proof of freelance work experience

[coal]

I am preparing files for immigration as a skilled worker from the UK to Canada.
I have worked for the last 7 years as a self employed freelance editor for various UK companies. I do not always get a written contract and have worked frequently for short periods of time (some periods a short as 2 weeks)

Q1. Do I have to write to every single employer and get a letter of reference?

Q2. What happens if a company has gone out of business?

Q3. What if I don't have a contract issued at the time?

Q4. What period does past employment cover? Is it since age 18 or is it only for the period for when I have been working in NOC job I am claiming for?

I would appreciate anyhelp you can give me...thanks.

[Quantum]

I've been a multifamily re-developer for 15 years, and so similarly cannot account for my whereabouts, other than the legal paper-trail.

I made up a Career Portfolio, styled after a diplomatic portfolio, which documents my education, work, projects, credit record, etc for my full working career. It's tabbed with the various phases of my 32 years of working life, has original documents, letters, transcripts, photos, and has explanation pages where called for.

It was alot of work, but it is a life record, and comes in handy when applying for jobs, loans, or residency.

But it's starting to look like Canada has a 24 month processing time. Maybe they're too full-up.

Has anyone considered Sweden?