[.ca] Ready, Aim, Specialize!: Create Your Own Writing ... (ISBN 1933338245)

Ready, Aim, Specialize!:
Many writers wonder if they should specialize in one specific area of writing expertise or if they should spread their work between several different genres. They wonder if writing in only one genre will allow them to create a niche of authority or simply limit the amount of writing opportunities. Conversely, writers also worry that if they work in several genres their writing will be seen as unfocused and difficult to market. Ready, Aim, Specialize: Creating Your Own Writing Speciality and Make More Money looks at this quandary and looks at the benefits and limitations of specialization. This book also includes resources to determine what your area or areas of speciality would include and tips to begin specializing as well as detailed reference lists and potential markets for the most popular writing specialities. Ready, Aim, Specialize: Creating Your Own Writing Speciality and Make More Money is a good beginner resource for writers questioning whether they should specialize their writing. Though the title suggests that the writer supports specialization, the author gives a nice balance of information on both the pros and cons of specialization. This allows the reader to determine if specialization would be beneficial for his or her particular situation. Moreover, the author includes detailed reference lists so that the reader has somewhere to begin his or her specialization efforts.

Queries, Questions, and Quests:
Kelly James-Enger thoroughly explains how to earn a living as a freelance writer. She begins by explaining the value of specialization, and then shows writers how to use their education and life experience to choose their own specialities. She follows these opening chapters with an insightful chapter that helps demystify the murky realm of queries. The subsequent case study is a practical and highly useful outline for freelancers who require a clear understanding of the steps involved in getting an article published. Finally, the chapters on ten hot markets serve as a useful guide to specialization, pointing out the rewards and challenges associated with each specialty. James-Enger has not only written a lucid and well organized text, but has anticipated a host of questions commonly posed by freelance writers. Whether your quest is improved productivity or a new career as a freelance writer, this book is for you.

Great Resource for Writers:
Kelly's book has helpful information for any writer, regardless of your number of years in the business or your chosen specialty. The resource lists alone merit the price of the book. It's like the "Yellow Pages" for writers--without all the advertising! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Good advice from a real expert...:
Kelly James-Enger is one of those rare writers who also knows how to share her success with others who strive for a career in freelance journalism. Her book is filled with solid tips on how to break into the marketplace and then create a solid niche for your work. One of her most important messages is to "believe in yourself" - and she is right on target! Bottom line is: If we want people to value our skills, we must first show that we value ourselves. (Review by: Marion E. Gold, author of the "Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing You" and "Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command.)

A Must Have For All Writers:
Kelly James-Enger shows readers how to effectively start at square one and move to the rank of respected writer/author. The conversational tone of the book is casual enough to put the reader at ease while simultaneously motivating her. If you ever have the chance to hear her speak, take it. She finds ways to impart practical advice in humerous yet useful ways. Rarely do you find someone whose genunine interest in her students is so evident. Kelly is like the one college professor who was so entertaining and energetic that both the material and the class stayed with you years after you earned your degree. Five stars, definitely!!!