BOOK REVIEW | BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Hey Freelancer Go Clone Yourself by Kathleen Krueger & Michael Stover
“Learn how subcontracting to other freelancers can expand your income potential.” Kathleen and Michael discuss expanding your business by prospecting more and subcontracting to other freelance writers.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure statement for additional information.
In this review, I will give you what I thought was the most essential in each chapter, so you’ll get an idea of why you need this book.
One thing I love about writing reviews on “how-to” books is that there are no spoilers.
I could paraphrase 98% of this book, and you will still want to buy it yourself. You’ll want exact instructions on getting into this “goldmine” that is subcontracting. You’ll also want to keep the book on your desk for frequent reference.
Chapter #1 — Overview
The most significant point in the overview is that YOU can do this, and the next is to answer the question, “when should you hire a subcontractor.”
“Whenever you are in a situation where you would have to put in more hours than you desire, even if it is temporarily, this is an opportunity to subcontract work to one of your peers.”
When you read about someone making five or six figures a year writing, your first thought is, how is that even possible? Unless they’re writing books, it’s doubtful they are doing it alone.
If you want to be successful in writing, you will need some help. Some, myself included, use a virtual assistant (VA) to promote their work. It would also help to have someone to do the bookkeeping and taxes.
Outsourcing these chores means you have more time to concentrate on what you love to do — writing.
Chapter #2 — Barriers and How to Overcome Them
In this chapter, Kathleen and Michael discuss three crucial considerations:
1. Sales
2. Process
3. Quality
I received a lot of wise counsel from Kathleen during the years I have subcontracted from her. Oh, did I forget to mention I’ve worked both sides of this formula and still do?
Kathleen said she prospects two hours a day regardless of how much work she already has. From that day on, I’ve tried to do the same, except for Sunday, my scheduled day off.
You’ll want to read how each deals with project management so that they have a smooth process.
I always thought Kathleen’s process was genius because she subcontracts each article to a writer and then the editing to another. It’s always good to get a second set of eyes on it.
Chapter #3 — Are You Ready to Grow?
This is a rhetorical question because they will tell you how to do just that.
Chapter #4 — Goals Determine Strategy
“The goals you are pursuing determine how you map out any business strategy.”
They discuss four common goals held by many freelancers:
1. Work fewer hours.
2. Earn more money.
3. Work less while earning more.
4. Providing services for profits.
Chapter #5 — Preparing Your Clients for Change
They answer the inevitable question, “How do I tell my clients that I’m turning their assignments over to a subcontractor?”
Chapter #6 — Vetting Subcontractors
They tell us why vetting subcontractors is a key consideration and give us hints about the process.
Chapter #7 — Streamline Your Process
Project management (PM) is essential to timely project submission and keeping subs busy. They discuss several PM systems and how to choose one right for you.
Chapter #8 — Your Role as Business Owner
In this chapter, they discuss how outsourcing affects the dynamics of your business.
Chapter #9 — Growing Pains
They discuss the issues you encounter when outsourcing various tasks and how to deal with some of the more common ones.
Chapter #10 — Favorite Tools
In this chapter, Michael and Kathleen discuss the various tools you might decide to use in your business. Many tools do the same thing but have pros and cons, like cost and simplicity.
Chapter #11 — You Can Do This!
This chapter is a summary with a final note from both authors.
About the Authors & Other Books They’ve Written
I own and have reviewed most of these brilliant businesspeople’s books. However, I am never done with their books just because I read and review them. I refer back to these gems when I have questions I cannot answer.
Even though I have been in the freelancing business for more than a decade, I still have questions. It’s good to have two strong mentors and their books to reference.
Michael Stover:
How to Write Well: 2nd Edition Kindle Edition.
Paperback edition.
My review. I seriously could not Write Well without this book:
Jesus and Dirt: A Fresh Look at the Parable of the Sower Kindle Edition.
Jesus and Dirt Paperback.
re.CLAIM.ing : A Handbook for Developing a Restorative Culture in Your Church (Church Revitalization Leadership Library) with J. Pete Tackett. Kindle Edition.
Paperback edition.
Kathleen Krueger:
Go to the bookshop on Kathleen’s website.
The Fast Track to Freelance Success Online.
The video course: SEO Writing Best Practices Video Course.
DIY Website Content Writing Guide — “In this pdf download, Kathleen explains to business owners her process for writing effective website copy. She covers determining your target audience, identifying features versus benefits and other details critical in the website copywriting process.”
Scent of Spirit — Poetry eBook
How to Get This Book
Buy the paperback on Amazon.
Buy the Kindle on Amazon.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure statement for additional information.
Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Nutrition, Investing, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.
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