Top business books for freelance writers

Although I have been a successful freelance writer for nearly 20 years, I continue to read books related to self-employment and the business of freelance writing. Here are my top choices.

1. If you're exploring the idea of going freelance, or you need some encouragement and ideas as you build your business, choose one the many books about self-employment by Paul & Sarah Edwards. My favorites include:

• Working from Home
• Getting Business to Come to You
• Secrets of Self-Employment
• Why Aren't You Your Own Boss
• The Practical Dreamer's Handbook

2. Although geared toward a wide range of small businesses, Jay Conrad Levinson's series of marketing books may give you some ideas, in particular, Guerilla Marketing for Consultants and Guerilla Marketing for Writers.

3. A number of books are targeted to freelance writers, although most address writing for magazines. Among the books that address writers who serve corporate clients:

• The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman

• Steve Slaunwhite's Start and Run a Copywriting Business
• Bob Bly's Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Third Edition: How to Make $100,000 a Year or More

4. I also learn from the marketing and business tactics used by graphic designers and other creative agencies. A good resource book for this is Cameron Foote's The Business Side of Creativity. I also find inspiration in the annual business and self-promotion issues of HOW magazine.

Have you found other books useful to running your freelance writing business? Share these resources with other writers by entering a comment on this post.