Freelance Writing for Magazines and Newspapers: Breaking in Without Selling Out

by Marcia Yudkin

Unlike the mass of freelance writing books aimed at readers who fondly hope to become wealthy freelance writers any which way they can, Freelance Breaking In Without Selling Out is for educated people whose primary motivation for trying to get into print is the wish to effectively communicate their ideas, skills and discoveries in appropriate publications. Few books are directed to the potential writer who wants to follow his or her own path. If fulfilling your sense of responsibility to your subject, to your audience, and to yourself is important to your satisfaction as a writer, Marcia Yudkin's concise and sensible handbook is for you.Since receiving her Ph.D. in Philosophy from Cornell, Marcia Yudkin has taught at Smith College and the University of Massachusetts, and has published fiction and nonfiction in Art Times, Yankee, the New York Times, Psychology Today, the Boston Globe, Ms., the Village Voice and other periodicals. She is the author of Making Private Business in Socialist China and coauthor of the American Philosophical Association's Guidebook for Publishing Philosophy.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

145 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Marcia Yudkin is a popular marketing mentor and business coach. An introvert who delights in the spoken and written word and in the power of an unusual angle, she guides clients toward creative, practical, short-term and long-term business success. Her 17 books range from Inspired! (2013) and Meatier Marketing Copy (2010) to Six Steps to Free Publicity (3rd edition, 2009) and Freelance Writing for Magazines & Newspapers (1988, a Book of the Month Club selection).

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1986, this book offers timeless advice on many practical and philosophical aspects of writing. The parts on the advisability of answering machines, expected mail response times, and the importance of removing perforations from computer paper reminded me that the author was writing about a very different market for publication.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this freelance guide right after college and by chance went to one of the author's lectures. The book is helpful and practical but never really inspired me. I found the mediabistro.com guide better at inspiring action.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was sort of starting out and I found it pretty good. I thought the writer knew what she was talking about. I ended up not doing a lot of freelancing but I think it would be very helpful for those who are considering a career in that.

[Mukesh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard a lot about this book and I want to know how to be a good writer.