Careers for Writers & Others Who Have a Way with Words

Rating:
Summary: Anyone with the desire to be a writer would benefit
Review: Anyone afflicted with the desire to be a writer would benefit from a quick read of this comprehensive analysis of career realities for writers. Robert Bly's first chapter, "The Writing Business," provides a balanced analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a writing career: You probably won't get rich, but you probably will be fairly satisfied with your work and your working conditions.

Other chapters explore book publishing, magazine writing, newspapers, advertising, public relations, corporate writing, technical writing, television and film, and freelancing. The chapter on technical writing is thorough and accurate, particularly the quote from Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., that "Newspaper reporters and technical writers are trained to reveal almost nothing about themselves in their writing. This makes them freaks in the world of writers, since almost all of the other ink-stained wretches in that world reveal a lot about themselves to the reader."

Although I applaud Bly's broad treatment of career possibilities, I am bothered by a nagging suspicion that the entire book is dated. In spite of its publication date of 1996, it cites examples no later than 1984. The references to printed books in each chapter are also outdated, with no citations from the 90s. This makes Bly's lists, such as "Fifty Prominent Book Publishers," very suspect.

Therefore, I'd recommend this book for historical research, followed by checking out recent sources to see a realistic, current picture of your career possibilities.

Rating:
Summary: Good overview of the possibilities for those who write...
Review: Bob Bly has created a useful book which delves into the variety of possibilities awaiting those who either like to write or want to make writing a career choice. Bly pulls no punches, however. He makes it clear where the pitfalls are and frankly discusses some of the hurdles that all aspiring authors need to be prepared to jump over.

Overall, the book is a realistic appraisal of the markets awaiting good writing and how best to get there.

Balanced and clear in its discussion, it should find a way onto every writers book shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful, but general
Review: This book is a great starting point for people who want to begin a career in the writing field.

Bly lists the various avenues that writers can pursue to earn a living, and gives tips on how to get started in each different category. The book is very general, but Bly also tells the reader how to obtain more information.

I would have to agree with the previous review that the book is outdated. I think that a revised edition (something written after the invention of the Internet) would be a very helpful read.

If anything, this book is great for generating ideas and heading you off in the right direction.