Being a Generalist vs. Being a Specialist in Nonfiction

Being a Generalist vs. Being a Specialist in NonfictionONDEMAND WEBINAR DESCRIPTION: Freelance writers tend to fall into two broad categories: generalists and specialists. Generalists, of which Im one, write about almost anything for almost anyone. Specialists tend to put their focus on a specific topic or issue, such as cooking, gardening, politics or the environment. Whether to become a general freelancer or a niche writer is up to the individual, and there are pros and cons to both. In this OnDemand

ONDEMAND WEBINAR DESCRIPTION: 

Freelance writers tend to fall into two broad categories: generalists and specialists. Generalists, of which I’m one, write about almost anything for almost anyone. Specialists tend to put their focus on a specific topic or issue, such as cooking, gardening, politics or the environment. Whether to become a general freelancer or a niche writer is up to the individual, and there are pros and cons to both. In this OnDemand webinar, we explore the varied reasons writers may decide to be generalists or specialists, questions writers should ask themselves when deciding which approach is best for them, the personal and professional pros and cons of both approaches, circumstances in which the two may overlap, how to transition from one approach to the other, and more.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: 

Don Vaughan has written professionally for 45 years, 31 of them as a full-time freelance writer. He has published more than 2,600 articles and columns in an eclectic array of publications, including Writer’s Digest, Military Officer Magazine, Scout Life, Encyclopedia Britannica, Veterinary Practice News, VFW Magazine, and MAD Magazine. Don has also written, co-written, ghosted, or contributed to more than 30 books on topics ranging from the Civil War to the Columbia shuttle tragedy. His proudest accomplishment is founding Triangle Association of Freelancers (TAFNC.com), one of the largest writing organizations in North Carolina.