The Principles of Successful Freelancing

In the first chapter, author Miles Burke, discusses the pros and cons of freelancing to help you determine if freelancing is right for you. The advantages includes flexible working hours and location, choice of wide variety of projects, being in charge, and constant education. Some of the negatives are financial insecurity, lack of corporate socializing and company benefits, blurred boundaries between home and work, needing to wear multiple hats.

Book recommends to hire a professional for accounting rather than trying to do yourself [p49]. He also advises not to win work by being the cheapest [p55]. On page 33, it talks about the difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship.

Books contains cases studies and interviews with other freelancers.

How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business

Jim Smith, a successful home-based web designer, offers his advice for people who want to start their own web design business. Book includes sample business plan, sample contract, and start-up checklist.

It covers "Search Engine Placement and Marketing Advice" (page 33), "How to Create a Good Business Plan" (page 51), "Pros and Cons of Different Business Structures (page 66), "Setting Your Rates" (page 89), "Accounting Methods" (page 113), "Attracting Customers" (page 151), plus advertising, promoting, and online marketing.

Selling Graphic and Web Design

From the back cover: "Attract today's savvy design clients! A veteran designer who turned a small business into a multimillion-dollar company shares his strategies for success..."

Working For Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants

Nolo produces great legal books.

From the front cover...
"

• Set competitive fees
• Stay out of tax trouble
• Limit personal liability
• Draft solid client agreements
• Get paid on time

"

The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide to Running a Small Graphic Design or Communications Business

From the back cover: "the most comprehensive business companion available to freelance graphic designers, interactive designers, ... guides you step-by-step through the process of being successfully self-employed."

The book is divided into four sections that covers all aspects of the business: 1) Establishing a Freelance Business, 2) Pricing, Collecting and Taxation, 3) Selling and Marketing, 4) Running a Multiperson Shop.

Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer

The books start off about the pluses and minuses of freelancing. Chapter 2 includes finding the right markets. Chapter 4 is about creating a plan for your business. Chapter 7 has sample forms, charts, and templates. Chapter 8 talks about pricing and getting paid. Chapter 10 talks about bringing in clients. Chapter 12 talks about assembling a portfolio. Chapter 20 talks about marketing on the web.

The book talks about the various markets for illustrators such as magazine market, newspapers, ad agencies, book publishers, etc.

My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire

From the back cover, "Michelle Goodman, freelance writer and author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide, offers advice, anecdotes, hard-won wisdom, and everything else you need to ramp up and succeed as a creative worker for hire."

Six-Figure Freelancing

On the front cover: "The Writer's Guide to Making More Money". Book is by Kelly James-Enger who was a lawyer who became a freelance writer.