The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World

I LOVE words. I love the art of writing in all its many disciplines. It should be no surprise then that I enjoy reading about the topic also. I begin each book full of anticipation, hoping I will learn something new even if it is only to know how other writers work. Mostly, however, I end up being disappointed. So much of the advice offered is patronising in tone, talking down to the reader or the author being precious.

It was with great pleasure that I discovered The greatest freelance writing tips in the world by Linda Jones which is quite literally a diamond in a sea of gems. Tightly packed into the compact hardcover format of 'The Greatest Tips in the World' series the author shares with her readership many useful hints gained over nearly twenty years of working in journalism and PR. With just the right measure of humour she guides those new to freelance writing through the winding alleyways of the business. Her tips cover the essentials for:-

getting started
interviewing and researching
newspaper, magazine, online and commercial writing

There is even a short section on doing your own PR. Each chapter begins with a charming quote by a well known writer and ends with a handy summary of the points covered. The checklists at the back of the book, pulling together the crucial components for each of the different types of writing, are particularly helpful. Any professional freelancer ignores these at his peril. To finish, a recommended reading list and one of useful addresses.

As Linda Jones says in her introduction, freelance writing is not easy and to echo Jan Murray's sentiments in the foreword, there is a lot more to the business than just writing. Reading this book is no guarantee of overnight success, but anyone who is prepared to heed the author's excellent advice, has determination and puts in the necessary effort stands a reasonable chance of being on the right road to liberating himself from a 9 to 5, five days a week regime.

My copy already occupies its space alongside the other volumes on my desk I consider to be the lifeblood of any self-respecting writer. I recommend everyone does the same.

REF. The Greatest FREELANCE WRITING Tips in the World by Linda Jones
Publisher: The Greatest in the World Limited (30 Oct. 2007), 160 pages, hb

www.freelancewritingtips.com (blog maintainted by Linda Jones)
www.journobiz.com/forum (online forum for journalists & freelance writers
run by Jan Murray & Ed Miller)

08/11/07