New to being a freelancer? Need some help from people who have ‘been there, done that’? Luckily, there’s plenty of recommended books out there to help you through, whatever your profession. Here’s my pick of 7 of the best essential books every freelancer should read.

Being a relatively experienced freelancer with 5 years of hard labour under my belt (at the time of writing),  you could say I’ve learned a thing or two.

Through a mix of tenacity,  persistence, and eye-opening realities – and a lot of actual work – it’s all come together to get me where I am today. But there’s been another constant helping me along the journey too – and that’s books.

Here’s a list of (some of) the books that helped – and still help – me ‘be’ a freelancer, with added links to buy from Amazon or Hive (if it’s in stock, so you can support a much more ethical and tax paying company). Let’s get on with it.

Update

This post was originally published in June 2020, but as we know, there’s always a steady stream of new books hitting the shelves. So I decided to add a few more to the list.

These, in my opinion, also give an incredible amount of help to freelancers of any stripe. Look out for the ‘new entry’ tag to see which ones made the cut.

The Human Freelancer | Chris Kenworthy

The Human Freelancer provides a no-holds-barred, irreverent, and brutally honest look at freelancing. Genuinely hilarious, it’s a must-read for freelancing newbs by someone who’s been there and done that.

From the back cover: “A dark sense of humour and high pain tolerance will also maximise your reading enjoyment.“ I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Brilliant Freelancer | Leif Kendall

Giving you a more in-depth read on getting started, what to do, and how to do it, Brilliant Freelancer is invaluable. Lots of ideas and tips covering pretty much every area, from finding and managing clients to motivating yourself, and keeping track of your finances.

However far along the freelancing journey you are, this is a great resource. From the back cover: “Everything you need to take charge of your career.”

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Champagne And Wax Crayons | Ben Tallon

This is a real story charting the highs and lows of Illustrator, Ben Tallon’s, journey to becoming the renowned illustrator he’s gone on to be. It may be focused on the world of illustration and graphic design, but there are plenty of lessons to be learned for any freelancer here.

It’s funny, informative, and pretty damn useful – he’s endured the pain so you don’t have to. From the back cover: “Introduces the real side of the creative industry and what you need to do to make your way to the top.”

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

The Freelance Introvert | Tom Albrighton (new entry)

Freelancing can be a lonely gig, but for many introverts, it’s the perfect career move. But isn’t it always life’s extroverts who seem to be making all the noise and winning all the work?

This book tells you how to learn new skills, get out of your comfort zone, and rise to the challenge, so you can compete with them – without changing who or what you are. From the back cover: “It’s the book you need for the life you want.”

Buy it from Amazon

Company of One | Paul Jarvis

If you’re already getting ahead of yourself, thinking of exponential growth, hiring a team, and becoming an agency yourself, have a read of Company of One. While you might be jumping ahead of yourself depending on where you are on the freelance journey, this is a good reminder that sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. Staying small could help you – and your clients.

From the back cover: “How remaining small can provide the freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life.”

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Survival Skills For Freelancers | Sarah Townsend

I’ve heard and read the phrase “I wish this book was around when I went freelance”. And in the case of this book, it’s true. Stuffed with home truths, freelance realities, and practical advice to make the most of your freelance career, it will help you survive and thrive – without neglecting your mental health and burning out.

It’s a go-to book that every freelancer should have on their desk. Essential reading. From the back cover: “Guides you through the highs and lows all freelancers face.”

Buy it from Amazon

Anti-Sell | Steve Morgan

Your decision to go freelance was the first step. Getting some clients is the crucial second step – and that can be hard. As freelancers, putting ourselves out there and selling ourselves and our services can be uncomfortable, nerve-wracking, and stressful.

Luckily, Steve Morgan’s got a lot of tips and tricks on marketing and lead generation, and how the best way to sell, is not to sell. Yup. And he tells you how it works, why it works – and how to do it. An enlightening read.

Buy it from Amazon

F**k It – Do What You Love | John C. Parkin

There’s plenty of us who have leapt a freelance career because we love what we do. That’s why we do it. For others, it’s not as easy. While they’ve found something they love to do, taking that next step can be problematic, and understandably so.

While ‘F**k It’ isn’t about starting as a freelancer, it’s invaluable in teaching you how to ditch anything that’s making you unhappy and make the change that matters. From the back cover: “This is not a book. It’s a call to action.”

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

I’ll no doubt be adding to this list as and when any new books come along that are particularly useful, but for now, it’s 7 of the best essential books every freelancer should read.

Other useful books

While the previous 7 books will help you if you’re thinking about going freelance or you’ve just started as a freelancer, my next three recommendations are a bit more general. 3 (update, now 5) different books covering separate areas to help you in distinct ways.

Feck Perfuction | James Victore

Victore is a renowned artist and designer. In this, his second book, he teaches you how to get started, find your voice, overcome your fears, and take action – whatever you want to do in your creative career. The only thing stopping you is you. Bold, brash, and inspirational, this one takes no prisoners. Well worth buying.  Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Instant Networking | Stefan Thomas

Networking isn’t for everyone, but when you work for yourself, it has to be. In ‘Instant Networking’, Thomas shows you how to look beyond early morning networking events to find opportunities and make networking part of your everyday routine on screen and in real life. Full of good advice and actionable tips that will help you.  Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Content DNA | John Espirian (new entry)

With the perpetual need for content across many different platforms, there’s a high probability yours is going to blend in and not be able to cut through the surrounding noise.

Content DNA shows you how to focus on ‘consistency’ and ‘congruence’ to help build your brand, show your value, and find your own ‘shape’ so you become the voice of trust in your industry. Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Making Your Website Work | Gill Andrews

If you’ve got a website for your business, but you’re not particularly web-savvy (like me), then this book will give you all the help you need to make your site look great. Or as Gill puts it “your shortcut to a website that works”.

A genuinely helpful resource of 100 easy-to-read chapters, full of hints, tips, and actionable tweaks you can make yourself. No experience necessary. Highly recommended. Buy it from Amazon

Cash Money Freelancing | Tom Albrighton (new entry)

Once you’ve started life as a freelancer and you’re making a half-decent living from it, this is the book to help take you to the next level.

Crammed with neat ideas (76 to be precise) covering your value, how to charge correctly, raising your prices with confidence, and much more, this book shows you how to make more money.  Buy it from Amazon

And if you’re a freelance copywriter

My final 3 books don’t really need an introduction or any kind of review. Hell, I’m not even showing you any cover artwork so you know what they look like.

Trust me when I say, if you’re a freelance copywriter – whether you’re an old hand or, particularly, if you’re just starting out in the crazy world of copy – you need this trilogy on your shelves or on your desk. Gold lies within.

The Art of The Click | Glenn Fisher

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

Copywriting Made Simple | Tom Albrighton

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

How To Write Better Copy | Steve Harrison

Buy it from Amazon or Hive

If you have any other books you think ought to make this list, let me know.

First published on DropCapCopy.com