Navigating the Freelance Writing Landscape: 9 Key Insights
Written on
Chapter 1: The Reality of Freelancing
Every professional writer often grapples with financial concerns—not just the punctuation at the end of a sentence, but the monetary compensation that comes with it. Experienced writers will caution against relying solely on one source of income, sharing stories of mishaps that arise from depending on a single job platform or marketing approach.
At any moment, a lucrative writing platform or client can vanish. If you lack passive income avenues—like book sales or online courses—you might find yourself solely reliant on your own efforts for work. This brings us to the concept of "private freelancing," which essentially means you run your own writing business. In this model, you’re not employed by anyone; you dictate your own career path and must find your own clients.
As a private freelance writer, I navigate my career based on the availability of work. I don’t have a boss setting my goals or determining my work schedule. There are no intermediaries controlling who I write for, leaving me fully responsible for every aspect of my business. While I love this freedom, it’s important to recognize the complexities involved. If you're considering this path, let my experiences guide your decision-making.
Section 1.1: The Upsides of Private Freelancing
I admit, I have a bias; I believe the positives of private freelancing far outweigh any negatives. My past experiences as a copywriter for an employer involved the constraints of a typical job. After dealing with unreasonable bosses and unrealistic expectations, I opted for the freelance route, and I would choose it again.
#1: You Control Your Schedule
As a freelancer, you're free to decide your working hours. You can choose to write in the middle of the day or start at 2 a.m. Others may have their opinions on ideal working hours, but ultimately, it's your business, and you work when it suits you. This flexibility is vital in a creative field where inspiration doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule.
Section 1.2: The Challenges of Freelancing
#2: Freedom Requires Discipline
While you have the liberty to set your own hours, it also demands self-discipline and effective scheduling. Many writers find it challenging to create a consistent routine, especially when faced with the overwhelming freedom that comes with freelancing. Those who waste time will struggle to succeed.
#3: Setting Your Rates
In many traditional writing roles, pay rates are largely determined by employers. However, as a private freelancer, you have the power to set your own prices. This ability allows you to negotiate rates with clients based on the scope of work and your expertise, giving you greater control over your earnings.
Chapter 2: Finding Clients and Managing Work
#4: Your Client Load is Your Choice
Unlike some writing platforms that impose limits on the number of clients you can take, private freelancing allows you to decide your workload. You can target clients that align with your skills, building a specialized portfolio that caters to a specific niche.
#5: The Joy of Taking Time Off
One of the greatest perks of freelancing is the ability to take vacations without needing to justify your absence to a boss. You can set your own out-of-office notifications and enjoy your time away, free from the pressure of having to explain yourself to anyone else.
#6: Long Hours Are Common
However, be prepared for the reality that freelancing can demand longer hours than traditional jobs. The pressure to work harder often stems from observing peers who seem to be doing more. If you want to succeed, you will need to put in the time.
#7: Financial Responsibility
As a freelancer, you bear full responsibility for your finances, including retirement and insurance. If you don’t work, you don’t earn. This makes it crucial to have a safety net for those inevitable sick days.
#8: Wearing Many Hats
As a freelancer, you will find yourself taking on various roles—marketer, accountant, and customer service representative, among others. Each task requires self-discipline and the willingness to learn new skills.
#9: No Guarantees
Ultimately, success in freelancing depends entirely on your efforts. You cannot blame external factors for your financial situation; it’s all on you. This responsibility can be daunting, but it is also empowering.
Should You Pursue Freelance Writing?
Yes, private freelancing can be incredibly rewarding, yet it can also present significant challenges. Some may tout it as the best career choice, while others may caution against it.
Every career has its pros and cons; the key is to determine what you can handle and what might deter you. Understanding your limits will help you navigate the freelance writing landscape effectively.
Join my email list for a firsthand look at what it truly means to build a freelance writing business (and it’s free!).