The Business of Being a Writer

Published in 1982, before the widespread use of personal computers, the Internet, and electronic publishing, The Business of Being a Writer concentrated on writing and selling to the print media--books and magazines. Updated excerpts are now being reprinted in electronic formats on various topics--still focused on those primary areas, but still applicable to the current-day writer.


Theodore Sturgeon called The Business of Being a Writer "the second best reference book a writer can have, after the dictionary."


Harlan Ellison said, "It may not make you a better writer, but it will keep you from being a poorer one."


Isaac Asimov said, "Thank goodness! I am constantly being asked an infinity of questions about the writing business and can never answer coherently. Now I will stamp cards with a stamp that says: READ THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER. IT WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING, CLEARLY AND INTERESTINGLY. Why on Earth didn't he write the book forty years ago when it would have done me some good?"


The excerpts currently available for purchase are:

A Career in Writing: This excerpt discusses finances, work habits, pen names, and other points an author should seriously consider before starting a career in writing.

Rights and Copyrights: This excerpt discusses the different kinds of rights an author can license, as well as the basic ins and outs of copyright law in the United States.

Even more excerpts are planned. Please stay tuned.