$ Turn a buck by turning phrases $
Contrary to the starving artist notion, writers can derive profit from hours before a keyboard. A journalism degree helps, but it’s not the only key that unlocks opportunity.
In her third book for writers, students, and all who yearn to publish, Loriann Oberlin shares requisite steps to dozens of writing jobs in Writing to Make Money: Short Projects, first in a series. Think money, not windfall; new options instead of sure-fire stardom.
Oberlin uses a few recognizable names to drive home that successful writers started where many aspiring scribes exist today. She shows the steps to develop talent and learn from mistakes made to enhance existing careers, strike up new ones, and earn money for meaningful goals.
Her first book, published by Writer’s Digest, landed in three national book clubs. As a therapist now, Ms. Oberlin is uniquely qualified to cheerlead those discouraged by rejection, negative self-talk, and self-defeating habits. She uses writing scenarios to explain cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT). Writing to Make Money: Short Projects lays out profitable paths for an author’s get-income-flowing-first approach. Chapters show how to earn through:
$$ Front-of-the-magazine fillers—shorts that demand concise writing skill and develop a work ethic, providing multiple publishing opportunities and ways to spin off research.
$$ On-Hold messages—that wait-time provides business-focused future projects and quick assignments.
$$ Hints & Recipes—these are great for the brainstormer or the foodie.
$$ Résumés & Cover Letters— job seekers need stellar words to represent them and documents that applicant tracking systems scan well for employment.
$$ Greeting Cards— in this eight-billion-dollar industry, you could create material
$$ Humor, Laugh Lines & Parodies—if you can build the comedic tension and deliver a laugh, you’re almost there to courting the chuckle where money is indeed a laughing matter.
Oberlin discusses professionalism, promotion, and how to generate income. One-part CBT primer and two-thirds $$-making focus, this book tackles writer’s block and how to establish good business, health, and financial practices in today’s gig economy. It's an ideal gift for people with talent, a work-at-home or small business, students needing cash and résumé credits, solo workers, or retirees.
If your goal is to moonlight or earn extra money, with one sale—likely many more—you will recoup the book's cost as you boost your bank account.
Oberlin is a savvy pro, drawing on years of experience to provide strategies that work in the real world. If you're ready to start small and think big, this book is a useful roadmap to get you to your destination. — Jack Heffron, Writer's Idea Book & former Writer's Digest Books editor
A comprehensive resource covering every angle, providing excellent suggestions and resources. —Pamela Liflander, ghostwriter and former book executive editor
Loriann is best at encouraging writers to realize the possibilities are endless! — Martie Emory, Sr. Editor, Engaged!
The journalism chapter is a gem. — Keith Corso, PhD, Assistant Professor, Westminster College
