While being a digital nomad is incredibly exciting and rewarding, there is a lot to know about working remotely. From how to find work and make the money you dream of, to obtaining clients and achieving work-life balance. These books for digital nomads and freelancers cover it all!
Whether you dream of being a freelancer, have already started a small business, or anything in between then there’s something for everyone on this list of must-reads books for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
Do You Need To Read Digital Nomad Books to Be Successful?
Becoming a digital nomad or freelancer does not require you to read any digital nomad books or take any masterclasses — though many people who want to sell you things may say so. To become a digital nomad or freelancer, all you need to do is earn money online and go for it.
However, there are some books that can provide plenty of inspiration and improve and hone your skills so you can learn from others and be as successful as possible. You can also listen to podcasts for digital nomads or watch some inspirational movies for nomads and travellers.
Best Digital Nomad and Freelancer Books
Written by authors who know all about working for themselves, freelancing, and travelling the world, there’s so much to learn from these books. They share helpful and insightful advice, support, personal stories, and more. Let’s take a look!
Note: Many of these books are available on Kindle Unlimited where you can read thousands of books for a monthly subscription or try an Audible free trial if you prefer to listen.
1) How to Write It: Work With Words by Anthony Anaxagorou
Whether you are just looking to improve your writing skills or you dream of travelling the world and writing about it, then this book is for you. Either way, How to Write It: Work With Words is a masterclass to help you craft your skill of writing, whatever level you are at.
Not only that, this dynamic book takes readers on a personal journey through the author’s earlier life sharing their relationship with literature, education, poetry, and writing while sharing helpful tips for anyone who wants their own writing to be seen.
Read More: What is Freelance Work: A Complete Guide
2) Survival Skills for Freelancers by Sarah Townsend
As seen in Forbes, this #1 bestselling guide to self-employment is a must-read for freelancers and digital nomads! Prepare yourself to succeed like you never knew you could as a freelancer. This guide offers empathy while giving an honest and realistic look at self-employment.
Sarah Townsend is a freelance marketing copywriter with an abundance of knowledge when it comes to working for yourself. In Survival Skills for Freelancers, she shares personal anecdotes, practical tips, and stories from the freelance community.
No matter where you are with regards to your freelance business, and even if you haven’t started yet, this book offers something for everyone! Get ready to learn what being your own boss really entails and how you can thrive as a freelancer.
3) Founders, Freelancers & Rebels: How to Thrive as an Independent Creative by Helen Jane Campbell
If you are a creative founder or freelancer looking for comfort, connection, and inspiration, you will love this book! It features interviews with brave and supportive creative experts across the UK and the US who share their advice and insights with readers.
Upcoming, new, or expert freelancers or business owners can’t help but feel a sense of community as they dive into Founders, Freelancers & Rebels. Not only is this powerful guide informative, but it’s also friendly and fun to read.
Read More:16 Best Podcasts for Freelancers and Digital Nomads
4) The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing: Price Creative Work With Confidence by Michael C. Janda
One of the best pursuits for freelancers and digital nomads is graphic design. Whether you’ve already started in the field or you’re just looking into it, this book has a lot to offer. You’ll learn more about how to position yourself online as a graphic designer, how to set your rates with confidence, and what you can do to win more work.
Pricing work as a freelancer is a tricky task. Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing will help you understand everything you need to know to make more money by teaching you to calculate your production costs, understand market value, bid to and work with and find clients, and increase your lucrativeness.
5) Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
A global phenomenon, Atomic Habits is a book most people have at least heard of and is particularly good for digital nomads and freelancers who manage their own time. Building habits without the input of others is key to success and this book lays out a framework that can help you do just that.
Clear provides actionable strategies that can teach you how to develop positive habits, break negative ones, and master the small behaviors that lead to significant results by simplifying complex topics into easily applicable daily routines.
Read More: 12 Inspiring Books like Atomic Habits
6) You’re the Business: How to Build a Successful Career When You Strike Out Alone by Anna Codrea-Rado
Ditching your 9-5 can be extremely rewarding and exciting. You get more freedom, flexibility, and self-worth. But, who do you turn to for support when you’re working for yourself? You’re the Business will tell you everything you need to know!
