Mentoring Testimonials
 

“I spent an hour plus on the phone with Peter, and without a doubt, it was the best investment of my marketing money I've made so far. After that encouraging and wise consult, I got into action and have completely turned around my marketing strategies. Within two days, I tripled the number of contacts, and as a result, my phone is ringing with prospects, and I'm getting to yes on a consistent basis. Thank you, Peter!”

Kristina Anderson
EasyRead Copywriting
Seattle, Washington

  
“Peter Bowerman's mentoring service saved our business. My partner and I staked out a commercial freelance niche and developed our own web site but just weren't seeing results. We turned to Peter. He critiqued our site and nudged us to look at our business another way. Peter is positive, insightful and smart. Plus he's downright fun to work with. Bottom line: We refocused our business model and re-engineered our site. Business is humming. We owe it to Peter. His service is a bargain.”

Tim Weller & Lynn Van Dine
www.prowritersandeditors.com
Harwich, MA

 
Reaching out to Peter for an hour of phone coaching was one of the smartest investments I made in my business. I learned a huge amount of practical information from his books, but his diagnoses of my website, samples, writing skills, and marketing efforts resulted not only in tailored, commonsense solutions but a palpable increase in the level of success I'm achieving now.

Joe Dungan
Valley Village, CA
www.headwriter.net

   
"When I’m unsure how to proceed, I talk to Peter. He actually listens to my questions, and his quiet assurance is itself assuring. He helps without being a know-it-all or a cheerleader, and I always feel like he respects what experience I have already."

Ted Cuzzillo
Point Richmond, California
www.biwrite.com

 
“Peter Bowerman is full of it. ‘It’, of course, refers to his vast knowledge of the business, his astute observations, and his uncanny ability to immediately pinpoint exactly what steps you need to take to successfully build your business. In my case, it was the business Web site that I had been putting off for years. Peter urged me to launch a site, and since I did, my ability to effectively market my business has exponentially increased.

As if that wasn’t enough, Peter is fun to work with, gracious with his time, and gives you the sense that he takes his clients’ successes very personally. I will most definitely pick his brains again when I need advice.”

Kenya McCullum
San Francisco, CA
www.km-com.com

 
“When I was considering the idea of starting my own writing business, I read The Well-Fed Writer. After I finished the book, I was no longer considering the idea but implementing it. I kept The Well-Fed Writer by my desk and used it almost daily as a "virtual coach". But, as my business began to grow, I found that I had more and more questions that couldn't wait until Peter's next book came out.

“So, I contacted him and asked if he would consider consulting with me one-on-one regarding the issues I was confronting as a new business owner. Thankfully, he said "yes" and I was treated to one of the best hours I've ever spent. The advice he gave me regarding my particular questions and challenges was one of the best investments I could have ever made in my company. And, I plan on tapping into his knowledge again and again as my business transitions from level to level.”

K. Michele Lashley
President, Karacom Creative
Raleigh, NC

  
“Taking on an occasional freelance writing job is one thing, but going at it full-time is quite another. When you don't have a regular paycheck coming in, every client and every job are crucial. Success requires more than writing ability. You have to learn how to market your services effectively, and how to price them intelligently. And to gain the confidence to do these things, you have to understand how this business works.”

“In my experience, two hours of consultation with Peter have repaid the investment many times over. He knows the trade, and he's seen and worked through some of the concrete problems I've confronted. Just talking through some ideas about markets helped me narrow in on one - midsize manufacturing firms - with some quick results.”

Steve Marshall
Editorial Services for Business, Technical, and Marketing Projects
Atlanta, GA

 
“After my first book was published by a specialty publisher in 2000, I was shopping around for another publisher for my second. I found out very quickly that the publishing industry had changed drastically in four years! Peter was able to convince me that self-publishing is the way to go, guide me through the publishing process and provide invaluable contacts and advice (including great advice on crafting an effective title) to help me get started on my self-publishing journey.”

“At one point in the process, when I thought I had a finished product, Peter was brutally honest about the book and its potential in its form at the time. It was tough to hear, but I retooled my efforts, changed the cover, expanded the content, and it really made a difference in the final result. Bottom line, he possesses the experience necessary to coach other writers regarding their specific situation. Thank you, Peter!”

