Successful Freelance Writer

It is easy to get into a groove (some might even say a rut). Steady work and a regular paycheck can be very tempting. But that same stability can drain you of the ability to expand your freelance career.

It can be difficult reaching out to new opportunities when you have filled your schedule with enough work to account for all of your work time. There are some things that can be done to expand your opportunities while still holding on to the paycheck.

1. Work a few more hours. The goal of most freelance writers is to work less. That means for many of us there is time to do more – we just try not to. When looking to expand your pay scale or your experiences use the extra time in your day. Set aside a certain number of hours to send out queries and to work on NEW gigs only.

2. For each job you do take in begin to release your lower paying jobs. The regular paycheck might be nice but it will be much nicer when you are making it for half the work time.


3. Expect more pay for the work that you are doing. The one thing that I consistently see and hear from freelancers is that we underpay ourselves. Be reasonable but be BOLD. Ask for what you really want but be willing to negotiate to what you will take. Be sure to take the New Year as a chance to discuss a raise with existing clients as well.

4. Create your own opportunities. There are more ways to get a paycheck than just writing articles for others. Monetize your own websites, start speaking to groups about writing, or even teach a class about creating a freelance career. It is amazing the number of people out there that are hungry to learn how to start writing for pay.

5. Give it away. Share your knowledge and even your writing with others. Volunteer to write for someone else’s blog or to help a friend that needs to earn some money. The more that you give freely with a joyful heart then the more that it will come back to you.

6. Keep your priorities straight. It is easy to get distracted with trying to create new opportunities or even helping others, but you can’t let that make you begin missing deadlines or dropping the ball altogether.

Adding to success comes with continuing to produce a quality product that others will be willing to pay to utilize. Keep the paycheck but be willing to push yourself by working more hours and asking for the pay that you deserve. You will find your way to the top of the field before you know it.

Tags: Creating Success, writing // 1 Comment »

How do you write a great novel? You just cut open a vein and let the words come out. It’s not an exact quote, but it does convey much of what writing is about. A good story requires a plot, a setting and a voice (to name a few elements) but there has to be something more to get the writer and the reader to connect.

Starting out on my own writing journey many, many years ago, I had one end in mind. “I want to be the next great novelist.” Along the way I have discovered that while this is not a bad goal to aim towards, this is NOT a passion. It will not drive my words or form a bond with my readers. It is simply a goal. Reaching that goal will requires that I be willing to dig into my heart and unlock a passion that can fire up the imagination and spur action that will lead to the fulfillment of the dreams.

1. What do you do that strengthens and excites you? Some people enjoy organization, some enjoy entertainment, and some enjoy the great outdoors – just to name a few possibilities. Discover the things that give you joy and energy and you will be well on your way to uncovering your passion.

2. What are you good at already? I know people that are natural born story tellers – when they start talking the whole room pays attention. There are others that can cook anything, anywhere and in any kitchen and make a great mea. You have talents, gifts or things that just come naturally. These will help you find the passion that can drive you to success.

3. Where is your heart? Discovering the real reason why you do what you do is one of the most important steps to finding your passion. Is your goal to help others, to grow others, to feed others or to make others smile? Why are you doing what you are doing? (Hint – if it’s just for a paycheck then you are a far cry from your passion)

Answering these questions will help guide your writing. You can still write fiction, non-fiction or what ever genre you enjoy, but you will have more direction and stronger stories if you let your passion guide you.

A novel that is written with heart will win the hearts of the readers. A novel that is written for a paycheck will turn the readers away in droves.

Write with passion – cut open that vein and let the words pour out – write what you feel and you will be on your way to being that next great novelist (and you will enjoy the journey no matter where it takes you).

Tags: Creating Success, writing // 3 Comments »

The last few months has had me looking at my writing in a whole new light. I can continue to write blogs and content for other people with an occasional print article in the mix. There is nothing wrong with that path and it is a steady income. I can also make a few changes and adjustments and take my freelance writing to a whole new level.

