A Well-Fed Retirement: Celebrating Peter Bowerman’s Impact on Freelance Writers

Peter Bowerman is retiring. I’ve known this for a while, but some days it’s still tough to wrap my head around. Peter has been a constant in my freelance career–serving as inspiration, being a positive influence, and offering a friendly and supportive ear.

I have copies of every version of The Well-Fed Writer. We’ve repeatedly been guests on each others’ sites and newsletters. And he’s almost certainly the colleague I’ve recommended new freelancers to the most.

A constant.

When I first discovered Peter’s work (and I don’t remember how that was, though I’d be surprised if it wasn’t through fellow freelancer, Lori Widmer), I enjoyed his takes for how much we had in common…

“Real talk.” The lack of coddling messaging like “this is so easy anyone can do it” that was common at the time. The emphasis on the hard work required to be a successful freelancer. The focus on making freelance writing not just a viable career, but a highly profitable one.

But I also enjoyed Peter and his work for the ways we were different…

I’ve long focused on what I call a “query-free freelancing” approach that combines PR and inbound marketing strategies to attract clients. Peter focused more on prospecting and direct pitching, specifically cold-calling. That was a good thing. It meant I could refer newer freelancers to someone who could fill in those gaps I couldn’t help them with.

While I’m grateful for the opportunity to take The Well-Fed Writer forward, it’s not without a little bit of sadness. But I hope we can all do our part to make sure Peter’s stories, lessons, and broader work continue to reach new and aspiring commercial freelance writers, helping to launch and grow careers well into the future.

For now though, a quick message:

Thank you Peter. For all you’ve done, and for all you continue to do. The freelance writing community is better for having you in it. Wishing you all the best in your much-deserved retirement and all the new adventures that await you. Know you will always have a home here, and you’re welcome back any time.

But Peter… I’m not the only one who wants to wish you well and let you know what you’ve meant to the careers of your fellow freelance professionals. From old friends to writers influenced by your work, it’s time to turn over the floor.

From Lori Widmer

There’s no way to overstate the role that Peter Bowerman has played in the advancement of freelancing. Peter’s wonderful book, The Well-Fed Writer, his course, and his blog (this blog) became–and still are–the go-to sources for anyone wanting to start or improve their freelance writing business. His style is relaxed and friendly because that’s who he is as a person. I for one am happy to have known him. He has been a wonderful ally in the freelance world, and we all owe him a huge thank you for providing a pathway to success. Happy trails, Peter! May your next chapter be just as wonderful.

Lori Widmer, Words on the Page

From Don Sadler

I remember when I first heard of the Well-Fed Writer back in the 1990s and thinking how clever it was. I was employed at the time but dreamed of one day becoming a full-time freelance writer. When I finally took the plunge, one of the first things I did was buy Peter’s book. The wisdom contained in the book, along with all of his other freelance resources, has been invaluable to my freelance journey over the past 16 years.

Best wishes for your retirement, Peter!

Don Sadler, Freelance financial and business writer

From Casey Hibbard

As a wide-eyed and optimistic new freelancer, I stumbled across The Well-Fed Writer at my local bookstore more than two decades ago. It contained the ingredients, recipes, and confidence I desperately needed to build a copywriting business. Then, the chance to contribute to later editions were “I made it” milestones. Perfectly timed, The Well-Fed Self Publisher came out just as I planned to write a book. Thanks for always being a step ahead, guiding me and others along the way. Is your next book perhaps, The Well-Fed Retiree? Whatever’s next, I wish you all the best!

Casey Hibbard, Compelling-Cases.com

From Sharon Hurley-Hall

“I was already three years into my freelance writing career when I first came across Peter Bowerman’s masterpiece, The Well-Fed Writer. It was a handbook for freelance writing success, and confirmed that I could have that success, on my terms, from the small island of Barbados where I lived. The book was a key resource that helped me to create a successful and well-paid freelance career over the next 10+ years. I was also lucky enough to interact with Peter in a writing community and found his no-nonsense and commonsense advice both helpful and refreshing. I’ll always be grateful that our paths crossed.”

Sharon Hurley Hall, veteran freelance writer and founder, Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter

From Jake Poinier

Summer of 2001, two years into my freelance career, and the phone had stopped ringing—but I knew there was no way I was going back to corporate drudgery. The Well-Fed Writer caught my eye on the shelf at the local Borders, and Peter’s cold-calling strategy seemed like the right tool to get me out of the dumps. A few hundred calls (and cups of coffee) later, I’d booked a pile of projects—including several clients and their referral-descendants who are still regulars almost 25 years later.

Over time, I corresponded periodically with Peter and had the opportunity to meet him in person at a local writers group. He’s the real deal: kind, generous, funny, and full of business insights that changed my trajectory and the prospects of any freelancer who puts his strategies to work. Congrats to the Well-Deserved Retiree!

Jake Poinier, Dr. Freelance

From Cathy Miller

I started my freelance career in 2008. I don’t remember how or when I first “met” Peter (boomer brain here) but I suspect it was through Jenn’s site, All Freelance Writing. I wish I encountered Peter and his books before I left a corporate career of over three decades. I went the safe route of being a business writer in my corporate specialty. But I found myself attracted to Peter’s copywriting world. So much creativity. I never really thought about it but I think it was Peter’s influence that had me directing the latter part of my business writing career to more copywriting and less content writing.