Karen Steede-Terry, Author
Full-Time Woman, Part-Time Career
Integrating GIS and the Global Positioning System
Austin, TX

 
"My 600 cold-calls had produced a great prospect list, but my closure rates were terrible. My first thought was, 'Woe is me, this is all just vaporware.' Then I discovered Peter's mentoring program. Within the first 10 minutes of our session, Peter identified the gaping hole in my marketing plan: 'Jim, get out there and book as many meetings as possible!' Wow!

"Within two weeks I booked six meetings and won three new clients. More are in the pipeline. I'm pleased to say that the first mentoring session has generated several thousand dollars in projects. In fact, I believe 60K in my first year of freelancing is a distinct possibility! Peter, start charging royalties for your tips and you'll be a rich man before the year is out!”

Jim Kleidon
WriteTex Communications
Marble Falls, TX

  
“The professional coaching I received from Peter Bowerman was essential for my writing business-not only in terms of the mechanics of running my business and finding clients, but also with regard to overcoming my fears of leaving the traditional work world.

“It's easy to get discouraged when you're starting your own business. Peter helped get me through my initial anxiety and, in only a few weeks of making calls to prospective clients, I'd landed my first project with a major corporation. I've been working at this for only six months and already have a solid client base and an income that far exceeds my original goals. And all this in a city I'd moved to only a few months earlier.

“The Well-Fed Writer helped me build the foundation for my business; and Peter's one-on-one advice gave me the extra "shot in the arm" I needed to not only make a living as a freelancer, but to exceed my income expectations in a very short period of time.”

Wendy Knerr
The Write Effect
Austin, Texas

 
“I was at a life-changing crossroads when I took Peter's course. I’d left a six-figure income and was anxious about pushing full-steam ahead into full-time freelance writing. Peter is equal parts preacher, psychologist and coach which was exactly the combination I needed to propel me into committed action. His generosity, insight, and advice in our mentoring sessions helped me establish myself in a top market in a year, making a comfortable income with great clients. Thanks to Peter, I have a wonderful new lifestyle and a career I love using my gifts.”

Suzanne Wright
President, Write2 Inc.
Atlanta, GA

  
“The time I spent with Peter one-on-one was extremely valuable because he knows the business so very well. Peter was able to give me very timely advice with several specific and detailed ideas to help me improve my sales and marketing.He was also a great encourager during some of those slower startup days and his technical expertise enabled me to perform some crucial fine-tuning that gave my business the shot in the arm it needed.

“With Peter's help and a lot of hard work of my own in less than six months I began generating a monthly part-time income of over a thousand dollars, while holding a full-time job, which I have kept to this day.Near the end of my first year, I snagged one project that netted me just under $10,000!Is this lucrative? The numbers speak for themselves!

“I would highly recommend Peter Bowerman's consulting services to any aspiring or established freelance writer.The time, talent, caring, and wisdom that he will give to you will far outweigh the check you'll write to him.”

Jim Meadows
Freelance Commercial Writer
Kansas City, MO

  
“As a recent college grad, I was a little nervous about taking the plunge into commercial writing. Peter helped me tighten up my website, strengthen my marketing strategies, and, most importantly, muster the confidence to take that first step. A must for anyone seriously considering pursuing this business.”

Todd Mayhew
Dyer, IN
   

“The first three chapters of the Well Fed Writer made such an impression on me that I contacted Peter the day after I bought the book. I had planned for years to make a transition to self-employment, but always talked myself out of leaving a lucrative job because I wasn’t sure I could be successful. I knew I needed an experienced mentor to stay on track.

“Peter’s a natural at coaching, and I consider his service one of the best investments I’ve made.He’s got the mechanics of freelancing down to a science.But Peter also has marvelous insight to the human side of business, and his ability to share that was essential for building my confidence.He really understands both writer and client experiences. It played out when he advised me on marketing strategies, pricing, and addressing my anxiety in changing careers.

“When my employer offered voluntary severance packages, I didn’t have to think about it for long - I left feeling that I was prepared to be successful.I had requests for bids within three weeks of earnest marketing, something I hadn’t dreamed would be possible! Now I’m off to a running start and have no excuse to think ‘small.’ And I’ll absolutely be calling on Peter’s expertise to help enable me for professional growth.”

