Rating: 
Summary: Practical, motivating, and fun to read
Review: Like many freelancers and those-who-would-be-freelancers-if-they-would-stop-reading-books-about-it-and-just-do-it (I'm in that category), I have a shelf full of books on writing and freelancing. They all contain useful information, but this book is the one that's finally made me realize that if other people can making a living from their articles, so can I. I tend to get bogged down in perfectionism, so, of course, my favorite of the authors' rules-to-break is "Make sure your query letter is perfect before sending it out." The authors don't advocate being careless, of course, but they do point out that perfectionism can paralyze a writing career; they then offer some advice for conquering it and even give some examples of their own goofs.This book contains many highly practical tips and fun-to-read examples from the "real world," but the aspect that I most appreciate is that neither writer has been freelancing for years and years (Linda went full-time in mid-1997; Diana doesn't give a date, but I get the impression of a similar length of time). However, they've both cracked major markets and are making a decent living, complete with houses, vacations, and retirement plans. Very motivating!
Rating:
Summary: The Renegade Writer is A Must Read
Review: The Renegade Writer is a must read for anyone looking to enter into the world of freelance writing. As a successful freelance editor and writer I found the tips in this book to be beneficial to my business!
Rating:
Summary: Worth More Than [$$]
Review: This book is practical and worth much more than the [$$] I paid for it. It reverberates with an "If we can do it, you can do it, too" attitude throughout. Linda and Diana are true renegades. For example, I didn't know that some women's magazine editors actually want two- and three-page queries! The book is the story of how two, determined women became successful, full-time freelance writers, something I dream of every day. I've gained so much confidence since reading the book and I highly recommend it to any freelance writer longing to escape the 9-5 grind!
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Summary: Excellent gift for intermediate or experienced freelancers
Review: This book would make an excellent gift for someone who has been freelancing for a while but is not as successful at it as they'd like. It contains strong opinions and sassy writing from two freelance writers who have cracked major markets and figured out how to make a living as writers. I don't recommend this book for beginners because it assumes that readers already know how freelancing works (or is supposed to work). And if you do know a lot about freelancing, you have to read the book with a certain suspension of disbelief, since some of the "rules" it cites the authors obviously made up to keep their format consistent. Still, the book is highly entertaining, and working freelance writers are sure to pick up some new ideas from it.
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Summary: Jump Start Your Writing
Review: This excellent book is guaranteed to jump start any freelancer's inertia. Good ideas and creative ways to color outside the editors'rigid boxes.
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Summary: Motivation to Go
Review: This highly accessible guide is full of sharp insights that can inspire and motivate freelancers, regardless of their level of experience. Because writing is so often a solitary craft, it's a special treat to get advice from these friendly, clever, and successful authors. I appreciated their common sense approach and refreshingly uncommon suggestions.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best book for beginners.
Review: This is an excellent book for someone who has struggled "following the rules" and needs some fresh leads. I, however, am a complete beginner and have no background knowledge of the field, so I still feel the need to further research. I'm glad I read this book first as a "warm up". It is written in an comfortable, humorous style and one can easily finish it in a few hours. Knowing that "the rules" are not set in stone gives me a critical eye when looking into this new field. If you have some background knowledge or experience this may be the only book you need but as a "newbie" I feel the need for more indepth coverage and information.
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Summary: To The Point and Then Some
Review: This is an excellent resource for anyone who has ever thought of writing for magazines or any periodical. Not only is it a very entertaining read, it is a truly wonderful resource for information on everything from topic ideas, to research tips, to query letter writing to advice on understanding some of the legal do's and don't's. These authors have managed to put just about everything a beginner needs to know into a easy to read format. Thank you!! Ms. Formichelli and Ms. Burrell
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Summary: Atlast! - a web-friendly book for writers - EXCELLENT book
Review: Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.
Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'. This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you. I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing. Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!
Rating:
Summary: You need it!
Review: What a find: A friendly, readable book that demonstrates how you can make a living as a freelance writer without putting you in a coma, or making you feel like you're not up to the task. I have a bookshelf of how-to-break-into-the-magazine-market type books that left me completely discouraged, but authors Formichelli and Burrell have achieved great success with their methods, and in The Renegade Writer they show you how you can, too. This funny and irreverent book is well worth the price for the entertainment value alone. I learned so much from it. You will, too!
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