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“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

For many writers, the desire to become a full-time writer will remain an elusive dream. Unless a writer finds permanent employment as a technical or content writer, the idea of piecing together enough work to sustain a comfortable lifestyle might seem overwhelming. Sara Horowitz, the founder of Freelancers Union, has written a must have manual for anyone who wants to make a living as a freelance writer.

The Freelance’s Bible is a 486 page handbook divided into five parts: Getting Started, Getting to Work, Growing Your Business, Managing Your Business, and Your Business and Your Community. This clear structure is underscored by chapter titles such as “Getting Clients” and “Marketing Yourself Online” that make it easy to find the information you are looking for easily.

The text is an easy read. The writing is clear and concise with helpful examples. The page layout has been optimized for instruction. Pages are chunked into sections with headings, bullet points, and text blocks. Bold and colored text draw attention to main points. Tables are used to compare points and provide example spreadsheets.

The first chapter, “Seven Start-Up Steps,” helps aspiring freelance writers define realistic goals. Freelancing can be both rewarding and challenging. As Horowitz notes, “Employees can hide their mediocrity in the bureaucracy. You, freelancer, are out there” (28). Freelancers don’t have the luxury of simply clocking in and riding the clock. Every action must be focused. In The Freelancer’s Bible, Horowitz helps reader’s define what they will focus on.

Freelancers are operating without the safety net of guaranteed hours or employee benefits. However, the author provides experienced advice and concrete action steps to help aspiring freelancers develop and manage work opportunities. Horowitz, also discusses practical matters like paying taxes, acquiring health insurance, and preparing for retirement.

I recommend reading the entire book from beginning to end, but it also serves as a quick reference. If you are considering freelance work for the first time, this handbook will walk you through each step of setting up your new business. However, if you have been dabbling in freelance for a while, it is easy to go straight to the information you feel you need the most to improve your business. Even after reading through entire text, it is a helpful resources to refer back to periodically to refresh your memory and refocus your goals and business.

At the time of writing this post, The Freelancer’s Bible can be purchased for $11.99, an outstanding value for the information provided. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please consider supporting this blog by ordering directly from this link: The Freelancer’s Bible by Sara Horowitz.