Making Money In Your PJs: Freelancing for Voice Actors and other Solopreneurs Paperback – May 7, 2014

Let me start by saying I am an avid reader of Paul Strikwerda's blog. I have read all of his articles, many of them two or more times over. Here you can find the best of the best of Paul's articles, written in his accessible, humorous style, littered liberally with charming wordplay and literary devices that convey the man's intelligence and love of the written word as well as the spoken one. Paul's written voice sounds natural in your mind's ear, a lesson in itself for the burgeoning writer and voiceover artist.Here you can find the best of the best of Paul's articles, ordered logically and cohesively to take you on a journey to dispell any myths and misinformation you may have about "breaking in" to voiceovers, to building a business mindset, to building an actual business.He won't discourage you from pursuing this dream, but he won't pull punches as he asks the right questions to get YOU to ask the right questions.Here is the best of the best, simply because Paul is the best of the best. Period. The best VO freelancer. The best VO blogger. And now author of one of the best VO books money can buy. Buy this book for yourself or someone you know interested in VO. You won't regret it,

If I had to summarise Paul's book, here's what I would say..."The truth can set you free, but it'll probably peeve you off in the process....and that's a good thing, because if it didn't peeve you off, you probably wouldn't implement the changes that can help your business thrive . "Paul's book is a refreshing mix of common sense, business acumen and great storytelling.Whilst his focus is on the business of voice over, the principles and lessons apply equally to those earning an income as a freelancer in pretty much any other industry across the globe.As a former journalist for global media powerhouses like the BBC and Radio Netherlands, Paul's writing style is both polished and engaging, but where he truly shines is in his ability to get inside your head and answer the questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask.If you're a self-employed voice over artist, or a self-employed freelancer in any other creative industry, do yourself a favour and take a dose of Paul Strikwerda's medicine.You may not like how it tastes going down, but if you pay attention and take your medicine faithfully, you'll be better placed to build a sustainable business for the long term.A big thumbs up from this reviewer.

First off, I want to be transparent in the fact that I am a big fan of Paul’s. I came across his blog when I was just getting started as a voice actor and he has been instrumental (though he has no idea) in helping me put together so many aspects of my studio and the philosophy of working on and building my business.I highly recommend his book, “Making Money in Your PJs” for voice actors or anyone who is decided or trying to decide about a career in voice or any type of independent work on your own. He provides great insights, ideas, and passion about the work. He also talks about the mindset needed to succeed, which is as important, or maybe the most important key to success. Like any great coach, he wants to help his students succeed and even though he’s not my coach, he’s been there more than he will you know! A great book of information that was enjoyable to read. Thank you so much Paul! Now, if I could only afford a StudioBricks One!

Paul goes above and beyond in laying out exactly what to expect for not only potential voiceover talent, but seasoned pro's as well. For most of this book I felt as if Paul were speaking DIRECTLY to me! It was like a check list of, "Yep...not doing that...right...need to do that...oh man...how'd he know I was falling behind here too?"While it sounds cliche to say this is a must-read for VO...it actually is. I will forever recommend this book to up and coming voice talent and anyone who is thinking of branching off into a new career. Being a solopreneur can be a 24/7 job if you let it. Paul Strikwerda has written a thoroughly balanced and honest portrayal of what it takes to "make it."My only complaint about the book is that I finished it and now need to get off my butt to put his insights into practice...

I would give this book five stars for the awesome information, but blazing through all the negativity and ranting had to dock a star. Thank you for the bits of awesome information but maybe for your next book have 2 chapters of solid worthwhile info and the rest just to ranting.In hindsight I should of copied page numbers of what is really worth reading and posted them here, maybe someone can do that in the next review

This is the unvarnished Voiceover truth you need to hear to have a successful business and a positive mindset to keep you going. The best VO book I’ve read this year. (No. 1 of the fourteen on my goodreads.) Read it and it may change the way you approach your life and business. Thanks, Paul

Not a terrible book, but there is a disconnect between the title and the content. The title promises to provide some insight into freelance entrepreneurship (specifically voice over work) - and there is some useful stuff there - but MOST of the book is aimed at telling the reader he/she can’t actually do it. At least not without spending tens of thousands of dollars and years of training before actually selling your services!Paul does make some good points, and helping people understand that working as a freelance entrepreneur involves a lot more than sitting on your couch in your pajamas is worthy. But more time spent in providing direction, less time denigrating people who are taking a different path, and less wandering from topic would have earned a higher star score from me.

Not what I expected but … Paul’s wit and “in your face truth” is refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, so much so, I downed it 2 days, all 425 pages. Hope we cross paths one day, it’s on my bucket list!