Thread: references for freelance writing

Can anyone recommend good books or websites for operating as a freelance writer? I will need to file taxes next year for writing-related income and want to make sure I'm keeping proper records from the start.

Thanks.

I've never seen any books on the subject except official guides for self-employed people. One is published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Self-Employment Tax (Social Security and Medicare Taxes)

In the UK the Inland Revenue have a similar guide.
HM Revenue & Customs: Self Employed

There are no doubt books published on the subject, but I've never seen them and would not know which to recommend.

You need to keep an up-to-date, accurate record of every sale you make, including what you sold, who you sold to, how much was paid, when it was paid, and so forth. If you have an agent be sure he or she keeps complete records as well. Do not depend on your agent's records except as a back-up for your own. Also keep a record of all expenses.

When you travel to another country to do research as a reporter you may want to inform local customs and immigration authorities of your purpose. Regulations for free-lance writers vary widely, and in many countries life for the free-lancer can be tricky, expensive, hairy, dangerous, or deadly.

If you want to be a stringer for any news agencies, check with them first. Don't do as I did and spend your last dollar to land on the other side of the world with no promise that you will be able to sell what you write. For a few of us, stupidity can sometimes pay off, but don't count on it.

Travel light, stay low when the shooting starts, always carry bottled water and toilet paper, and don't get smart with the Customs officer at Backabush International Airport.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by garza

Travel light, stay low when the shooting starts, always carry bottled water and toilet paper, and don't get smart with the Customs officer at Backabush International Airport.

Good luck.

Aha. Note-to-self.