The 10 Best Books That Every Freelancer Should Read in 2024

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Freelancing presents various challenges as you are solely responsible for building your portfolio, finding clients, providing services, managing prices, and taxes while balancing your personal life. It can be overwhelming and hinder your progress and learning.

To combat this, staying updated with industry news, enrolling in skill-improving courses, and reading business books are essential. However, the vast amount of books available on Amazon under the “business” or “freelancing” categories can make it challenging to choose the right ones. To aid in this process, it is best to have a curated list of the top books for freelancers. A comprehensive list can be counterproductive, so I have compiled a concise list of the ten best business books for freelancers.

These books offer practical advice and narrative perspectives that can help you gain a fresh outlook, put things into perspective, or provide the necessary push to succeed.

What are the best books for freelancers available on Amazon?

You can find all of the recommended books on Amazon, and if you prefer, you can opt for the Kindle edition as well.

To ensure that you always have access to the best books, consider subscribing to Kindle Unlimited, which offers over a million different books to choose from.

Subscribe to Kindle Unlimited and gain access to more than a million different books to be sure you get the best books always at your disposal.

For those who prefer to listen to books instead of reading, subscribing to Audible Plus is a great option. You can enjoy the best business books for freelancers out there in the most convenient way possible. Read our Audible review for a better overview.

Here are some highly recommended books that can help you improve your freelancing business and take it to the next level.

1. It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work – Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson

This book is undoubtedly one of the best ever written and serves as a manifesto for freelancers, contractors, and solopreneurs of all kinds. It challenges the notion that long hours and excessive workloads are necessary for success and productivity. Instead, “It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work” encourages less waste and fewer distractions to achieve better results. The book doesn’t offer strict guidelines but rather shares the authors’ experiences in implementing changes that have positively impacted their professional and personal lives.

2. The Freelancer’s Bible – Sarah Horowitz

In this book, Sara Horowitz, the founder of the National Freelancers Union, offers practical advice for both novice and experienced freelancers looking to grow and expand their businesses. While seasoned freelancers may find some of the information to be “basic,” reviewing fundamental concepts can provide a fresh perspective and stimulate new ideas.

3. Stop Thinking like a Freelancer – Liam Veitch

As a seasoned freelancer, Liam Veitch has written a book that not only addresses common challenges encountered by freelancers but also offers solutions to overcome them and tips to avoid them altogether. I highly recommend using Liam’s book as a guide to pave your own way in the freelancing world. It strikes the perfect balance between inspiring and educational content, making it suitable for a wide range of purposes.

4. My So-Called Freelance Life – Michelle Goodman

Michelle Goodman’s book is geared toward women navigating the world of freelancing, but it is a valuable and enjoyable resource for all freelancers. The book covers a wide range of topics, including complex issues like tax filing and client acquisition, as well as day-to-day challenges such as juggling work and personal life. What sets this book apart is its engaging and entertaining writing style that makes it far from boring.

5. The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living – Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau’s “The $100 Startup” aims to demonstrate that while not all business ideas have a future, some do, and it is feasible to bring them to life and generate income. The book delves into 1,500 businesses that began with just $100 and managed to gross $50,000, highlighting the 50 most intriguing case studies. “The $100 Startup” is an inspirational read for freelancers interested in creating passive income and looking for engaging stories to motivate them.

6. The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is a well-known name in the freelancing business, and his book “The 4-Hour Workweek” is a must-read for freelancers who want to maximize their time, increase their earnings, and achieve their goals without working excessively long hours. The book offers numerous valuable tips, such as an economic model that shows how to eliminate 50% of your workload in just 48 hours. “The 4-Hour Workweek” is a combination of inspiration and practical advice, filled with tricks and tips that can help freelancers achieve success in their business.

7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has been a revered book for 30 years and remains a must-read for freelancers, contractors, and solopreneurs. Covey’s advice focuses on implementing a process to transform your life and make it more efficient and less stressful. The seven habits require a specific mindset, but implementing them in a freelancing business can result in phenomenal growth, both personally and professionally.

8. Start with Why – Simon Sinek

The biggest question asked in this book is why some people and organizations are more innovative, influential, and profitable than others. The book aims to provide the fundamental principles to create a perfect business, regardless of its size. For every business owner and freelancer, the ultimate goal is to find their reason to create a business and achieve success. This book does not pressure everyone to create a worldwide famous business or brand, but instead encourages every freelancer to discover their “why” and ensure their success.

9. The One Thing – Gary Keller

Juggling numerous tasks, finding a balance, and staying productive can be challenging for everyone. In “The One Thing,” Gary Keller demonstrates how easy it is to focus your energy on one thing at a time to build a better life. Each of us has “one thing” to focus on, but it’s crucial to have fewer distractions and increase productivity. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their mental structure and workflow to improve their quality of life.

10. Company of One – Paul Jarvis

Paul Jarvis’s book challenges the notion that massive business growth is the key to happiness. Instead, he argues that staying small is often the best approach from a business perspective, allowing individuals to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life and avoid the headaches that come with managing others. While this book is not specifically addressed to freelancers, it provides valuable insights that can help put your views in perspective and understand what you really want and where your focus should lie. It’s a great read for anyone seeking to find balance and meaning in their business and personal lives.

Are business books useful for freelancers?

While reading this article, you may have wondered if business books are useful for freelancers. The answer is yes, as spending time reading is never a waste of time. However, with so many books available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best for a freelancer to read in order to generate more business and improve their work.

In freelancing, continuous education is essential for progress. Finding books that aid in learning and improvement is crucial, making business books a powerful tool for shaping a freelancer’s next moves.

Reading a book can be an excellent way to relax and empower yourself after a long day at work. If you haven’t tried it yet, why not give it a shot? You may find that it helps you unwind and offers valuable insights that you can apply to your freelancing business.

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