From frustrating clients and business lingo to setting your rate and saving for taxes, Anna Condra-Rado tells it all. You’re the Business is packed with common examples and transformative advice to remind you that you aren’t alone.
7) Hello, Habits: A Minimalist’s Guide to a Better Life by Fumio Sasaki
Many digital nomads seek out this lifestyle to create a better life, where experiences instead of things bring ultimate happiness. Fumio Sasaki is a Japanese author, editor, and minimalist who changed his life for the better by making minimalism a habit.
In this guide, he shares how you can acquire new habits you want in your life and how you can get rid of the ones that don’t do you any good. It has a similar message to Atomic Habits but approaches it in a more mindful way.
If you’re looking to create a more simple life where joy doesn’t come from stuff, then goodbye,things is ideal for you! Fumio Sasaki shares personal examples along with theories and tips based on cognitive psychology. He delves into common misperceptions about “willpower” and “talent” and provides easy-to-follow steps for success as a minimalist.
8) Go Lightly: How to Travel Without Hurting the Planet by Nina Karnikowski
If you’re an eco-friendly digital nomad or want to work towards travelling without hurting the planet then this is a must-read. This gorgeous presented sustainable travel guide will inspire you to explore the world without causing further harm.
Learn how you can protect wildlife, pack more mindfully, and implement environmentally-friendly practices into your travel experiences. You’ll also find information on eco-adventures, including biking, boating, and camping activities as well as interviews with established travel writers and experts.
Not only will Go Lightly make you a better person, but it’ll inspire you and get you excited for future travel plans!
Read more: 22 Must-Watch Climate Change and Sustainability Documentaries
9) The Freelance Introvert: Work the way you want without changing who you are by Tom Albrighton
This insightful read is perfect for any introverted freelancer and there are many of us! The Freelance Introvert is easy and enjoyable to read and will teach you everything you need to know to create and manage your business.
Learn how to successfully run a one-person company, from organizing your schedule and setting priorities to building a network and working with clients.
This book will also tell you why being an introvert is a strength, not a weakness, and how you can build your confidence and go beyond your comfort zone.
Being a freelancer offers you the ability to enjoy your ideal lifestyle without changing who you are. And this guide will help do just that!
10) Hype Yourself: A no-nonsense PR toolkit by Lucy Werner
This invaluable toolkit is an excellent read for any freelancer or a digital nomad looking to take their business to the next level. It includes insider advice for creating and executing a PR strategy so that you can be a boss at self-promotion.
Written by Lucy Werner, a PR expert, Hype Yourself will teach you how to get featured in the media with expert tips, troubleshooting techniques, and personal secrets. You’ll also get online resources to help you on your journey.
11) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Quiet, a #1 New York Times Bestseller, offers introverts validation, inclusion, and inspiration. Many freelancers are great at their work because they’re creative introverts who enjoy working independently. If that’s you, you’ll enjoy this insightful read.
In this book, Susan Cain argues that introverts are undervalued. She introduces highly successful introverts from a witty public speaker to a record-breaking salesperson. Not only does Quiet encourage readers to see the impacts of introverts, but it allows them also to see their own importance.
12) Working Hard, Hardly Working: How to achieve more, stress less and feel fulfilled by Grace Beverly
A #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, Working Hard, Hardly Working provides a fresh take on creating a more balanced life where you’re productive and fulfilled in a world based around high-pressure social media.
As digital nomads and freelancers, it can be hard to know when to stop and relax (or explore!), and this book helps you learn exactly how to do this.
Grace Beverly is an entrepreneur and self-proclaimed ‘lazy workaholic.’ She’s done a great job writing this insightful and refreshingly honest read to help you reflect on what you really want from your life and work.
When you’re finished reading, you’ll have your own path to help you get exactly what you want and an understanding of how you can enjoy your every day and engage in effective self-care.
13) Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis
When author Paul Jarvis realized that working in a high-pressure, high profile world wasn’t leading him to the success he dreamed of, he left the corporate world.
Now he lives a productive, much more rewarding life where he works for himself out of his home on a lush, small island.
Do you dream of a richer, more fulfilling career where you can work for yourself and by yourself? Company of One explains precisely how you can run a highly profitable small business that can stay small.
14) The Digital Nomad Handbook Written by Lonely Planet
The guide every digital nomad needs to read, this handbook offers practical motivation for people who want to travel more, start a new way of living, and create a flexible work/life balance.
As you read the Digital Nomad Handbook, you’ll learn practical tidbits for income generation, working on the road, maintaining relationships, and more. You’ll also explore ideal digital nomad destinations with travel insights and inspirational stories from other nomads.
Get ready to learn just about everything you need to know about being a successful and happy digital nomad travelling the world. Learn the perks of nomad life, possible jobs you can do while you travel, ways to overcome loneliness, nomad lingo, and so much more.
Read More: How to Become a Digital Nomad (in 10 Steps)
15) Do What You Love, Love What You Do Written by Holly Tucker
Holly Tucker has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and helped identify how they can be successful. In this Do What You Love, it’s your turn to build a business doing what you love and live a happier, more fulfilled life.
This book has so much to offer no matter where you are in your journey as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or business owner. Holly Tucker shares her biggest lessons and advice based on her personal story on gaining more confidence, the necessary skills to run a business, and developing a mindset that leads to success.
See the light shine on the creative community as you read and get inspired to join their success, or continuing growing in yours!
16) The Freelance Mum: A flexible career guide for better work-life balance by Anie Riduout
Spend more time with your children, make the money you deserve, and create a better work/life balance. That’s exactly what The Freelance Mum helps you do.
Annie Riduout is a mum who entered the freelance world to create a better life for herself and her family. She and other freelance mums share tips and tricks for you to do the same.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to choose a career that’s right for you, perfect your brand, take care of your children, and carry out daily routines.
17) The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing: The Inside Scoop by Zachary Petit
One of the best freelance job skills is writing, and this guide takes you through everything you need to know to thrive. It’s packed with helpful advice to help you decide what kind of writer you want to be and successfully pitch to negotiate contracts and network.
This Essential Guide to Freelance Writing will help you to figure out how to navigate your freelancing business and learn insider secrets, you’ll be on your way to living the freelance life you dream of!
18) Make Money From Freelance Writing by Claire Gillman
Being a freelance writer is the ideal way to travel the world as a digital nomad. Make Money from Freelance Writing takes you on a step-by-step journey to show you the kinds of writing you can professionally do and how you can market yourself.
You will also find a diagnostic test, case studies, and practice exercises in every chapter.
If you’re considering the world of freelance writing or you’re already doing it and want to grow your success, there’s a lot to learn from Claire Gillman. She’s written professionally for more than 25 years and has written more than a dozen books.
19) Six-Figure Freelancing by Kelly James-Enger
If you’re looking for the inside scoop on how you can be a very financially successful freelancer, look no further! During author Kelly James-Enger first year as a freelancer, she made $17,000, and by her sixth year, she broke through six figures.
She has now been a full-time freelancer for almost 20 years, and her works have appeared in over sixty national magazines.
In this guide to making more money, Kelly and fellow six-figure freelancers share what you need to know about growing your income.
Learn how to take a business-like approach to freelancing, negotiate more contracts, pursue book projects, and work more efficiently. Six-Figure Freelancing will also help you to set and meet short and long-term goals and sustain a successful career.
20) The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
A classic book for entrepreneurs looking to rethink their approach to work and life, Tim Ferris presents a new way of looking at work and life balance. He suggests that the traditional work schedule is outdated, and that people should focus on working smarter, not harder.
He’s a big advocate for outsourcing tasks to others and covers a wide range of topics, including time management, productivity, travel, and entrepreneurship. The 4-Hour Workweek also offers tips on how to travel the world on a budget and negotiate better deals for yourself and get clients which can be particularly useful for freelancers.
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