3 Secrets Of Successful Freelance Writers
Freelancing? Babe, I’ve done it. It’s not an easy road, but for the most enterprising and self-disciplined among us, working as a freelance writer is possible. What follows are three secrets of successful freelancers; understand them well and put them into practice. They’re not really secrets if I’m divulging them so readily, I suppose — but here they are. You’re welcome. And don’t forget: with a variety of projects and zero invoices necessary, Write Label is a great option for freelancers current and aspiring.
- They know how to market themselves
The freelance writing market is competitive, period. There are plenty of skilled professionals trying to break in, so to set yourself apart, you have to effectively market yourself. The most successful freelance writers typically identify a niche based on their expertise and training. For example, Jenni Gritters — who made $120,000 in her first year freelancing — covers parenting, purchasing, and health and fitness. For a while as a freelancer, I was the go-to person for comedians’ biographies, which I became quite adept at (and wrote on a sliding scale to benefit the community). As a comedian and talent booker myself, I’d read a billion bios and couldn’t believe that my peers were too imperceptive, humble and/or inarticulate in writing to represent themselves properly. Speaking of which: how you represent yourself on and offline matters to potential clients. Keep it professional — or at least congruent with your brand.
2. They have client service skills
You’re a great writer with previous experience — but without the ability to earn clients’ business and retain it, self-employment won’t work. Communication is key; if you express yourself in words as well as you do in writing, communicating with clients probably won’t be difficult for you. Regardless, it’s important to manage clients’ expectations by making clear the services you offer, your payment rates, and project timelines. You’re the creative component of the team, but you’re additionally doing the work of an account manager. If that sounds difficult, that’s because it is! Account management is an art unto itself, but for your purposes, remember that a) Not all clients are worth having b) Difficult clients don’t reflect on your abilities c) Hold up your end of the bargain whenever possible. People talk, and post online. Ensure the “press” you receive is positive by producing good work AND treating clients well.
3. They have anchor gigs
Whether it’s a part-time job that helps pay the bills or several clients you do consistent work for, anchor gigs are key to making the freelance life possible. I used to blog for a trending news website two to three shifts per week, four to five hours each shift. It wasn’t the most fulfilling writing I’ve ever done — but it enabled a flexible schedule and a steady paycheck that made hours spent crafting satire and pitching editors less futile (and financially feasible). How did I get that gig? Through a personal connection I made through stand up, and an (informal) job posting I spotted on Facebook. To make your 9-to-5 a thing of the past and pursue more engaging work, it’s best to lock down an anchor gig or three first. Simply put, transitioning to a freelance lifestyle isn’t possible for most people otherwise. Unless you’re independently wealthy — which: marry me? — cultivating anchor gigs is a must.
