I'm a little over the conversational, condescedning, girlfriend tone; nonetheless, the book is filled with a lot of helpful information on working from home. Good for working women, not really a good resource for mothers who want to work from home.

Had to take it back to the library -- a good sign of its quality: there were IIRC several other people with holds. A cheerful and encouraging guide to starting as a creative freelancer. I'm feeling a little too overwhelmed at the moment to really take it in, but I want to get my own copy when I'm in a better space for it.

5/5 Stars

This is a nonfiction reference book written to aid freelancers trying to startup their own business. Even though the writer works in writing and editing, she includes all types of freelance work in her book and tackles how you should go about things such as office space, rates, finding work, and even a bit on taxes. She shares resources and her own knowledge after having been in the business for 10+ years and gives her readers plenty of tips and tricks to help them get on their feet in the scary work-for-hire uncertainty of the freelance world.

I actually came across this book completely by accident. It was lying on the shelf at Goodwill and screamed at me as I walked by. Me finding this book was meant to be as I’m currently trying to pursue a career in freelance and this book has honestly helped me immensely.

There are so many good tips in here that helped me feel less afraid of the scary notion of working for myself. On top of that, Goodman doesn’t talk down to her readers at all. She writes in an inspirational voice that will empower you and have you saying “Hell yea I can do this!”. I love that she doesn’t use her experience in the business to praise herself, but rather to help her readers who want to pursue the same goals.

Goodman gives her readers so much useful information that I was actually excited to pick up this book each day. Even though this book was published back in 2006 and some of the information (especially of the technological sort) is out of date, all of the methods she talks about are not. There is so much knowledge in this book that can still be applied to today’s freelance market. These seem to be tried and true methods that will help any freelance start to understand the ropes of the business.

This was honestly a really compelling read and was exciting. I’ve read a good amount of nonfiction, and can honestly say that this book was really well done.

Of course, I understand this book isn’t going to be for everyone, but those who are looking for this type of thing or to get into this type of business (ad)venture, this is an absolute must read!

Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature.

I did not like this book nor was it useful or had any tips I could glean from. I admit that I didn't read this cover to cover, only flipped around, but I did try to get into it without success. Author's chit-chatty you go girl writing style? Ugh, not for me. There are so many better books out there on this same topic. Just go out and buy or take out from your library Lauren & Emira's book, "The Boss of You", now that's inspiring reading.

4.5 stars really, but greatly valuable as a resource for anyone wanting to start a freelance business. Solid advice on setting rates, filing government paperwork, paying taxes, signing contracts, finding clients, etc. etc. etc. A quick read, too - not drawn-out and boring. For the short time it took me to read it and the valuable advice and resources it contains, it was well worth the investment.

Good advice for structuring and growing a freelance career, tho mostly targeted towards creative freelancers. The principles can definitely be applied towards more service-based work (like massage therapy or doula services), but it is written by and for someone working as a writer, illustrator, or designer for clients.

I will definitely think about how to balance "bread-and-butter" clients or jobs with the clients that really make me feel passionate about my work in the first place. Goodman offers no-nonsense information about treating yourself well when you are working fir yourself.

Fun and informative.

When I checked this book out from the library, I at first wasn't exactly sold on it. The premise seemed like something that could be helpful, but the first couple of chapters didn't quite feel like new information to me.

However, now that I have finished it, I am quite literally sold on this book - I'm going to buy a copy of my own for future reference. It's just that useful. Tucked in among the witty writing are some true gems of information covering everything from naming your business, to avoiding unintentional tax accidents, to working towards financial solvency and keeping yourself on track with your business goals.

This book really helped me to crystallize exactly what goes into running a business, and made me do a lot of thinking about what lies ahead and how to best plan for it. Although the writing of the book seems clearly geared towards women, I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who hopes to build the stable, independent, and financially worthwhile business of their dreams.

I received a scholarship to take a writing course from Michelle Goodman at the Richard Hugo House many many years ago. I recall her teaching as clear, concise, and incredibly practical. So, too, is her book. I had purchased Goodman's book at a time when my employment was uncertain, and I reasoned that the whole workforce was gradually transitioning to a gig economy. I, like every other woman in the 21st century, it seems, have my side hustle. It turns out I got full time employment elsewhere, but I still wanted to read Goodman's writing and I have implemented some of her advice in my hustle. Her audience is women who reject the 9 to 5, but honestly her advice could be applied to anyone.

This book reads like her teaching: just the right note of casual humor mixed with an unquestionable depth of wisdom and experience. This book is practical, timely (given the number of people who are self-employed or transitioning to it) and in no way pretentious. She knows where people are at, and neither talks down to them, nor assumes expertise.

The only element lacking is the absence of discussion of building a personal brand. I thought this element, so vital to self-employment and gig work, was pretty much absent. But other than that, this is a great practical guide to anyone who plans to work for themselves, especially on a project basis. There are some things that are becoming out of date, such as purchasing health insurance (this was written in 2008), but other than that, it's sage advice that rings true and is pragmatic in the most encouraging way.

Excellent! Seriously, read this book if you want to freelance.