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Survival Skills for Freelancers: Tried and Tested Tips to Help You Ace Self-Employment Without Burnout
"absolute gold" "a must-have book" "a pocket business mentor" "an instant gem" "shines with empathy and warmth" “outstanding” Whether you’re new to freelance life, thinking of taking the leap or more experienced, the messiness and challenges of self-employment can trip you up if you’re not prepared. Survival Skills for Freelancers is your secret weapon to help you do what you love and love what you do . You’ll learn ★ Trust your instinct, and discover the empowering magic of saying no ★ Build a community, find new clients and make the most of your network ★ Set better boundaries and create a work–life balance that works for you ★ Take control and remember you’re the boss – not your clients! ★ Deal with the isolation that comes with self-employment ★ Value your worth and know how and what to charge ★ Deal with comparisonitis and put a stop to negative self-talk ★ Prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing – you’re nothing without them! ★ Tackle the fear of failure and grasp opportunities that’ll build your confidence ★ Ditch self-doubt and imposter syndrome for good! Crammed with personal anecdotes , practical advice and tales from the freelance community , Survival Skills for Freelancers busts the myths about being your own boss, to help you ace self-employment without burnout. Get more than 20 years of freelance experience – plus quotes and case studies from over 100 freelancers – in 200 unputdownable pages . ABOUT THE AUTHOR I've spent 20+ years as a freelance copywriter. I built a successful freelance career with very little guidance – but you don’t have to. In Survival Skills for Freelancers I share the secrets I've learnt from both the things that worked AND the things that didn’t. In my straight-talking, conversational tone, I guide you through the highs and lows all freelancers face – from isolation , uncertainty and self-doubt to knowing what to charge , when to ask for help , and when to say no . These tried and tested strategies are based on real life experience, backed up by research, resources and quotes from the freelance community. READER REVIEWS “Before you set up your website, think about your product and audience and offering, spend your first few pounds on this book. It'll make every subsequent pound and hour better spent.”
Matthew Knight, founder, Leapers “I’ve been freelancing for 15+ years and I wish I’d read this book on day one. Every page is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom. Get it!”
Tom Albrighton, author, The Freelance Introvert “A warm, practical and empathetic guide to the challenges of being your own boss. I could have done with this before embarking on a decade as a self-employed reporter and presenter!”
Ed Draper, Sky Sports broadcaster ”It’s so nice to read a book written by a proper copywriter who knows how to get words from the page to the mind with the least resistance. It's just so goddamn intuitive to read.”
Matt Phil Carver, copywriter “A brilliantly relatable and comprehensive guide that holds your hand with compassion and humour through the rocky yet undeniably exciting world of self-employment.”
Louise Goss, founder, The Homeworker
Matthew Knight, founder, Leapers “I’ve been freelancing for 15+ years and I wish I’d read this book on day one. Every page is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom. Get it!”
Tom Albrighton, author, The Freelance Introvert “A warm, practical and empathetic guide to the challenges of being your own boss. I could have done with this before embarking on a decade as a self-employed reporter and presenter!”
Ed Draper, Sky Sports broadcaster ”It’s so nice to read a book written by a proper copywriter who knows how to get words from the page to the mind with the least resistance. It's just so goddamn intuitive to read.”
Matt Phil Carver, copywriter “A brilliantly relatable and comprehensive guide that holds your hand with compassion and humour through the rocky yet undeniably exciting world of self-employment.”
Louise Goss, founder, The Homeworker
- GenresBusinessNonfictionEbooks
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2020
69 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Townsend
2 books6 followersSarah Townsend has spent 20+ years as a freelance copywriter, and has worked with words her entire career. She has two well-behaved children and two badly behaved cats, and lives in Gloucestershire, England.
Aside from The Little Book of Confusables, Survival Skills for Freelancers and monthly Clever Copy Club updates, Sarah does most of her writing for purpose-led businesses who want brilliant websites to help them stand out from the crowd.
As a speaker at events and conferences, Sarah provides practical advice on copywriting, and shares real-life experience on the mindset needed for self-employed success and confidence.
In her spare time, she loves live music, long walks in the countryside and photography, and is a self-confessed language nerd and movie geek. She dislikes queues, coriander, and writing about herself in the third person.
