What you point out about not billing every hour of a typical forty hour work-week is very true. Few people who bill on an hourly basis come anywhere close to billing their entire day on any regular basis for exactly the reasons you explain. Even those who can bill most of a forty hour week are typically working way, way more than forty hours.

Really glad I helped!

Romulo, you are right: these tips apply to everyone who works for himself or herself. I’ve also heard good things about WriteRoom and similar apps.

Just wanted to say thanks for everything you’ve shared on freelancing so far (this post and others). I’ve just landed my first client (first post should go live tomorrow), and I’m pretty sure I would have bottled it if you hadn’t convinced me it was possible, and laid out how to get there over the last few months.

Thanks Lori. There are so many things that take up our time that we don’t get directly paid for.

From my experience (that is not so large) I can say that there are many apps or gadgets which can helps you to stay focused and do not spend time with distractions – and, consequently, increase your “free” time to work.

My favourite is Write Room, where all of your Mac screen turns black and the only thing possible to do is write. No facebook, no twitter… Just write!

Well, this is my tip, it increased A LOT my hourly rate of work, real work.

Jenn, your point is a good one. You do have to adjust for those benefits and perks you’re not getting with a traditional employer/employee route.