The Wealthy Freelancer | Book Club Picks - For Freelance Writers and Bloggers | Forum

Let’s get to this month’s book club discussion about The Wealthy Freelancer. As usual, I’ll pose 10 questions below. You can respond to all or just some of them in the comments below if you’ve read this book. You can also ask questions of other readers in the comments if you feel these don’t cover something that was important to you. The discussion will remain open, so if you haven’t finished the book yet (or even purchased your copy), go ahead and do that and then come back to join us!

1. Overall, what was your favorite piece of advice given in The Wealthy Freelancer? Why?
2. Was there anything in this book that you disagreed with strongly? Why?
3. Do you see The Wealthy Freelancer as the type of resource you’ll go back to again and again? If so, what features or specific information makes it a valuable resource in your eyes?
4. To help us get an idea of your own background in relation to your thoughts on this book, what level of your career are you currently in? Are you a brand new freelancer looking for startup advice, or are you already an established freelance writer who turned to the book to help you kick your income up a notch?
5. What are your thoughts on buzz pieces (starting on page 55 in the book)? Did you get any good ideas to create your own that you hadn’t thought of before? Do you already have one or more buzz pieces to help you promote your freelance business?
6. On pages 95-97 the authors talk about itemizing your services in your marketing material, and having a fee schedule available. Both let prospects know exactly what types of projects you’re willing and able to take on. What are your thoughts on itemizing and having fee schedules available? Do you employ these tactics on your website or in other marketing materials? Why or why not?
7. On pages 19-22, the authors discuss the concept of setting standards for your freelance writing business. Do you do this for your own freelance work? After reviewing the sample there and reasoning behind the process, are you considering it? How do you think not having standards laid out (whether on paper or even in your head) has affected your freelance writing business?
8. Starting on page 139 the authors talk about what freelancers can do when clients say their professional rates are too high. Have you put any of these negotiation or follow-up tips to the test? How did they work out for you? If you haven’t yet, do they sound like ideas you’d like to try the next time the issue comes up? Why or why not?
9. On pages 195-196 of the book you’ll find an “open letter to spouses and partners of freelancers.” What are your thoughts on some of the requests laid out there? Can you see your own partner being willing to accept them? Is there anything you would add?
10. In chapter 12 (secret 12) the authors talk about the “wealthy triangle” concept where you can balance a high freelance income with enough time to still enjoy life and pursue other interests. Where would you say you fall currently on the time-income curve? Where would you like be fall in that spectrum a year from now? Or are you already in the Wealthy Triangle (and if so, how did you get there)?

Remember, you can answer all of these questions or just a few if you prefer. You can discuss your thoughts on the book in the comments below, or pose your own questions for other readers.