Rating: 
Summary: Just a Marketing Book
Review: This book pumps you full of dreams. However, then you realize that Bowerman's strategy really amounts to telemarketing. He talks about making 50 cold calls a day. Although I respect the honesty be prepared to be deflated. One might as well just read a marketing book?
Rating:
Summary: A Regurgitation of Bly's stuff
Review: This book was mainly a dumbed down, regurgitation of Bob Bly's "Secrets of a Freelance Writer" and other books. I guess if you're insecure about your writing abilities, or don't have a clue where to start (which Bly can help with too) this book might help, because the author comes across as a regular guy and etc. but there is nothing of substance here that you won't find in Bly's book. Maybe a LOT more of the author's day, the author's thoughts, etc. etc. Bly is more professional and detailed about the business, HOW to write copy, what you can reasonably expect to earn and much much more. Go right to the source of this information and buy "Secrets".
Rating:
Summary: A Regurgitation of Bly's stuff
Review: What I like most about this book, other than the wonderfully fresh and casual tone, is that it helps readers decide if they want to be a freelance commercial writer, not just if they can be. Lots of people can write well. (Lots more can't.) Of those people that write well, some have a creative flair well suited to commercial writing, and some don't. Of those that have the flair, some are cut out to be freelance writers and some aren't. By describing what you can expect to write, the types of people you will be working with, the challenges you will face, and a typical "day in the life" of a freelance commercial writer, this book gives you a pretty good idea of whether this career is for you, and whether you are for it. The author weaves personal stories into practical, effective, and specific ideas on how to organize, market, and motivate yourself. Nearly every aspect of the business is covered. You still need the right abilities, aptitude, and attitude, but if you've got all that, reading this book can definitely help get your boat out of dry dock, into the water, and floating. How far you sail is up to you.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book If...
Review: While this is a decent book full of wonderful advice, let's be realistic for a moment. I found the book impractical for a person in my situation where my family *depends* on my income. This book, and the career it describes, is for someone who has no one to support, who doesn't care if the mortgage/rent isn't paid on time, and who can take the risk. Alternatively, if you have someone to support you, it might work for you. Also, most of the freelancing he talks about is working for large corporations as a contracted employee. If you're looking for info on freelancing for magazines and newspapers only, this probably isn't the book you want.
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