Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Journalist's new book offers top tips for freelance success

Journalist Linda Jones is sharing her top tips for freelance writers in a new book.

Linda has enjoyed a 17-year career in journalism, after training with the Wolverhampton Express & Star and these days is director of the Midlands agency Passionate Media. Her new book is called The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World.

She has worked as a news editor on UK regional papers, an editor of an English language title in Russia and now contributes to publications including The Guardian and Press Gazette.

“The title is light-hearted as it’s part of a much wider series, but I can definitely say the tips have worked for me…that’s why they’re the best in the world,” says Linda, of Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire.

“My approach is that you have to recognise you are running a business from day one of your freelance writing career, so you have to get yourself organised with how to ensure you get paid, have a sound knowledge of media law and a grasp of how to market yourself effectively.”

Linda went freelance after her twin daughters were born in 1998. Faced with the work-life balance dilemma, she set up an office in her back bedroom and forged a career supplying freelance copy to both regional and national publications.

She set up Passionate Media to allow her the flexibility of continuing to work around her children. The company now has four more members of staff and they also work in commercial copywriting and public relations – both subjects are covered in The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World.

Linda says the best thing about freelancing is the variety of the work undertaken and the worst is bad payers.

The book, part of a series of ‘Greatest in the World’ titles that includes tips on cookery, pets, golf, DIY and more, is on general release from September 30 and is already on recommended reading lists for journalism students.

Its foreword is by education journalist Jan Murray, editorial director of the popular online journalism resource www.journobiz.com.

A supporting blog at http://www.freelancewritingtips.com is also packed with ‘no-nonsense’ advice on the business of freelance journalism.

SAMPLE TIP:

Can I afford to go freelance?

The simple answer is yes as long as you are confident of enough work to pay the bills.

Tot up your monthly outgoings on mortgage, bills, food and other essentials. If you have the contacts, experience and drive, not to mention work lined up to match or exceed this total – then go for it. But still proceed with caution. Even the most successful freelancers may have a rocky start.

If you think you are going to rake in the cash weeks into a freelance career, then think again. We got by because entertaining two little girls doesn’t cost much – “feeding the ducks is free,” I’d say as we set off for the park, and it also happens to be a great inspiration for flogging some features.

Writing for the internet:

Keep it simple, stupid

Why use 50 words, when you can use 10? Why use five syllables when you can use two? Keep it simple! Don’t make the mistake that just because your writing is on the Internet that you need to get down with ‘da yoof’’ – clear concise copy is what counts – not how much irreverence per line.

Issued by Katie Love at Passionate Media on behalf of The Greatest in the World Ltd. For more info, images or review copies, contact her on 01543 468621.

EARLY REVIEWS FOR THE GREATEST FREELANCE WRITING TIPS IN THE WORLD:

Very, very good in cutting the fat from the bone and providing excellent advice not only to the aspiring freelance writer but also for those who are beyond the beginner’s stage.... The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World adequately fulfills its obligation as offering down-to-earth practical advice and not the gibberish that we are often accustomed to reading." Bookpleasures.

"Freelance tips that actually work."(Five-star) Amazon review

"The only book a writer will ever need." Diary of a Wordsmith.

It's not called The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World for nothing. Excellent. I highly recommend it." Flaming Nora.

"Packed full of no-nonsense practical tips on how to earn a living in the challenging world of newspapers and magazines." Janet Lee, The Chase Post.

"She knows what she's talking about." Writelink.co.uk newsletter.

" A must read" - Express & Star Chronicle series