Best Self-Employment Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Self-employment has become an increasingly popular career option for those looking for more control over their professional lives. Luckily, there are a variety of books available to help guide aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey. From practical guides on starting a business and managing finances to inspiring memoirs from successful self-employed individuals, these books offer a wealth of information and advice. Whether someone is just starting out or looking to take their business to the next level, there is sure to be a self-employment book that can help them achieve their goals.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY Cover #TOP 1
The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream Cover #TOP 2
Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Conquering Creative: 9 Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business Cover #TOP 3
The Conquering Creative: 9 Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Self-Employment Books

The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY

Dagger, Neil
Jan 19, 2023
The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY Cover
The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY

The ChatGPT Millionaire is a comprehensive guide on how to make money online using artificial intelligence. The book provides step-by-step instructions on how to create passive income sources, impress customers with high-quality work, and research and promote engaging content. It also includes access to 150+ powerful "Act as" prompts that'll ensure you can use ChatGPT quickly and easily for whatever you need. The book is an excellent resource for individuals who want to leverage AI to make money online. Overall, this is an excellent book that provides valuable insights into the world of AI and its potential to help people make money online easily and quickly.

Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream

Colwell PhD MBA, Ken
ClydeBank Media LLC
Feb 25, 2019
Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream Cover
Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream

The Starting a Business QuickStart Guide is the ultimate beginner's guide to starting a business in 2022. Written by Ken Colwell, PHD, MBA, the book presents the core fundamentals that all new entrepreneurs need to know to get started, find success, and live the life of their dreams. From conceptualizing your venture to winning your first customers, delivering value, and turning a profit, this book acts as an invaluable blueprint for your path to entrepreneurial success. The author's extensive experience, clear voice, and easy-to-understand presentation make this book a must-have resource for every budding entrepreneur. Overall, this book is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to start a business.

#TOP 3

The Conquering Creative: 9 Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business

Warren, William C.
Apr 27, 2023
The Conquering Creative: 9 Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business Cover
The Conquering Creative: 9 Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business

The Conquering Creative by William draws from his decade-long experience of leveraging creativity into a successful business. This fully-illustrated book is a must-read for any creative who wants to turn their passion into a thriving business. The author walks readers through nine critical shifts that they must make to level up from "Creative" to "Conquering Creative." The book offers practical advice, easy-to-follow steps, and delightful illustrations, making it an excellent resource for anyone who wants to master the business of their craft. Overall, this book is a game-changer for creatives who want to build an unstoppable creative business.

#TOP 4

Starcodes Astro Oracle: A 56-Card Deck and Guidebook

Roan Robbins, Heather
Oct 12, 2021
Starcodes Astro Oracle: A 56-Card Deck and Guidebook Cover
Starcodes Astro Oracle: A 56-Card Deck and Guidebook

The Starcodes Astro Oracle is a 56-card deck and guidebook that taps into the energy of ancient astrological archetypes and the relationships between celestial bodies. Written by Heather Roan Robbins, a seasoned astrologer and palmist, this deck delivers messages from the universe and deepens readers' knowledge of astrological terminology with each draw. The deck's bold illustrations and informative guidebook make it a valuable tool for those seeking personal transformation and self-help. Overall, the Starcodes Astro Oracle is a unique and powerful resource for anyone interested in astrology and the power of the universe.

#TOP 5

The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger than Your Business Card

Wallace, Christina
Apr 18, 2023
The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger than Your Business Card Cover
The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger than Your Business Card

The Portfolio Life by Christina Wallace is a practical guidebook that offers a refreshing perspective on achieving sustainable work-life balance. The author adapts tried-and-true practices from the business sector to help readers build a flexible, fulfilling, and sustainable life. The book argues that pouring oneself into a single full-time job is the riskiest move one can make and advocates for a Portfolio Life built on diversification and rebalancing. The book is well-researched, with actionable tips and case studies to help readers navigate the modern workplace. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to future-proof their career and build a life bigger than their business card.

