What is consulting, exactly? -- The outlook : is consulting a viable option for librarians? is the library market viable for other types of consultants? -- The realities of life as a consultant -- Personal characteristics : is consulting a good fit? -- Business planning : is there a market? and a living? for me? -- Getting ready : the building blocks -- Getting "out there" : marketing a personal brand -- Proposals and contracts : documenting the business relationship -- So tell me : what's it really like : postscript: go for it -- with passion!?