How to succeed as a Freelancer in Publishing: The Complete Guide

by Emma Murray, Charlie Wilson

This book tells you how to build a successful freelance business around supplying publishing services. The publishing industry depends on writers and editors, proofreaders and designers, PR and typesetters. For those in the know, there is a wealth of opportunities on offer. Graduates, retired professionals, in-house editors, career-changers - more and more people are taking the plunge and going freelance. You can succeed as a freelancer in publishing, and this book shows you how. It includes top tips; insider knowledge and case studies; information on how to market yourself, deal with finance and find out what your clients are looking for - plus invaluable insights from other successful freelancers and industry experts.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, encouraging and easy to read

There's lots of helpful information in this book, delivered in a friendly, clear way. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to find out more about freelancing.

[Dr. Dima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly an invaluable book for anyone thinking of going freelance even if for those not in the publishing business. The writing style reflects the author's experience in writing and editing. It is entertaining, straightforward, and the font is easy for the eyes (big plus).

The book contains 10 chapters, with chapter 1 explaining the attributes necessary for a person going freelance and the necessity of evaluating your attributes before moving into the freelance world. Chapters 2 to 6 are the ones I found most useful. They outline how to start your business and the need to register with the authorities, how to protect yourself with terms and conditions, how to handle the financial aspects of your business, and how to market your business and build an online presence.

I have read several books related to starting a freelance or a consulting business, and this one was the most useful in relation to protecting yourself with 'terms and conditions' and 'project agreement' forms. I haven't read about these in any other book on freelance and consulting.

While the book does not go into the details of, for example, legal business structures, the nitty gritty of taxes, or how to build your website, I would consider it a starting point and, if you need to learn more about these aspects, buy more specialized books. For me, this book served as an important starting book on top of my bundle of books that I have read before starting my consulting business.

The book finishes with inspirational stories from other people who have worked as freelancers. Ironically, I didn't find these stories inspirational. What I found inspirational is the two authors' stories and how they did some mistakes along the way.

[Louise O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic source of information in one book. This book is a godsend for those starting out as a freelancer. Great tips and a wealth of knowledge, I would highly recommend this to anyone at the beginning of their freelance career.