1. What is my business concept? The guys over at Men with Pens have been running a contest that has helped me focus my freelance writing into more of a business. It started out with my business concept. I had to come up with some ways to launch my dream business: my writing, my teaching, my speaking and any other concepts that I might come up with. Just thinking about the possibilities got me excited about my freelance writing career.

2. What is my business mission? My Sunday school class has been going through a study that is based on The Purpose Driven Life. It is helping me to see beyond the writing to what I want to accomplish from the writing. I am beginning to see a clear vision of what my mission is for my freelance writing business.

3. What are my goals for my writing and the business for the upcoming year? I had a chance to write a workbook for a company about putting together a business plan for the upcoming year. It reminded me that I need specific goals for my business (like creating a website to host all of my blogs, developing an ad pitch for my blogs, and putting together speeches and seminars to market). With out a plan there is not real direction.

4. What are my objectives for each of my goals? It is just as important to put together steps to help me reach each of my goals and to include a time line. I may be the great procrastinator but even I will attempt to reach a time mark if there is one.

5. What is my hope for tomorrow? Short term (for the year) goals help with immediate motivation, but having some long term vision will give me direction for my goals and objectives today. Many writers want to be “best selling authors” but what about becoming an authority in a niche. That is a goal that is unique to you and obtainable fore anyone that sets out to reach it – with the right plan.

There is no success in writing without writing, but it is also important to look at freelance as a business. Putting together a business plan for a freelance writing career will help you to stay motivated and focused in the days, weeks and years to come.

Tags: The Business of Freelance, Work from Home, writing // Add Comment »

Getting a kick in the pants is usually what it takes to get me going again when I slow down. This morning the kick came – over and over and over. It just seemed that every word I read (from my prayer book for my children to the devotionals that I receive online to the blogs that I read regularly) all had something to say directly about the fact that I wasn’t doing things the way I knew (or wanted) to do them.

- My success allows me to bless others and when I am not following through to that success then I am stealing those blessing from the people around me. It is time that I stop stealing and get back to work.

- Missing deadlines is a sign of non-professionalism but it is also a weakness that keeps me from expanding my opportunities or doing my best work. I need to look over my schedule and make time to BEAT the deadlines that I have committed to doing.

- Organization is the key to getting things done on time and correctly. All of my files need to be cleaned up and rearranged so that I can find what I need without a struggle. It would also be nice to see my desk again.

- Direction is important for any journey. I’ve been working on my direction for the last couple of weeks but I need to pound out the specifics so I can get going down the right path. It is time to set my goals and objectives for the upcoming weeks, months and years.

- Plan for the lag. Even as a freelance writer it is important that I take off time COMPLETELY to recharge and refocus my life without guilt. I have to plan some vacation time so that my mind can rest and my muse can start dancing again.

Back in my youth, I had a small sailboat that I would take out in the lake. It was amazing to be out there alone just zipping along. But there were times where I would rest in the ride and find myself without wind. It’s not that the wind was gone but that I had allowed the boat to drift out of the wind. A quick turn of the sail was all that was needed to get me moving again.

Today I am beginning the process of adjusting my sails. The things that I have been doing over this last year have helped me turn my hobby into a career and now I am ready to sail out into deeper waters. The key is to use what I have and what I know to keep me moving in the direction that will fill my sails with all the wind I need to fly.

Tags: Attitudes, Creating Success, Scheduling, Spiritual Walk, writing // 2 Comments »

The end of the year means that tax season is right around the corner. I’m not waiting this year. It is much less stressful if I already have everything I could possibly need in order, in files and ready to go. It also allows me to file early and get it over with. Here are some of the things that I am doing as a freelance writer and work at home family to make the process smoother.

1. Get out all of my receipts for office supplies. Putting the spending into excel (or a similar program) will help me to see how much I spent and make appropriate changes for next year. It will also make it easier to total up the amounts. Ideally I would be doing this as I spend the money but I’m not quite to that level of organization just yet.

2. Measure my office space and figure the percentage of total square footage of my home. We utilize about 112 sq ft for the office in my home and our home is 1700 sq ft. When you divide 112 by 1700 you get .0658 or 6.5%. This is what my accountant will use to help determine my deductions for the year.

