How to Write Freelance and Earn a Living Doing It
The freedom to set your own hours and fees, choose the clients you enjoy and work all day in your pajamas is just one of the reasons that writers are attracted to the dream of a full-time freelance career. Earning a living from freelance writing, however, isn't something that is accomplished overnight, nor -- like any other job -- is it immune to fluctuations in the economy. In addition to excellent communication and research skills, it's critical that you know how to manage deadlines, organize files, prioritize assignments and interact with a diverse range of personalities.
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Instructions
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Make a list of topics you are qualified and passionate to write about. Although you do not need a college degree or membership in any professional associations to become a freelance writer, clients and publishers expect that any claims you make to knowledge and expertise are valid.
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Identify which markets are the best match for your writing talents and interests. Examples include newspapers, magazines, trade publications, newsletters, books, plays, screenplays, speech writing and educational manuals. Whichever medium you choose, study everything you can about submission requirements, formatting protocols, pay rates, preferred styles, current needs and how to present your work for consideration.
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Develop a business plan for your freelance career. In addition to elements such as your physical workspace, equipment and office supplies, you need to establish what you will charge, how much income you have to generate to meet expenses, how you plan to market your services, pay for health insurance and what your short- and long-term publishing goals are. A business license is also required.
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Create a professional website to describe the types of projects you handle, what you charge and how to contact you. As you build your portfolio, include samples of your published work and testimonials from clients. Design business cards. Carry them with you everywhere and always include one with business-related correspondence you put in regular mail.
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Purchase a current copy of "Writer's Market," published by Writer's Digest Books. This annual publication lists the submission requirements and contact information for U.S. and Canadian newspaper and magazine publishers, production companies and book publishers. It also contains contest information, agent listings and an overview of what to charge for your work. Use search engines to find freelance job posts. Stay abreast of new businesses opening in your community that might have need of your freelance services to write press releases, ad copy and company profiles.
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Learn to craft concise cover letters and proposals that demonstrate your knowledge of the publisher's target demographic, scope of content and lead times for articles. Holiday-themed stories, for instance, are generally already in the queue at least six months in advance. Create a tracking system that details what you have sent where and the outcome.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a tax expert on how to pay estimated taxes and to determine which business expenses are tax-deductible.
As a freelancer likely working from home, you need to develop the discipline required to be your own boss and to maintain a healthy balance between your work life and your personal life.
As soon as you finish a freelance project, immediately start your next one. Better yet, have multiple projects in the works.
Always thank prospective clients and publishers for their time, even if they reject your work.
Follow up each successful sale with a new pitch. Keep your name active in the organization.
Unless you have a trust fund or a partner to financially support you, or you are accustomed to living frugally, test the freelance waters initially on a part-time basis. Do not quit your day job unless or until you get established and have a steady stream of paying projects.
Never argue with an editor who rejects your work or requests revisions. A pleasant and cooperative manner will get you much farther in the freelance world than insisting that things have to be done your way.
Meeting -- or, preferably, beating -- deadlines is crucial in the freelance business. Nothing turns a publisher off faster than a writer who drops the ball or turns in an assignment that's not complete.
References
- "Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer"; Moira Anderson Allen; 2011
- "Getting Started as a Freelance Writer"; Robert W. Bly; 2008
- "How to Become a Fulltime Freelance Writer: A Practical Guide to Setting Up a Successful Writing Business at Home"; Michael A. Banks; 2003
- "The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less"; Peter Bowerman; 2000
Resources
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