The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition
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.
1146152873
The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition
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.
25.99 In Stock
The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition

The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition

by Jane Friedman
The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition

The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition

by Jane Friedman

eBook

$25.99 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780226838663
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication date: 04/18/2025
Series: Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 384
File size: 732 KB

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

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

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews