It can be both exciting and bewildering becoming a freelancer and running your own business.
You’ve got fed up with being an employee and want to offer your services as a freelancer. There’s a lot to think about. Don’t be put off.
Although you need to put things in place in order to turn your specialism into your own business, it is now under your control. You are the boss! So let’s get on with going freelance and becoming a sole trader.
How to set up your freelance business
You are applying your specialism as a freelancer. Here are things you need to put in place:
- Register for Self-assessment for tax purposes and National Insurance with the HMRC.
- Build a website to advertise your services.
- Network with others in your specialism; and any other freelancers! Freelancing can be lonely.
- Train in your specialism. Listing regular CPD will reinforce your professionalism.
- Consider who your clients are and where you will find them.
- Have a contract in place. Agree terms with client. Send an invoice when work is completed.
Resources
From now on, I am referring to editors and proofreaders (my specialism).
Below are free resources for new editors and proofreaders. If you are freelancing in a different area, do contact me for advice.
Click on the images below to download free documents and adapt them for your own needs.
Feedback Form
CIEP resources
Here I include links to other CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) resources which I have found invaluable as a freelancer. You need to be a member to access some of these links. If you are not a member, sign up! See it as an investment rather than a cost in your career as an editor/proofreader. Membership is tax deductable.