For the e-book, Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too!, I asked ten questions of freelancers who were living their dream life. Following are some of their answers. They cover successful marketing techniques, how to get clients and more!

1. Why did you start freelancing? Yuwanda Black, Writer, Editor, Small Business Columnist

My sister and I worked at the same company. We were freelancing on the side. Once we realized that we were making more as freelancers than as full-time employees, she quit and started Inkwell Editorial. Once the business was able to support two salaries, I joined her, which was one year later (1997).

2. How long have you been a full-time freelancer? Eileen Coale: Marketing & Corporate Communications Writer

I don't work full time. On average, I work about 15 hours a week, sometimes a bit more. I work mornings until my youngest gets home from kindergarten, and sometimes I'll put in evenings and Saturdays as well. Sixty to 70% of my work hours are spent networking and marketing to get assignments. The remainder is spent writing. In another year or two, I expect that ratio to flip.

3. How many years of experience do you have? Marcy L. Brown: Cataloging, Indexing & Information Management

I have five part-time years of indexing, but 10 years of library employment including cataloging, some indexing, and information management.

4. Do you specialize in a certain area, e.g., legal, medical, production? If so, what? Cathy Moore: Writer, Instructional & Marketing Copy

Instructional writing and marketing copy. I write appealing text for any readability level, including kids.

5. What specific marketing tips have you personally tried that worked? Jennifer Lawler: Writer, Editor

I tried a direct mail letter to editors that included the type of editing I could do, a few companies I had worked for, and my business card printed in such a way that it could be popped right onto someone's rolodex. This letter generated so much business for me that I never had to do another direct mail package.

6. How do you get most of your clients? Katharine O'Moore-Klopf: Editor, Copy Editor, Factchecker

When I first started freelancing, I got them mostly by word of mouth, and some were former employers. Now, I get them mostly by word of mouth and via my Web site.

7. Under what circumstances would you turn down work? Jennifer Dirks: Journalist, Editor, Writer, Speaker

I