#23627
This paper describes the differences between an employee, an independent contractor, and a consultant and why it is important to understand these distinctions. It also mentions why it is important that independent contractors set effective goals and describes the difference between static goals and dynamic goals. An approach for taking up assignments as an independent contractor is provided. This approach describes activities that need to be done prior to starting an assignment, while working on the assignment, and after the assignment is completed.
Alexander, Susan M. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Freelance
#23687
Direct Engagements: How Contractors Can Take Advantage
Many STC members work independently as freelancers, temps, or consultants. In some recent presentations I’ve given to STC members, many independent workers have asked me about ways to get more money and satisfaction out of their contracting careers. Almost invariably, my advice is to explore the possibilities of engaging clients directly, rather than using a staffing or consulting company.
Zaino, Gene. MetroVoice (2003). Careers>Freelance
#25347
Do All Writers Need a Literary Agent?
What kind of contract do I sign with a literary agent? Here are some things to consider.
#22898
Editorial Freelancers Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association is a national, nonprofit, professional organization of self-employed workers in the publishing and communications industries. Members are editors, writers, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators, and others who offer a broad range of skills and specialties.
#29410
Estimating Project Times and Costs Without Losing Your Shirt--Or Your Sanity
Determining how long it takes to complete a job is essential for planning and for budgeting your time, whether you're a wage slave or a freelancer. In this article, I'll focus on the needs of the freelancer, but the same approach will work equally well for managers of teams of technical communicators and even for lone writers.
Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Geoff-Hart.com (2006). Careers>Freelance>Proposals
#32051
Five Must-Haves for International Communication
My fellow freelancers have been writing about international freelancing, where you cater to a global clientele. I can see the reasoning behind the interest though, especially if you live in a third-world country.
#31746
Five Reasons Freelancers Make More Money Writing White Papers
Are you looking to drum up some new business? Want to get more dollars from existing clients? Are you a starving writer? White paper expert Michael A. Stelzner provides the following reasons white papers could dramatically increase your writing revenue:
Stelzner, Michael A. Content Wrangler, The (2008). Articles>Freelance>Writing>White Papers
#30357
Focus on Consulting: When Home is Where You Do Your Job
The freedom to be a consultant or independent contractor (C&IC), to work on your own, to work at home, to 'tele-commute' has become one of the principal aspects that entices otherwise happy, healthy, sane people to leave their jobs and hang out their shingles. But like nearly every other aspect of being independently employed, working out of the home presents advantages and disadvantages in such areas as lifestyle, professionalism, and tax considerations.
Boston Broadside (1989). Careers>Consulting>Freelance
#31130
The Freelance Copywriter's Six-Pack 
This 24-page e-book is a compilation of six articles, all focused on starting and growing a successful freelance copywriting business. In addition to the articles, there is also a resource page with suggestions for courses and further reading.
Usborne, Nick. FreeIQ (2007). Careers>Freelance>Writing>Business Communication
#14098
Freelance Online is a professional online service for freelancers in the publishing and advertising fields. It serves as a directory for employers and as a resource and information center for freelancers. Freelance Online was launched in January 1996. Located in a suburb of Philadelphia, Freelance Online is committed to serving freelancers and employers already established and those who are new to the world of freelancing. Freelance Online's goal is to provide the most comprehensive listing of freelancers available, including not only established, seasoned professionals but also fresh, new talent.
#24071
If you're a freelancer/contract tech writer, you need to promote yourself. Think of yourself as a store with exactly one product, namely your time. You can only sell that product to one customer at a time. What you need to do is make sure each sale is a good one, and that you sell as much of your time as possible, because no one pays you for down time if you're independent.
Tech Writing Jobs. Careers>Freelance>Writing>Technical Writing
#22049
This is an example of a typical agreement used for freelance writing assignments. Not that there is specific limitation of rights granted to the “buyer.” In no case do you want to sell blanket rights to your writing. It may be necessary to do it, but make every effort to negotiate a first national rights condition. If the clients wants more, get them to pay more.
#24305
A web portal for freelance writers, with career advice and articles about a variety of topics.
#22056
Freelance, Independent, Contractor, Consultant...
