Free Agent: The Independent Professional’s Roadmap to Self-Employment Success

Free Agent is a concise freelancer’s guide to success. Katy Tynan has packed a great deal of valuable information into a relatively small package, offering practical tips and demonstrations of self-employment best practices. Everything from who makes a good independent professional to how (and why) to craft effective contracts and how not to burn out, Free Agent covers all of the major bases.

As a freelancing professional, it took me ten years to learn what Tynan clearly explains in 150 pages. The history lesson that Tynan includes at the beginning of the book does an excellent job of contextualizing the move toward and need for independent workers.

The following 17 chapters breaks down seemingly complex and overwhelming business topics to reveal the common sense versions of setting up your business, establishing a professional team, handling finances (including dreaded taxes), and pitching and pricing clients. Tynan doesn’t shy away from much, and points toward helpful resources where her own personal expertise is insufficient. Handy resource to keep on the shelf, even for freelance vets who need a little poke.