The Renegade Writer – A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success

The Renegade Writer has vitually become the bible of all would-be and even well-established freelancers. Linda Formichelli & Diana Burrell provide an inspiring, alternative, brazen and bold slant on breaking into the freelance writing market, and you’ll find it very difficult to put this book down (when can you say that about a non-fiction publication?).

Whether you’re new to freelancing or old hat, you won’t be able to resist trying out the authors’ tips for making your way into the market by ignoring what all the other books say.

A fresh and exciting guide; it makes you want to pack in your day job and take a chance on a bigger, wider world of writing. Not that I’m advising that’s what you should do, but if you’ve been trying all the sure and tested ways suggested by the other books and you’re still not getting published, then you might want to change your strategy a little.

This book encourages the reader to try out a different way, from writing query letters that are longer than one page, to sending emails direct to editors without a snail mailed proposal or SAE in sight - before you know it, you’ll be breaking the rules and landing assignments in a very competitive business.

The Renegade Writer makes for positive and upbeat reading – without pessimistic warnings of becoming the starving writer in a damp, dark bed sit, it fills you with optimism about what you can gain if you work at it hard enough. In a very easy-to-read layout (a list of ‘rules’ and what to do differently) it covers everything from breaking in, pitching queries, getting ideas, doing research and interviews, and determining contracts. Lots of useful information in a reader friendly format.

The only – and very slight downside – will be its US focus, which means a minority of the information will not be applicable in the UK or other nations. However, this doesn’t deter from the usefulness of the book, no matter where you live. Certainly, it consists of everything the other ‘How to’ books aren’t, plus more, The Renegade Writer is a must for any budding freelancer. If you’re need of a little kick, are feeling weighed down by the number of rejection letters landing on your doorstep, or you’re just wondering where to begin, then invest in this excellent book - you won’t be disappointed.

The Renegade Writer – A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success (Marion Street Press) by Linda Formichelli & Diana Burrell. Paperback, 260 pages.