Courses

Underpinned
Practical introduction to the business side of setting up as a freelancer

Digital Mums
Digital marketing courses specifically designed to help mums back into the workplace

i-to-i
Accredited training to become an online TEFL teacher

CIEP
Training on proofreading and editing for both beginners and established professionals

Government Sites

Self-assessment tax returns

Set up as a sole trader

Help paying for childcare

Check your employment status for tax

Data protection checklist for sole traders

Professional Bodies

Society of Authors
Trade union for writers, illustrators & literary translators

Association of Illustrators
Membership body for illustrators

IPSE
UK membership body for the self-employed

National Union of Journalists
Trade union for journalists

Chartered Institute of Editors & Proofreaders
Membership organisation for editors and proofreaders

Newsletters

Freelance Writing Jobs
Weekly links to freelance & part time writing jobs plus editors who are actively seeking pitches

The Freelance Parent
Weekly newsletter with information & support from a freelance parent

Counterflow
Weekly newsletter with six links around being a digital nomad

School for Social Entrepreneurs
News & funding opportunities for social enterprises and charities

Out of Office
A free newsletter and community for all self-employed women, from journalist Lizzy Dening, with helpful tips and information

Podcasts

Northern Natter
For new and aspiring journalists in the north of England Scotland

Is this Working
About the messy parts of work

Writing & journalism

NAWE
Includes opportunities both for creative writing and writing in education

Copify
Pay isn’t great but it can be useful to fill an odd hour or two when you’re building up your business

Womagwriter
Submission links and guidelines to UK women’s magazines

Freelance Writing Jobs
Weekly links to freelance & part time writing jobs plus editors who are actively seeking pitches

Online Education

i-to-i
Useful summary of companies that take on online English tutors, including requirements and pay rates for each

Outschool
Platform to teach online in pretty much any subject you like

Freelance Marketplaces

Freelance marketplaces often get a bad rep. However, if you create a decent profile and put forward customised bids with good value (rather than dirt cheap) costings, they can be a useful way to pick up work and gain all-important experience when you’re starting out. Here are a few to try.

Fiverr

Freelancer

Freelancers in the UK

People Per Hour

UpWork

Worksome

If you’re wondering how much to charge, these industry publications can provide a useful starting point.

Copywriting

Procopywriters
Annual Survey of Pay Rates

Proofreading and Editing

CIEP suggested minimum rates
Suggested rates for editing, proofreading and indexing