13 Best Books For Freelancers & Solopreneurs To Read Now
Get ready to discover some of the best books for freelancers and solopreneurs.
These books have all played a part in building my business as a freelancer and leaving the corporate world for a life of travel and more freedom.
These books will help you to start, grow and scale your creative freelance business.
If you are trying to build a freelance business, then you need to read these best freelance books.
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Best books for freelancers & solopreneurs
Editor’s Pick
1. You Are a Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass at Making Money is my number one recommendation for new and soon-to-be entrepreneurs. This freelance book is lifechanging when it comes to changing your opinion about money, and I’m a firm believer it should be in your regular rotation.
New York Magazine called this book “a cheerful manifesto on removing obstacles between yourself and the income of your dreams.” And I couldn’t agree more. Not only is this book hilariously written, but it is crazy inspiring and full of remarkable stories that will make you want to get your money shit together.
This book is a combination of practical advice and inspiring stories. Jen started out where most of us do (with an empty bank account in a crappy house) and is now living an amazing life and getting paid for it. It’s a book that will make you believe that you can do it too, and it’s something you truly need to hear.
If you’re someone who struggles with your money mindset (#Guilty — honestly, we all do), you really do need to read this book. It was the first the money book for freelancers I read along my entrepreneurial journey, and it still tops my list.
If you can’t get enough of Jen Sincero, she has a couple of other books to read:
- You Are a Badass (more detailed review below)
- Badass Habits
- You Are a Badass Everyday
Editor’s Pick
2. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Profit First is another money-focused book. Most entrepreneurs tell me this book changed the way they look at the money incoming to their business, which is why I’m naming it a best book for freelancers to read.
This book helps you flip the traditional formula of Sales – Expenses = Profit to Sales – Profit = Expenses to turn your business into a money making machine. It’s one-part financial formula, one-part money mindset, and it’s all parts you need to hear.
If you find you struggle to see actual “profit” from your business, it might be time to change the way you feel about money and how your business interacts with it.
It’s a wild way to look at business, and one that will help you grow in the long run. This solopreneur book has helped many-a freelancers and solopreneurs change the growth of their profit, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be on that list.
Editor’s Pick
3. Chill and Prosper by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Chill and Prosper is Denise Duffield-Thomas’ updated rendition of Chillpreneur. It’s one of the best books for solopreneurs, and I highly recommend you add it to your reading list.
I LOVED Chillpreneur, I related to it A LOT more than most business oriented books. Chill and Prosper has that same figurative look and feel. Its the perfect book for hustlers who aren’t into the “grind” (guilty) and want a more “chill” way of doing business.
I’m all about business on your own terms, and this book gives you a real roadmap for doing just that. It cuts the gross salesy feeling and the idea that you need to work 18 hours a day just to live your dreams. lt’s OK to be a bit more chill and go-with-the-flow.
This book is one part business formula, one party money mindset. Even if “chill” isn’t a word that describes you perfectly, it’s still worth hearing this take on business. I really enjoy the casual and fun nature of this book.
It’s an easy read that might just help you take the next step in your business.
Editor’s Pick
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
We could all benefit from a bit more work on our habits, and Atomic Habits is where you’re going to find a strategy. It’s a book about how small changes can bring BIG, meaningful results.
We could all benefit from a bit more work on our habits, and Atomic Habits is where you’re going to find a strategy. It’s a book about how small changes can bring BIG, meaningful results.
Most people struggle to change their habits. Not because they don’t want to change them, but simply because they have the wrong system in place. This book was designed to give you a system you can take and easily apply to your every day life.
This is a life-changing book for both entrepreneurs and employees. EVERYONE has bad habits, and we can all seriously benefit from making small changes.
Author James Clear is known for his simple explanations and easy-to-adapt strategies. If you have a habit or two you want to change, or simple a few new ones you want to instill in your freelance life, this book will help provide you with the tools to make that happen.
Editor’s Pick
5. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
We already talked about one of Jen Sincero’s books, but you should probably read them all. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life is her first book, and the first in the “series.”
If you need a kick in the ass towards being a bit more confident, building a life that you want, and getting rid of those limiting beliefs (ones that we all have), this is the book that you need.
Jen’s voice is hilarious and fun. She has a way of instilling seriously empowering values in you, while still keeping the story light-hearted and relatable. We all deserve to create a life we love, and rake in that money (you know you want it!).
If you’re ready to kick some bad habits, gain your confidence, and step into your true identity, this is the book you need to read. I dare you not to love it!
Editor’s Pick
6. Quiet by Susan Cain
I’m an introvert, there’s no denying it – and there are A LOT of us out there. While the rest of the online business world likes to be loud and outgoing, I sit back quietly and do my work. There’s power in being an introvert, but mostly I just feel out of place.
If that describes you, Quiet: Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking is for you. This book makes the argument that we wildly undervalue introverts (we really do), and talks about how some big contributions were made by the quiet.
If you need some inspiration to remind you that it’s OK to be quiet, this is the book for you. It’s more story and argument driven then focused on creating something yourself, but it’s great if you need to (figuratively) get away for a while.
