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Kelly James-Enger
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Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success Paperback – May 1, 2012

by Kelly James-Enger (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 61 ratings
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Awarded the "Outstanding Book Award" in the service/self-help category for 2013 from the ASJA (The American Society of Journalists and Authors)!

There's no shortage of books on crafting book proposals, writing novels, overcoming writer's block, and getting in touch with one's muse. But what about a book for writers who simply want to earn a regular paycheck? Writer for Hire is just the wisdom full- and part-time freelancers need. Author Kelly James-Enger details:

   • 101 secrets to success, organized into five overarching strategies. You'll be able to implement what you learn immediately.
   • Invaluable advice on managing deadlines, querying effectively, working with clients, handling taxes, invoices, and more.
   • Strategies for getting more writing gigs, including networking (in-person and online), establishing yourself as an expert, working more efficiently under tight deadlines, and handling rejection with confidence
James-Enger looks at the "whole freelancer," addressing both the craft and business of freelancing.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Writer's Digest Books
  4. Publication date
    May 1, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    5.42 x 0.55 x 8.42 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1599635496
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1599635491
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Writer for Hire is a 'no-BS' guide to making it as a freelance writer. Kelly spells out exactly what you need to do. If you follow her advice and don't reach your writing goals this year, I'd be very surprised."
~Linda Formichelli, co-author of The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success

"The words 'total professional' seem to have been invented to describe Kelly James-Enger. I have been a long-time fan of her previous writing books and I will also highly recommend Writer for Hire. This may be the champion of all the writing books James-Enger has written because it contains her best advice compressed into short chapters that make for speedy reads. If you are a service writer looking for the secrets to success, they are all in here! It's taken James-Enger fifteen years of hard-wrought effort to learn them, and now they can be yours. Read closely. Bring a highlighter. Apply what you learn. You'll be so glad you did."
~Christina Katz, author of The Writer's Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal, and Writer Mama

"Whether you're a beginning freelance writer or a veteran, Writer for Hire is extraordinarily helpful, and a compelling read. You'll find a formula for sure-fire query letters, how to break into business writing or ghosting books, and much more sensible, tested advice. This book brims with serious, step-by-step ways to boost your income, your productivity, and your spirits!"
~Salley Shannon, President, American Society of Journalists & Authors (ASJA)

"If you want to start, refine, or redefine your writing career the right way, pick up this truly foundational book. Chock full of so much solid, sensible, practical and creative advice, information and ideas, this 'writing-career compass' will give you an edge right out of the gate."
~Peter Bowerman, Author, The Well-Fed Writer books
www.wellfedwriter.com

About the Author

Kelly James-Enger's work has appeared in more than fifty-five national magazines including Redbook, Health, Continental, Woman's Day, Family Circle, and Self. She launched a successful freelance career with no journalism background, no connections, and no experience, and branched into ghostwriting and collaborating five years ago. She's published eight books under her own name and ghosted many others, including one currently in progress. James-Enger has spoken at dozens of libraries and bookstores about writing-related topics, and has been a speaker at writer's conferences throughout the country. She's currently a contributing editor for The Writer, Complete Woman, and For the Bride.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Writer's Digest Books (May 1, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1599635496
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1599635491
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.42 x 0.55 x 8.42 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 61 ratings

About the author

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Kelly James-Enger

Kelly James-Enger

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Kelly K. James (formerly Kelly James-Enger) “escaped from the law” in 1997. A former attorney, she has been writing for a living, as a full-time freelancer, and more recently, a corporate content writer, for more than 20 years. Currently she writes legal content by day and health/wellness, fitness, psychology, and career-related articles by night. Her freelance work has appeared in more than 65 major online and print publications including Huffington Post, The Girlfriend, NextTribe, Next Avenue, Chicago Health, Vibrant Life, and many other markets.

In 2018, James made the decision to go “in-house” at a small company — and wrote about the transition from freelancer to corporate employee. The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired: How I (Barely) Survived a Year in Corporate America is Kelly’s first memoir, an entertaining, honest account what to do (and what not) when you make that corporate leap in midlife.

As a ghostwriter, Kelly has penned more than 30 books for clients; she is a novelist and author of writing-related books including:

• Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success,

• Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition

• Goodbye Byline Hello Big Bucks: Make Money Ghostwriting Books, Articles, Blogs, and More, Second Edition.

Kelly works, writes, plays 8-ball, and golfs (or attempts to) from Downers Grove, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. She shares her home with two teens, a rambunctious rescue pup, and a very spoiled, fat cat.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
61 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rosella E. LaFevre
5.0 out of 5 stars J-School in a 224-Page Package
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2012
Verified Purchase
I'm a student at one of two accredited journalism programs in the state of Pennsylvania and let me tell you: Kelly James-Enger's book is more useful and more inspiring than all of the journalism classes I've taken in the last four semesters.

