Want to know what books Emma Gannon recommends on their reading list? We've researched interviews, social media posts, podcasts, and articles to build a comprehensive list of Emma Gannon's favorite book recommendations of all time.
1
Are you sick of being a freelancer with an irregular income? Do you ask yourself every single month how much you'll earn? Worried you won't have any new upcoming clients at all?
My Creative (Side) Business is a book for smart creatives who desire to focus on their creative output and monetize their work. Whether you're trying to figure out a slow strategic way to become a creative freelancer and want to kick off a real plan, or whether you're determined to find ways to create regular income streams doing what you enjoy, this book will help you do just that.
This... more Are you sick of being a freelancer with an irregular income? Do you ask yourself every single month how much you'll earn? Worried you won't have any new upcoming clients at all?
My Creative (Side) Business is a book for smart creatives who desire to focus on their creative output and monetize their work. Whether you're trying to figure out a slow strategic way to become a creative freelancer and want to kick off a real plan, or whether you're determined to find ways to create regular income streams doing what you enjoy, this book will help you do just that.
This practical guide offers stories of entrepreneurial women within the creative industries who turned their side projects into full-time businesses with multiple income streams. Filled with tips, tricks, stories, and interviews, it's a book you'll go back to multiple times in the future.
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We're grateful My Creative (Side) Business has been reviewed by amazing people we greatly admire:
Sean Blanda, editor-in-chief and director at 99U:
"With so much blustery, useless career advice out there, #MCFSB is a revelation: actionable, practical advice that you can use the moment you put down the book. A must-read for those looking to develop their side hustle."
Katy Cowan, founding editor of Creative Boom and MD at Boomerang PR:
"Packed full of inspiring interviews with women all across the world who have successfully gone freelance or turned their side projects into multiple revenue streams, it's something even the most established business owner should add to their reading list."
Paul Jarvis, creator of the Creative Class:
"I truly believe side projects are necessary for all freelancers. Monika does a brilliant job summing up why, as well as how, to tackle them in this book!"
Kate Kendall, founder and CEO at Cloudpeeps:
"The future of work is changing. More and more creatives are building long-term freelance businesses. Monika draws out the wisdom from a community of women who have been there and done that, setting you up for the best success."
John Lee Dumas, founder and host of Entrepreneur on Fire:
"Excellent read for entrepreneurs who are ready to be challenged to think outside of the box about their businesses and IGNITE."
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We've interviewed Sara Combs, Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Maaike Boot, Sophie C Ryba, Elise Blaha, Julieta Ulanovsky, Susan Schmitz, Shayna Oliveira, Sarah Eichhorn, Joanna Penn, Jamie Seerman aka Jaymay, Patty Golsteijn, Helen Johannessen, and Lisa Glanz for this book. less 
Emma GannonThis book has really opened my eyes, and I’ve discovered so many interesting people who do interesting jobs. It’s full of tips, and I love books that have interviews. It’s quite meaty this book. There’s a lot in there. (Source)
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2
This book is a quiet revolution, a guide filled with practical advice to help you curb your obsessions and build boundaries between your work, your job, and your life. From business anecdotes about fulfilling orders to more personal stories about Marlee Grace’s recovery from divorce and addiction, this book is full of wisdom and resilience, with plenty of discussion about ritual and routine as ways to create effective and positive creative life change.
In her workshops on healing and creative process, Grace helps people acknowledge their blocks and address them by setting distinct... more This book is a quiet revolution, a guide filled with practical advice to help you curb your obsessions and build boundaries between your work, your job, and your life. From business anecdotes about fulfilling orders to more personal stories about Marlee Grace’s recovery from divorce and addiction, this book is full of wisdom and resilience, with plenty of discussion about ritual and routine as ways to create effective and positive creative life change.
In her workshops on healing and creative process, Grace helps people acknowledge their blocks and address them by setting distinct parameters that change their behavior. Now, she brings her methods and ideas to the wider world, offering all of us concrete ways to break free from our devices and focus on what’s really important—our own aliveness.
Part workbook, part advice manual, part love letter, How to Not Always Be Working ventures into the space where phone meets life, helping readers to define their work—what they do out of sense of purpose; their job—what they do to make money; and their breaks—what they do to recharge, and to feel connected to themselves and the people who matter to them. Grace addresses complex issues such as what to do if your work and your job are connected, provides insights to help you figure out how much is too much, and offers suggestions for making the best use of your time.