Stay in touch by joining Sarah's thriving Clever Copy Club community at https://www.sarahtownsendeditorial.co...
Aside from The Little Book of Confusables, Survival Skills for Freelancers and monthly Clever Copy Club updates, Sarah does most of her writing for purpose-led businesses who want brilliant websites to help them stand out from the crowd.
As a speaker at events and conferences, Sarah provides practical advice on copywriting, and shares real-life experience on the mindset needed for self-employed success and confidence.
In her spare time, she loves live music, long walks in the countryside and photography, and is a self-confessed language nerd and movie geek. She dislikes queues, coriander, and writing about herself in the third person.
Stay in touch by joining Sarah's thriving Clever Copy Club community at https://www.sarahtownsendeditorial.co...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 15, 2021
Written in an engaging, friendly yet informative style, this book is jam packed with relevant advice for anyone starting as a freelancer. Lots of hints and tips and views from other freelancers.
The book is succinct and to-the-point. Worth reading it through and then keeping it on hand to dip into.
The book is succinct and to-the-point. Worth reading it through and then keeping it on hand to dip into.
June 17, 2020
A no-nonsense primer on the rollercoaster of freelancing
In her chatty and approachable style, Sarah walks you through the highs and lows of working for yourself and gets frank about the most common pitfalls of self-employment — money, taking on too much, self-doubt, and even the toll being in complete control of your destiny can take on your mental health. Every chapter ends with exercises to help you get the most out of what you just read. And there are also quotes from other freelancers, which adds more context and lends different perspectives to the topic.
As someone who's been self-employed for five years, I got a lot out of this book, particularly when it comes to identifying my strengths and weaknesses.
But it has something for everyone.
If you're just starting out, it'll help you figure out the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts, and whether freelancing is even for you. If you're a battle-hardened veteran, you might learn something you didn't know about yourself, or discover new ways to streamline how you work and get more satisfaction out of this tough, but wonderful career path.
Highly recommended.
In her chatty and approachable style, Sarah walks you through the highs and lows of working for yourself and gets frank about the most common pitfalls of self-employment — money, taking on too much, self-doubt, and even the toll being in complete control of your destiny can take on your mental health. Every chapter ends with exercises to help you get the most out of what you just read. And there are also quotes from other freelancers, which adds more context and lends different perspectives to the topic.
As someone who's been self-employed for five years, I got a lot out of this book, particularly when it comes to identifying my strengths and weaknesses.
But it has something for everyone.
If you're just starting out, it'll help you figure out the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts, and whether freelancing is even for you. If you're a battle-hardened veteran, you might learn something you didn't know about yourself, or discover new ways to streamline how you work and get more satisfaction out of this tough, but wonderful career path.
Highly recommended.
June 22, 2020
I read this book over a weekend and it's full of useful tips for new freelancers and timely reminders for seasoned professionals.
Sarah is a long-standing freelance copywriter but the advice and tips she presents are useful to anyone thinking of going down the route of self-employment. She covers a lot of ground - from reminding freelancers to treat their work as a small business (which it is! Eg have a brand, a website, a business bank account) to scheduling their working day. And, of course, don't feel bad about farming out the things you aren't good at (who's spent hours slaving over their tax return... when employing an accountant would be a much better way of utilising your time).
She's very honest about how hard it is for freelancers to work at home in isolation and has lots of tips to deal with that. The book is peppered with quotes from freelancers, my favourite is: [when you're a freelance]... 'work is no longer a place you go to, it's the output that comes from you.' So true!
Sarah is a long-standing freelance copywriter but the advice and tips she presents are useful to anyone thinking of going down the route of self-employment. She covers a lot of ground - from reminding freelancers to treat their work as a small business (which it is! Eg have a brand, a website, a business bank account) to scheduling their working day. And, of course, don't feel bad about farming out the things you aren't good at (who's spent hours slaving over their tax return... when employing an accountant would be a much better way of utilising your time).
She's very honest about how hard it is for freelancers to work at home in isolation and has lots of tips to deal with that. The book is peppered with quotes from freelancers, my favourite is: [when you're a freelance]... 'work is no longer a place you go to, it's the output that comes from you.' So true!