Jill Taylor
TaylorWrites!
Atlanta, GA

 
"Considering a session with Peter Bowerman? Do it! His mentoring is superb and it’s well-nigh impossible to overstate how much can be gained in one hour of discussion with him. About seven months ago I set out to become a full-time freelance commercial writer but lost my way for various reasons. When I was about to throw in the towel, I remembered that Peter offers this service. Our talk revealed efforts I should beef up and approaches I should abandon. With the new strategy we outlined, my enthusiasm and my optimism have taken flight. Most importantly, my chances for success have improved dramatically. Peter's strong suggestion to "Leverage What You Know" has become my mantra. I’m now busy with developing my marketing materials and, just as Peter predicted, I’m getting plenty of writing from this angle. If you’re still skeptical, call me and I’d be happy to tell you myself just how useful Peter’s mentoring has been for me: 571-431-6388. "

Jason Hancock
Arlington, Virginia

  
“I started my freelance commercial writing business with the valuable help of Peter Bowerman. He's practical, insistent, experienced, and funny - exactly what I want in a mentor. Maybe you can hang a shingle without his help, but if you want to be a professional right out of the gate, you need Peter Bowerman.”

Rob Rutkowski
Freelance Commercial Writer
Mission Viejo, CA

  
“As a budding copywriter planning my new business, Peter’s mentoring input was quite valuable and useful. One problem I’ve had in researching commercial freelancing as a potential business is the highly competitive nature of many friendships. This detracts from the clarity and accuracy of peer review that you can reasonably expect from professional acquaintances. Peter is not biased in any direction and has no axe to grind. He will tell you what you have, what you need to work on, and how you should go about it. He has absolutely nothing to prove, and only wants to help. In my case he provided essential validation to ‘go for it!’ Thanks, Peter!

Don Wallace
Dayton, Ohio
www.donwallacewriting.com

  
"I want to thank Peter Bowerman for his support, feedback, and friendship. He truly is a treasure! After I read The Well-Fed Writer, an extremely "user-friendly" book for freelancers, I contacted Peter. I was surprised that a successful author would actually take the time to write back. In addition to providing some general advice, he recommended I join a local networking group, The Freelance Forum. This took me to the next level of turning my passion into a viable business. I later sought Peter's wisdom through his mentoring services. What can I say? He attentively listened to my ramblings, was extremely intuitive, and gave me practical feedback based on what I discovered I knew all along! This affirmation was the kick in the pants I needed to propel me to take my business seriously.

"Since then we've been in touch, and he always takes a genuine interest in my most recent roller coaster ride. Nothing like a warm smile and an energetic, "You go girl!" to make your day. Peter, thanks a million for making The Writing Greenhouse grow and blossom!"

Michele Ryan
The Writing Greenhouse
Atlanta, GA
   

“With a keen outsider’s eye, Peter saw things in my business that were unclear to me because I was too ‘close’ to it. The biggest one was that I was not emphasizing what I do best...add a ‘human touch’ to business writing. This was a great “A-ha!” moment for me.I now know how to best market my strengths.

Peter also helped me handle some issues with ‘problem’ clients and boosted my own confidence by doing so.I now ask to be paid what I’m worth without flinching...and I get it. I can’t recommend consulting with Peter highly enough.”

John Patten
Lynnfield, MA
www.Humantouchcopywriting.com

   
After living a paycheck-to-paycheck life, starting a business of one's own can be a daunting task. Peter talked me through the steps needed to create my writing business and get it going. The mentoring sessions didn't have the stodgy feel of a professor-pupil university lecture where the expert talks and the student listens. Rather, the tone is much more conversational with a steady back-and-forth. With good tips, tailored advice and valuable information, the sessions were indeed time well spent.

Jesse Reeves
Dayton, OH
www.reeveswriting.com

  
“I’m confident the hour I spent with Peter reviewing my marketing materials will pay huge dividends. He provided great tips to “tighten up” my message, and insight into where my marketing efforts will be most effective. There is simply no substitute for Peter’s experience, and his ability to impart the wisdom that only comes from years of prolific execution of his craft. I’ll definitely be calling again.”