Essential for everyone who feels overwhelmed and anxious about our hyper-connected world—whether you’re a corporate lawyer, a student, a sales person, or a yoga instructor—How to Not Always Be Working includes practical suggestions and thoughtful musings that prompt you to honestly examine your behavior—how you burn yourself out and why you’re doing it. A creative manifesto for living better, it shows you how to carve sacred space in your life. less Emma GannonI think it taps into this weird problem we’ve got at the moment—maybe it’s millennials, maybe it’s everyone, but we feel so guilty when we’re not working. (Source)
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3
Every day, we face the same questions: How do I make the right decision? How can I work more efficiently? And, on a more personal level, what do I want?
This updated edition of the international bestseller distills into a single volume the fifty best decision-making models used in MBA courses, and elsewhere, that will help you tackle these important questions. In minutes you can become conversant with:
The Long Tail • The Maslow Pyramids • SWOT Analysis • The Rubber Band Model • The Prisoner's Dilemma • Cognitive Dissonance • The Eisenhower Matrix •... more Every day, we face the same questions: How do I make the right decision? How can I work more efficiently? And, on a more personal level, what do I want?
This updated edition of the international bestseller distills into a single volume the fifty best decision-making models used in MBA courses, and elsewhere, that will help you tackle these important questions. In minutes you can become conversant with:
The Long Tail • The Maslow Pyramids • SWOT Analysis • The Rubber Band Model • The Prisoner's Dilemma • Cognitive Dissonance • The Eisenhower Matrix • Conflict Resolution • Flow • The Personal Potential Trap • and many more.
Stylish and compact, this little book is a powerful asset. Whether you need to plan a presentation, assess someone's business idea, or get to know yourself better, this unique guide—bursting with useful visual tools—will help you simplify any problem and make the best decision. less Emma GannonIt’s an amazing book. If you are confused by how to get through the day with multiple projects, it tells you how to prioritise your day. It’s incredible. (Source)
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4
"Without The Artist's Way, there would have been no Eat, Pray, Love.” —Elizabeth Gilbert
A stunning gift edition of the powerful bestselling book on creativity.The Artist’s Way is one of the bestselling gift books of all time. Beautifully packaged with a slipcase and ribbon, this tenth anniversary gift edition is the ideal gift for loved ones engaged in creative lives. more "Without The Artist's Way, there would have been no Eat, Pray, Love.” —Elizabeth Gilbert
A stunning gift edition of the powerful bestselling book on creativity.The Artist’s Way is one of the bestselling gift books of all time. Beautifully packaged with a slipcase and ribbon, this tenth anniversary gift edition is the ideal gift for loved ones engaged in creative lives. less 
Anand CSTARTING FROM AUTHENTICITY: by observing, showing humility and being grateful - I started being open to what’s in the sub-conscious more (30+ sessions in). Speaking your truth is a powerful result of this. One great book to help explore this. https://t.co/sOAgAHhWsO (Source)
Emma GannonInstead of all these fast paced books saying: ‘Here’s how to be amazing, here’s how to get a side hustle, here’s how to hustle, hustle, hustle.’ This is the total opposite. It’s about slowing right down and connecting with yourself again. (Source)
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5
"This is what the future of work (and the world) looks like. Actually, it's already happening around you." — Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com
In bestsellers such as Purple Cow and Tribes, Seth Godin taught readers how to make remarkable products and spread powerful ideas. But this book is about you—your choices, your future, and your potential to make a huge difference in whatever field you choose.
There used to be two teams in every workplace: management and labor. Now there's a third team: the linchpins. These people figure out what to do when there's... more "This is what the future of work (and the world) looks like. Actually, it's already happening around you." — Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos.com
In bestsellers such as Purple Cow and Tribes, Seth Godin taught readers how to make remarkable products and spread powerful ideas. But this book is about you—your choices, your future, and your potential to make a huge difference in whatever field you choose.
There used to be two teams in every workplace: management and labor. Now there's a third team: the linchpins. These people figure out what to do when there's no rule book. They delight and challenge their customers and peers. They love their work, pour their best selves into it, and turn each day into a kind of art.
Linchpins are the essential building blocks of great organizations. They may not be famous but they're indispensable. And in today's world, they get the best jobs and the most freedom.
As Godin writes, "Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. It's time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map. You have brilliance in you, your contribution is essential, and the art you create is precious. Only you can do it, and you must." less 
Vincent PuglieseLinchpin by Seth Godin, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad had immediate effects on my life. (Source)
Marc MontagneThe corporate world is a crazy world to navigate, this book helps a lot, especially if you are starting a career. (Source)
Armina SirbuMy favorite book is Linchpin by Seth Godin. I think it's business, but it can very well be non-business as well because it's so much about life. I re-read fragments from time to time to get a jump-start when I need it. (Source)
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