Making Your Own Way: Guides to Freelancing and Consulting

More and more people are participating in the gig economy. While the flexibility that this working style provides has many benefits, it can be a difficult road to maintain. Taking the time to learn and thoroughly understand what's required can be the first step on the road to freedom, financial success and accomplishment. Here are some titles to help.

First things first: you'll need to have a complete understanding of the laws and taxes that will govern your working relationships and income.  Find the hard information you need in Working for Yourself.

Contracts and forms can be a difficult area for those who don't feel particularly legally minded.   Consultant & Independent Contractor Agreements is a good step-by-step guide, with sample forms and contracts.

The Freelancer's Bible totally covers your freelance life, from how your set up your office, to building relationships with subcontractors, to what your ideal day looks like. Author Sara Horowitz is the founder of Freelancers Union.

The author of The Ultimate Freelancer's Guidebook is Yuwanda Black, a freelance writer herself.  This guide takes you through selling your brand and building successful relationships with clients.

Any freelancer or independent contractor has to master the art of self-promotion. But what if the thought of talking about yourself and how awesome your work is makes you cringe? You need some communication guidance with practical, outlined steps so you don't feel so awkward. Check out Brag!

Any other titles that have helped guide you through?