June 22, 2020
Freelance life golden nuggets in this book
A great short read covering a few aspects of earning a living as a freelancer. For the people considering a freelance path this book will help you discovering how u like to work, how to avoid burn out, how to stay motivated and how to trust your value and take freelancing career seriously.
In the words of the author herself:
“True success is about balance. It’s about feeling fulfilled and inspired by a job you love...”
A great short read covering a few aspects of earning a living as a freelancer. For the people considering a freelance path this book will help you discovering how u like to work, how to avoid burn out, how to stay motivated and how to trust your value and take freelancing career seriously.
In the words of the author herself:
“True success is about balance. It’s about feeling fulfilled and inspired by a job you love...”
July 23, 2020
Practical advice to keep you grounded
Really enjoyed this book. Sarah laid out a number of myths when it comes to freelancing. She provided an alternative, then backed it up with personal experience, stories, and quotes from other freelancers.
Really enjoyed this book. Sarah laid out a number of myths when it comes to freelancing. She provided an alternative, then backed it up with personal experience, stories, and quotes from other freelancers.
June 27, 2020
Brilliant book!
Loved the sections on burnout, imposter syndrome, and getting help - things often not addressed on books on freelancing.
It's clear the author has put her heart and soul into writing this.
Well researched, well organised, and a must read for all freelancers in my opinion.
Loved the sections on burnout, imposter syndrome, and getting help - things often not addressed on books on freelancing.
It's clear the author has put her heart and soul into writing this.
Well researched, well organised, and a must read for all freelancers in my opinion.
August 30, 2020
Packed full of super helpful advice for freelancers new and old. Love the myth busting structure. Well written, wise and funny.
August 24, 2020
Freelancers, take note: you don’t want to miss this gem of a book from Sarah Townsend! In an easy, conversational tone that reads like you’re getting advice from a trusted friend, Sarah shares the things she’s learned over 20 years of freelancing experience. If you’re new to freelancing (or thinking about going freelance), there’s SO much you can learn from this book that will give you a head start on running a business (whichever industry you work in).
It covers freelancing myths and realities as well as practical advice and tips from Sarah and many other freelancers who have shared their experiences with her. You’ll read about the reality of being a “solo” worker, outsourcing tasks to make your life easier, setting your fees, taking time off, and more. I’ve been freelancing for 6 years, and I found myself nodding along at so many shared experiences and wishing I’d had a resource like this when I started 6 years ago.
My favourite quote: "If you don’t value yourself, your clients won’t, either." 🙌 I cannot recommend this book enough.
It covers freelancing myths and realities as well as practical advice and tips from Sarah and many other freelancers who have shared their experiences with her. You’ll read about the reality of being a “solo” worker, outsourcing tasks to make your life easier, setting your fees, taking time off, and more. I’ve been freelancing for 6 years, and I found myself nodding along at so many shared experiences and wishing I’d had a resource like this when I started 6 years ago.
My favourite quote: "If you don’t value yourself, your clients won’t, either." 🙌 I cannot recommend this book enough.
July 10, 2020
A fantastic book, written in a chatty and relaxed style, but packed full of wisdom and great takeaways for anybody just starting their freelance journey, or for seasoned freelancers.
Lots of advice, hints, tips, resources and links presented in bite sized chunks.
A must read.
Lots of advice, hints, tips, resources and links presented in bite sized chunks.
A must read.
June 26, 2020
Honest and Easy Read
I absolutely loved the time out sections as well as the snapshot interviews from real freelancers - it makes Survival Skills for Freelancers totally relatable. I look at the myths and thought, “Yep! I’ve worked through all of those during my 15+ years running my own business.”
Great insights, well researched, comes from an experienced freelancer and doesn’t offer any false promises like a lot of the drivel being published right now.
Get it, you won’t regret it.
I absolutely loved the time out sections as well as the snapshot interviews from real freelancers - it makes Survival Skills for Freelancers totally relatable. I look at the myths and thought, “Yep! I’ve worked through all of those during my 15+ years running my own business.”
Great insights, well researched, comes from an experienced freelancer and doesn’t offer any false promises like a lot of the drivel being published right now.
Get it, you won’t regret it.
