West Wales writer who defied the odds to enjoy a six-figure income says you can, too

Independent publisher Beachy Books has signed inspirational independent freelance journalist Andrew Don under its new traditional imprint.

The Bounty Writer – How to Earn Six Figures as an Independent Freelance Journalist, is a blend of the autobiographical and the practical.

Andrew, who moved to Tresaith two years ago from London, has written prolifically for the national press and business-to-business (B2B) media for nearly 40 years

“I am nothing special and if I can do it, so can anyone else if they put in the hours, can string words together coherently, is insatiably inquisitive and refuses to take no for an answer,” says Andrew. “My book shows you how.”

What makes Andrew’s story so remarkable is that he battled severe anxiety and depression throughout his life, he overcame a stammer and has suffered severe hearing loss since childhood.

He began his career in 1984 at a national news agency where his news editor advised him to give it up. Determined to prove him wrong, Andrew went on to successfully hold various senior positions, including features editor, news editor and deputy editor of B2B publications.

During the past 30 years running Don’s Hard News, Andrew’s work has been published in hundreds of newspapers and magazines including, The Guardian, The Observer, The Times and the Financial Times. He was launch editor of award-winning trade association magazine SalonFocus and managing editor of hospitality industry magazine Peach Report.

He ran a team of journalists for 17 years, producing early-morning news bulletins for B2B websites, including Estates Gazette Interactive, Farmers’ Weekly Interactive, Chemical News and Intelligence and Martin Information (now known as MCA-Insight).

The Bounty Writer, scheduled for publication on 2 July is Andrew’s third book. His first, Fathers Feel Too, a book about miscarriage and stillbirth, was published by charity SANDS in 2005. Virtuality, a self-published ebook, followed in 2011.

He lives in Tresaith with his wife, Liz, a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a DuCorps Cockatoo. He has two adopted adult children. His passions are wildlife, long-distance walking, gardening, literature and music.

The Bounty Writer is available now to pre-order from all popular bookstores RRP £12.99. Andrew Don is available for interview and book signings/events by contacting Beachy Books philipbell@beachybooks.com 07772 772741 www.beachybooks.com