Book review: Freelance your heart out

Despite having a pile of business related books to read (or finish reading), and some more business recordings and webinars to hear, I have finished this eBook by Kris Emery.

Why have I read it faster than other books?

I think the fact it is shorter than many business books (being a 141 page eBook) makes it easier to get through it, but that’s not enough by itself. Freelance your heart out is a friendly, chatty style that is easy to move from page to page so it is achievable relatively quickly.

What is it about?

eBook cover

Kris works as a freelance transcriber and translator, and this eBook is basically her journey from corporate employee to successful freelancer. From her journey, Kris has picked up a few things and she shares them in this eBook so others can enjoy a freelance lifestyle if they wish.

While some parts are specific to transcribing and translating, most of the eBook is easily relatable for other freelance skills – as a freelance writer, I know I was either nodding along or finding a connection throughout her tips.

There are 25 specific tips in the book, each of which offers value to someone thinking of or starting as a freelancer. Read as part of the entire eBook, these tips are even more valuable as they come after a story or example that illustrates the tip.

Reading Freelance your heart out

As I’ve said before, hearing someone else’s business story is not my prefered way of learning something about business. However, Kris actually states the lessons, not just her story, so it becomes more useful than just her freelance story.

The writing style is easy to read, but does have some substance to it, and reading the eBook inspired some ideas and thoughts – and a few blog posts as well! A few spots I found hard to read, and needed to be reread more than once, which was a shame.

I like how Kris has included some practical information as well as more general tips (like learn to negotiate and set greater goals).

It is not, however, a complete guide to starting a freelance business, but gives some good ideas on what is needed and hope that it is possible for many people.

I also like the fact that she doesn’t make freelancing seem like easy street or something to do in your spare time to make a fortune – being a freelance anything takes time and dedication to make it work. It can br a great lifestyle (for example, I love being able to take my son to kinder and help at school as required) but it usually is much harder than having a traditional job.

Whether you end up working freelance or changing corporate jobs instead, having a realistic idea of freelancing could help you make a wiser decision about your future.

If you have ever tried freelance work, did you find it tough? Did you expect it to be easier than the reality turned out to be?