I just got my official copy of my friend Michelle Goodman’s My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional. I say official because I had the opportunity to provide a back cover blurb a few months ago. I was happy to do so, because for those of us who long to have the flexible lifestyle and income control of the freelance writer, Michelle’s book is a must-have.
The first thing that’s wonderful about this book is the title. Just as the 90s show with a similar name defines teenage life in all its haziness and ambiguity, Michelle describes freelance life as one with fuzzy, comfortably bunny slippers that may also be a bit scuffed and stained. It has limitless – and at times questionable – potential. Freelancing may sound like a dream, but it’s also incredibly hard work. Michelle is realistic about that, which I appreciate.
My So-Called Freelance Life covers the areas you’d expect – advertising your services effectively, networking with other solopreneurs, keeping your clients happy, and staying on the right side of the law with the IRS. But let me tell you, Michelle thinks of everything, and I mean everything. I’ve been freelance writing in some capacity for several years, and I can tell you three tips from Michelle’s book that I’m going to use immediately: 1) going for my business license, 2) reining in clients who want to “pay me in exposure,” and dealing with friends who think that just because I’m at home I have the time to chit chat for 45 minutes.
The book is perfect for those who are considering leaping from the 9-5 grind to freelance and need to understand the details of what this move will encompass, and for those who are already dabbling in freelancing and need to take some smart, solid next steps if they’re to turn it into a full-time, lucrative career. Michelle has been doing this so-called freelance thing for nearly two decades has built up quite a reputation in the last several years. She’s made her mistakes and doesn’t hesitate to tell you about them frankly. You can trust her. I know I do.
Thanks for letting us know about this book. It looks like a great read with lots of valuable information.
Marcos
Posted by: Marcos | October 06, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Thanks, Marcos, I hope you like it as much as I did.
Posted by: Alexandra Levit | October 08, 2008 at 01:40 AM