It’s OK to be quiet, and this book will help you understand why!
Editor’s Pick
7. The Freelance Content Marketing Writer by Jennifer Goforth Gregory
The Freelance Content Marketing Writer is a straight-to-the-point book about being a content marketing writer (go figure).
I admit that in internet years this book’s a little dated (it came out in 2018), but it still has a ton of relevant things in it. Jennifer Goforth Gregory is a high-earning freelancer who walks you through how to:
- Craft killer letters to prospective clients
- Create a profile that shows off your skills
- Find your perfect niche
- Create work product that you (and your clients) love
If you want to build the writing practice of your dreams, particularly if you want to do it writing online content, this is the book for you. This is one of the best books about freelancing, written by someone with the expertise to do it.
It’s pretty reasonably priced if you avoid the paperback version (hello, Kindle). Plus, Jennifer has a Facebook group you can join where you can ask questions, get answers, and hangout (online) with your fellow freelancers.
Editor’s Pick
8. The Freelance Introvert by Tom Albrighton
Less popular but still relevant is Tom Albrighton’s The Freelance Introvert: Work the Way You Want Without Changing Who You Are. It’s less inspiring than some of the other solopreneur books on this list, but still a good read if you’re an introverted freelancer who needs a reminder that it’s OK to be who you are.
This book is for all the freelancers (or those who want to be freelancers) who:
- Enjoy their own company
- Like to work alone
- Have a close group of friends
- Find external stimulation overwhelming
So, me, and everone like me.
I’ve never loved the modern move towards open offices, mandatory team hangouts, and the emphasis on teamwork – I’ve always been better by myself. So, when I started freelaning, the world seem to be pushing me into a an extroverted path.
The thing is, if you do it right – freelancing is THE PERFECT job for the introvert. And Tom uses this freelancer book to walk you through why that is and how you can take advantage of it while still getting the work done.
If you’re quiet and dream of working for yourself, this is a freelancing book you need to read!
Editor’s Pick
9. This Year Will Be Different by Monika Kanokova
In This Year Will Be Different, Monika Kanokova shares interviews, stories and tips from women who’ve made the leap and built their own successful creative businesses.
This book has great insight and practical tips from women in a variety of fields. Whether you want to be a freelance Pinterest manager or build your own blog, this is a book for everyone working to enter the creative industry.
Monika talks about how you can use your creative work to attract more clients, build your business, and grow your income. If you’re ready to start making a splash, this is the book for you.
Editor’s Pick
10. E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
E-Myth Revisited is a book that sounds like it has a scary premise – why many small businesses don’t work – but it’s a book that offers a solution. It was recommended to me by several freelancers who managed to take their businesses to another level of success.
While I was massively skeptical because of the title, it turned out to be a great read. If you want to grow a sustainable business, this is the book for you.
You’ll learn all about the typical entrepreneurial journey, including all the pitfalls that many small businesses face. Gerber, a business consultant, helps give you the tips and tricks to avoid keeping your business from failing!
Editor’s Pick
10. E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
A classic in the business world, The Lean Startup is must-read for all entrepreneurs. I know it says “startup” but it really applies to any business (including your freelance practice).
This is all about removing bulky business plans and processes that slow you down so you can move your business forward faster. Ries wants you to focus on using your capital and creativity more efficiently.
Skip the complex business plans, and get your business moving forward faster. Even if you’re a one-man team, this is a book that will help you get on track and keep you speeding down that road.
Editor’s Pick
12. The Big Leap by Gaye Hendricks
The subtitle says it all: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level. As freelancers and business owners, fears often get in the way of success.
Imposter syndrome and fear of failure is at the core of most freelance practices. It’s the real reason why I STILL struggle to start new things, even though I’ve been at it for years.
This book is meant to help you overcome those fears so you can focus on doing the work you were meant to do, and earning the kind of income you want to make.
It’s another classic business book that everyone should read, regardless of the type of business they’re running.
Editor’s Pick
12. The Big Leap by Gaye Hendricks
The Six-Figure Freelancer was released during the pandemic when the gig economy was really booming. It’s one of the best books on freelancing. It covers a proven strategy for building a freelance business based on Laura Briggs’ trial-by-fire lessons.
If you want to grow your business into a six-figure enterprise, this is the book for you. Learn the ups and downs of freelancing and how to grow your business. You deserve to control your paycheck, and this book helps give you the tools.
For those that are just starting those journeys, and those that have started but are still feeling a bit lost – this figurative toolkit is for you. Speed the process up by learning from someone else’s mistake.
Where else can you grow your business knowledge as a freelancer?
I LOVE reading, but not everyone does.
The good news is there are plenty of ways you can grow your knowledge of business that don’t involve getting an MBA (I promise, you don’t need one).
Whether you want to add more learning tools to the mix or you need something additional, I recommend you check out both podcasts and YouTube.
There’s plenty of knowledge out there. Free, paid, it doesn’t matter. So long as you’re always trying to expand and grow your knowledge.
If I can run a business, you can.
