As freelance writers, we of all people should appreciate the value of a great book!

They say that who you are is a reflection of who you spend time with and what you read. In that case, we might as well spend time reading books by people who are doing what we want to do - people who are playing a bigger, better game. Reading a great book is like having an author's insight and mentorship as you move forward in your goals.

Here are some that have shaped the way I've built my own writing business. As far as I'm concerned, they should be required reading for every aspiring freelance writer.

Buy them - read them - mark them up, and.... USE THEM!

How is this book related to building a thriving writing business?

Because starting a business of any kind is not for the faint of heart!

I've attended a number of seminars put on by Klemmer & Associates, and this is, by far the most powerful, life-changing book (aside from the Bible!) I've ever read. In fact, I've borrowed the motto "A world that works for everyone, with no one left out" for the dedication page in my own book.

For most of us, just making a few bucks from writing isn't enough - we want to make life better for our families, friends, and our world. This requires much more than mere motivation - it's a matter of transformation and leadership development.

These two - (Take two, they're small!) - are wonderful reads that show you how you can make a difference, both through your writing business and just by being "you." It's been said that not everyone will be famous, but everyone CAN be great. And these little gems may open your eyes to the powerful impact you can have in the world.

Multiple Streams of Coaching Income

OK - Yes, I know you're not a coach. BUT, this book adds one fantastic piece to the puzzle. It'll get you thinking about the different ways you can market your business based on the "pink spoon" theory. (You know, like at Baskin Robbins... you get the pink spoonful of Swiss Mocha Almond, and the next thing, you're ordering a whole darn ice cream cake?)

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

This one's HUGE. You've seen all the writers out there who write day and night, and still have to keep a day job because there are just not enough hours in the day to turn a profit. (Heck, you might be one of those writers... up until now!) This book will help you get the big picture - the very big picture about what your business could be, and how to get there.

The Referral of a Lifetime: The Networking System That Produces Bottom-Line Results Every Day (Ken Blanchard (Paperback))

Believe me, when you first start reading this one, you'll be wondering if you've gotten the wrong book somehow. It's a parable of sorts. That's okay - you'll 'get it' when you're done. This is exactly who we need to become in order to become outrageously successful. And it goes hand-in-hand with the E-Myth book.

You Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar : The Sandler Sales Institute's 7-Step System for Successful Selling

Yes, the title... stinks. But this book is mind-blowing. Yes you're a writer - and just in case you didn't know it, that means you're in sales. Frankly, if you're a human, you're in sales. This book can be hard to find, and I think you're technically supposed to go through the Sandler Sales Institute's training to put it to best use. But it's helped me enormously. I no longer sit there waiting for the phone to ring, wondering whether my prospects will call and get moving on their projects - none of that hooey anymore.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth

This is one of three books that actually propelled me into launching my writing business. If you don't learn these principles, you may as well quit now. As in every other area in life, the worst enemy you've got in your business is YOU. Your programming will not allow you to succeed unless you become aware of it and change it. This book's really down-to-earth - no incense, Japanese flutes, or golden calves anywhere to be found. The cards are a nice way to remind yourself about reality.

If How-To's Were Enough We Would All be Skinny, Rich and Happy

This is the first in a series of books that take on your inner programming. While I'm the first one to love reading a book, the seminars put on by Klemmer & Associates put any book to shame. If you're really, really ready to do something amazing with your life and your business, get to one of these seminars.

The Millionaire Maker: Act, Think, and Make Money the Way the Wealthy Do

The Millionaire Maker's Guide to Creating a Cash Machine for Life

The first one was the final straw! After reading it, I sunk a nice chunk of change into the coaching program. Hear me clearly on this: IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I learned how to build a writing business, but that's not all. What I learned, I could easily apply to building any other kind of business out there - a bakery, a dog grooming shop, a bookkeeping business... it's that transferable, and that valuable.

The Well-Fed Writer Series

These are absolute musts for any freelance writer. Before reading them, I had no idea this type of writing career even existed - much less that it could be so profitable. The books are BOTH required reading. They teach you one great way to build your business, talk about how to handle lots of situations, how to present yourself and your work. Get them, and do what they say. Peter Bowerman also has a great monthly e-newsletter called "Well-Fed Writer." 

This one's so good you'll want to take it with you everywhere so you can read it in every spare minute. If you've got any interest in internet publishing, or learning how to create passive income with your writing business, get this book!

Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends

This book is a fantastic tutorial for networking (and just being a nice person in general!). Learn how to make yourself relevant to people you meet, how to provide the best service possible, and all kinds of other people skills. 

There are more books, but these should give you a good start!

This one's Joe Vitale's e-book, and is absolutely THE best resource for learning copywriting I've ever used. The swipe file alone is worth a fortune.