By: Mallorie Turner
Over the past few years, the option of being a freelancer has grown in popularity. As the freelance economy increases, the possibility for professional writers to enter the independent workforce appear more appealing. The allure of freelancing stems from a desire to be your own boss, make your own rules and never risk being laid off without financial compensation. I am a professional writer who sees freelancing as a nirvana amidst the apocalyptic job market that currently wages in America.
I was recently contracted to write articles for a local newspaper, marking the first time I have ever done this type of work. Having steady opportunities to be contracted by larger entities is not as common as one would think in the freelancing market. I was unsure of what was involved in creating my own independent writing business, but I have compiled a list of the most important aspects that went into beginning a stable one. Sharing this list will hopefully convince other writers to transform their freelancing dreams into reality.
The Cons of Freelancing
It goes without saying that you will have to work long hours as a freelance writer; 40+ hour work weeks with the possibility of late payments. However, these obstacles can be said of many other jobs.
The biggest issue potential freelance writers should consider boils down to clientele and the fact that difficult interactions can occur. Freelancers from every profession report working with clients who have foregone paying them, insulted them or changed the specs of a project so much that most of the completed work had to be scrapped.
Be discerning when choosing which clients to work for. This does not equate to being discriminatory—you are merely evaluating who will better respect you as an employee.
Imagine being contracted to produce a technical document for a small business. You complete the assignment in full even with the contractor’s overzealous content changes and odd business practices. Now you come to find that the contractor will not surrender your paycheck for reasons undisclosed. Remember to be polite in these situations and send out invoices as soon as possible to prioritize your payment. Courtesy always goes a long way and you will retain professionalism if you take the high road.
Use Your Resources to Network
The great thing about living in the cyber-age is having an endless amount of employment resources available at your fingertips. However, the best websites are not always easy to identify.
A few reliable websites for freelance writers are: Freelancer.com, Upwork.com and LinkedIn Jobs. You can also network through these websites, which can benefit future business ventures.
Websites like these have the option to filter search results for users who want to apply for remote job opportunities. Working remotely is another cool part of being a freelance writer, as long as you are not easily sidetracked by your surroundings. Most remote work is done at home, a place where you can be distracted by a number of things.
Social media is a powerful tool as well, so do not be afraid to reach out to other freelance writers for their insight and advice.
Never Stop Learning Your Craft
Whether you are a graduate with a professional concentration or are still working towards your degree, never stop learning how to write. Honing your talents as a professional writer does not end once you earn your degree.
Consider giving yourself projects of your own to complete. This will give you opportunities to master skills like document designing, proofreading, editing and writing for popular periodicals.
The added bonus is putting these projects into a portfolio and advertising your skillsets to potential employers. For freelance writers, portfolios are great for stepping into a full-time business.
Do Not Let Failures Define Your Freelancing Experience
As with any endeavor, encountering failures as a freelance writer are inevitable. There will be rejection when pitching concepts to potential employers. Some opportunities may not pay enough for the amount of work needed to finish the project.
Do not lose faith in yourself as a professional. Remember that freelancing is a legitimate occupation. You would not give up when issues arise at a full-time job, so know how to brave through them on your own time. Your failures only make for a stronger business in the end.