3. Sort out my household bills for the year. Include everything that you would normally pay for an office – cleaning supplies, bathroom supplies, maintenance fees (like pest control or repairs), utilities, phone service, internet service, cell phone service, garbage pick up and anything else you are using to make your business run smoothly. Keep these amounts totaled separately and don’t worry about figuring out the percentages. Anything that is used exclusively for work will not be affected by the percentage.

4. Total up mileage. Any time that I am running errands I try to include something that is work related (meet with a client or pick up office supplies are two of my favorites). It makes my time more productive and ups my mileage deductions.

5. Sort out membership fees and trip expenses. I make every thing about writing. Several of the jobs that I have picked up over the last several months have been about entertainment and travel. Trips that I take with my family and events that I attend are part of the job. Those expenses (or my part of them when it is the whole family) are tax deductible. So are my membership fees to writing magazines and organizations and things that I utilize to improve my profession.

6. Continuing education is another deduction I include in my files. Courses, classes and conferences that I take during the year help me to become a better writer.

There are so many ways to save on tax day. The best thing that you can do is to get all of your records and receipts together and plan to take the time with your accountant to sort through which deductions are viable and which ones you will have to pass on. A little work now will help you be ready for a smooth experience when that tax day comes.

Tags: Budgets and Finance, The Business of Freelance, Work from Home // 1 Comment »

Most of the people that have been successful in their fields will tell you that they love what they do. One of the quotes I have on my wall say “Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.” I live the life that most people dream of because I do what I’m passionate about every day and I get paid along the way.

What do you love to do?

I poised this question in Sunday school recently and it is amazing how few of us truly know what we enjoy doing. It is time to find your heart and your passion and then to pursue it. Make a list of answers to these questions.

What do you enjoy doing? These are the things that give you joy and excitement.

What special skills do you have? These are where your education and experience shine through.

What are your responsibilities at work? These are the things that you do every day.

What are your responsibilities in the home? And so are these.

What are your hobbies? These are the things that you do when time allows or that you make time to do.

What do you know (or can you do) that others don’t? These are things like having the ability to write new lyrics to any song tune, or a love for yard work or a gift for organization.

What do others say you are good at doing? Ask your friends and family what they see in you that maybe you don’t see (you might be surprised).

It is the answers to these questions that can help you take your first step towards success. Before you can begin the journey you have to have a direction and these answers can help you uncover your passion and your desire for your life. It is in these details that you will find the unique purpose for which you were created. Following that purpose will help you to live the life that others only dream of pursuing.

Tags: Creating Success // 3 Comments »

Freelance writing has offered me today what most people work their lives to be able to have. We have a nice home, a great family and time to enjoy it all. We are living out our retirement instead of waiting for it to come. I might still be working, but does it really count when you have it THIS good?

1. I set my own hours. I am able to get up before dawn and complete much of my work before anyone in the house even stirs. Some days I have to make up for my procrastination from the rest of the week, but those days are getting fewer and farther apart.

2. My work goes with me. We can take trips for the day or for the week without me worrying about getting behind. As long as I can find an internet signal I can keep up with my jobs. Even if I can’t find a signal I can still continue my work schedule and just upload my work when I get home.

3. The family is all together. My husband, my children and I have meals together – usually all the meals every day. My dad is able to stop in and visit with us during the afternoon and sit and enjoy watching the kids or just having some talk time. My father-in-law lives next door (across the field) so we enjoy his company on a daily basis as well. Our family is knitting together in a way that many haven’t been able to for generations. The only regret is that we don’t have MORE of our family living right hear at the front door.

4. I can share my passion. The more I grow as a writer the more I run into budding writers. My experiences with freelance are allowing me to help guide other writers to pursue their dreams as well.

5. I can share my heart. Freelance writing is opening up opportunities for me to talk about how I came to be where I am and what blessings I have received. I can talk about my trials and struggles and successes from them so that others going through the same can know they are not alone.

There are so many aspects of freelance writing that make me thankful and I continue to find new things each day. The best part is that I love what I do and that passion flows over into what I produce and how it is completed. Work is not work when you are happy to be doing it and look forward to the experience each day. Instead you find yourself wondering “are they REALLY going to pay me for this?”

