Jen has given some good advice. Very few ladies start out as independents (most make their debut as agency or massage parlour girls and then go independent once they have learned the ropes), but saying that, I started as an indy and have no regrets about taking that route.
It certainly sounds like you've done your research, which is very important. I spent a good couple of months lurking on this site and scouring the net for information before I finally took the plunge. If you have a name and an e-mail address, you can pretty much get started right away. I would recommend sticking to cheap and free options in the beginning, while you take some time to get your feet wet. There's no point in investing a huge amount of money into your business before you have had a chance to decide if you like it enough to continue, and if so, what direction you would like your business to take.
As soon as you get the chance, you should try to get yourself set up with a website - even a very basic blog style free one. Don't make it overly complicated: just include the basics such as a short bio, some contact info, rates, a few recent photos and a general (not explicit) idea of the services you provide. Beware that many free hosting sites do not permit adult-oriented content, so your website might suddenly disappear on you (happened to me). If you decide to purchase a domain or hosting, DO NOT REGISTER THE WHOIS DIRECTORY WITH YOUR REAL NAME AND ADDRESS - THESE ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC RECORDS!!!
For photos, you can get a friend to take some, or even take some shots yourself on the auto-timer setting of your camera, or in the mirror. I would personally recommend keeping your face concealed, but that's a decision you have to make. Just remember, if your face is out there, it will be out there forever -- even long after you decide to retire.
Free advertising can be had on Craigslist (not the best site, but free nonetheless), or else, most escort advertising sites will give you a free trial month. If you're planning to escort on a part-time basis only, don't overdo the advertising. Just pick one or two good sites (personally I use this site and Eros).
Safety is paramount. If you have a good "gut instinct" you will be fine. Use the buddy system if you have a friend you can trust. If a client gives you the willies, put your safety before his feelings and avoid seeing him (or refund his money and leave if you're in his presence). Better to be alive and have an innocent man feel insulted... If you're not sure about things when you're just starting out, you might be best to stick to outcalls only and insist on reputable hotels. After a while, you'll hone your intuition and you'll know exactly when to accept or decline appointment requests.
Always take the donation upfront, and make sure to confirm the amount in advance so there are no misunderstandings. Provide
at least the amount of time the client has paid for, and don't go running out the door the minute the appointment ends, but also be careful not to be taken advantage of (no, you do not have to allow a client to cum again when it's already 15 minutes past your booked time!).
Set rates that you personally feel good about receiving in exchange for providing very intimate services, and stick to them. Don't let anyone else tell you what you are worth, and don't allow clients to bargain or barter. If you are not getting enough business, you will know that your rate is too high. If you are getting too much business, your rate is too low. It all depends on how many clients you want to see. As a part-timer myself, I find that having higher rates keeps my client base down to a manageable level.
One final note, use this as an opportunity to save/invest money for your future. There will come a time when you don't have that hot twenty-something body and you're not going to be able to make $1000 at the drop of a hat. Don't get caught up in the lifestyle. It's the easy come, easy go attitude towards money that lands a lot of ladies in desparate situations. If you start relying on this income to maintain an unrealistic standard of living, you are going to find yourself in a whole world of trouble when you get sick and can't work for two weeks. You don't want to be on here or Craigslist advertising "need to make rent" specials! Make sure to put aside your first $10,000 in an emergency account, and don't touch it unless it's an emergency.
Other than that, you will learn the finer details through your own experiences. Make sure to be yourself at all times, do only what you are comfortable with, trust your sixth sense, and for heaven's sake STAY AWAY FROM THE DRAMA QUEENS!!
