Freelance Writing Career - What I’d Do Differently
I remember what it was like as a beginning freelancer several years ago. I felt a mixture of confusion, fear, and excitement. I wanted to succeed and make sure I did everything right. The more I thought this, the more paralyzed I became. The end result is that it took me a long time to finally get started.
I realize now how counterproductive this really is. I didn’t understand that starting my own business as a writer is a journey, and one that I needed to embrace. Once I started embracing it, I started to achieve real, measurable success. And, that success hasn’t been without failure and without making mistakes.
Here’s what I’d do differently:
Get Started Right Away
It’s easy to decide to be a writer, but much harder to actually get started. I spent a long time researching and waiting for the right time. There is no perfect moment to begin. The sooner you do, the quicker you’ll achieve success.
Make Plans
Yes, getting started right after you make the decision to be a freelance writer is a good idea. But, be careful of being too eager. Put some thought into the kind of writing you want to do and the subjects you want to write about. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on this. Make a quick list and get started right away.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Fear of making a mistake holds a lot of people back. It held me back at first. I finally got over it when I landed an assignment based on a query letter with a few typos in it. I realized that sometimes, mistakes will cost you, sometimes they won’t. It’s all part of the learning process. Plus, just consider it a given that you will probably make some. That realization can bring you some much needed peace.
Work Hard and Don’t Give Up
You will need to work hard, especially in the beginning. I probably wrote around sixty query letters before I landed my first assignment. I wrote around the same amount of bids on a freelance bid site (Rentacoder.com) before I landed my first client. Sometimes, you’ll get lucky and start getting assignments right away. But, you may not. Stick with it long enough to see the results and don’t give up.
When it comes to freelance writing, if you don’t embrace the journey, you won’t last. Even if you feel frustrated in the beginning because you aren’t finding the success you need, with hard work and the right attitude, you’ll find success.
Jul 7th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
This is all so true, Katherine. Just embracing this journey and accepting it for what it is - with all the ups, downs, and in between times - and keeping a positive attitude, is the way to find success and joy in the freelance life.
*smiles*
Michele
Jul 7th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Hi Michele, I agree! It’s fun making a living online. Accept that and learn from the process, right?!
Jul 7th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Absolutely right, Katherine. The only way to do it is to do it.
Jul 7th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Yup! Just like the Old Nike Ad says.
Jul 7th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Right on! Here’s one I would add to my list: Never settle for writing jobs you don’t really want.
Jul 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
You’re right Katherine that is the only way, and not just with freelance writing.
Jul 8th, 2008 at 2:06 am
I think one problem these days is so many places out there that want writers for peanuts. It makes it hard to see where and how to begin to be successful and actually make money.
Jul 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Sue Jeffels - I agree completely. The same principals apply for anything, like working towards a black belt or training for a marathon.
Diane - yes that is a real problem. And for a while, I was taking on that low paying work, too. Glad I stopped!
Jul 8th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Make a Plan !!
If you fail to plan, you will plan to fail
Jul 9th, 2008 at 3:12 am
I just could not resist reading this …hindsight is 20/20, right? If you don’t mind, I’m going to make it required reading for my buddies at About.com Freelance Writing. (www.freelancewrite.about.com)
Jul 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Well said twin2
Jul 9th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
@Hope - I agree with that 100%. I’ve sometimes ignored my instincts about clients or about an assignment and my instincts proved correct!
@Allena - nope, I don’t mind at all!
Jul 9th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
This is very helpful. I’m a brand new freelancer (about a week) and I do find it hard to know where to start. It really helps to hear the number “60 queries.” It’ll help me keep perspective when I get rejection after rejection and be thrilled if I get something earlier!
Jul 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Good luck in your journey Aileen - If you work hard and learn from your frustrations, you’ll reach your goals.
Jul 10th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I’ve hired writers a few times on rentacoder and a *lot* of them do not have a portfolio for me to look at. The ones who do, and who write well, tend to get my money, even if it means paying more than an untried writer. It’s just too hard to judge someone by the text in their email bid alone.
So, that might be something for a list for aspiring freelancers… create a portfolio with some sample articles, even if it’s just stuff you’ve posted to a blog or at Associated Content or some such.
Jul 10th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Hi Lindsay, that’s very good advice! I usually direct writers on rentacoder to my blog and associated content articles. It seems to do a trick!
Jul 31st, 2008 at 9:31 am
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