This article has been included in the The Carnival of Christian Writers #25 - November 2008. It includes a number of interesting articles and links.

Tags: Attitudes, Work from Home, writing // 3 Comments »

There was a debate launched recently by two writing websites – Men with Pens and Freelance Parent. The issue is about how much it takes to start a freelance writing career. I’ve taken the time to post on both sites (and the sites are well worth a visit) but the issue has stayed on my mind.

I fully believe it is possible to start many businesses without any money. But there has to be a trade off. For every dime that you don’t spend you will have to invest sweat equity or creativity. These are the only ways to make it happen.

1. No computer? No problem – visit an internet café, library, neighbor’s house or some other public resource where you can use the internet for free. Check the rules and regulations to see if working on the computers is allowed.

2. No high speed internet? Plan on the lag – use that time to work on your next project, do creative writing by hand or some chore around the house. Make the wait productive.

3. No money for conferences? Contact the coordinators of the conference and see if you can volunteer your time for a discount (or free admittance) to the event.

4. No idea how to get started? Check out some resources at the library. If you can’t find what you need then see if your library has a request list and it if does then add your book needs to the list. Make sure you have the library contact you when the books come in. You can also visit a major book store. Many allow shoppers to sit and read and you can use the opportunity to get some ideas on how to get your writing career started.

In the end you have to use what you have. Money could make it easier to build your freelance writing career – but most of us wouldn’t be doing this in the first place if we had a bunch of money just sitting around (not for the money any way. There are writers who are just compelled to write no matter what the circumstances).

Time is money in the sense that if you spend enough time then you can make up for your lack of money. I have to agree with both Men with Pens and Freelance Parent when they suggested that you need a plan B. Writing is not a quick income! It is an ever learning project that can take you to places that you never imagined but that will require things that you never dreamed.

Starting a freelance writing business – with our without money – is not going to be a walk in the park. You will need back up income (another job, savings or a working spouse) to help insure that you pursue your goals as a writer and not just another paycheck.

Tags: Creating Success, The Business of Freelance, writing // 6 Comments »

There is never enough time in the day. Even with a schedule, a to-do list and a calendar to remind me of everything that needs to be accomplished in 24 hours then I still find myself struggling to get it done. Work takes a priority, followed by family and the home and sometimes I even let me have a few minutes here and there – then it is bed time all of a sudden! A full day goes by and not word one has been written for my creative writing, my novel or any other endeavor that I am aiming towards.

NO MORE! I will get my own writing in if I have to squeeze it out between work breaks!

1. I am going to pay myself (yes actual cash) for the articles and material that I write for my own projects. Even though I’m not making money yet it is important for me to see the value in what I am doing!

2. I am setting deadlines. Structure is nice and having a deadline for projects makes it easier to do those projects. In my life anything with out a due date gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Putting a date on my own writing will force me to put some of my focus on that writing.

3. I am actively looking for assistance to grow my writing – entering a contest on The Men with Pens website that will help me gain focus even if I don’t win, setting a meeting with a friend that already has a successful performance and presentation career and continuing to make contacts in and around the freelance writing community.

4. I am giving up television – during the week. It I don’t turn it on then it can’t sap my energy and my time. There is nothing on the television as important as my goals and nothing that I can’t live without (if I can turn away to get a snack, watch another show or even talk on the phone then it’s probably not worth my time in the first place).

5. I am going to keep a mini notebook in my purse, in my car and in the bathroom (with a pen or pencil attached) so that when inspiration strikes I can get down an outline or the beginnings or the article, story or novel idea. No more getting to my desk and trying to catch the idea that has retreated to the back of my mind.

I will write. I will post. I will be the little writer that could find the time to work, enjoy family, keep the house and write the things that stir my passion!

Tags: Attitudes, Scheduling, writing // 2 Comments »

Freelance writing is one of those industries where you put all of your effort in upfront and then hope to get paid on the flip side. That may be one of the main reasons so many people give up on freelance writing before they get started. You can write the article on the hopes it will be accepted and even when it is accepted you may not get paid until the article is printed (that can be up to a year or more).

