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Survival Skills for freelancers

Survival Skills for freelancers Book Cover

Survival Skills for Freelancers is designed to help you achieve freelance success, and get more enjoyment from self-employment.

Through a combination of personal anecdotes, practical advice and tales from the freelance community, it busts the myths about solo working, takes an honest look at the reality of freelance life and shares simple strategies to thrive as a freelancer – without neglecting your mental health and wellbeing.

A brilliantly relatable and comprehensive guide that holds your hand
with compassion and humour through the rocky yet undeniably exciting
world of self-employment.

Louise Goss, Founder, The Homeworker

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Survival Skills for Freelancers

The freelance dream is often portrayed as:

Earning good money doing the thing you love
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working where you like
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working how you like
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working when you like

But for most people, the dream and the reality of self-employment don’t match up. Instead, we find ourselves stressed out, overworked and under pressure. Why does no one tell us just how relentless the business end of freelance life can be?!

There are 2 million freelancers in the UK alone. Yet 20% of self-employed businesses don’t make it through the first year, and 60% don’t survive beyond five years. Those are scary stats!

Yes, working alone can be damn hard. But going into self-employment with your eyes wide open gives you the best chance of success.

Survival Skills for Freelancers shares an honest and realistic view of self-employment, to help you rock the socks off freelance life.

What’s included?

Survival Skills for Freelancers covers issues such as:

  • the fundamentals of freelancing
  • three strategies to deal with isolation
  • knowing your worth – and what to charge
  • trusting your instinct, and learning to say no
  • achieving balance and avoiding burnout
  • the importance of investing in your business
  • the qualities that help you survive and thrive as a freelancer

About the Author

Sarah Townsend Editorial profile pic

Hello – I’m Sarah Townsend. I’ve spent the past 20 years as a freelance marketing copywriter. I built a successful freelance career with very little guidance – but you don’t have to.

In Survival Skills for Freelancers I share the secrets and surprises I’ve learnt from self-employment: both the things that worked and the things that didn’t.

I guide you through the highs and lows all freelancers face – from isolation, uncertainty and self-doubt to knowing what to charge, when to ask for help, and when to say no.

My tried and tested strategies are based on my own experience, backed up by research, resources and quotes from the freelance community.

What people are saying...

  • Genuinely useful advice – delivered in an honest, charming and witty style – with a focus on wellbeing and mental health. An essential read whether you’re a new or established freelancer.

    Steve Morgan, Author, Anti-Sell

  • I’ve been freelancing for over 15 years and I wish I’d read this book on day one. Every page is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom. Get it!

    Tom Albrighton, Author of Copywriting Made Simple

  • Survival Skills for Freelancers beautifully balances the pros, cons and realities of running your own business, and helps you prepare for freelance life.

    Before you take the leap into self-employment, spend your first few pounds on this book. It’ll make every subsequent pound and hour better spent.

    Matthew Knight, Founder, Leapers

  • I wish this book had existed when I set up my business as a
    freelance creative 14 years ago! Reassuring and honest advice on knowing your value, asking for help and the importance of connection make it a must-read for both new and established freelancers.

    Natasha Willmore, Director, Culpepper & Co

  • I loved it! Not just generic advice but a genuine insight into life as a freelancer and how you can survive it.

    Lewie Winters, Head of Creative Services, The Engine House Bexley

  • Crucially, Survival Skills for Freelancers provides advice and guidance on managing your own wellbeing, mental health and avoiding burnout – topics that are all too often overlooked in business books.

    Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Mental Health First Aid England

Where can I buy it?

Survival Skills for Freelancers is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. It launched on 18 June 2020, to celebrate National Freelancers’ Day, and will soon be available on Audible.

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