Write More, Sell More

More reading on writing... :-) This time, it was Robert Bly's book Write More, Sell More. This book appeals to me as it addresses a core value I hold dear... making money. And if you are looking at freelance writing as your sole means of income, I would recommend you get a copy of this book. It will help you think through many of the issues surrounding looking at your writing as a business. Some writers will probably look at this book as a crass attempt to reduce the art of putting words on paper to nothing more than a means to make money. But realistically, if writing is what you do for a living, that's what it comes down to. He discusses what it takes to write faster and better, as well as what it takes to be a more prolific writer. Some of these tips are common sense (set regular work hours, set writing goals), and some are different ways of looking at your work vs. pay. For instance, writing two articles in one day for $1000 is better than writing one article over 2 days for $1750, in that you are getting a better hourly return for your labor. Multiple lower paying jobs that can be cranked out in hours can be more lucrative than one single premium article that takes a longer time to finish. That's not to say that a longer article is always a bad idea, especially if it gains you entry into a new publication or outlet. But you should always keep the ratio of time expended to dollars received in order to maximize your only commodity... time.Some parts of the book are a little dated (this was written in 1998) when it comes to computers and technology. But that doesn't detract from the overall message. Also, some people might be put off by what seems to be a "aren't I good at this?" attitude that occasionally seeps in. Still, there is plenty of material here that will help you as a writer realize a better return on your effort when it comes to the check.

Over the years Robert Bly has written many good books designed to help writers produce better work and longer profits. Where most authors in this area are offering 1% milk, or 2% at best, Bly delivers almost pure cream. Write More, Sell More feels like a distillation of all the wisdom contained in his previous titles with a few added kickers thrown in for good measure. #8 on page 38 is a prime example: "If you have boilerplate text you want to use in a book, copyright that text in your company name. Then have your company give you, as an individual, permission to reprint the material." When you pause to think of the protection that one act gives you, the author, and the double ladle of prestige that comes with it, you realize you've been handed a lump of gold you can spend on the open market a dozen times per year for the rest of your life. The book is peppered with many other gems of similar value. I was particularly impressed with the advice on use of the internet both to cut your research time and to find others to do your research and writing for you. As always, Bly's advice is blunt, straight from the shoulder. I shuddered the first time I read this passage on page 55: (-- tell the client, "I'm tied up right now and can't talk. May I call you back?" -- ) I'm fascinated with the concept even though I lack the courage to try it yet. However, instead of 21 gun salutes, I now dole out only 10! The depth of the organization plan is another particularly good example. "When I say your key work habit as a prolific writer is to put your rear end in a chair and stay in it, I mean it literally." Then Bly proceeds to explain EXACTLY how to accomplish that feat, right down to where to put your filing cabinet. The only good advice is that which puts your hands typing, confidently sure of success. Mr. Bly's obvious enthusiasm for professional writing is more than contagious, it is exhilarating. His step by step program guides novice or pro equally well; the pro will come back for 3rd and 4th readings. Aside from his own advice Bly dispenses pregnant kernels of truth from such acknowledged experts as Issac Asimov and Tony Seideman, et al. Chapter 11 -- Making Money From Referrals, Repeat Business, Reprints and Resales -- is worth more than the price of the whole book, all by itself. I still remember the first time I sold the reprint rights to a business article for twice as much as I got the first time. This chapter shows how to plan those reprint sales BEFORE you write the first draft for the first sale. It reveals the secrets needed to mine the gold of repeat business and exploiting referrals without breaking stride. You'll see exact step examples of how to secure those referrals, and ask for that extra business so your coffers runneth over continuously. The book follows its own advice in that it is broken down in a method guaranteed to make your writing easier. Part One is WRITING

What I really enjoyed about this book is how Bob shares his passion for writing AND making a good living at it. It's all here: How to write more - how to sell more.

Bob has changed the way writers look at their profession. For him, the "writer's life" includes a solid, even high, income. A refreshing change from the "proud poverty" many writers hide behind. This books shows you solid techniques to increase your productivity and billings.