The Business of Being a Writer — By Jane Friedman

"Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business. The reality is, those who want to make a full- or part-time job out of writing are going to have a more positive and productive career if they understand the basic business principles underlying the industry."

— Richard Nash, CEO, Cursor, and former publisher of Soft Skull Press

“While countless books and classes exist to help writers improve their craft, few focus on the practical aspects of maintaining a writing career over time. Friedman’s wise and wide-ranging The Business of Being a Writer offers essential and extremely helpful advice on how writers can survive and thrive in the current publishing landscape.”

— Dinty W. Moore, author of The Story Cure

“The Business of Being a Writer provides lucent, sage advice on setting realistic goals toward shaping a rewarding career, going well beyond simply achieving publication or getting an agent. At last, a single book to recommend to writers peering into the vast labyrinth of how to become a successful, professional writer. Thank you, Jane!”

— Jeffrey Lependorf, Executive Director, Small Press Distribution and the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses

The Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. It is meant for early-career writers looking to develop a realistic set of expectations about making money from their work or for working writers who want a better understanding of the industry.

Writers will gain a comprehensive picture of how the publishing world works—from queries and agents to blogging and advertising—and will learn how they can best position themselves for success over the long term.

Jane Friedman has more than twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, with an emphasis on digital media strategy for authors and publishers. She is encouraging without sugarcoating, blending years of research with practical advice that will help writers market themselves and maximize their writing-related income. 

The Business of Being a Writer will help early-career writers feel empowered, confident, and ready to turn their craft into a career.

THE DETAILS

Condition: New

Format: Paperback

Pages: 368

ISBN: 9780226393162

Published: March 2018

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Dimensions: 6" inches W x 9" inches H x 9.00 x 0.5" inches D 

Rating: ★★★★★

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Friedman is the cofounder of The Hot Sheet, the essential industry newsletter for authors, a columnist with Publishers Weekly, and a professor with the Great Courses. Her expertise has been featured by NPR, PBS, CBS, The Washington Post, the National Press Club, among many others.

Jane has previously worked for F+W Media and the Virginia Quarterly Review. She maintains a blog for writers at JaneFriedman.com.