Rating: 
Summary: The Best Book I've Found on "the BIZ of the BIZ"!
Review: "The Well-Fed Writer" is the most informative, practical, yet inspiring book on the BUSINESS of copywriting I've ever read. I actually consider it on par with Bob Bly's "Copywriter's Handbook" -- the industry standard on the CRAFT, itself. (Yes, I'm serious, my fellow copywriters and "Bly worshippers" -- Peter Bowerman is that good, in my opinion!)
Since it's billed as a book for starter-outers, I bought the book mostly out of curiosity (as I've been a commercial writer for some time). It turned out to be one of my best impulse buys ever! It really ISN'T just for newbies to the field. I believe every copywriter should have it.
All I have to get from such an inexpensive resource to make it pay for itself many times over is ONE GOOD IDEA, but I estimate that I found at least 60 or 80 I'd never even thought about in "The Well-Fed Writer."
AND I've already saved hours and hours on sheer info. gathering and the yucky day-to-day administrative tasks we all hate to do, thanks to this guy's recommendations!
As a stereotypically "right-brained" creative worker, I found his advice on setting up streamlined, time-saving systems simple and usable. Just with the changes I've made so far, the boring paper-pushing, technical stuff that's the big downside of this gig has gotten a lot easier, faster -- and even fun (ummm... KIND of!).
Also, his advice on client relationships totally hits the mark. I've already begun using his ideas and approaches to get the fees I want with less stress, keep my clients happy, and keep my sensitive, artsy soul safe from the ravages of cold-hearted bargainers and critics.
Honestly, if I could only have one book on "the biz of the biz" in my library, it would be "The Well-Fed Writer." It's 100% fluff-free, but completely engaging -- and rich with usable information. It's not on my bookshelf; it's on my desk, next to my dog-eared thesaurus and my little shrine to Bob Bly.
If I lost it and had to buy it again, I'd pay 4 or 5 times the asking price without blinking... and a lot more without missing a beat -- I'm serious!
But I'm REALLY glad Bowerman has compiled all this info., insight and advice so affordably. I just know it's going to help a lot of people who couldn't have paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for a seminar or training course get started the right way -- and avoid a lot of pitfalls, in the process.
I just realized I'm going on and on... can't stop myself! But it's for two reasons. First, I learned so much I actually feel INDEBTED to this Peter Bowerman guy. Second, I wish I'd had this book when I began my freelance career -- so, I want to encourage others, especially highly-creative writers who struggle with the practical ins and outs of the day-to-day biz end to buy it!
Thanks for reading and good luck if you're starting out! There's a lot of room in our field -- plenty of business for everyone! :)
Rating:
Summary: Bly wish he wrote this book
Review: A previous review argued that WFW is a dumbed-down version of Bly's books. Having read both, I much prefer WFW over Bly because WFW is much better written and has better ideas for starting a copywriting business. I haven't started my own freelance copywriting service (yet) but I have found that my writing has improved thanks to the tips in WFW.
Rating: 
Summary: A great perspective, but not the whole picture
Review: I love this book. Well-written, fun to read. However, I was hoping for more nuts-and-bolts coverage of the "official" side of freelancing--i.e. tax advice, the best way to legally structure the biz, etc. If you're not careful, you as a freelance writer can get hammered pretty hard on taxes. If you're looking for something that will help with the transition from having an interest in a writing business to actually having a (legitimate) writing business, you'll come up short with this book.One reviewer mentioned that Bowerman was in a different financial landscape from the one we're in today, which is definitely valid. However, one of the excellent points he does make is that you can succeed no matter what the economic climate, and that you shouldn't stress over vague notions of "the economy". I find myself going back to this book again and again simply for the fact that it's a fantastic pep talk for anyone looking to take the big leap.
Rating: 
Summary: Who IS this guy?
Review: I loved the Well-Fed Writer. Rare is the non-fiction "how to" book that can provide loads of information and inspiration while maintaining a fun, conversational tone. It truly deserves 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, you CAN do it
Review: I must offer a rebuttal to Amanda, who says in her review that you shouldn't aspire to being a successful business writer without first working "in an agency with seasoned professionals." I have never worked in an ad agency. In fact, I have never held a full time job. I went from being a temp to supporting myself as a writer for hire, in much the manner that Bowerman describes. I found Bowerman's book incredibly helpful in making the transition from freelance technical writing to freelance public relations writing. With a jumpstart provided by Bowerman's excellent cold calling system, I am now living quite comfortably writing business communications with my wife in our home office. We live in a small town 65 miles away from our nearest client, and we haven't even met many of the people we work for and with. No, Bowerman's book is not a "magic solution to success," but with humor, easy-to-follow language, and many helpful real-world examples, it shows you how hard work and the right attitude can bring you work on YOUR terms. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of a career as a freelance writer, and to working writers for hire who want to take their business to the next level.
