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The Insecure Writer's Support Group: Writing for Profit
From writing to publishing to marketing, the Insecure Writer's Support Group members provide tips on making money as a writer. This guide represents the spirit of the IWSG - to encourage and support writers everywhere! It is our hope that this book will benefit you as a writer, no matter where you are in the journey.
- GenresNonfiction
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2017
14 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Alex J. Cavanaugh
12 books289 followersI'm a science fiction writer on a journey of discovery...
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 4, 2017
In a sea of writing/publishing/marketing self-help books, it can be hard to find advice that's meaningful, relevant, or knowledgeable. The Insecure Writer's Support Group has asked it's members to submit articles that can help real writers with real questions find the support and advice they need. You can't go wrong with this book. And, it's free!
November 13, 2019
The IWSG: Writing for Profit short (56 pages) but free non-fiction book doesn't bring much new to the table. If you are a starting writer and haven't done a lot of blog crawling, this is a good place to start.
I love the concept of the project and the group. New writers encouraging each other to go further. Everyone needs support and encouragement, especially when trying something new. But there is a echo chamber effect if only new writers supporting each other are in a group; you also need feedback from people ahead of you in the business, to help you avoid pitfalls.
If you are a complete noob to writing FOR PROFIT (which is different from just writing), check out this book. If you got the basics down, pass.
Most of the blogs are simple fluff. The helpful ones are : 10 questions to ask you Beta readers; Have Patience, Young Grasshopper; and The Value of Flexibility. 3 of the 18 articles. Since it is free, download and read the articles which are useful. There is better stuff out there, but you got to pay for it. Sweat equity of finding good blogs costs time, which new writers are also short of. So a few good things for free isn't bad. This book definitely fills a niche.
Good luck writing!
I love the concept of the project and the group. New writers encouraging each other to go further. Everyone needs support and encouragement, especially when trying something new. But there is a echo chamber effect if only new writers supporting each other are in a group; you also need feedback from people ahead of you in the business, to help you avoid pitfalls.
If you are a complete noob to writing FOR PROFIT (which is different from just writing), check out this book. If you got the basics down, pass.
Most of the blogs are simple fluff. The helpful ones are : 10 questions to ask you Beta readers; Have Patience, Young Grasshopper; and The Value of Flexibility. 3 of the 18 articles. Since it is free, download and read the articles which are useful. There is better stuff out there, but you got to pay for it. Sweat equity of finding good blogs costs time, which new writers are also short of. So a few good things for free isn't bad. This book definitely fills a niche.
Good luck writing!
December 4, 2017
Writing for Profit is helpful advice given from authors for authors. Topics include how to get good feedback from critique groups, how do get involved with the writing community, and how to market your books. Authors from the Insecure Writer's Support Group share what they have learned on their writing journeys in the hope of encouraging and inspiring other authors. Recommended for writers of all genres.
May 26, 2019
What a great collection of advice - and for an unbeatable price! Given all of the scammy rubbish that exists in this realm, it was so nice to read a book containing essays by writers who seem genuine in their desire to help other writers. Thank you for this valuable resource.
November 23, 2024
Alex J. Cavanaugh’s The Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Writing for Profit is a compact yet impactful guide that bridges the often-overlooked gap between the artistic impulses of writing and the pragmatic necessities of making it a profession. While not sprawling in scope, this book’s merit lies in its clarity and encouragement, serving both as a guide and as a motivator for those seeking to navigate the treacherous waters of the publishing world.
At its core, Cavanaugh’s work resonates with an ethos of practical optimism. He acknowledges the insecurities that plague many writers—imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, and the struggle to balance creativity with financial need. Yet, rather than dwelling on these fears, Cavanaugh offers actionable strategies to overcome them, emphasizing that profitability does not require the sacrifice of artistic integrity. This tone, both empathetic and authoritative, makes the book particularly suited for emerging writers who might feel daunted by the prospect of turning their passion into a viable career.