Craig Reaves – Copywriter
Jacksonville, FL
www.lastwordcopy.com

  
Becoming a freelance writer is an exciting, scary, overwhelming goal. What a relief to have a trustworthy adviser on my side. Peter gives great advice. He is sincere and encouraging. By following just the first of his suggestions, my investment in our session has already paid for itself more than twice over. I would definitely call him again.

Kelly Parkinson
San Francisco, CA
www.copylicious.com

  
Peter Bowerman shares his golden nuggets of wisdom so that we aspiring freelance writers may never be forced to eat McNuggets again. Peter nailed what I've been doing right and wrong in my self-marketing approach and after one mentoring session, I now have the means to craft a solid action plan. As a former journalist who's transitioned into commercial writing, I needed help repackaging my services and clearly defining how my writing benefits my clients. Now I know what I need to do to get in front of clients who can pay respectable rates. Peter motivated me to challenge myself to dash my mediocre expectations and kick my freelance commercial writing into full gear. If science could figure out how to bean 'n' bag the energy he offers, it'd make one helluva coffee.

If you're thinking about taking your freelance writing up a notch and like me, you lacked the direction and motivation needed to get started, sign up for a mentoring session with Peter. It's money well spent.

Heidi LaFleche
Freelance Commercial Writer
Watertown, MA

  
“THANK YOU for being my shepherd on my upcoming book. It’s amazing what a few hours with someone who knows their stuff can do for someone like me. With your direction, I can say that I have both feet firmly planted in the right path towards success.”

Michael Stelzner, Author
How to Write White Papers
Founder, www.whitepapersource.com
International Authority on White Papers
  

“Peter Bowerman has proven to be the single most helpful person in our self-publishing undertaking, and not just once, but many times over. He is a wonderful consultant, very knowledgeable and approachable. Even if you are fairly confident of the direction in which you are heading, bouncing your ideas and plans off of Peter, at the very least, will reassure you that you are indeed heading down the best possible path. And if you're new to self-publishing, Peter's experience and wisdom is likely to not only save you money and heartache, as it has us, but dramatically increase your chances of being successful.”

Gary Egeberg & Wayne Raiter, Authors (and self-publishers)
The Forgiveness Myth
www.theforgivenessmyth.com

  
With “Led Zeppelin” in your title, you’d better do things right. Especially if you’ve never published a book before. When we begged Peter to mentor us, he was as excited as we were. Wow! Enthusiasm and expertise! His diplomatic critique of our website was devastating. He shot holes in our blimp, but he was bang-on. He helped patch up our site in time to ride the wave of international publicity for Zeppelin’s O2 Arena reunion gig. Peter’s mantra: build demand for your book. Our website does that. People can’t wait to buy our books. We’ve earned a reputation for solid research and brand-new info. We’ve developed incredible rapport with our audience, largely by emulating the way Peter has treated us. He’s smart. Sincere. And a hoot to work with. He treats our book as his own. Recently, we asked for help with book pricing and shipping charges. Concerned we were paying too much for our printing, he shopped around. Care and commitment? Priceless. Thank you, Peter, for helping us get the Led out.

Frank Reddon, Author
Lou Anne Reddon,Editor
SONIC BOOM: The Impact of Led Zeppelin
www.enzepplopedia.com

  
"Trying to brand and promote yourself is, to paraphrase Churchill, like standing in a bucket and trying to lift yourself up by the handle. Although I've had a successful career in creative communications, when time came to promote my book, I saw the need for outside opinions.”

"Enter Peter Bowerman. His on-the-money feedback and real-world insights have been a joy and wonder.”

"He closely collaborated with me during the naming of my book. He poured his wisdom into my marketing plan. And he's given me tons of tactical leads- from the perfect mailing envelope for galleys (Uline.com, Jiffylite #2) to the perfect proofreader (Blane Bachelor - don't let your manuscript leave home without her, blanebachelor@aol.com). ”

"The guy is good. I wholeheartedly recommend Peter Bowerman's consulting services to all writers and authors. Don't sit alone at an empty table. Call in the Well-Fed Writer.”

