7 tips for working as a freelance writer

[shammis606]

The 9-7 work routine may not be for everyone and sometimes being in an office can be a bit chaotic when you're trying to concentrate and start writing. A writer needs inspiration and freedom to create and put great ideas into words. That's why it can be very appealing for some to step away from the system for a while (or forever) and become a freelance writer .

If you are thinking about embarking on the adventure of working as a freelance writer, whether because you want time for yourself, to write only about what you like or you simply like the challenge of the facebook database unknown, there are some things you should take into account that will help you in this process.

1. Get organized and set a schedule: You will no longer have a boss or a start time to tell you when it's time to start working. That's why you must plan, create habits and a routine that works for you. Now you choose how and when to work. You set the rules, but you must follow them if you want to earn money as a freelance writer and build a good reputation among your clients.

2. Have a good book or portfolio of your work: Put together a good folder with your best work, update it constantly and put all your contact information and social networks there. Your potential clients will be able to get to know your style and the type of work you do. Of course, make your book go viral as much as you can, you never know who might be looking for content and right at that moment, a freelance writer.

3. You must be extremely organized with legal matters: Your company will no longer be the one to worry about your ISAPRE or AFP, now you have to do everything yourself. If you don't have a good memory, it's best to keep a diary with all the payments you have to make month by month and the dates. Use alarms and alerts if you need to, but don't forget these and other procedures because they will be a headache later.

4. Don't commit to more than you can deliver: This means being realistic about deadlines and not accepting everything that comes along (no matter how exciting it is) if you can't do it all. Sometimes you'll have to turn down some work, but that's better than giving a bad impression by doing things poorly or not meeting the deadlines you promised.

5. Learn how to charge: This may be the hardest part of being a freelance writer at first, but you'll become an expert over time. Add 10% of what you plan to charge for a job to the budget you'll give your clients. If you're going to do a big project, it's best to do it through a contract and always put everything in writing so you have a backup in case of anything (for example, through emails).

6. Have something extra that shows you enjoy what you do: This will be a plus, as it will show how versatile you can be, how committed and creative you are and, above all, that you do what you like the most. It can be a blog where you display your created content , a personal project you are developing, your social networks, etc. Don't be afraid to share and make other aspects of yourself known.

7. Start looking for your own clients: Especially in the beginning, work won't just come to you. To be successful as a freelance writer you need to have a network of contacts where work can come from, so tell your friends, share on social media , send emails and promote yourself.

Despite what you may be told, with perseverance and responsibility you can perfectly work as a freelance writer and not starve in the attempt. In addition, you will have great luxuries such as having your own time, creating content not just for work and making every day different and worthwhile.