Rating: 
Summary: #1 resource for designers & freelancers; novice or seasoned
Review: I've alread read it once and now twice, hi-liting for more emphasis. I run a very successful graphic design business, and consider this book a #1 resource. I recommend it to everyone in the design and freelance field. From starting out with minimal resources to planning the future and long-term success. Excellent strategies in pricing, sales, and working with clients. . .good and bad!
Rating:
Summary: a book that GETS it!
Review: I've been bugging so many people over the past year about ALL the questions this book answers. It is just a frank no-nonsense book about what it takes to run a freelance biz. The section on HOW TO sell your work to difficult non creative clients is worth it's weight in gold. All those "Addy" designs are wasted on the floor! So few people in the working "real" world have this skill to sell their own work. The section on estimating and getting work is awesome! The cold facts about how much to charge per hour is enlightening! THIS is the stuff they need to teach in school.
Rating:
Summary: Must Have for Creative Business Owners
Review: If you have started, or are thinking about starting your own small business this is a must have book. Especially for those not jumping around in the industry and not knowing how to deal monetarily with things that are so personal (your art). The book devotes a lot to operating a small business in general (Insurance, taxes, etc.) which is useful but more information could probably be derived from a book dedicated to a small business. How to handle difficult clients and manage to deliver a satisfactory product is one of the most challenging aspects of the so called "creative industry" and this book will be an important aid until you rack up enough real world experience.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent - but not 1st edition
Review: Not a review, but a correction of sorts. This is not a 1st edition as stated (ISBN: 039373093X; 1st edition (June 2002))
as I have a 1996 version (same ISBN). First version was excellent so I will definitely update to this new version.
Rating: 
Summary: The most comprehensive source available.
Review: The Business Side of Creativity was compiled over six years from the actual practices of thousands of self-employed graphic designers, copywriters and illustrators, and principals of design shops and agencies. It is by far the most comprehensive source of practical business information available for the creative entrepreneur. For more information please visit: http://www.creativebusiness.com
Rating:
Summary: GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!
Review: This book covers it all, from how to bill clients, to whether working from home or leasing space is the best option for you. Instead of telling you what to do in various situations he gives you options, tells you the pros and cons of each option and allows you to draw your own conclusions. This book is great!
Rating:
Summary: Most complete how-to book on running a freelance buisness.
Review: This book does not mix words in telling freelancers what to expect, how to survive, and how to make the buisness system work for them. This is a must for any serious self-employeed freelancer (illustrator, graphic designer, or copyrighter). Everything is covered: tax issues, buisness forms, organization, presentations, marketing, bookkeeping, and proper buisness manners.
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Summary: The last word on running a succesful small design shop.
Review: This book has quickly become the most dog-eared reference on my bookshelf. Foote dazzles with statistics that guide you through the labyrinth of running your own show. Often his advice works in the sense that you are learning how, when or why to do something based on other similar business' stories. I can't recommend this enough.
Rating:
Summary: YOUR BUSINESS BIBLE
Review: This is such a comprehensive book. If you have any question about how to run a business, let alone a creative one, this book is the only one you'll need.
Rating:
Summary: I just bought this book -- AGAIN
Review: Why? Because I left my first copy on the airplane. So honestly, I haven't read the entire book -- I skipped around. However, I didn't want to wait to write a review. What little I've read has been incredibly helpful. I've run a successful studio for 7 years, yet never had clear business practices. As a result, sometimes I would be unsure and quick to apologize for how I do business. After reading only a few sections, I learned enough facts and got enough confirmation that my latest client relations have been way clearer and managed with more confidence. The formulas he gives are great guidelines. I no longer have to reinvent the wheel over and over again. He is very specific and thorough. For the first time ever, I have a firm grasp over my studio and where I want it to go. In fact, I just raised my rates and when a potential client asked me if I would consider a volume discount, I comfortably explained the efficiencies we bring to table and how he will be thrilled with the value of what we provide. I've never discussed money with such finesse and effectiveness. Once the new copy arrives, both me and my partner will read it in it's entirety. I hope the author writes a new edition. I would be curious what he would say about web design business practices specifically.
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