5 Ways to Take Your Freelance Writing Career to the Next Level
The New Year often comes with a new set of resolutions. For some, that resolution will involve finding ways to take their freelance writing careers to the next level. While this is an admirable goal, do you really have a plan?
Today I’d like to share five simple things you can do to enhance your freelance writing career. You don’t need to make all of these changes at once (that’s why most resolutions fail) but if you write out a plan and take things one step at a time you’ll find yourself doing better than ever in no time flat.
5. Make a Plan for the New Year
Yes, I mentioned making a plan so that you could implement your new goals, but you also need to map out your business plan for the year. Do you have one? If not, how will you keep track of your financial goals? Set goals for the number of projects you’d like to take on each month, your monthly income level, or even the number of prospects you’d like to contact on a regular basis. These numbers are completely up to you, but having a clear goal will allow you see what direction you need to head in at the beginning of each day, week, or month.
4. Plan a Few Vacation Days
One of the hardest challenges I had when I started freelancing full-time was giving myself a day off. I truly believed the world would fall apart if I didn’t work 7 days a week. Trust me when I say it will not. I’ve been tired, run down, and aggravated and while I don’t take a full day off every 7 days, I do make a special effort to make some time for myself and my family as often as I can. Yes, your goals are important, but so is your health and sanity.
3. Say Goodbye to Troublesome Clients
Do you have a client who throw really small, low-paying projects your way every once in a blue moon - at the same time expecting your best work in the shortest period of time possible? Perhaps you have a few clients that are terrible at making payments within a reasonable amount of time. This is the time to weed out your bad clients. Be strong, and say NO when they ask if you’re available for the next project. Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT have to take every project you are offered.
2. Evaluate Your Rates
If you’re looking to make money writing you’ll have to regularly reevaluate the rates you are charging clients. While it may have been appropriate for you to charge a lower rate when you were starting out, those low rates might be detrimental to your success now. You have experience and skill and deserve to be paid for your work. This doesn’t mean you need to increase the rates your charging your current clients, but you should definitely consider quoting higher rates to your new ones this year.
1. Set a Schedule
One of the coolest things about being a freelance writer is the ability to set your own schedule. This does not, however, mean that you should not have any sort of schedule at all. I love being able to take a longer lunch so that I can walk the dog or take the time out of my day for a special event or doctor’s appointment, but that does not mean I should allow distractions to consume me on a regular basis. Setting a schedule will force you to get your work done in the time period alloted. Set whatever hours you choose - but stick to them!
I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be a successful year for quite a few freelance writers, both new and old. Sit down over the next day or two and formulate a plan. You won’t regret starting off the New Year with a focused, positive attitude!
Other great freelance writing resources on the web: