Ebook Review: How to Start a Freelance Writing Business



2009 June, 30th
Genesis Davies
Genesis Davies
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The majority of freelance writing ebooks tell you how to set up a website, where to find writing jobs and give a few writing tips. I know, because I`ve read a vast number of these types of ebooks, as a freelance writer. Laura Spencer hasn`t written this type of ebook at all. In fact, her How to Start a Freelance Writing Business is probably the most informative book you`ll find on the topic.

I was impressed to find that in 48 pages, there was no sign of fluff anywhere. It was all solid information that writers both new and experienced can use.

Some of the topics Laura covers include the following:

  • Defining freelance writing, including the pros and cons
  • Choosing your market and niche
  • Branding your business
  • Where to find clients, including a number of different strategies to do so, depending on the type of writing you plan to do
  • How much you should charge and why lowballing is a bad idea
  • Promotion and marketing for freelance writers

She also discusses taxes briefly, which is something that is very important for freelancers to understand since they will need to do them on their own.

Another area that I appreciated was the chapter on registering your business and whether or not you should use your real name as a business name. I think too many freelancers assume they should just write on their own, as an individual, but there are definite advantages to registering and setting yourself up as a proper business. These include tax benefits and getting more respect from potential clients, as well as the ability to sell your business in the future . . . something that many writers don`t consider, but should.

There are extensive resources included in the book, as well, which even I, as a 7 year veteran of freelance writing, found useful, including links to blogs for writers, job boards and copywriting resources.

Overall, How to Start a Freelance Writing Business is a good read and extremely informative, particularly for those just getting started in this career. At just $12, it`s definitely worth picking up your own copy.

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About the Author

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Genesis Davies is a freelance writer and blogger and a work at home mom. She works as account executive for Pamil Visions PR and she also runs a blog for work at home moms, At Home Mom. For Everything PR she covers the news column. Follow Genesis on Twitter or email her at gdavies [at] pamil-visions [dot] net.

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There Are 7 Responses So Far. »

  1. Pingback by Twitted by Wanting2Succeed on 30 June 2009:

    [...] This post was Twitted by Wanting2Succeed [...]

  2. Pingback by Start a Freelance Writing Business on 30 June 2009:

    [...] Start a Freelance Writing Business [...]

  3. Comment by Laura on 1 July 2009:

    Thanks for the great review Genesis!

    It means a lot, coming from a fellow writer.

  4. Pingback by Twitted by TXWriter on 1 July 2009:

    [...] This post was Twitted by TXWriter [...]

  5. Comment by Genesis Davies on 1 July 2009:

    You’re welcome, Laura, I really enjoyed reading it. There’s some great info in there.

  6. Comment by gjperera on 1 July 2009:

    Looks very promising, I think that the portion on taxes and managing that aspect of a freelancers work alone would be worth the $12 per copy. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Comment by Global Patriot on 6 July 2009:

    With the advent of social media there is a new generation that is wanting to know how to earn income from freelance writing across all forms of media. Having a guide focused on this popular topic is quite timely.