Seeking good business oriented books.

[Uty]

Hello everyone. I was just looking for some book recommendations. I'd like to learn more about surviving while self employed, (USA system) taxes, negotiating, and pretty much anything else that comes up for indies getting by on their own work. I know a fair deal about programming, but just about zero when it comes to money.

Thanks.

[Bmc]

I imagine the "For Dummies" series has books on all those subjects.

perhaps this is what you are looking for http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764554816/sr=8-1/qid=1156437084/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8154220-3078549?ie=UTF8

[lennard]

I've spent a good deal of my career as either an outside contractor and now as an indie. The things I would consider most important are:

1. Can you build a sustainable financial situation that allows you to not have to worry about $ while you pursue whatever project you are working on. Even if you are a contractor you need to think about contracts that fall apart, clients that don't pay, and projects that extend past deadlines. If you are building indie product for yourself then you need the financial stability to allow you to work on projects until you are ready to release and not because of financially imposed or reinforced deadlines.

2. Do you have the personality to be able to work well independantly? Motivating yourself day in and day out can be hard for some people, you need to be able to both motivate yourself and be able to finish things well without some kind of additional manager/producer person.

My 2 cents, YMMV.

[terin]

I'm not really sure there's that much to know. Ok, taxes there's a LOT to know, that's why accountants get paid the big bucks :)

Outside that it seems to be all mental, like Lenny here said. Working from home is downright hard sometimes. People knocking at your door, phone ringing, kids yelling, dogs barking, wife barking (hah), it's chaos, complete and utter chaos... and then there's that new Xbox game you want to play... er.. indie game, I mean indie game you want to play.

Oh, and then there's the whole "finding work" thing; which is all well and good if you are making games and really think that is all you need to do. I don't reccomend it to start though.

-Joe

[Polycount Productions]

Hello everyone. I was just looking for some book recommendations. I'd like to learn more about surviving while self employed, (USA system) taxes, negotiating, and pretty much anything else that comes up for indies getting by on their own work. I know a fair deal about programming, but just about zero when it comes to money.

Thanks.

I suggest contacting an accountant company. Their job is to know 110% when it comes to money, leaving you room to concentrate on making your games. I think you can find accountant relatively cheaply (even $25-50 per month... ) to manage ok. Accountants can help you learn how you can put your phone calls, rents etc. as company expenses - among 709 things there is to know.