Rating:
Summary: REALITY CHECK for "Well-Fed Writers"
Review: I work full-time as a copywriter for an advertising agency and also write freelance, both for commercial and journalistic clients. Although I'm enjoying reading Bowerman's book, it is NOT the magic solution to success. I recently met an aspiring copywriter and stay-at-home mom who is convinced (now that she's read this book) that she has the tools she needs to make $50k/year. Perhaps so. But it will be her drive, luck and connections that get her there more than anything in this book. While reading books is good (I've read 32 books on advertising & writing in the past 2 years), most people cannot be good commercial writers (copywriters) unless they first work in an agency with seasoned professionals. It's all about apprenticeship & mentoring. Bowerman's book does not teach good copywriting - how to write a good headline, make a company's tagline stand out, avoid common mistakes, etc. Rather, it teaches you how to market, organize yourself and your business, and relate to clients. Overall, I agree with Scott Loban's review - every successful entrepreneurial venture depends on your ability to market yourself and your business. Reading a book on being a "well-fed writer" doesn't guarantee anything. In my opinion, success is tied more to connections, learning from the pros (who become your connections), and putting in your time than cold calls and book reading.
Rating:
Summary: Complete and informative
Review: In "The Well-Fed Writer" Peter Bowerman discloses the techniques of breaking into freelance commercial writing. Why would this interest you if you plan to be the next star on the fiction novel scene? Because it would be nice to eat while you are writing that novel. On the other hand, if you just want to change occupations, want a writer's lifestyle or just want to make some money doing something you love, then this is still a viable direction to take. This is one of the most thorough books on writing for corporate America that I have ever seen. It includes such practical information as what type of writing you can get, approximate price ranges, how to go about locating companies that need writing outsourced, marketing scripts, etc. It is a complete step-by-step guide that takes you through a repeatable process to becoming recognized as a commercial writer and on your way to a career in writing. While established writers may gain some additional valuable insights, this book is strongly focused on the new writer trying to get established. A highly recommended book for anyone wanting to start making a living in freelance writing.
Rating:
Summary: If you read this you'll also be the well-read writer
Review: Ok, maybe not in terms of classic literature, but if you have any questions at all about the freelance commercial writing industry, you'll find the answers in this book. I read the book cover to cover in one sitting - not because it lacks information, but because it was so highly readable! Peter Bowerman uses clear and concise language to explain the nuts and bolts of this business with a sense of humor that makes reading it highly entertaining. His irreverence is laugh-out-loud funny. Reading this book I almost felt like I was having a personal dialogue with the author - like my questions were answered as soon as they'd pop in my head. The many doubts I had about going into this business that gave rise to those same questions were eradicated by Bowerman's advice. I was having a difficult time envisioning myself making the transition to freelancing until I read it. Now I almost feel like I can't stop it from happening. I've had the book a little over two weeks and already I have several strong leads and one ongoing job! Bowerman gives straight, down-to-earth information without taking himself too seriously which also made for a very refreshing read. I think everyone interested in freelance commercial writing would enjoy reading this book - from newcomers to those already established in the business.
Rating:
Summary: A private workshop with a Pro!
Review: Peter Bowerman has one up on those who travel around the country presenting "How To" seminars. In his imminently readable book "The Well-Fed Writer" he warmly, casually, and with just the right amount of anxiety-reducing humor takes the reader step by step down the path of discovering self employment as a Free Lance Copy Writer. And all this in the form a book that can easily be digested at the readers home, yard, bedside, etc. No stone is left unturned in his user friendly technique of distributing practical wisdom. Much of what he discusses (how to introduce yourself to the COMPUTER AURA, how to employ gentility and assertive techniques in salesmanship, models for all manner of letters and forms, etc) is information that is generally useful to all of us who strive to be independent, self-employed people. He even offers usable advice on how to price our services, how to network with co-workers, and insights into the classes of potential clients' thought processes. This is a thoroughly enjoy read, as well as being a fine guide to business independence. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Don't quit your day job just yet!
Review: The freelance writing discussed in this book is copywriting - what the author terms commercial writing: advertising copy, brochures, business letters, speeches, manuals, etc. While this arena of writing appeals to some people, and can undeniably be financially rewarding, I was a little disappointed. I guess I was hoping for some magic formula for making a living as freelance author of articles and/or books. That being said, the Well-Fed Writer is a solid, readable introduction to life as a free-lance copywriter. However, it does have a couple of weaknesses. First, several chapters are basically a rehash of "geurilla marketing" techniques popularized in the 80s and 90s. Also, the author makes little mention of contracts and agreeements. The book would benefit from one or more chapters that introduce contractual considerations and language, as well as standard industry practices. The bottom line is that success at freelance writing - like any entrepreneurial activity - is largely about selling yourself. If you can do that, you can succeed as a writer, or as anything else you set your mind to. If you cannot, then don't quit your day job.
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