Following this last semester, I bought James-Enger's Writer for Hire in the hopes of remembering why I wanted to study journalism in the first place and convincing myself that I could make a career of writing. James-Enger's book did just that. Where a few rough classes with a professionally employed, yet bitter, adjunct had me questioning whether I was choosing the right career path, James-Enger's words reminded me that tough days -- and disillusioned would-be mentors -- are part of any career path. The passage I found particularly helpful reads:

"Let me tell you, not every day of freelancing is all sunshine and roses. Some days stink. Some days I really don't want to freelance anymore, and the idea of returning to a "real" job (complete with paid vacations, sick days, and free coffee!) sounds really attractive. But I also know that these days are part of any career, no matter how much you enjoy it.

"If you had a bad day at work, you'd chalk it up to just that--a bad day. You wouldn't question your entire career strategy. So don't let a rejection or a harsh note from an editor make you question your ability or desire to freelance. Learn how to shrug it off and keep going."

But it wasn't just that James-Enger's book left me feeling like I COULD be a freelance journalist. In Writer for Hire, James-Enger shows you how to do it. She provides several useful examples of queries, contracts and invoices. These are things I never got in my Magazine Article Writing and Getting Published Online classes.

I very highly recommend you invest in James-Enger's book if you're interested in writing for a living. This is a book I know I'll be reading over and over, especially on those rough days.
15 people found this helpful
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J. M. Parducci
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Reference!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
This is my third review of a Kelly James-Enger book. Normally I do not bother with reviews but these are always exceptions to my rule. Why? Because KJE's books have, quite simply, been useful to me as well as deeply informative. If you pay attention to her you will master writing queries and receive countless ideas. The book may be called Writer For Hire: 101 Secrets To Freelance Success but believe me you will take more ideas than that away from it when you read it. That's because she speaks conversationally to her readers about the dimensions of these secrets as well, thus arming you with even more tools for your trade than you expected.

KJE books and Writer's Digest books on freelance writing are some of the best that are on the market which makes this team-up between KJE and WD a good fit. Read some of those WD books and get your hands on all of Kelly's books too. Read them through and then use them as permanent references for your writing business. Now I don't have 101 secrets for you like Kelly does but I will let you in on one: Kelly is personable, professional and cares how other writers are doing. Let her help you wherever you are in your career because whether you are just starting out or have some publications to your credit, you are going to learn something from her and she is going to be glad you did. Just a few of these ideas can make all the difference. With any of these 101 secrets put into action you are bound to see your efforts bear freelance fruit.
6 people found this helpful
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mindbuilder
5.0 out of 5 stars A Full-Blown Freelancer's Workshop On-the-Cheap!
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2012
Verified Purchase
This book is worth every penny - Writer for Hire is a full blown freelancer's workshop on-the-cheap! It's a comprehensive textbook presenting information in well-organized sections that hand-hold you through the process of freelancing successfully. Kelly's style is not dry - she breaks things down into manageable pieces while providing funny, insightful advice and encouragement. There isn't alot of fluff either. The book is divided into sections that include marketing (writing queries, pitching to new markets, etc.), efficiency (basically, the best tips to help you earn more in less time), building relationships (including advice on conducting interviews), managing your business (invoicing and payment and discussion about contracts as well as negotiating tips), and how to remain balanced (in other words, how to juggle and remain sane). It's impossible to write a review of reasonable length and outline the amount of material she is offering for a fraction of what it would cost to attend even ONE workshop. I already have some experience freelancing, but wanted to take my business to a new level and feel this book has given me the tools I need to do that confidently. Beginning freelancer with no clips? No problem! This book can serve as a terrific template to get you started quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
15 people found this helpful
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Beckie Layton
4.0 out of 5 stars A Pretty Good Resource
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is for the freelance writer just setting out on their career. Much of the information can be found in other books and online classes - but this version is very nicely written and laid out and offers some perspective and lessons not in other popular books on the subject. If you get this book - no need to get Freelance Writing for Dummies!
9 people found this helpful
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AlohaMe
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful book
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a writer, tools are everything. This makes a nice addition to my research library.
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William
5.0 out of 5 stars Like Having a Best-Friend Who is a Freelancing Genius!
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Wanting to break into freelance writing, I was not disappointed in Writer for Hire. Kelly Jame-Enger writes in such a way you as the reader know she knows her stuff. Her crisp advice is easy to understand and even easier to implement. Being a recovering attorney, her well written legal tips are a book in themselves. I loved her 'Employ the 24-hour Rule' and 'Follow the Platinum Rule' -- Just two of her 101 Secrets to Freelancing Success.

Other freelancing books I found valuable are The Byline Bible by Susan Shapiro. (I used her approach to land my first bylines.) I also recommend, The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing by Zachary Petit. Again, both excellent! Both very helpful!
4 people found this helpful
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Patricia del Valle
3.0 out of 5 stars I'm still reading this book... between other ...
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2015
Verified Purchase
I'm still reading this book ... between other projects. It's well written, so I'll update this post before year's end (2015).
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Top reviews from other countries

Colin Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for any age and any profession!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
Despite its USA origins, this book contains plenty of strategies and tips that are applicable to UK readers who are embarking on a freelance writing career. Indeed, at least 50% of it is applicable to almost any freelance career. I was initially attracted by the cover picture and title which is not as shallow as you may think. It simply demonstrates the importance of a strong initial impact whatever you do.
One person found this helpful
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