Let's Eat: A Bounty of Great Information Abounds in Peter Bowerman's Latest Book: The Well-Fed Writer: Back for Seconds

By Mary Anne Donovan

I only have one complaint about Peter Bowerman's new book, The Well-Fed Writer: Back for Seconds, and that is, where was it when I was freelancing full time?

Bowerman's book is a treasure trove on many levels. First is that it contains specific instructions and strategies on what to do as a freelance commercial writer (FLCW), and we're talking step-by-step. He breaks it down so that the dreaded marketing and sales, the bane of us writers, become quite doable. Insisting that the secret to success in this business is in the numbers, Bowerman even offers a script for the cold call (telephone), as well as advice on how to get to the copywriting decision maker.

The next treasure in this bountiful book is the myriad of resources Bowerman provides on everything from email addresses for consultants and experts, to web addresses that are a doorway to valuable information, to checklists scattered throughout. In fact, Bowerman has collected much of this information from FLCW'ers around the country. One great checklist is that provided by Lucy V. Parker, "Sixty Potential Writing Clients." This gem introduces sources for potential clients you've never even thought of.

Another feature we writers find particularly useful are the stories, testimonials, and advice of fellow FLCWers, which encourage a "well if he/she can do it, so can I" attitude. In fact, it almost feels like having a bunch of private, motivating conversations with colleagues and mentors. For example, there is the story of Jim Meadows who built a thriving FLCW business while working full time -- the chapter with his story tells you exactly how to go about doing that for yourself. And then there is the story of Lisa Sparks, who made her email newsletter THE centerpiece of her thriving commercial writing business in Florida and shares all the details of how she did it.

That's not all the good, juicy stuff in Bowerman's book. He does a superb job of debunking the myths around marketing, and breaks the process down into sizeable, palatable chunks that we writers can chew on, and actually swallow. A large part of the book is focused on marketing, and Bowerman himself has said that after writing his first book, The Well-Fed Writer, this was the topic about which he received the most comments and queries.

After looking at sales and marketing from every angle (even individuals who aren't in the FLCW business can benefit from his discussions on marketing), he discusses marketing in smaller towns, networking, and even how to write better! He also sprinkles in a measure of his own philosophy: "Stop getting attached to the outcomes of specific scenarios. It's about an energy and flow that get released when you reach out." (p. 84)

In addition to its 13 power-packed chapters, there are also six appendices including a synopsis of its predecessor, The Well-Fed Writer, template-like profiles of ten FLCWers, how to set up a small business, and more resource recommendations.

The verdict is in: if you are in the FLCW business, or any freelance business for that matter, buy this book! It will become a well worn and trusted friend that you will keep handy at all times!

Check out Bowerman's web site at: http://www.wellfedwriter.com