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Freelancing & Magazine Writing

Arranged alphabetically by author; click on title for more information.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles
By Sheree Bykofsky, Jennifer Bayse Sander & Lynne Rominger
Unlike most guides to freelance writing, this one doesn't encourage you to think that making $100,000 a year is typical or that there are arcane secrets involved. They say, "Freelance writing is not easy, but it is doable," and give you both a feel for the business and some sound advice.

The Magazine Article: How to Think It, Plan It, Write It
by Peter Jacobi
Although the author uses a hands-on approach and practical examples, the focus here is on the creative process rather than "how-to-write" or "how-to-get-published." Thoughtful and insightful, but not for the average novice out to learn the basics. The more astute beginner or veteran will appreciate Jacobi's outlook.

The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing: A Professional Guide to the Business, for Nonfiction Writers of All Experience Levels
Timothy Harper (Editor)
Here's a tome that delivers on its title! There's tons of practical and savvy advice from professional freelancers: planning a writing business, generating fresh ideas, the successful magazine query, research tools and techniques, promoting yourself and your work, ways to leverage your knowledge, contracts, taxes and deductions, working with editors and agents, going full-time, and more. The appendix, with its "Tips From the Pros," is especially useful.

The Successful Writer's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles
Eva Shaw

The author says: "[T]he latest trends, how-to instruction, and marketing essentials to write for magazines. Remember, there are more than 13,000 periodicals published in the US and every one needs writers. My book is written from my experience writing more than 1000 magazine articles... [I]f you're looking to gain credibility as an expert (and already have a book published) this book tells how to promote your topic and YOU."

Freelance Writing for Magazines & Newspapers: Breaking in Without Selling Out
Marcia Yudkin

Unlike the mass of freelance writing books aimed at readers who hope to become wealthy freelance writers any which way they can, this book is for educated people whose primary motivation for trying to get into print is the wish to effectively communicate their ideas, skills and discoveries in appropriate publications. Few books are directed to the potential writer who wants to follow his or her own path. If fulfilling your sense of responsibility to your subject, to your audience, and to yourself is important to your satisfaction as a writer, this handbook is for you."

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