No tags yet.
Freelance writing is an extremely unique field to be in. There are countless perks of being a Freelance writer: flexible hours, working remotely, using creativity in writing, and it’s a great fit for someone who just wants to supplement their full-time job salary. There are certain things you must think about before diving into Freelance writing headfirst in order to flourish.
there is a large field of “entry level” positions that require little to no experience
1 . What are the facts?
There are many bloggers out there that would have you believe that freelance writing “requires no skill, you just have to open up.” This is not necessarily the case. Freelance writers are paid to write for people who either do not possess the skills for high-level writing, or do not have the time to write and need someone to create something that they feel comfortable putting their name on. However, there is a large field of “entry level” positions that require little to no experience, but in order to make a living from writing you must develop your writing skills sooner or later. Keep in mind that the more skilled you are at writing, the more jobs you will get and more money you will be paid for your work, just like any other job field.
Here are topics you should research before becoming a freelance writer:
SEO writing
Chicago Manual of Style
MLA / APA
Script writing
2. How will I find work?
Self-advertising is capital for this industry. There are only so many writing jobs that circulate through the network at any given time, and hundreds of thousands of freelance writers biting at the bit to earn that job. That being said, how do you advertise yourself and win the proposals for those jobs? I can (and most likely will) write an entire blog about writer advertisement, but I will stay brief here. There are many online “marketplace” websites specifically for freelancers, but almost all of them are over saturated with writers, and also take as much as 20% or more of your earnings. These websites are where the novices reside. Websites like Upwork provide writers with a structured place to begin; it starts developing the mindset of building a reputation and a portfolio. However, do not make plans to build your home through this website. All high-end successful freelance writers advertise through their own networks and through word of mouth.
3. How do I build my network?
Building your network in this industry is a minimum requirement for success. A great place to start this network is LinkedIn. Here you will find a sea of professionals who are both looking for work and looking for workers. Once you develop a network, begin producing products. The best way to sell your work is to produce your work and show it off. Do this by writing an article every day. Share your articles on your LinkedIn account, and get your connections involved in discussion.
4. How do I make the switch from small time projects to the big bucks?
The next step to validating yourself as a professional writer is to develop your own website. In this website you will want to allow your clients to learn more about you, so make an About Me tab. Show them your work, and display some pieces of work that accurately represent your capabilities. On top of that, generate a list and description of your capabilities and services to direct your clients. And finally: keep writing! The art of language and writing is one that must be exercised like a muscle. The more time you spend writing, editing, proof reading your work, and revising, the better at your craft you will become. In conjunction to that, long periods without writing will cause your skills to dull.
I know that a lot of different areas were covered in this one post, but stick around and I will elaborate more on this overall idea of "freelancing" and I will dissect each aspect. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions you come up with.