January 8, 2021
A BOOK FOR DREAMERS AND BELIEVERS
From a comfortable life to a hustling one, achieving what one dreamt of, creating your own business and transpiring into an impressive freelancer.
Survival Skills For Freelancers is the secret sauce your freelancing business needs in order to succeed. The book is a version of her 20 years of experience as a freelancer. It is jam-packed with practical tips, tricks, advises and lessons.
Each chapter busts a freelancing myth and breaks it down into bite-sized chunks. It also offers quotes from other freelancers along with their several different perspectives.
In my 4+ years as a freelancer, i've read a number of business books and this is the first book that has spoken of mental health and well-being, A subject which is too often overlooked. Survival Skills For Freelancers tackles this head on.
A must read for everyone thinking of becoming a freelancer!
From a comfortable life to a hustling one, achieving what one dreamt of, creating your own business and transpiring into an impressive freelancer.
Survival Skills For Freelancers is the secret sauce your freelancing business needs in order to succeed. The book is a version of her 20 years of experience as a freelancer. It is jam-packed with practical tips, tricks, advises and lessons.
Each chapter busts a freelancing myth and breaks it down into bite-sized chunks. It also offers quotes from other freelancers along with their several different perspectives.
In my 4+ years as a freelancer, i've read a number of business books and this is the first book that has spoken of mental health and well-being, A subject which is too often overlooked. Survival Skills For Freelancers tackles this head on.
A must read for everyone thinking of becoming a freelancer!
July 14, 2020
I think Sarah Townsend's book is a great addition to the book shelf. As someone who has had to change my working experience due to covid, from being in a busy office to working from home, while I'm not a freelancer that shouldn't put people off like me from reading this book. With a concise and clearly layed out structure, with anecdotes peppered about to ensure that it's not just a dry text, but a passionately written guide with tips for all home workers. I'm definitely finding it a useful toolbox and will recommend it to others. 2020 has accelerated a paradigm shift in the way we all work, and this book is a timely addition. As for negatives, I would have liked more skills and tips, but then I guess I'll have to wait for a sequel or 2nd edition with maybe third party case studies using Sarah's techniques, I guess it's the old adage that you should always leave them wanting more.
June 19, 2022
Sarah boiled down her 20 years of freelancing into 200 pages beautifully. True to its name, the book is your survival kit as a freelancer.
The book not only provides an account of Sarah's experience as a freelancer but also has tips from other freelancers, along with their stories.
It busts a few myths about freelancing. It takes you through the so-called green grass of the freelance lifestyle.
Survival Skills for Freelancers is a basic reference guide for anyone who wants to make big as a freelancer.
Whether you're new freelancer or an experienced one feeling lost, you'll find the book helpful. I found the incidents highly relatable. Have went through some of the situations myself. And already some of the suggestions mentioned in those pages.
Highly recommended. Whether you read it now or add it to your library, it's a must-have.
The book not only provides an account of Sarah's experience as a freelancer but also has tips from other freelancers, along with their stories.
It busts a few myths about freelancing. It takes you through the so-called green grass of the freelance lifestyle.
Survival Skills for Freelancers is a basic reference guide for anyone who wants to make big as a freelancer.
Whether you're new freelancer or an experienced one feeling lost, you'll find the book helpful. I found the incidents highly relatable. Have went through some of the situations myself. And already some of the suggestions mentioned in those pages.
Highly recommended. Whether you read it now or add it to your library, it's a must-have.
July 18, 2021
I highly recommend Survival Skills for Freelancers by Sarah Townsend!
I launched my company in January 2021. Sarah's book, Survival Skills for Freelancers, helped me stop re-inventing the wheel and identify the regular nuts and bolts of being a freelancer. It tackles and dispels myths about being your own boss. The book is a great resource and will be reread. Lessons that resonated include:
* Setting better boundaries and create a work-life balance
* Dealing with the isolation that comes with self-employment
* Prioritizing my own mental health and wellbeing
Sarah delivers compelling and engaging personal anecdotes, practical advice with her delivery!
The books and resources recommended included familiar favorites and new titles for me to explore.
