A thoroughly revised edition of the comprehensive guide to building and maintaining a successful career in writing.
Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business, and those who want to make a living from their writing must understand the basic business principles underlying the industry. The Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive.
Jane Friedman is one of today's leading experts on the publishing industry. Through her website, social media presence, online courses, email newsletters, and other media, she helps writers understand how to navigate the industry with confidence and intentionality. This book advises writers on how to build a platform in a way that aligns with their values, how to spot critical mindset issues that might sabotage their efforts before they even begin, how to publish strategically, and what it means to diversify income streams beyond book sales. For this second edition, Friedman has updated every topic to reflect how the industry has evolved over the past half decade. New features include a section on business and legal issues commonly faced by writers, exercises at the end of each chapter, and a wealth of sample materials posted on a companion website.
Reaching beyond the mechanical aspects of publishing, The Business of Being a Writer will help both new and experienced writers approach their careers with the same creative spirit as their writing. Friedman is encouraging without sugarcoating reality, blending years of research with practical advice that will help writers market themselves and maximize their writing-related income. Her book will leave them empowered, confident, and ready to turn their craft into a sustainable career.
By:
Jane Friedman
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Edition: Second Edition
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 481g
ISBN: 9780226838656
ISBN 10: 022683865X
Series: Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Pages: 376
Publication Date: 26 May 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction Part One: Mindset Matters 1. Can You Make a Living as a Writer? 2. It’s Not about Talent 3. Dealing with Rejection Part Two: Platform Development 4. It All Starts with Your Work 5. Relationship Building and Literary Citizenship 6. Networking with the Powerful or Influential 7. Your Online Foundation: Website, Email, and Social Media 8. Producing Audio and Video Content 9. Developing a Sustainable Path Forward Part Three: Book Publishing 10. Which Publishing Path Is Best for Your Project? 11. How Traditional Book Publishing Operates 12. The Challenges of Literary Publishing 13. Determining Your Category or Genre 14. Understanding and Working with Literary Agents 15. Researching Agents and Publishers 16. Writing Strong Queries 17. Nonfiction Book Proposals: Making a Business Case 18. Working Effectively with Your Publisher 19. Marketing and Promoting Your Books 20. Self-Publishing: Valid Path, Different Business Model 21. Marketing and Promoting Self-Published Books 22. Hybrid Publishing and Other Paid-for Publishing Options Part Four: Publishing Short Work 23. The Business of Magazines and Digital Media 24. Freelance Writing and Learning to Pitch 25. Publishing in Literary Journals Part Five: How to Make a Living as a Writer 26. Building a Business Model 27. Finding Your Readership and Building a Funnel 28. Patronage: Crowdfunding and Donations 29. Newsletters, Blogging, and Subscriptions 30. Serials and Serializations 31. Advertising, Sponsorships, and Affiliate Marketing 32. Freelance Editing 33. Teaching and Online Education 34. Contests, Prizes, Fellowships, Residencies, and Grants Part Six: Business Basics for Writers 35. Tax Basics for Writers 36. Business Formation for Writers 37. Contract Language Every Writer Should Know 38. Common Legal Issues Writers Face Afterword Acknowledgments Appendix: Resources Notes Index
Jane Friedman is widely known in the creative writing community for her website and blog JaneFriedman.com and as editor of The Bottom Line newsletter. She has spent more than twenty-five years working in the publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She has appeared in countless media outlets, including the New York Times, the Today Show, CNN, Wired, BBC, the Guardian, CBC, and the Washington Post, among others.
Reviews for The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition
“Essential reading for writers entering and already in the world of publishing. The Business of Being a Writer is a level-headed look at an industry full of contradictions. I can think of no other guide more important to keep at your writing desk right now.” * Carly Watters, literary agent and cohost of ""The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing"" podcast *
