Important note: This is a critical book-review and not a salesletter or an ad!
 

Number of pages

380 pages
 

Content

• An introduction to the author and the rest of the book
• Why the freelance writing market is a huge potential market
• How to get started as a freelance writer
• Which skills are needed to succeed as a freelance writer - and how to fill out what you still miss
• How to make a businessplan for your new business
• How to set your fees
• How to work from home and enjoy it
• How to organize your business for maximum effectiveness
• How write about your interest and earn money on doing it
• How to profit from the technical market
• Writing for the web
• How to write for little known, but very profitable, markets on the web
• How to become a successful e-author
• How to profit from writing newsreleases and other kinds of publicity material for companies
• Writing speeches for a profit
• The commerical market - a very lucrative market that many journalists miss
• How to create successful advertising material for companies - or for your own business
• How to create Direct Mail packages
• How to get customers for your writing business
• How to establish your business on the web
• How to manage your business
• The secret that saved Michael's business
• How to collect debts and avoid them in the future
• How to keep your creativity flowing
• How to beat writer's block
• How to find the time to write
• Case-studies
• Samples
• Templates
• etc., etc.

Review

Until a few weeks ago I had never before heard of Michael Meanwell. But I soon found out that Michael is a successful Australian writer who has actually been earning a living from his writing every day for the last 20 years.

Now Michael has written this new book, called “The Enterprising Writer - How to earn $111,245 a year writing what you like when you like”.

According to Michael himself, the $111,245 he mentioned in the title of the book, is no fictional amount of money. No, that’s the actual amount of money he earned last year from his writing. And, so far as I can see, it didn’t include such tasks as writing e-books or publishing self-published books or several other alternative sources of income. It just includes the amount he made from selling his writing for companies and the like.

In “The Enterprising Writer - How to earn $111,245 a year writing what you like when you like” Michael both concentrates on writing for the commercial, offline market, and writing for the Internet. Thus the book can be used by people with a different background. And at the same time it will probably open your eyes to other writing markets and revenues of income.

In “The Enterprising Writer - How to earn $111,245 a year writing what you like when you like” Michael shows his readers exactly how he earned that $111,245 last year. He shows how to build up a flourishing writing business from scratch. And he emphasises that in the writing business you can write on almost any subject you like – and still earn money from your writing. But, of course you have to know how to do it correctly, if you want to really succeed as a writer. And that’s precisely what Michael show you how to do in this book.

He shows you how to manage all the practical aspects of running a business. How to get customers. How to deal with your future customers. How to market your business. How to handle complains. How to discipline yourself. How to manage your time and organise your business. How to capitalize on an almost totally untapped market for writers on the Internet. How to write and publish e-books and so much more.

In short, Michael shows how to run a writing business from a to z. He really covers a broad spectrum here. But he doesn't spread himself thin. Instead I found Michael’s book to be comprehensive and thorough in each of the areas it covers. Michael doesn’t leave anything important out, but he goes into great details addressing every aspect of running your writing business.

Of course Michael’s book can be complemented by other books (for instance, Peter Bowerman’s excellent book, “The Well-Fed Writer” and Bob Bly’s, “Secrets of a Freelance Writer – How to Make $85,000 A Year”, even though Bob’s book is a bit dated in some respects), but I really think Michael has done a nice job. His book is a real help to the aspiring as well as experienced writer.

What I really like in Michael’s book is both his way of writing, and the many details of his book.

The language of the book is really easy to understand, even for people who are totally strangers to the writing business.

So often you’ll read a how-to book that leaves out essential details that make you wonder what to do next. I like the fact that Michael really cares for his readers in this book. He generously shares his personal experiences in this business with his readers. He takes his readers them by the arm and shows them all the insider tips to really succeeding in their writing business.

The writing business is a largely overlooked opportunity today. Recently it has got some attention due to Peter Bowerman‘s book “The Wellfed Writer”, which in my opinion is a very, very helpful book. But as I mentioned, Michael’s book supplements Peter’s book nicely, though. Michael has included some information that Peter doesn’t include in “The Wellfed Writer”, and vice versa.

I don’t miss anything in Michael’s book. In my opinion he has included all the basics today’s writer really need to get started in his or her own writing business. All they have to do is take note and take advantage of the opportunities Michael presents.

I also like the fact that he shows his readers all of the more practical aspects of starting and running a writing business. He doesn’t just concentrate on how to write. Neither does he only focus on one market. No, he shows the reader how to write on precisely his or her preferred topic and then make money on it.

Another very commendable aspect of "The Enterprising Writer" is that it includes many practical examples, case studies and templates that the reader can apply instantly. The templates, in particular, can be an enormous help for the aspiring writer who wants to get a bit of the cake but doesn’t know how to start. Michael has made this task much easier.

In my opinion Michael Meanwell’s book is a good example on how to write a really helpful how-to book. As you read the book, it’s evident that he is used to write in a clear and precise language. He shows everything as it is, leaving no important details out.

Summary

"The Enterprising Writer" is a really good investment for anyone considering starting his or her own writing business. Michael has outlined a very realistic way of starting your own profitable home based business. A writing business may also be a really good way of supplementing the income from your e-business.

Michael even shows people totally new to the writing business how they can get started earning money on writing for many different markets.

Considering the real help Michael offers his readers, the low cost of the book and the potential income that can be earned from this opportunity, I think “The Enterprising Writer” is an excellent investment.

You probably won’t be able to earn $111,245 in your first year. Remember that Michael has been in this business for 20 years. But you will most likely be able to make it into your living your first year, if you follow the advice of this fine book.

About Michael Meanwell

Who is Michael Meanwell? Click here for the answer!
 
 

Buying information

Website

http://www.meanwellstore.com/

Email

info@meanwellstore.com

Snail mail

Michael Meanwell,
P.O. Box 21,
Forest Hill, Victoria
3131, Australia