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Starting Your Own Writing Business?
by Gloria McConnell, Rough Draft Managing Editor
Some of us are or have been freelance writing consultants; others (most technical communicators, I suspect) have simply thought about it.
Consultants own their own business and form a vendor-client relationship with each client. Take a look at this YouTube video for a humorous (yet painful) look at how some clients try to treat their consultants: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY. If you aren’t up to sticking to your guns on fees and services, you may want to think twice about freelance consulting.
If you are seriously considering a freelance business, check the STC Consulting and Independent Contractors SIG. Many sites exist to support the entrepreneur or small business, including the American Small Business online magazine. See their article, How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business.
Don’t forget that the Small Business Administration and SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) offer a wealth of information and assistance.
Best of luck to those of you who decide to “go for it”!