The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World (Book Review)

Back when I started freelancing, the only guidance I had were three pages from Jenny McKay's The Magazine Handbook. I can't help but wish a book like this was out then. Linda Jones manages to cram so many pearls of wisdom in such a dinky little book that if you only get one thing when starting out on the rocky road of a freelancer then this really should be it. Yep, The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World really does what it says on the tin and is not only interesting but witty as well.

Filled with fascinating illustrations, tips and trivia, Linda draws on her own experience and freelance career to really answer all those questions newbies might have. She's not patronising but instead uses her honed 'voice' to gently guide, offering solutions to hot topics like kill fees or pitching.

The book itself is smaller than you might thing making it easy to slip into a pocket. However it's not just magazines and newspapers in there, oh no, Linda - a keen blogger and webmistress of Freelancewritingtips.com - takes pains to explore modern technology now deemed vital to the industry by outlining the perfect post and how to start your own weblog using one of numerous free providers. She also looks at writing non-fiction, copywriting and doing your PR as well as providing a very handy checklist for submitting copy to magazines and newspapers.

The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World really does need 'Ever' added to its title, in a niche where there are ten books a penny on the subject of freelance journalism, this is a true gem. If you know anyone thinking of joining the ranks then this is the perfect book for them to read, even better it's one all freelancers should read regardless of whether they've been doing this for a week or several decades as you're bound to learn something, even if you thought you knew it all.