The business education that every writer needs
Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business. The reality is, those who want to make a full- or part-time job out of writing are going to have a more positive and productive career if they understand the basic business principles underlying the industry.
The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition by Jane Friedman, published by The University of Chicago Press, offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. Writers will gain a comprehensive picture of how the publishing world works—from queries and agents to platform building and book marketing—and learn how they can best position themselves for success over the long term.
How is the second edition different from the first edition?
Library Journal — starred review (first edition): “Friedman’s 20-plus years in the industry … combine to create an invaluable compendium of practical advice with encouragement for aspiring and seasoned writers alike.”
Publishers Weekly: “A comprehensive and eminently readable guide that should be on every writer’s desk. … Destined to become a staple reference book for writers and those interested in publishing careers.” Read the full review of the first edition.
“I’ve been a full-time author and freelancer for the last seven years, and so much of what I had to learn the hard way is easily and expertly accessible in The Business of Being a Writer. As a reader, I’ve always finished a Jane Friedman book knowing more than I did before, but this one inspired me to make real, hopefully long-lasting, shifts in the way I care for my creative business.”
—Ashley C. Ford
“Essential reading for writers entering and already in the world of publishing. The Business of Being a Writer is a level-headed look at an industry full of contradictions. I can think of no other guide more important to keep at your writing desk right now.”
—Carly Watters, literary agent and cohost of The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing podcast
“This book is an essential crash course for anyone who hopes to make a life in letters. Friedman is a kind of patient tour guide who offers a clear-eyed, non-judgmental, and most of all hopeful look at the many, many paths open to writers—and, indeed, to editors and publishers as well.”
—Hattie Fletcher, coeditor, Short Reads
“Friedman has made an already indispensable guide to the professional side of writing even more useful. This second edition offers writers the tools of publishing craft to help them send their art out into the world.”
—Leslie Rubinkowski, director, MFA in Nonfiction, Goucher College
“Every writer needs tough love. Typically that’s delivered by your editor as you’re writing the book. But where’s the tough love once your book is ready for the world? It’s in here and Jane Friedman’s got the goods for you. No one will better help you understand the challenges ahead; no one will offer a more comprehensive approach to scaling the walls. Writers ask me all the questions Jane answers in here. All I need to do now is send them to this book.”
—Richard Nash, former publisher of Soft Skull Press
“While countless books and classes exist to help writers improve their craft, few focus on the practical aspects of maintaining a writing career over time. Friedman’s wise and wide-ranging The Business of Being a Writer offers essential and extremely helpful advice on how writers can survive and thrive in the current publishing landscape.”
—Dinty W. Moore, author of The Story Cure
“Jane Friedman’s The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition, is the War and Peace of writing success books. Businessis anessential, comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to meet the challenges of becoming a writer. No matter where you are in your career, you will have reasons to consult the book. Just the resources the book provides are worth the price. It’s the most dog-eared book I have ever owned. Now is the best time ever to be a writer. And this remarkable book is the best way to understand the rapidly changing art and business of writing.”
—Michael Larsen, author coach and author of How to Write a Book Proposal
“If you need an all-in-one guide to the modern publishing landscape, you won’t find a better guide than Friedman.”
—Bob Sassone, Saturday Evening Post
“This was always the most valuable comprehensive resource available on authoring. Now that it’s updated, you have no excuse not to own a copy.”
—Josh Bernoff, author & ghostwriter