About Mridu Khullar Relph
Mridu is an international writer and reporter who has been published in The New York Times, TIME, ABC News, CNN, Elle, Vogue, Glamour, Marie Claire and Cosmo among others.
In addition to her writer website, she runs the site The International Freelancer where you can read articles about all aspects of being a freelance writer regardless of your location.
About the Book
Her 14-chapter, 66-page book The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Making $1000 Extra This Month is a practical and fun guide to help you make 1,000 more every week from your writing.
And while the book can be used by writers from all points in their career, writers with at least some experience will get the most from it as she states so herself: “The book doesn’t tell you how to start your career or how to make a living from writing, but rather increase your monthly cash flow by a thousand bucks.”
Mridu was kind enough to offer me a review copy.
What I liked Best About the Book
– Every chapter includes her personal experiences; so it’s never just in theory.
– It has specific suggestions, links, tips and even templates you can take advantage of right now.
– Even though some chapters include information you think you know, she has suggestions you either haven’t thought of, or neglect to consider on a regular basis.
– She has a really fun style; you’ll never get bored. And she hasn’t wasted a word.
– There’s a link to an even richer well of resources.
Chapter by Chapter Breakdown
CH: 1 Ask for more is about how you can negotiate better, and she talks about more than just asking for more money.
CH: 2 Do an LOI Blast tells you what LOIs are, when you should send them, and how and why they help you and your career. There’s even a sample LOI, and she also talks about what to include/what to avoid, and when pitching ideas instead might be a better idea.
CH: 3 Focus on the Web is about what kind of publications there are, why you should focus on the web, and how she gets through her web work productively.
CH: 4 Look In Your Inbox guides you on reworking your rejected pieces, how to handle the process and what to pay attention to.
I definitely need to do this more often. This part also reminded me to pitch more regularly.
CH: 5 Send Out Those Reprints is about how (and where) to resell the same piece, and even end up writing original pieces for that publication.
CH: 6 Reslant Your Old Stories includes ideas for how you can reslant your stories, and she has 30 suggestions.
CH: 7 Go international is about selling your work worldwide, regardless of where you live. The books mentions numerous advantages you might not have thought (I write internationally and hadn’t thought of some of them!).
CH: 8 Take From One, Give to the Other is about repurposing: finding another angle in the same story and selling it to a different type of magazine. Once again, Mridu has featured great real life examples.
Ch: 9 Reach out to People is about using your old contacts, and the chapter offers practical ways of reconnecting and more.
CH: 10 Ask for referrals reveals how and when to go about it.
CH: 11 Tap Your Sources is about utilizing forgotten ideas.
CH: 12 Add Value to Your Stories tells you about how audio, video and images enhance your stories
CH 13: Experiment with grants and new media takes a closer look at fellowships, grants, apps, and more.
CH 14: Get Social on Social Media is about making the most of the social media for your writing career.
How to Make the Most of the Book
Everyone has her own method of studying, but I definitely recommend printing out, taking notes and keeping it close as a reference. It won’t hurt to return to the most essential chapters (according to your needs), especially during your planning stages.
The book is available on Amazon at $3.99.
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I’ve actually attended one of Mridu’s classes and was impressed by her no-nonsense approach to things. I’ve since got the book and been working on it.
Does her advice work?
Well, that’s entirely up to you. Mridu points the way and gives a bucketload of great tips. But at the ened of the day, it’s all up to you. There are no shortcuts, just ways to take the best advantage of your hard work.
Having said that, yes: if you follow her advice, you’re sure to get much more of your work published.
Hi Nicholas, welcome back!
I think it’s the same way with any good how-to book. You have to do your part, or nothing will improve. What I love the most about her book is that she has included very thorough advice, and a lot of her tips are very refreshing. I never felt the need to skip anything.
Which class of hers did you attend?
Lucky you and your free copy! I’ve been following Mridu for a while and love receiving her emails. Good to know I can recommend her book to other freelancers as I trust your judgment. 🙂
Hi Tara,
Lovely to see you here:)
The book was initially a free e-mail course, and I jumped at the chance when she offered a free review copy for those who were willing to review it. I’m more into e-books than audio, video or and e-mail. It’s much easier to have everything in one place and move at your own desired pace.
And I’m flattered:)
She’s great. Her book sounds awesome. Great review, Pinar!
Hi Yvette,
I’m really glad you enjoyed it. And the book is really awesome.
Pinar
I haven’t hear of Mridu, but I’m glad I do now. Her book seems appealing, but I have many ebooks I need to read first before I get anymore!
Thanks for sharing this review!
Hi Elna,
Thanks for commenting:)
The book is really rich in content, and it has refreshing stuff to offer (in addition to reminding you what you already know but probably neglect/forget to do). But I know what you mean. I also banned myself from buying/downloading more ebooks: there’s so many on my to-read list.