Launching a Freelance Editing Business: Tipsheet
From the January 23, 2002, meeting: Launching a Freelance Editing Business
Getting Started
The folks at Freelance Online have carefully thought-out information for anyone considering freelancing as a business.
Ongoing Resources
Yahoo!Groups. Sign in and get a Yahoo ID, then search on the following groups:
- editorsforum: our own Editors' Forum discussion list.
- editorsguild: discussion list for the Editors' Guild, an East Bay group.
- Freelance: worldwide discussion of freelance business issues.
Bay Area Accounting and Tax Help
Susan Kopman, EA
1223 Solano Ave Suite 2
Albany CA 94706
510-526-8255
Carol Epstein, EA
1250 Addison St., Ste. 100
Berkeley, CA 94702
510/843-0951
carol@taxplus.net
Classes
- editcetera - Editorial Opportunities in the Bay Area; Business of Freelancing.
- Bookbuilders West Annual Crash Course.
- UC Extension offers some classes of interest to editors and freelance business owners.
Getting Legal
Most jurisdictions require a local business license, tax registration, and zoning for a home business. If you're using something other than your own name, you need to register a Fictitious Business Name as well. Check out these additional resources:
- San Francisco: Getting a Business Started.
- One Stop Small Business Center in Oakland (510-238-3703). Ask for their fact sheet on getting registered and licensed.
- Berkeley Permit Service Center.
- IRS "Independent Contractor or Employee?" brochure.
- Libra Associates questionnaire based on Fed guidelines.