If you’re a newbie writer, then perhaps you’ll be interested in these books I’ve found to be invaluable to any aspiring freelance writer. Three on the list are from author Moria Anderson Allen, who I believe is exceptionally talented in helping any writer at any level in their career. I highly recommend her website, the Writing World for anyone starting out, for all of its indispensable articles and resources. After reading many of her articles from her website and several of her books, I believe I’ve received an enormous in depth analysis of the writing business. I hope these books are equally beneficial to you, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned professional.

“Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer” by Moira Allen This book is an incredible introduction to the business of writing and offers insight into developing article ideas, targeting markets and how to pitch queries to editors. If you don’t know what some of the terms I use such as query, then don’t worry, because after reading this book you’ll know everything there is to know within the writing world. Topics in the book are: getting started, finding articles, researching markets, queries and submissions, rights and contracts and how to expand your writing business. This book is an excellent referral guide and leaves no writing topic untouched. Allen has 20+ years experience of writing and teaching writers of all levels about the craft and business of writing.

“How to Write for Magazines” by Moira Allen By now you’ve figured out I’m a Moira Allen junkie. If that’s the case then it’s because a couple of years ago, I was in a very difficult place and writing helped me overcome it. Along the way I discovered Moria Allen and her work has opened up my eyes to a career, I once thought was never possible. So I’m recommending another good book of hers. This one goes into more detail and depth in planning and developing articles ideas and pitching and submitting them. Some may think this is more of the same from “Starting your Career as a Freelance Writer”, but in actuality “How to Write for Magazines” goes much further and is more thorough about the process of writing for magazines.

“The Writer’s Guide to Queries, Pitches, & Proposals by Moira Allen From crafting and sending your query letters, creating fictional and nonfictional book proposals and pitching columns to newspapers or syndication, this book provides both beginners and experienced writers beneficial tips and advice. It also contains a full sample fiction book synopsis.

“The Well-Fed Writer” By Peter Bowerman” This book is probably better known than any books about writing out there. It basically a step by step guide in becoming a freelance copy writer. I enjoyed the book very much, but I didn’t really see myself as a copy writer at the time, so I didn’t pursue it. However, I’ve been reading so many reports on how freelance copy writers are in high demand due to the recession, that I’m rereading it again and checking out his website and new materials.