Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business and More: Copywriter, Proofreader, Copyeditor, Journalist

Startup Series

by Entrepreneur Press

Are you ready to free yourself from commuter traffic, office hours and boring writing projects? Then it’s time to take your writing career into your own hands—and start your professional freelance writing business! One of the fastest and least expensive homebased businesses to start, the business of freelance writing lets you turn your writing talent into professional independence—set your own hours, choose your own projects and take charge of your income! This complete guide arms you with all you need to know to not only start your freelance writing business but to make sure it’s a success. Learn how to: • Start your business instantly and for little money • Operate your business using freelance business basics and rules • Choose your writing niche • Use your writing expertise to advertise and find clients • Increase your income by improving your writing skills and expanding your client base Start your freelance writing business today—and begin earning income tomorrow!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business, How To, Self Help, Reference

156 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: This book has a lot of typos, and sometimes it seems like the author doesn't really care what he's doing (See: 1000 references to "newsletters" as a way to promote your business and the line "Without fresh ideas and fresh talent, their [magazine] publications would wither and die like last year’s gourds on a vine.” Really? I didn't know glossies were such hothouse plants.)

But he really knows what he's doing, and he'll give you the practical, nuts-and-bolts advice to do it too.

This is the third or fourth freelancing book I've read. I did like one of the others (The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success), but all of them seemed very nebulous on the mechanics of starting a business. Sure they went over the office furniture you'd need, some ideas of magazines to submit to, and a sample query format or two. Sheldon does all this and includes advice on whether you'll need to register your business with your city council-- and where to go to find out. He doesn't just say "read magazines to see the types of pieces they publish," he includes a dozen examples. He gives approximate payment rates for services. Yes, this book is slightly outdated (published 2008), but it's recent enough that the book demonstrates a clear understanding of the internet and its impact on your business.

If I had to pick one book on freelance writing to recommend (or to own) this one would be it. It's fairly concise and it includes content that most other freelancing books do not. Yes, I'd also recommend Renegade Writer, but I think this would be my first choice.

[JoAnn Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Launching your own freelance writing business is not only intimidating but humbling as well. Despite landing my first paying writing gig from my very first query, developing a full-fledge business has proven to be very difficult. I was hoping by reading Mr. Sheldon's book, I would find an antidote to my payless writing drought.
However, his book seems written for a high school student searching for a career choice.
An entire chapter is spent on basic "common sense" knowledge of how to set up and equipment for a home-based office.
Not until chapter four does he get into the crucial facts of the professional writer; copyright infringement, marketing, and queries. These are the topics more essential to starting a business and should have been covered in much more detail.
When I finished the book, I felt Mr. Sheldon had only scratched the surface on several subjects.
Although the book contains very valuable information, especially in the final few chapters, do not look for it to be your only source for launching a freelance writing career - too much fluff and not enough substance.

[Carsten Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer myself, I was curious to see what kind of advice and tips this book could offer that I wasn't aware of or already doing. As it turns out, quite a lot!
The book is jam-packed with advice, practical tips from everything to starting up your freelance business, to acquiring clients, the types of writing jobs available, what to be aware of, the wrong and the right clients, securing repeat jobs, standing out in the crowd, tax advice, advice on company structure and much, much more.
Honestly, when I was about 40% into the book, I thought, she must have covered everything now, but she kept going and I kept learning more and more.
This book is seriously good and indispensable if you are considering to start out as a freelance writer, but also those who have been working in the field for a while will be able to pick up plenty of good ideas on how to go about their business even better.
Highly recommended.

[Carine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for anyone launching their own writing business

This book is simple and quick to read and full of tips and advice. It is quickly read so it's really a must-do (read it!) before you start your own writing business.

[Jenna Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Start Up book has some extremely helpful sections on starting a writing business. One thing to keep in mind is that it is eight years old now, and while I found much of the material it covered relevant, some parts are somewhat out of date.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So insightful with the basics that I read it twice, taking notes the second time through.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed. Much of this book is outdated.

[Nate Jordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential reference book for the beginning freelance writer and editor - a quick, easy read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this info is outdated.