Monday, October 26, 2009

Word Trippers: The Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters

By Barbara McNichol

As Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter–it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

That’s why choosing the exact right word is important. For example, do you know when to use “affect” versus “effect” in your writing? Or “further” versus “farther”? Or “famous” versus “notorious”?

If you’re not sure, Word Trippers is the perfect reference ebook for you. This ebook contains 49 pages of 300+ pairings of words in alphabetical order and searchable on your computer, so they’re easy to find. Each word pairing is explained, then used in sentences to easily show how each is properly used, like this:

Affect, effect – “Affect” is a verb meaning to change or influence. “Your quick action affects (influences) the outcome.” “Affect is also a noun to mean feeling, emotion, or emotional response. “During his grief process, my client displayed an uncharacteristically flat affect.” “Effect” is a verb meaning to bring about, to cause. “You can effect (bring about) a change easily.” “Effect” is also a noun meaning result or outcome. “The story has a desired effect.”

Whether you’re writing for business or crafting the next great American novel, this Word Trippers ebook will lead you to choosing the correct word when it really matters. It’s been created by expert nonfiction editor Barbara McNichol.

This reviewer highly recommends Word Trippers as an excellent reference tool, and gives it a four-star rating.

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers

By Brigitte Thompson

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers is a wonderful book for those that are, or thinking of becoming freelance writers. This book covers getting started, recording income, business expenses, business use of your home, automobile deductions, entertainment and travel, employee versus subcontractor, business management, taxes and audits, blank forms, and resources for your writing business along with a glossary.

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers covers most of the income reporting and deduction question you may have about running a business out of your home, or even from an out of the home office. Brigitte has even covered the items needed in a business plan you will need in case you decide to apply for a business loan for your business.

The chapter with the forms contains samples of Monthly Income, Annual Income, Monthly Direct Expense, Annual Direct Expense, Inventory List, Indirect Monthly Expense, Indirect Annual Expense, IRS Adjusted Mileage Allowance, Actual Expense, Automobile Registration, Annual Summary, Entertainment Log, Travel Log, Profit and Loss Statement, Accounts Receivable Summary, Accounts payable Summary, and Balance Sheet.

Brigitte also explains the difference between the Cash, Accrual, and Hybrid accounting methods in Bookkeeping basics for Freelance Writers. Business types are also explained, the Sole Proprietorship, S-Corporation, or Partnership. While there are differences in various states, while Brigitte mentions the basics, you may need to visit an attorney or paralegal to find the laws for your individual state.
This book will teach you how you may legally reduce your income tax. Depending on the individual state, you may need to consult a tax professional. This book however, will clue you in to record keeping and more.

This reviewer recommends this book for more than just Freelance Writers. It is awarded a five start rating from this reviewer.

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Friday, October 2, 2009

The Well-Fed Writer (TWFW)

By Peter Bowerman

If you’ve ever entertained the thought of being a freelance writer, or as Peter calls it, Freelance Commercial Writer (FLCW), this book will give you all of the information you need to start and run a freelance business. While most people think magazines when they hear “freelance writing,” TWFW isn’t about writing for magazines, but rather “commercial freelancing” – writing for businesses, large and small – a lesser-known and exceptionally well-paying freelancing specialty, where hourly rates can run $50-125 and more.

The bad news is that, like any business, if you don’t do the work described in this book, you won’t succeed. TWFW provides all the information necessary for creating a thriving freelance commercial writing business, but you must follow through. Should you purchase it? If you have ever thought of writing for a living like this reviewer has, yes.

The good news, according to TWFW, is that if you follow and implement the principles laid out in its pages, you can create an income that will allow you to leave the cubicle world and work from home on your terms. Reading TWFW is the first step. The book is full of information from someone who’s been there and done the work, and is helping others by writing this book.

Topics covered include: Why become freelance commercial writers (writing for businesses) in the first place? The traits and first steps to becoming successful; sales and marketing fundamentals; all about websites; where to find the work; cold-calling; what to charge and how to get paid; networking; working in small markets (for those in rural areas); resources, and more can all be found in this wonderful book. This great reference should have a prominent place in your home office. It is within reach on mine. Read it before you begin and you’ll save yourself a lot of trial and error.

Reading the success stories will show you it works no matter where you live. This reviewer lives in a town with a population of 1,600. For anyone considering writing as a way to make an income, this reviewer recommends purchasing this book. Also, check out The Deluxe Well-Fed Tool Box & The Well-Fed Writer’s Time Line (discussed in the book).

This reviewer recommends this book for those thinking about freelancing (five-star rating).



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