4 Titles That Will Transform Your Finances and Your Writing Career!

Google the term “Books on writing” and you’ll discover 1,540,000 options at your disposal to help hone your craft. The problem is that it would literally take a lifetime to read, heed, and apply the tips and techniques contained within these countless resources.

The less time you spend reading about writing, the more time you have to actually “write“, make a difference, and earn a living. Unless you’re a hobbyist, isn’t that the ultimate goal?

In my many years of freelancing, I’ve read a boatload of books. Some good…some bad.
I proudly even boast my own library in my home office.
However, it wasn’t until the last few years that I became exposed to books that became more like Bibles.
These four reads serve as the ultimate “commandments” for today‘s writer seeking to work smarter not harder, and escape a life of sporadic income and endless Ramen Noodles.

Authored by experts in their respective fields, they have walked the talk. These reference manuals provide the 4-1-1 on everything from making good decisions, to making good money, from start-up to staying in the freelance game.

Every (serious) writer’s library should contain the following books:


1. THE TITLE: The Well-Fed Writer--by Peter Bowerman
Peter’s book caused a paradigm shift in my way of thinking that no book before it had. Here was a guy who had faced some of the same challenges I had starting out: he had no contacts in the business, no writing background, and didn’t want to embrace the “starving artist” mindset. Yet, was able to overcome these obstacles to become one of the most noted how-to authors in the freelancing genre. Familiar with his work online (and a starving-artist-in-training), I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to shell out the cash to purchase it out-right, so I borrowed it from my local library. I renewed it three times before I had to finally surrender it and invest in my own copy.

THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Success as a writer is just as much about mindset and strategy as it is about having a facility with words. Especially in today’s competitive climate.
Contrary to popular opinion, you can make a good living at writing. But, it’s all about making the right choices. Here he gives readers guidance to make some of those tough choices. Additionally, he teaches us how copywriting can be the key to a more profitable and progressive writing career. It’s more than a book; it’s a lifestyle blueprint!

2. THE TITLE: Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks!--by Kelly James Enger
Enger, a former attorney, provides some pretty compelling arguments for why this lucrative field should be a viable option for today’s writer. She addresses the why, what, where and how of ghost writing in a clear and clever way.

THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Though many of us love the ego stroking that a byline brings, there’s something to be said for being paid well to tell someone else’s story. Did I mention, very well? Ghost writing is big business. From icons in the entertainment industry, to scorned lovers, to retired athletes, to businesses that feel the mandate to “publish or perish,” there’s no shortage of work in this field. And unlike penning pieces for publications that may pay months down the road, ghost writers, (as an industry norm), require substantial deposits before work even begins. Need I say more?

3. THE TITLE: A Step in the Write Direction--by Donna Clark Goodrich
Okay, so I admit that there may be a slight bias, in that I have a chapter I’ve authored included in this comprehensive guide. But, I’m convinced that you’ll love it too, because of its thorough treatment of an array of topics relevant to writers of all levels and genres.

THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Longevity in writing requires a systematic approach and a business mindset. Between the many chapters, you’ll learn how to prepare your manuscript, time management tips, Microsoft Word shortcuts, and income tax for writers. Reading this book is like taking a course; you’ll learn many valuable lessons without the fear of test-anxiety.

4. THE TITLE: Don’t Worry, Make Money--by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Famous for his best-selling book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” Carlson does it again with this engaging and enlightening read. Although it’s not actually about the “craft” of writing, as my previous mentions, it’s just as crucial to your prosperity and success. What writer couldn’t benefit from wise counsel on how to stress less and make more money?

THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Readers will learn the correlation between moods and money, ways to create abundance through thoughts and actions, and conquering fears.

Whether you’re new to the freelancing world, or a seasoned journalist, you’ll find needed resources between these pages. And of course, no one can dispute that the best writers are those who understand the importance of reading!

Thoughts? Any reads you would recommend?

IMAGE CREDIT: SPFF

10 Ways to Mentor Your Mentor

Mentoring writers is a two-way relationship. Don’t think that you—the person being mentored—receive all the reward.
Let me assure you that most mentors greatly enjoy this experience. Personally, it is exciting for me to meet new writers at a conference or via the telephone or Internet, encourage them in their writing, and then later open a magazine and see an article or short story written by them, or receive a copy of a published book with their name on the cover.

How do you find a mentor? There are three ways: 1) If you’re fortunate, another writer may recognize your potential and offer to mentor you; 2) a friend may recom­mend someone to you; or 3) you may “click” with a fellow author at a writers’ club or conference.

It may even be an editor or agent who sees potential in your work and is willing to take the time to help you in your climb up the writing ladder. Be courageous, take the plunge, and ask if he or she is available from time to time to answer questions and offer encouragement. If the answer is yes, then the following 10 hints will make this a rewarding experience for you both.

10 Tips for a successful mentoring experience:

1. Before contacting your mentor with a question, look for the answer on the Internet or at the library. You’ll remember it more if you dig for it. Do as much on your own as you can.

2. Make a list of your questions before you call or e-mail. This will ensure you get all the information you need, and you can jot down the answers on your sheet next to each question.

3. Be considerate in the timing if you’re phoning. Try not to call on Sundays, holidays, or the day after a conference. Also, remember the different time zones if you’re calling another state.

4. If you call, ask if this is a good time or if you should call at another time. They may have company, be preparing for a conference, or be facing a writing deadline.

5. If you write your mentor with a question, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope, along with reimbursement for any expenses they may incur such as photocopies.

6. If you send a manuscript for them to look over, give them a little time. Don’t call three days later and ask what they thought of it. If you’re using regular mail, enclose a self- addressed stamped envelope for them to return your manuscript. You might also include a self-addressed postcard they can stick in the mailbox letting you know they received the material.

7. Whether sending your manuscript by e-mail or regular mail, to receive more complete feedback, call or write first. (A manuscript with a $400 check once lay in my mailbox over the weekend. I hadn’t heard from this author in 2 years, so he didn’t even know if I was still in the business, or if I lived at the same address. The mail carrier left it in a second delivery which we didn’t know about.) Let them know how many pages it will be and if you have a deadline to meet. Allow enough time before this deadline to insert any changes your mentor suggests. Rush jobs should be avoided.

8. If your mentor’s services include editing, type the manuscript double-spaced, with at least a one-inch margin on all sides. Number the pages consecutively, not chapter by chapter.

9. When you get your manuscript back, go through it and make a note of any weak­nesses your mentor points out. Correct these weaknesses in future manuscripts you send.

10. Sometimes mentors need encouragement too. A “Thinking of You” card or an occasional token of appreciation may arrive on a day when their spirits need a lift.


Why would a person be willing to give up valuable time to help a new writer?
For me, the answer is that early in my life, many people gave of their time and knowledge to help me. One way of thanking them is to pass on to others what I have learned through the years.

Recently, a friend gave me a copy of her first published book. Inside she had written, “Here’s the product of your encouragement. Thanks for your help and love during this project.” This letter, and others like it in my file, is why I mentor.

Perhaps after you’ve been writing for a while, someone will come up to you and ask, “Will you be my mentor?” And, of course, if you believe in “paying it forward,” you’ll say “yes.”


This guest post is provided by Donna Clark Goodrich.

BIO:
Donna Clark Goodrich is a freelance writer and proofreader residing in Mesa, Arizona.
She is the author of over twenty books and more than 700 published manuscripts.
To learn more, visit her site at www.thewritersfriend.net

Thoughts? Do you have a mentoring relationship with anyone? Do you think they are beneficial for today's writer?

Image: Stock photo