The "Peter" Principle

For those of you longing to make the leap from Corporate America to Freelance Writer, do yourself a favor and read "The Well-Fed Writer" Book series.

These well crafted books give a methodical and practical insight on how to prepare yourself for the life of a freelancer. While most books lure the reader with seductive thoughts of lying in the hammock all day while earning unbelievable amounts of cash, the "Well-Fed" series sticks to the facts and doesn't promise a thing. Why? because success depends upon each writer, marketing and promotion of their services, a certain amount of writing talent and common sense.

Let's face it, if you wanted to have a million promises made to you about a fabulous new career, then you could tune into the countless infomercials that run in the wee hours of the morning. These books are for those individuals that are seriously looking to make a change in their lives. If writing appeals to you and you have a knack for it, there is money to be made, according to Bowerman. So let's get down to basics, what exactly do the books cover and why is it so important for freelance beginners?

The Well-Fed Writer (1st book) by Peter Bowerman

This first book details the art of cold calling clients. He has included everything you need to get started from how to get experience and writing samples for your portfolio to cold calling scripts. Believe me, every Peter Bowerman convert has sat nervously in front of a phone with his book propped up before them as they prepared themselves for the cold call! Myself included.

He offers how to negotiate fees, how to network, honing your elevator speech and website information.

The Well-Fed Writer, Back for Seconds by Peter Bowerman

This book is the 2nd in the series and is an updated version of the first book. Most readers may yawn and say, "Oh, he is in it for the money by rewriting more of the same." Not true. Peter's first book is a great introduction into getting your feet wet in a very competitive business. The "Back for Seconds "book offers scads of additional information, resources, advice and everything else that a writer could imagine.

Honestly, I've never come across a better book on how to begin and succeed in the freelance writing world.

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher - Peter Bowerman

I have all three of these books and since my primary interest lies in freelance writing and not so much self publishing, it only makes sense that this one is the least favorite of mine. But, for those who are interested in self publishing, this is a great book on how to get started, step by step instructions and timelines of what needs to be done and when. And, this can be an incredibly lucrative business to involve yourself in. Especially if you are self publishing your own "how to" book(s).

Additional resources

I have to say that I have never seen another author/writer/freelancer that makes himself as available to others as Peter does. He offers emailed newsletters to his readers, forums with others that are crafting their freelancing business on Peter's principles and more. He even publishes his personal email address in his books and Lord knows I have used it to ask additional questions! He is a very friendly and helpful guide into this world of words.

Check him out at : www.wellfedwriter.com and tell'em Taryn Simpson sent ya.

So if you are thinking of starting a new career, whether part-time or full-time, do yourself a HUGE favor and purchase Bowerman's books.