Peter has such a generous nature and is the kind of influencer I hope to be. I contributed to Peter’s newsletter where I discovered his love of all things techie. I submitted an article about LinkedIn. Me being my stickler self, I included the registered copyright each time I used the LinkedIn name. In those days, WordPress went crazy (probably still does) when trying to convert Word into a post.  I unintentionally tortured Peter with the ensuing mess of WordPress freaking out over that dang copyright symbol. But Peter being Peter was gracious in dealing with it. I felt so bad I sent him a copy without the dreaded symbol!

Thank you, Peter, for all you’ve given the independent writer community, especially this insecure business owner who you helped to dream bigger. Wishing you all the best.

Cathy Miller, Simply-Stated Business

From Devon Ellington

Peter Bowerman’s The Well-Fed Writer gave me the courage to leave technical theatre for full-time writing. I worked professionally in the theatre since I was 18, and loved it, but I was aging out of the physicality of backstage work. I was always a writer; I often had a midnight show of my own running in Greenwich Village after completing my work on a commercial show uptown. But The Well-Fed Writer helped me map out what I needed in order to make the leap. He gave me ideas on how to translate my theatre skills (which people incorrectly believe have no meaning in “real life”) in ways that help companies engage and expand their audiences. There were practical, actionable steps set out that I could follow to build my business and give me confidence that this was the right move.

Peter is also a warm, funny, kind, excellent human being all around. I wish him a joyful retirement, and I am grateful for everything he’s taught so many of us.

Devon Ellington, Ink in My Coffee

From Latanya West

Peter, you were the first person I learned from when I started on this journey of mine as a freelance copywriter and quit my teaching job. From The Well-Fed Writer, Back For Seconds, to The Well-Fed Toolbox, your books and toolkits gave me practical, step-by-step tools that helped me get clients right away. You were truly a voice in the wilderness that helped me see a way forward and gave me courage. I’m sure I’m just one of many you’ve helped along the way. All the best as you enter retirement and begin this next chapter!

Latanya West, LatanyaWest.com

From Dava Stewart

In 2008, I had a job as an administrative assistant’s assistant in an office of recruiters. I was supposed to be in charge of maintaining a database, but really, I was there to answer the phone when the admin was at lunch or needed to leave early. It was an uncomfortable job. I didn’t really mesh well with anyone there, it was an open office which is tough for an introvert.

Around this time, I came across The Well Fed Writer. Because I’d already read it, I wasn’t upset when I got laid off. I might have even been a little excited. Peter Bowerman talked about things that had never occurred to me. Like, I never really thought about how so many of us have internalized the idea that writers have to be poor and labor away in a freezing garret. Or about how it might be possible to build a living suited to my own wants and needs.

In the years since, I’ve built a flexible, fulfilling business that keeps me very well-fed. I’ve loaned Peter’s book to many friends, and recommended it to many more strangers who have asked about how to become a freelance writer. Although specific tactics may be different now, the advice and inspiration in The Well Fed Writer remains timeless and invaluable, and I’ll always appreciate how much it helped me create my dream career.

Dava Stewart, Smiling Tree Writing

From Ed Gandia

Like many freelance writers, I discovered Peter’s The Well-Fed Writer when I was first contemplating the leap into freelance writing. His book wasn’t just informative—it became my roadmap and confidence builder. So much so that in 2004, I sent Peter a heartfelt thank-you email, not expecting much beyond maybe a brief acknowledgment.

Instead, I got a warm reply and an unexpected proposition: since I lived in the Atlanta area, Peter suggested we meet for lunch. The deal? I could pick his brain if I picked up the tab. Talk about a no-brainer! That lunch gave me not only practical advice, but also the extra push of confidence I needed to move forward with my business.

That first meeting evolved into a tradition that continues to this day. Every few months, Peter and I meet up at what I like to call his “culinary adventures.” You see, Peter has two non-negotiable rules for our lunch spots: they must be cheap, and they must be exotic. No chains, no fancy establishments—just local, family-owned places that often look like they could be featured on a food detective show.

In one memorable spot, you had to navigate through the kitchen to find the bathroom! But that’s vintage Peter—always seeking out the authentic experience, always making every interaction memorable in order to stay “well-fed.”

Through the years, these lunch dates have transformed into a cherished friendship. Peter, thank you for your wisdom, your encouragement, and for introducing me to some of Atlanta’s most “interesting” dining establishments. Here’s to your well-earned retirement. And may our culinary adventures continue!

Ed Gandia, B2BLauncher.com

Welcome everyone to the re-launch of the Well-Fed Writer blog. We’ll talk more about what this next chapter will look like in our next post. Again, a big THANK YOU to Peter for everything he’s done and continues to do, as well as for his patience and assistance with this transition.

Also, thank you to every colleague who shared their story or well-wishes here. I’d like to invite all of you to do the same if you’ve ever been touched by Peter’s advice, mentoring, books, or other work.

Comments are open!