Freelance is well set-up. The chapters move smoothly from one to the next and the reader is compelled to continue non-stop to find out more at every turn. I recommend Freedom To Freelance for anyone interested in how to start off as a freelance writer.
Featured Author: Christina Lewis, freelance writer and owner/editor of http://www.kidsbookshelf.com - a children's literature website, and http:/ If you're serious about becoming a freelance writer "Freedom to Freelance" is a great tool to help you become successful. Mr. Fischer answers all of your questions helping you to get started on the road to a full-time freelance writing career!
This informative eBook, focused on web writing, is packed with great tips and advice. You'll learn where to find work on the web, benefits of freelance e-newsletters, benefits of participating in writer's message boards, and how to choose the best ones. You'll also learn how to organize your files for efficiency, searching newspaper ads, query letter tips, types of freelance payments, holiday writing, tips on keeping in touch with editors, how to utilize your time and much more!
Mr. Fischer explains the how and why and tells some great stories of his own experiences as a freelancer and editor. His fun and conversational writing style make you feel as though he is sitting down with you over a cup of coffee while sharing his knowledge. This book would make a great addition to the freelancer's library of books on writing!
Featured Author: Andrea M. Chester for Absolute Write (http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/freedom_to_freelance.htm) Author Rusty Fischer takes readers on a tour of freelancing the easy way. His relaxed, conversational style has a tinge of attitude, which makes this little book interesting. His knowledge of the publishing business makes it valuable.
From the start, Mr. Fischer lets us know how he can be so sure of the advice he gives. "I am an editor. Have been for quite some time. As an editor, I know a few things you may not. Like what really goes on at those slush pile parties you've been hearing so much about. Like what gets read and what doesn't....
"We may not be strutting our stuff... but we'll be the ones signing off on all of those invoices that get you paid. We'll hold your hand and work you through one project to the next, and make it so the next editor, possibly in New York or L.A., thinks your work is just first rate."
The book's well organized, with lots of lists, and a writer's recap at the end of every chapter. It covers essential information, like searching the Web for good job sites, query letters, and that wonderful concept-- getting paid. For those of us (like me) who aren't exactly techno-savvy, it also outlines how to analyze a site:
· Is it updated often, so the material is fresh?
· Is it well structured and easy to navigate?
· Is it maintained by another freelancer? (It's more likely to be fresh and relevant if it is.)
· Are the ads related to writing? (If they aren't, it's little more than one big commercial.)
Online queries and searches are somewhat different from the traditional kind, so the author includes an e-tiquette lesson. (He calls it "formal informality.")
Be brief and precise.
Write like a human, without slang, emoticons, jokes, and inspirational slogans. (You wouldn't use them in a hard-copy query, would you?)
Be patient. You can get instant replies, but don't count on them, and don't hound the editor.
Remember, once you hit the send button, it's gone!
He also tells us how best to use the message boards often found on the good sites, gives tips for organizing our writing files, and even includes a section on getting freelance markets from our newspaper. He illustrates points with plenty of personal anecdotes, so reading this friendly book is like a chat with someone who's interested in our success.
Featured Author: Megan Potter of The Reading Corner (http:/writingcorner.com/ReadingCorner/FTFReview.htm) Freedom to Freelance is a great book for any writer who is interested in the basics of working as a writer and having actual jobs to do. The truth of the working world is that the Internet is taking control, hence this book focuses a lot of it's attention on writing with the web. The author does make an effort to integrate offline methods of finding work but the truth is the most effective way to get work as a writer now is to use the web, so it simply can't be avoided in this book.
The almost sole focus of Freedom to Freelance is finding work as a writer. If you want to know how to write a good article or how to refine your novel, you don't need this book. On the other hand if you are struggling to find regular work and get your bills paid you can definitely benefit from what Mr. Fischer has to say. The book includes chapters on job search websites (and a list of the top five), email etiquette, using message boards to find work, query letters and more.
I think my favorite features in this book were the summing up points. Each chapter began with a top five list (slightly humorous) that would be built upon throughout the chapter. Each chapter also ended with a Writer's Recap list that pulled the most important points to remember from the entire chapter into quick point form notes. These features made the book concise, to the point and easy to understand (but slightly repetitive). That's always a nice feature in a book that's supposed to help you make money.
If I had to say anything against the book that would be its basic nature. I would recommend this book to those looking to get started in writing, or those who have just started but are having trouble finding work. Experienced freelancers probably won't benefit much from what Mr. Fischer shares here. Case in point, I already used three of the four "Best Websites" on a regular basis and could recommend several others he's left off his list. That said, I did learn something from what Rusty had to say and have refined my search techniques based on his comments and opinions. And hey, I did find two new websites.
The author is honest, and strait forward, he doesn't promise you a fortune or fame, instead he gives sound advice that if followed is guaranteed to help you get work. That combined with the fact that Rusty Fischer is both an experienced Freelancer and Editor himself, and the light humorous tone used throughout makes this a worthwhile read.
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Margot Finke
Author of many Children's Picture Books
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