If getting into the technical writing business is a challenge, and it assuredly is, defining our employment status often poses a few questions too. Naturally, there’s the common full-time employee status we all know and understand fairly well, but when we find ourselves dealing with a technical services or technical consulting firm there can be some murky waters, and more than a few aberrations of the “traditional” understanding of the term. So, we need to define some “terms” of employment since the majority of technical writers will ultimately encounter variations.
#31397
Freelancers: Look Beyond the Obvious to Find Corporate Markets, and Know How to Deliver
We haven't yet met a corporate communicator who felt overstaffed. Budgets have been cut to the bone, responsibility has expanded, there are new communication tools to learn about and new directions to explore. For smart freelancers, this spells opportunity. In our last column we looked at the editor/freelance writer equation from the in-house person's viewpoint and, as promised, we will take the freelancer's perspective this time.
Canavor, Natalie and Claire Meirowitz. Communication World Bulletin (2005). Careers>Freelance
#27774
Freelancing From Home: Don't Interview Folks in Your Pajamas
Have you ever considered breaking out of your nine to five and 5-by-5-foot cubicle to become a full-time freelance writer?
Hartsock, Nettie. WhitePaperSource (2006). Careers>Freelance>Business Communication>White Papers
#19732
Freelancing in Technical Writing – Part I
Freelancing is one of the most lucrative options available to Technical Writers. While being your own boss may sound pleasant, it is not as easy as it sounds.
Pandit, Makarand M. Indus (2003). Careers>Freelance>Writing>Technical Writing
#22653
To live the freelance life is to live a life of uncertainty. Not knowing when or from where your next paycheck is coming requires a certain mind-set that not everyone possesses. Some may argue that with so many companies struggling just to keep their heads above water now that the bang is out of the Big Web Boom, full-time work is no more secure than the freelance lifestyle. But before you unplug that feeding tube once and for all, ask yourself if you really have what it takes.
Thomas, Evany. Webmonkey (1998). Careers>Freelance>Web Design
#21208
So you think you've got the cojones to be a freelancer, eh? Then join Evany as she gives you some pointers on this wild and woolly career move.
Thomas, Evany. Webmonkey (2001). Careers>Freelance>Web Design
#24195
From Not Working to NETWorking 
Networking—whether done formally or informally, alone or as part of a group—can give you a competitive edge in getting (and keeping!) business coming to you as a contractor or independent technical communicator.
Keefer, Christine A. Intercom (2004). Careers>Freelance>Collaboration
#27838
Ghostwriting has a lot to offer the young (or not-so-young) writer or editor with the right personality, professional skills, and appetite for variety and adventure. But it's not for everyone. You can make money, have fun, learn new things, and meet interesting people. You can also get horribly ripped off unless you know your value and how to use it. If you put someone else's name on your work or push someone else's favorite cause or ideas, do it so you come out a winner. Below are a few suggestions and observations gleaned the hard way.
Briskin, Dennis. Editorial Freelancers Association (1994). Careers>Freelance>Writing
#18180
Going Beyond $1 a Word: Syndication
With the recent downturn in the economy, newsrooms, newspapers, magazine and Web outlets are letting staff writers go, and are looking for cheaper content alternatives. Buying content from syndicates is becoming more popular for these publishers. Watch for this trend to continue.
Price, Lisa. Communication Circle, The (2001). Careers>Freelance>Writing
#18179
Going Beyond $1 Per Word: Getting Paid on the Internet
Paying by the word comes from the print publishing world. Web editors have continued this model.
Price, Lisa. Communication Circle, The (2001). Careers>Freelance>Writing
#27839
Going It Alone: Dealing with the Isolation of Freelancing 
Full-time freelancing--is it the ideal way to work or a sentence to solitary confinement? The answer is in the eye of the beholder. Freelancing offers unparalleled independence, blessed freedom from office politics, uninterrupted work, control over your life—and endless hours of solitude, especially if you also live alone.
Gove, Marjorie. Editorial Freelancers Association (1993). Careers>Freelance
#31796
Going Out On Your Own: It's Not All or Nothing
For some, going freelance seems like an all-or-nothing proposition: you either have to jump in with both feet or not try at all. This blog post argues another way: gradually transition to full-time freelancing.
DMN Communications (2008). Careers>Freelance>TC