Sam Harrison
Atlanta, GA
Author: Zing! 5 Steps and 101 Tips For Creativity on Command
www.zingzone.com
    

Thanks so much for being so thoughtful and thorough in our mentoring sessions on my budding self-publishing venture. Being my first work, it's been wonderful to be able to consult with you on all of the various issues to consider--title, ebook, soliciting endorsements, marketing strategy and so much more. You have already saved me much wasted effort. Not only do you give me definite opinions, you back them up with sound reasoning, facts and your proven successful experience with your books. In addition, your copywriting expertise has also helped me, in both your titling coaching and helping me craft an effective pitch letter. I feel blessed to have you in my corner. I will definitely be emailing soon again to add on some more time. ”

David Lundberg, Author
“ What God REALLY Wants Us to Know:
33 Unifying and Divine Principles of Love and Life Shared by All World Religions”
    

Peter’s advice was instrumental in helping me devise and improve a marketing strategy for my novel, “Teeth in a Pickle Jar.” More specifically, he advised me to change the book’s cover so as to make it more “salable”; he also offered suggestions on how to promote the book to my target audience (women) through online and other channels. I will likely use his expertise again in the near future.”

Helena Bachmann Milligan, Author
Teeth in a Pickle Jar
www.teethinapicklejar.com

  
(From an author whose book title I questioned as not fitting her subject nor truly doing her whole book concept justice. I suggested an alternative, and she wrote…) 

“The transformation from ‘The Color Book’ to ‘Art Sparks!’ is ingenious. I originally thought the intent of my book was a focus on creating art with color, when actually the book really is about generating ideas and motivating young ones to spark and ignite their own ideas using color! It took your sharp eye to discern this most important, necessary change and change an ambiguous title into a highly focused one. It was an invaluable shift that places the emphasis where it needs to be – on the development of creative ideas! Thanks, Peter for your unique vision.”

(She also had me rewrite her back cover copy and when she saw the result, wrote):

“Wow, I’m speechless! You have such a gift. You really put a fantastic spin on the type. I truly am in awe of your talents and ease of creation. I can’t thank you enough. You saved my title and helped me out so much!”

Jana Manville, Author
Art Sparks!
St. Louis, MO
www.artsparksbook.com

    
“Peter played THE key role in developing and refining my book title. This elusive element plagued me during the several years I was writing. My subject required particular sensitivity and a nuanced title/subtitle/sub-subtitle combination to capture and balance almost conflicting communication requirements. Peter stayed with me, and kept at it, digging deep and deeper until he hit paydirt. He dug up a gold nugget of a title, for which I am profoundly grateful. The more I live with 'Notes from the Waiting Room,' the more I love it. It captures the pensive aspects of the book, and suggests the environment from which the book's offerings emanate. Peter, you did good.”

Bart Windrum, Author
Notes from the Waiting Room:
Managing a Loved One's End-of-Life Hospitalization
(Includes: Choosing End-of-Life Care Without Hospitalization)

  
“Thank goodness I ran across Peter before my company’s book (written by the firm’s principals) went to print. In short order, he gave us advice that saved us an immeasurable amount of money ($40,000 if I had to guess). Peter’s straightforward advice on how to create a GREAT subtitle helped us to take our plan for this book to the next level! We were missing a simple yet crucial element and Peter saved us. What I enjoyed most about working with Peter was that he didn’t tell us what we needed to do; he asked strategic and focused questions that helped my whole team really get behind the changes we needed to make.” 

Leah Volk, Public Relations Manager
Pathways to Leadership, Denver, CO
www.pathwaystoleadership.com

  
“Peter worked with me in the early stages of my book (about construction for homeowners) and his input was extremely helpful. After reviewing my table of contents and several chapters, he offered his feedback, which, crucially, helped me see that not only was I writing to the wrong audience, but that my “techno-speak” was neither reader- friendly nor engaging. He also made me realize that the material needed a clearer purpose and more lineal progression. With this excellent feedback, I’m excited about rewriting the material, and feel much more confident in being able to write the right book for the right audience in the right way. I look forward to working with Peter again!”

Kia Ricchi
St. Cloud, Florida
www.centerlineart.com