Book: A Writer's Guide to Nonfiction

This is a book by Elizabeth Lyon (also the author of Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write).

I owned this book, a long time ago, but I only had the chance to really look at it now. I compared the various books (about writing) I have now, since I also bought new ones recently.

This book teaches how to make the Title of your article, the different ways to make your Lead, how to write the Middle part of your piece, and finally, how to End it well. Very Useful!

Also, the author encourages writers to think of the Purpose of your writing first, before you proceed. Then there is the formula: Subject of Writing + Purpose + Promise = Making a Difference. I really like this formula, and I pattern my writing from this.

Buy this book by Elizabeth Lyon, I highly recommend this.

Book: Opportunities in Writing Careers by E. Foote-Smith

Opportunities in Writing Careers
by Elizabeth Foote-Smith

Some info about the author (taken from the book):

She wore her first piece of fiction at the age of ten. She was a composer, musician, piano instructor, and a jazz pianist.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a master's degree from the University of Chicago in English Language and Literature.

She had a stint (5 yrs) as a teacher for English in suburaban Illinois high schools, and literature & writing courses at the University of Wisconsin.

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Though the reviews at amazon.com are not quite positive, in my opinion, the book can hold its own. For my case, it is informative -- and has served its purpose.

It gives the reader what is expected in the freelance writing career, and what different types of writing work are available out there. She shares some tips for these different categories, elaborates on important points and recommends suggested readings.

I also like the book, since each chapter starts with some beautiful quotations from great writers/personalities. Some examples: "Don't ask a poet to explain himself. He cannot." by Plato; "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." by Richard Bach...

I recommend this book though -- as I always believe that each book has something of value it can offer. Let us learn from the perspectives of those who really are in the business of freelance writing -- and I consider Elizabeth Foote-Smith to be one.

The book,Opportunities in Writing Careers-- I recommend as a nice little book to have for your guide, in your freelance writing career.