Careers in Writing

by Blythe Camenson

Book Overview

WRITE YOUR WAY TO A SUCCESSFUL AND SATISFYING CAREER

Careers in writing are tremendously rewarding; it is also a field with diverse opportunities. In order to decide what job route is best for you, you need to begin with a clear plan: What kind of writing will you specialize in? Will an advanced degree promote your career? How will you find the right place for you?

Careers in Writing has the answers. Here, you'll discover...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071482121
• ISBN13: 9780071482127
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.3" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Originally Checked Out From the Library

I originally checked this book out from my library. After keeping it for several weeks and tagging many sections, I finally decided it would be best to order the book so I could highlight those sections. I've been a technical writer for many years and have also done quite a bit of writing for magazines. I wanted to learn more about the various fields of writing and was not disappointed in what I found in this book. It is a coherent description of different fields of writing, from news reporter to fiction to technical writing. I found the sections on the upsides and downsides of writing very accurate and insightful based on my own experience, and I learned something about other professions. The anecdotal advice from professionals gives the reader a insight into how a writer experienced in a certain field goes about their day-to-day business. And the descriptions of pay-scale is sound guidance for planning your career and understanding what fields are more lucrative than others. All in all, this was a well-rounded portrayal of the many ways one can "be a writer". It helped me clarify whether to continue on in my current career or whether there are other opportunities to use my skills and what the financial impact of a transition might be. Very useful and well-written book.

Admittedly biased

OK - As a contributor to the book... (I'm on page 136 or so), I'm a little biased... Still, I read it cover to cover, so I think I can give an objective opinion. As someone who has read a lot of books by writers, did I find anything earth-shattering or super new? No.... But the format of this book makes it a very comprehensive guide for someone who has not already read a dozen books on the same subject. The author does an excellent job of mixing up her research with candid first-hand accounts. The other thing I really felt was that some of the compensation guides were much more thorough than what I've been accustomed to in the past, which helps a free-lancer decide what type of rates to charge. In summation, if you've read a lot on this subject, you're likely to be only mildly entertained, BUT if you're looking for your first (or second) book of this nature, start and stop your search here.