Title: No Contacts? No Problem! How to pitch and sell a freelance feature
Author: Catherine Quinn – A Brighton-based freelance writer

About the book: A practical guide, covering every aspect of the freelance pitching and selling process, from writing a good pitch and understanding your market to writing your first commission and keeping the work coming in.

Read this if… You are looking to break into freelance journalism and would like to start pitching and selling freelance articles, or have some experience of pitching and selling but would like to learn more and approach new editors. Catherine writes about travel, food, health and more, and her book is geared towards writers interested in any genre.

In my opinion: Particularly useful for first-timers, this book helps open the door for good writers who are looking to break into the freelance market. One of the best bits about Catherine’s book is her four-week pitching plan (Chapter 13), which takes you from planning a pitch, through to securing a commission. Even better, this book also links to the follow-up site nocontactsnoproblem.com, where you’ll find editors tips and journo resources.

See a preview here
Buy it at Amazon, Rrp £14.99

Title: Brilliant Freelancer
Author: Leif Kendall

About the book: Brilliant Freelancer is broken into easily digestible chunks, which cover aspects such as: getting-started essentials, finding work, motivating yourself and managing your cash flow. Leif raises and answers questions surrounding each topic, includes advice from a range of successful freelancers and rounds up each chapter with a ‘brilliant recap’. Packed with tips and practical exercises, Brilliant Freelancer is a valuable tool for self-training and a great source of motivation.

Read this if… You are already a freelancer or are considering setting out on your own and are open to picking up expert tips from a super successful freelancer. Although Leif is a Copywriter, his book is geared towards the freelance profession as whole, so any freelancers, from plumbers to web-designers, can benefit.

In my opinion: A practical guide as well as an entertaining read, Brilliant Freelancer provides new or wannabe freelancers with an honest account of the realities of freelance work, laying out a step-by-step approach for entering and managing a freelance career. For established freelancers, Leif’s book is a superb source of motivation, a reminder of what works well and a kick-up-the-bum for any freelancers who are dragging their heels. One of Brighton’s most successful Copywriters, who recently decamped to Dorset, Leif is a freelancer with authority and,with copies of Brilliant Freelancer starting at £9.09, his book is a far better value than attending a training seminar.

See a preview here
Buy it at Amazon