I launched my company in January 2021. Sarah's book, Survival Skills for Freelancers, helped me stop re-inventing the wheel and identify the regular nuts and bolts of being a freelancer. It tackles and dispels myths about being your own boss. The book is a great resource and will be reread. Lessons that resonated include:
* Setting better boundaries and create a work-life balance
* Dealing with the isolation that comes with self-employment
* Prioritizing my own mental health and wellbeing
Sarah delivers compelling and engaging personal anecdotes, practical advice with her delivery!
The books and resources recommended included familiar favorites and new titles for me to explore.
August 26, 2021
When you've been running your own business for over 5 years, you think you know it all; or at least what you need to know. But apparently, I don't and, I imagine, no one really does. That's why I absolutely loved (and needed!) this book.
It's an ideal read for self-employed people; whether they're in startup or have been doing their own thing for as long as they can remember. There are so many fantastic tips and tricks to take on board, especially when it comes to managing workload, burnout and the mental strain of going solo - I often need a reminder about this stuff, so this book will become my go-to handbook on my desk!
My favourite quote has to be "Every freelancer I know would rather drag themselves into work with pneumonia, toothache and a loose limb than take a day off sick and not get paid" I spend all my days talking about this in my own work and to my own clients and yet I'm still guilty of it myself.
It doesn't matter where you are in business, whether you're about to fall off the corporate ladder or have been DIYing for 20 years, this book is worth a read!
It's an ideal read for self-employed people; whether they're in startup or have been doing their own thing for as long as they can remember. There are so many fantastic tips and tricks to take on board, especially when it comes to managing workload, burnout and the mental strain of going solo - I often need a reminder about this stuff, so this book will become my go-to handbook on my desk!
My favourite quote has to be "Every freelancer I know would rather drag themselves into work with pneumonia, toothache and a loose limb than take a day off sick and not get paid" I spend all my days talking about this in my own work and to my own clients and yet I'm still guilty of it myself.
It doesn't matter where you are in business, whether you're about to fall off the corporate ladder or have been DIYing for 20 years, this book is worth a read!
October 25, 2020
Would totally recommend this book to anyone starting out on their own. It’s packed full of meaningful and insightful tips and strategies for you and your business. I loved the style of writing which felt like I’d sat down with a good friend over a coffee and had a chat about so many issues that have already arisen and those yet to come.
April 16, 2022
This book discusses eight myths about freelancing that break down what it is and isn't. It has solid tips on how to avoid burnout as most freelancers are like solopreneurs. But the book emphasizes that help is something everyone needs at least some of the time.
If you're working alone and you feel overwhelmed, maybe you're just beginning or you're at a plateau, Survival Skills For Freelancers will be able to offer 20+ years worth of insights broken down into the fundamentals you need to succeed.
If you're working alone and you feel overwhelmed, maybe you're just beginning or you're at a plateau, Survival Skills For Freelancers will be able to offer 20+ years worth of insights broken down into the fundamentals you need to succeed.
December 10, 2025
As a passionate reader, freelancer, and proud member of the Gloss Book Club’s committee, I truly enjoyed this book. It captured my attention from the very first page, and so many themes resonated deeply with me. Our members are already excited about it, and we honestly can’t wait to feature it in one of our upcoming discussions. Such a wonderful and inspiring read!
December 11, 2021
Mindset: Do the work
Freelancing means having to wrestle your own demons as much as it can be a beacon of hope and freedom. The tips in this book will help you get your mind right so your business can thrive.
Freelancing means having to wrestle your own demons as much as it can be a beacon of hope and freedom. The tips in this book will help you get your mind right so your business can thrive.
January 16, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book, it is oddly comforting and positive. It was filled with tips and tricks. There are so many things us freelancers feel we HAVE to do, whilst in reality we really DON'T have to do these things, and Sarah reminds us of this in her book.
April 10, 2023
Perfect for freelancing beginners
I enjoyed reading this book and totally recommended for freelancing beginners As well as those in the professional industry. Gives great advice and insight.
I enjoyed reading this book and totally recommended for freelancing beginners As well as those in the professional industry. Gives great advice and insight.
January 28, 2024
Informative
It gave a straight to the point insight of what is required for freelancing. Anyone thinking of venturing into going it alone should take a read. I promise it is worth the time
It gave a straight to the point insight of what is required for freelancing. Anyone thinking of venturing into going it alone should take a read. I promise it is worth the time
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews