The idea of being able to live by one’s pen can be very attractive. While it is possible to do well as a freelance writer, it is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot involved in the process, and it is important to take this into consideration when considering freelance writing as a potential career.
Landing contracts takes time
One task you will need to undertake as a freelancer is finding contracts. While there are platforms that may make this easier, it can still be a time-consuming process. Many writers find that signing on with a company on a more permanent basis is a better fit for them.
Laying the groundwork
Before you prepare your bid for a brief, read it carefully and take the time to ensure that you completely understand what is being asked of you. This may include contacting the client to seek clarification.
Preparing your pitch
One aspect of freelancing in almost every field is the need to sell yourself as a professional. You will need to perfect your pitch. Some writers find it helpful to prepare a strong, general pitch that can be adapted to suit a particular project.
Set your parameters
Preparing a quote for a brief is another area where taking your time pays off. Be clear about the scope of work, submission time frames, how and when you will be paid, and any other factors you feel are important. If you do not understand a client’s terms, ask for clarification.
Good research delivers a high ROI
Conducting high-quality research on a topic takes time, but it often delivers a high return on investment (ROI). If you find a source you would like to use, verify its validity and the accuracy of the facts it presents. You will be glad you put in the effort.
Don’t forget to format
Different clients may use various submission systems for uploading your work. Some are slower than others, and if your clients use different platforms, you will need to switch between them.
Make time for meetings
Depending on the size of a project, you may be asked to participate in online meetings to discuss the task at hand. Phone calls may also be necessary.
Incorporating edits
Once you have submitted your work, the client or editing team may return it with feedback and suggested changes. The more you work with a particular editor, the better you will understand what they are looking for.
Administrative activities can take time
While the housekeeping side of the equation may not be very demanding, it is just as vital as producing high-quality work. You may find it helpful to prepare a time budget, allocating a certain amount of time each day to tasks such as reading and replying to emails, keeping records, chasing late payments, and ensuring that you have funds set aside for federal and provincial income taxes and extended health insurance, should you choose to obtain it.
Keep in mind that this is unpaid work and may reduce the time you have available to write. This is another reason why creating a weekly time budget can make sense. It allows you to assess each project individually, decide how much work it will require, and determine whether it is worth the effort. In effect, you are evaluating each brief before setting your rates or deciding whether it offers a sufficiently high ROI to accept.
Investigate time savers
There are ways to increase the amount of time you actually spend writing. You can batch your administrative tasks, set specific times each day to communicate with clients, and develop clear, concise working processes.
Being a successful freelance writer involves more than writing itself. By joining the team at Words of Worth, you can let someone else take care of the nuts and bolts, giving you more time to craft work you can be proud of. Apply to join the team today.