As a college student or a recent grad, one of the best ways to earn some extra money, and possibly embark on a very profitable career, is by freelance writing.

Here is a recent post from Live the Write Life with 10 books that will get you on the road to becoming a literary money making machine.

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Have you ever read a book that inspired you?

Have you ever read a book that gave you such a great idea that you had to immediately put the book down to go scribble notes?

What if I told you that this happens to me all the time. I’m a sucker for a good book, but with an excellent reason.

As a freelance writer, most of the knowledge and skills that I profess to have have come from the masters. When I say “masters” I’m not talking about Jack Nicholaus, I mean groundbreaking writers who have come before us. Writers who have paved the way so you and I can have a wealthy legacy to build upon.

I have also learned many of my skills from the “masters” who are still with us. People who have perfected their craft and now gladly share it with the world.

As a freelancer, we need to have many skills. These skills need to range from having control of grammar, to marketing, and even social media and accounting.

As a freelance writer, we are pursuing our passion of writing within the context of a self-employed business. This means that we need the skills, outside of writing, to be able to manage our business and remain profitable.

You will never become a better writer if you do not strive to perfect your craft!

So with that said, here are: The 10 books that will literally rock your writing world to the core.

No. 1 – The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success – Linda Formichelli

In this book, Linda Formichelli, whom I highly respect as a writer and a blogger, lays out in plain english how to start a freelance writing business. Gone are the days of sending self-addressed envelopes with a resume and credentials. Formichelli walks you through everything we need to know to get your 21st century freelance writing business off the ground.

 

No. 2 – I Will Teach you To Be Rich – Ramit Sethi

Ramit has a no-nonsense approach to personal finance. He aims his message at a very specific target audience, and he will be the first to tell you if you do not match up. However, there are gems to be found within his book. Mainly, to cut your expenses savagely on the things that are not important and spend money on the things that you truly enjoy, and will make your life better. Practice conscious spending in your personal life and in your business.

 

No. 3 – Essays in the Art of Writing – Robert Louis Stevenson

In this newly published book book, we are brought back to the masters I referenced above. With a brilliant compilation of classical writing, it weaves together a wonderful anthology that gives you everything from Pilgrim’s Progress to Othello. Even as a freelance writer, it helps to understand the master’s of our craft, and emulate their skills if we ever hope to attain writing greatness ourselves.

 

No 4. – Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien

This might surprise some of you, but I am truly convinced that this book can make you a better freelance writer. There is much more here than dragons, goblins, and hairy footed hobbits. If you don’t believe me, please read myentire defense of this book as a complete guide to freelance writing.

 

No 5. – Escape From Cubicle Nation – Pamela Slim

Pamela Slim is a life coach, specializing in helping people make the transition from employee to entrepreneur. As a freelance writer that is our goal right? To “escape cubicle nation” and work as a writer on our own terms! Slim shows us how, with practical advice and step by step instructions on how to fire your boss and live life on your own terms.

 

No. 6 – Four Hour Work Week – Tim Ferris

Like Ramit Sethi’s book, FHWW is another book that has generated a cult following. In the book, Ferris lays out how to fire your boss and create a “muse” that allows you enjoy the lifestyle that you dream of. As freelancer writers, writing of course, is our muse. Ferris will show you how to employ the 80/20 rule to your business and separate yourself from the clients who cause you the most heartache. This is a must read if you struggle with being over-worked (which I suspect most of us do!).

 

No. 7 – Tribes: We Need you to Lead Us – Seth Godin

I had to include Seth Godin in this list because his advice on marketing is incredible. He is rightly considered the genius behind modern marketing theory and he is in touch with the modern world of web 2.0, and Internet savvy entrepreneurs such as yourselves. In this book, he details how to create a “tribe” following, and how to leverage that following into success. As a freelance writer, we all know that the most important business task is finding new clients. Godin shows us how to do this with no money spent, and no extra effort.

 

No 8. – How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months – John Locke

If you have not explored writing eBooks, you should. Print media is rapidly dwindling and eBooks and digital media mediums are quickly rising to prominence. In his new book, John Locke, a New York Times Best Selling authorand the first Kindle publisher to sell 1 million eBooks, shows you how he did it. He opens up his closet and let’s all of his secrets out. The book is dripping with glorious details about how to sell the mess out of a eBook.

 

No 9. – The Grammar Devotional: Daily Tips for Successful Writing From Grammar Girl – Mignon Fogarty

Let’s be honest, nobody likes grammar. Garmmar Girl explains grammar in a way that we as writers can easily implement into our daily activities. She makes it painless, and she makes it relevant. This might very well be the only book on grammar that you willl ever need to buy as a freelance writer.

 

No. 10 – Crush It! Why NOW is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion – Gary Vaynerchuck