Online writing is usually much faster when it comes to getting paid. I have even read about some freelance writers that require a partial payment for large projects BEFORE they will get started. To each his own, but I don’t pay my contractor or plumber until the job is done (and to my satisfaction) so I don’t really expect the client to pay me.

The good news is that most of the clients I have dealt with over the last few years have been straight forward and honest. Just like I run into problems with deadlines, sometimes they have run into problems with payroll. That is one of the main reasons I do not budget on anything other than what has already cleared the bank.

There have been occasional weak links in my writing career, but patience and a civil tongue can go a long ways towards working things through.

1. You spend hours on a project only to discover that is not exactly what the client wanted or needed. Do you demand payment anyway? This happened to me a few months back. We discussed exactly what was wanted (and I have it in writing) and I completed the project ahead of schedule. But the client was working for someone else and that someone else changed the rules AFTER the project was completed. The client I was working for offered to pay me for the project even though he ended up doing a new one for the client. I passed. The relationship I had built up with this particular client was more important than the paycheck. I just asked that if the client was able to use the material in the future that I be compensated then. THE CLIENT IS SOMETIMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MONEY – PARTICULARLY IF THAT CLIENT REFERS YOU TO OTHERS OR OFFERS REGULAR WORK UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

2. The client does not respond to your request for payments. What do you do? This has only happened to me a couple of times. I have sent a final notice along with the suggestion that I still owned the article and had another party interested in the material. If payment wasn’t received then I would assume that the articles were rejected and would not be utilized under copyright laws. Sometimes I received payment and sometimes I sold the article to another or used it on one of my own websites.

3. There is no response to anything I have sent to the editor or the company and the article is showing up on the client’s website. What are my options? I am sure there are some legal options for you to take at this point, but is it really worth it? Many of the articles that are written online are contracted for a few dollars. The amount of time that you would have to spend collecting those few dollars could be better spent creating new opportunities instead of dwelling on those that are lost. I have also known writers that would send out emails to the company (and to any other writers working for that client) demanding payment and even badmouthing the company. I’m a firm believer in the idea of “catching flies with honey” (not that editors are flies) and I try to keep my correspondence with the company and editor and not outsiders. We may not all have the same deal after all.

These are just some of the situations that I have faced as a freelance writer. The money is important, but so is my peace. I no longer stress over checks that may, or may not come. Setting up a budget based on what has already arrived (and not based on what is expected) has made that easier.

I still do all that I can to protect myself. There are unscrupulous people in the world and the internet has made it easier for them to find some prey. Diligence, research and tough choices can keep me from becoming that prey.

1. Always research a company before you sign up to work with that company. The age of the company, the way that company has treated writers in the past and even the pay that the company offers will give you a sense of what to expect. Although the internet has made it easier for the bad guys to prey it has also made it easier for the good guys to uncover them.

2. Work from references. The best jobs that I have landed have been those that are discovered through a reference. They have also been some of the most trustworthy paychecks that I have seen to date.

3. Start small and work your way up. You wouldn’t jump into a business relationship with someone you met on the street (well, most of the time ). Complete small projects with a company and see how it goes before you invest regular time and effort into a venture that you are unsure of.

4. Invoice regularly. If the client wants monthly invoices then send them every month – include what you have written, how much you agreed on AND an expected payment date (DUE ON RECEIPT is one of my favorite phrases).

5. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is and you must choose to walk away. Freelance writing is like any other industry. It is the proven writers that get the high paying gigs. If you are new to the industry and someone promises you $1000 per article – just send a dozen articles and they will send the check – you might want to reconsider the job.

Getting paid as a freelance writer can be an adventure all its own. There is no way to guarantee 100% that the client will come through with the check. Trial and error are going to play a part in the experience. Learning from the mistakes of others (by visiting websites created by and for freelance writers) will help you weave your way through the maze. Most importantly – NEVER count your chickens before they hatch!

Tags: Budgets and Finance, The Business of Freelance // 2 Comments »