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.

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