Imagine a writing career and it’s easy to picture the likes of Jane Austen, J K Rowling and Ernest Hemmingway sat scribbling away at works of fiction, leaning on personal experiences and the world around them for inspiration, all the while developing their craft and building on their literary reputations. These days, the work of a freelance writer is somewhat different.
It’s a saturated market and one that is often considered to be fiercely competitive. Of course, freelance writing comes with its own set of benefits. Your time is your own, you dictate your writing schedule and whom you wish to work with, and you can charge as much as you wish (within reason). But often, knowing where to begin in this flooded industry is the biggest stumbling block budding freelance writers must manoeuvre.
So with this in mind, I’ve gathered together some effective steps that can help enhance your freelance writing career and get it off to the best possible start. Read on to find out more.
Streamline your admin
Let’s face it, administrative tasks are a passion killer. There’s nothing that will distract you from your latest writing project more, than a looming pile of paper or digitalized files that need your attention. The billing process can be a source of contention for freelance writers. With complicated invoices, inaccurate data and calculations, and late payments plaguing your creativity. However, by streamlining your billing process with a handy small business invoice template, you can simplify your invoices and get yourself paid faster. When clients receive professional invoices and polite payment reminders, you can focus on your next writing project, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting paid up to 2x faster. Reach out to FreshBooks.com for more information.
Invest in your writing skills
You might consider yourself to be the next Leo Tolstoy or Margaret Atwood, but even the most successful modern-day writers understand that there is always room for improvement and dedicate time to honing their craft. By focusing on improving your writing skills, you’ll naturally enhance your freelance writing career. So, join a writing club or attend a course, practice your spelling and grammar daily and – the scariest prospect for any writer: always ask for feedback!
Network with other freelance writers
Don’t be fooled into thinking that by networking with other freelancers, you’ll miss out on more work opportunities. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. By networking and reaching out to other writers, you can ask for advice and guidance about rates, how to approach potential clients and even where they source their projects. The stronger your network, the more likely you are to be recommended by a friend.
And finally, have a blog
It might sound counterproductive, but if you want to enhance your freelance writing career, then potential clients need to know that they’re in safe hands. Writing and managing your own blog highlights your writing skills and serves as a portfolio for your talents. If clients want to see more of your work or want to decide for themselves if you’re the right writer for the job, then you can direct them to your blog for some examples. It’s an effective way to stand apart from your competitors and enhance your career.