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What do you want in a Freelance-Focused book? (self.freelance)

submitted ago by brandscaping

I've written a fair bit about freelancers and decided to put together a book to sell via Amazon - I'd love to know if there's anything you think should be included.

Are there any subjects you've found difficult to find a straight answer for? Any topics that nobody was willing to talk about with you?

My goal is to have a $5 book that provides huge value while providing a realistic view of freelancing. I'd like to share my experience while answering some of the questions missed by the "experts."

Not trying to be selfpromotional here - but to demonstrate my writing style and experience, you can check my articles on freelanceswitch, workawesome, and donanza (if it's bad reddiquette to have these links - let me know and I will remove them)

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[–]mkaito 2 points3 points ago

There's enough material out there about how to start your career, how to get your first clients, putting together a brand, making a portfolio, project execution, etc... But I think that the management/paperwork and discipline sides that comes with being your own boss are largely neglected in available literature.

There's some material available about paperwork, but most of it goes into the specific practices required in the states, and is mostly useless if you don't happen to live there. A more agnostic text would be most welcome.

I don't think I've come across any really good project and time management literature in the specific context of freelancing. Might be worth a shot as well.

[–]brandscaping[S] 0 points1 point ago

Good call on the discipline - I had planned to include some information regarding that, but really happy to see that you find it of value, too. Agreed about US-centric info, especially taxes. I agree that the info about time and project mgmt. is needed, but I'm not confident enough with my skills in those arenas to write as an authority. There are many better sources, but I might direct folks to them.

thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.

Also - what do you think of the price point? The title isn't going to be "The $5 book of freelancing" but that will be the gist. I think a $5 investment that pays off makes it worthwhile to write, without new freelancers feeling stressed about spending.

[–]mkaito 1 point2 points ago

The price is fair if you're going to give a high level overview of topics and hint at further reading material. However, if you go into depths of self management as a freelancer, I'd happily pay a heftier price.

[–]brandscaping[S] 1 point2 points ago

I think that's the way I'd rather go - have a series of $5 books. That lets me explore some different areas, based on what the audience is looking for while keeping it to a reasonable price - more than a cup of coffee, but less than most of the selfproclaimed gurus/experts. More value, less BS

[–]mkaito 1 point2 points ago

Sounds good. A focused, dense $5 book on a single topic. I'd totally buy that.

[–]averynicehat 1 point2 points ago

Accounting, organization, billing clients, business checking accounts, taxes, making contracts.

[–]brandscaping[S] 0 points1 point ago

these are great topics - but I think the Taxes focus will be tricky, as many of us are not in the US. I will include a general section about knowing your country's tax policy in regards to freelancing, but I won't be able to go too in-depth.

[–]Orcatype 0 points1 point ago

Relatable characters and plot development

[–]brandscaping[S] 0 points1 point ago

well - my other stuff on amazon is fiction - but the only character in the freelance book is me. Can't be certain anyone will be able to relate... and pretty plot-less

[–]Orcatype 0 points1 point ago

Oh...