Freight Dispatcher Training: How to Build and Run a Successful Truck Dispatching Business Without Owning a Single Truck: Turn Around Your Financial Situation From the Comfort of Your Home

Hobson, Kayla
Jan 6, 2023
Freight Dispatcher Training: How to Build and Run a Successful Truck Dispatching Business Without Owning a Single Truck: Turn Around Your Financial Situation From the Comfort of Your Home Cover
Freight Dispatcher Training: How to Build and Run a Successful Truck Dispatching Business Without Owning a Single Truck: Turn Around Your Financial Situation From the Comfort of Your Home

If you're looking to start a successful freight dispatching business without owning a single truck, the Freight Dispatcher Training Guide is a must-read. This book is designed for those who want to master the freight dispatching business from the comfort of their home, even if they have no prior experience. The author shares valuable insights and strategies to help readers avoid common mistakes and succeed in the industry. The guide covers everything from finding the first carrier to securing high-paying loads. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the distribution and warehouse management field.

Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types

Fishman J.D., Stephen
Jan 25, 2022
Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types Cover
Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types

Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Gig Workers of All Types is an all-in-one legal and tax resource that provides everything independent contractors and gig workers need to know in one place. This twelfth edition has been updated to reflect changes and updates to relevant laws, including those revised as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. From deciding on legal structures to drafting contracts to collecting payment from deadbeat clients, this book covers everything independent contractors need to know. With downloadable forms and an easy-to-use reference, this is an authoritative resource for anyone starting or running their own business.

#TOP 8

Start And Grow Your Own Consulting Business From Zero: A Proven 7-Step Guide To Turn Your Expertise Into Income, Win Clients Fast And Develop A Mindset For Success

Robson, Matthew
Aug 23, 2022
Start And Grow Your Own Consulting Business From Zero: A Proven 7-Step Guide To Turn Your Expertise Into Income, Win Clients Fast And Develop A Mindset For Success Cover
Start And Grow Your Own Consulting Business From Zero: A Proven 7-Step Guide To Turn Your Expertise Into Income, Win Clients Fast And Develop A Mindset For Success

Start And Grow Your Own Consulting Business From Zero: A Proven 7-Step Guide To Turn Your Expertise Into Income, Win Clients Fast And Develop A Mindset For Success is a comprehensive guidebook that provides readers with practical strategies to succeed in the consulting industry. The book contains seven powerful strategies for setting up a lasting consulting business from scratch, tips on achieving a winning mindset, and a mini-guide on charting a bullet-proof business plan. It also covers the formalities required to avoid legal pitfalls, how to win your first clients, and how to start your own consultancy when low on finances. Overall, a must-read for anyone interested in starting a consulting business.

#TOP 9

Small Business Start-Up Kit, The: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Pakroo J.D., Peri
Feb 22, 2022
Small Business Start-Up Kit, The: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide Cover
Small Business Start-Up Kit, The: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

The Small Business Start-Up Kit is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to start a small business. The book provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up a business in your state, deal with local forms, fees, and regulations, choose the right business structure, write an effective business plan, and much more. The 12th edition has been updated with the latest legal and tax rules, social media, and e-commerce trends. The author, Peri Pakroo, has been self-employed for over 20 years and offers practical advice to help readers pursue their vision on their terms. This is an excellent resource for any aspiring entrepreneur.

#TOP 10

How to Start a Successful Candle-Making Business: Quit Your Day Job and Earn Full-Time Income on Autopilot With a Profitable Candle-Making Business—Even if You Are an Absolute Beginner

Grant, Walter
Smith, Henrietta
Oct 24, 2022
How to Start a Successful Candle-Making Business: Quit Your Day Job and Earn Full-Time Income on Autopilot With a Profitable Candle-Making Business—Even if You Are an Absolute Beginner Cover
How to Start a Successful Candle-Making Business: Quit Your Day Job and Earn Full-Time Income on Autopilot With a Profitable Candle-Making Business—Even if You Are an Absolute Beginner

How to Start a Successful Candle-Making Business is a comprehensive guide for beginners who want to turn their passion for candle-making into a profitable business. The book covers all the fundamentals of the industry, from the elements of candle-making to the legal requirements of starting a business. It also provides tips on how to stand out in a competitive market. The author's clear and straightforward guidance makes it easy for readers to follow along and start their own successful candle-making business. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to turn their hobby into a full-time income.

Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our self-employment book research, we found 647 self-employment book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,085 customer reviews through our big data system to write the self-employment books list. We found that most customers choose self-employment books with an average price of $18.73.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.