Customer Ratings:

• A Great Start. If you are currently an employee, starting to think about going independent, I recommend this book. I am in exactly this situation, and found this book to be a great introduction to contracting. It covers the legal, financial, tax, long-term career aspects of contracting, as well as letting you know the good and the bad about being an IC. I doubt you ll be able to hang your shingle out the day after you finish reading this book, but it is an excellent start.
• Excellent book to read because of the helpful tips.. I read The Computer Consultant s Workbook first because my supervisor handed that book to me . However, I learned an enormous amount of tips from Answers for Computer Contractors because Ms. Ruhl provides an in-depth knowledge about rates, information about what organizations to join etc. In addition, I have promoted our consulting firm based on her book because I believe her advice is on target for the consulting world. Her book also provides her website address, and other helpful websites you will probably want to visit. And If you are an established consulting firm, I would also recommend this book for excellent ideas to set yourself apart from other consulting firm s that Janet Ruhl warns her reader s of. In the future, I would not be surprised if this book becomes the handbook for all consulting firms.
• Very informative. Answered a lot of questions I had. I thought the book gave great information on where and who you should talk to when first going into consulting. I was impressed. It explained in full the differences in 1099, W2, incorporating. I was then clear to make a good choice. I would recommand this book to all!
• The ultimate FAQ for ALL contract workers.. Answers for Computer Contractors is the ultimate FAQ for ALL contract employees, not just computer contractors. It is the ONLY book you can buy that specifically emphasizes the ins and outs of working with consulting firms, contract brokers and recruiting firms. The book is obviously inspired by questions and answers posted by actual contractors on Janet Ruhl s Computer Consultant s Message Board, the incredibly popular on-line forum for computer contractors. This isn t a compendium of idle theory folks. This is information that works, reported straight from the trenches.

  Virtually all recruiting firms operate by a self-serving code of silence that denies contractors access to the very information they need to succeed. This book levels the playing field by telling you how to select a contract broker, how to work with them to your advantage, how to get the best rates, and how to evaluate and negotiate an employment contract that is fair and equitable to both sides. There is a chapter that explains the mysteries of W-2 vs. 1099 vs. Corp. status. Another chapter gives you the basic information you need to take that next big step to direct consulting.

  This book is not a contractor s bible or a comprehensive instruction manual. Nor is it meant to be. The book s straightforward Q & A format and logical organization make it easy to read, and easy to locate answers to your specific questions. Answers for Computer Contractors is must reading for every recently downsized corporate employee, newbie contractor, and anyone else considering a career in contracting. Highly Recommended.

  --James R. Ziegler