Freelance Forever: Successful Self-Employment

I received this book from a friend when I went on my own in 1991. Since then I have recommended this book to so many friends, primarily for the section entitled, "Occupational Hazards to the Psyche". Knowing that all of the mental garbage you go through is almost part of a script empowers you, then she tells you how to cope. Please update this book, as most of the other stuff is no longer relevant in 2007. I still give it 5 stars for the one section mentioned above.

The book is geared toward writers, performing arts (theatre and dance), photographers, musicians, film and video artists, graphic and commercial artists, and visual artists. From The Cover: A complete one-step directory to making it on your own - with a wealth of practical and psychological tricks of the trade for freelancers in all disciplines. Whether you're a photographer, a writer, or a proofreader, you can save yourself time, energy and money by taking advantage of the information in the comprehensive manual; Includes legal advice, tips on money management, interviews with successful freelancers, a tax guide and much more. As a freelancer, you are your own employer, employee, and product. In the world of freelancing, there are many different paths to success and no set formulas. It is a field where knowledge is power; the more you know, the less time you will waste and the fewer mistakes you will make. FREELANCE FOREVER covers all aspects of the working lifestyle which is attracting more and more people every day. ***GETTING WORK Using connections Networking Finding an agent or rep Getting through to important people Marketing yourself ***MONEY MANAGEMENT Budgeting an unpredictable income Getting a loan Collecting what's owed you Applying for grants Keeping records Billing Investing Credit cards and credit unions ***LEGAL RIGHTS Legal Aid Copyrighting your work Contracts How to sue in Small Claims Court The art of tax deductions ***PRIVATE LIFE Cheap vacations Coping with creative blocks Choosing efficient health coverage and insurance Dealing with rejection Handling isolation and anxiety Freelancing and parenting ***SELF-MANAGEMENT Organizing your workplace Scheduling your time Understanding the language of accountants, landlords and computers Joining guilds and associations Surviving between jobs ***PLUS Lists of suppliers, artists, colonies, professional associations, and state and regional arts organizations Paperback- 379 pages, with Appendix and Index