Structurally, the book is meticulously organized, reflecting the systematic approach Cavanaugh advocates for writers. Chapters flow logically from identifying market trends and selecting a niche, to tips on effective marketing, time management, and building a readership. What sets this work apart from generic writing guides is its candid exploration of the non-glamorous realities of writing for profit. Cavanaugh dismantles romanticized notions of the starving artist, instead championing a disciplined, entrepreneurial mindset.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its inclusivity. Cavanaugh’s advice spans genres and formats, addressing the unique challenges of fiction, nonfiction, blogging, and self-publishing. He provides tools not just for creating income streams but also for sustaining them, such as advice on networking, cultivating resilience, and setting realistic goals.
However, literary scholars might critique the book for a lack of depth in some areas. The treatment of traditional publishing, for instance, could benefit from a more nuanced analysis, particularly in contrast to self-publishing—a topic Cavanaugh clearly prioritizes. Similarly, while the prose is accessible and encouraging, some readers may find it overly simplistic, especially those who are already versed in the basics of publishing.
From a stylistic perspective, Cavanaugh’s tone is conversational and approachable, which aligns with his intended audience of insecure writers seeking a mentor-like guide. Yet, the book’s didacticism occasionally veers toward the prescriptive, potentially alienating readers who prefer a more exploratory or philosophical approach to writing.
Ultimately, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Writing for Profit is a valuable resource for those who approach writing not just as an art but as a livelihood. While its utility may depend on the reader’s experience level and professional aspirations, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to instill confidence. Cavanaugh's insights—practical, hard-earned, and refreshingly free of condescension—equip readers to not only dream of success but to pursue it with deliberate, purposeful steps.
For those standing at the crossroads of passion and pragmatism, this book serves as a reassuring guide, proving that profitability and creativity can coexist in harmony.
At its core, Cavanaugh’s work resonates with an ethos of practical optimism. He acknowledges the insecurities that plague many writers—imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, and the struggle to balance creativity with financial need. Yet, rather than dwelling on these fears, Cavanaugh offers actionable strategies to overcome them, emphasizing that profitability does not require the sacrifice of artistic integrity. This tone, both empathetic and authoritative, makes the book particularly suited for emerging writers who might feel daunted by the prospect of turning their passion into a viable career.
Structurally, the book is meticulously organized, reflecting the systematic approach Cavanaugh advocates for writers. Chapters flow logically from identifying market trends and selecting a niche, to tips on effective marketing, time management, and building a readership. What sets this work apart from generic writing guides is its candid exploration of the non-glamorous realities of writing for profit. Cavanaugh dismantles romanticized notions of the starving artist, instead championing a disciplined, entrepreneurial mindset.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its inclusivity. Cavanaugh’s advice spans genres and formats, addressing the unique challenges of fiction, nonfiction, blogging, and self-publishing. He provides tools not just for creating income streams but also for sustaining them, such as advice on networking, cultivating resilience, and setting realistic goals.
However, literary scholars might critique the book for a lack of depth in some areas. The treatment of traditional publishing, for instance, could benefit from a more nuanced analysis, particularly in contrast to self-publishing—a topic Cavanaugh clearly prioritizes. Similarly, while the prose is accessible and encouraging, some readers may find it overly simplistic, especially those who are already versed in the basics of publishing.
From a stylistic perspective, Cavanaugh’s tone is conversational and approachable, which aligns with his intended audience of insecure writers seeking a mentor-like guide. Yet, the book’s didacticism occasionally veers toward the prescriptive, potentially alienating readers who prefer a more exploratory or philosophical approach to writing.
Ultimately, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Writing for Profit is a valuable resource for those who approach writing not just as an art but as a livelihood. While its utility may depend on the reader’s experience level and professional aspirations, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to instill confidence. Cavanaugh's insights—practical, hard-earned, and refreshingly free of condescension—equip readers to not only dream of success but to pursue it with deliberate, purposeful steps.
For those standing at the crossroads of passion and pragmatism, this book serves as a reassuring guide, proving that profitability and creativity can coexist in harmony.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews