At least I can be truthful with clients and potential clients.
It's great to be wanted, and you can choose not to work for someone. Some clients are just impossible to work with and thats reason that they need you, but then they impede your help. If you are "engaged" in the client, then they want you available. Even better if you have your affairs set up to deal with emergencies. But true enough is the fear of over charging for certain markets. Not getting paid, is really bad. But dealing with it firmly and graciously gets you a good name which is better than gold. You can't be a push over and be a consultant.
You must spend some of your time making sure people know you and know your "Street Creds". It's REALLY hard being your own boss but in the end you will find out what your made of and enter the biggest room in the world. The room for improvement.