Secrets of Successful Freelance Writers
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of the top online colleges. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com. Holly taught elementary for two years before becoming interested in writing full time for a variety of online publications with venues in education and nursing. She has a special interest in writing and journalism and spends much of her time writing.
A successful freelance writing career takes a lot of time, energy, and effort to cultivate. Although it is not the easiest field to break into, it is far from impossible. Getting started on the right foot is the most important thing when it comes to being successful as a freelancer. What follows is a brief list of best practices used by professional freelance writers that will ultimately yield results if practiced regularly.
Learn a Variety of Styles
With the internet, it has never been easier to learn a wide variety of styles and techniques employed by successful writers. There are many places dedicated to web copy writing, article writing, and eBook writing. So many avenues for getting your writing out there exist that it’s really up to you as a writer as to how and where you want to focus your abilities.
Get Organized
It is of paramount importance that you get yourself organized as a professional freelancer. Whether it’s using to-do lists, sophisticated electronic productivity software, or using post-its, you must find a method that works for you and stick with it. Organization, especially when the projects begin to roll in, can make or break your career.
Produce Prolifically
When you are first getting started, you will need to work hard on creating a large catalog of work to have at your disposal. Examine what is popular each day and try to create one article based on that topic. Besides that, work on carving out your niche and develop articles and stories based on your area of expertise.
Maintain Your Own Blog or Site
If you maintain your own blog or website, you are in control of what is published. You can begin to make a name for yourself by regularly creating posts and articles and then publishing them for readers. Use social networking tools and get the word out. You are in control, so take the reins and take charge of your destiny and your reputation as a writer.
Actively Seek Out Work
Whether it’s writing copy for a local business advertisement or creating “Top Five” articles for bloggers, try to always have a project in the pipeline. Treat each one with the dignity and respect it deserves, whether it pays you five dollars or five-hundred. This will help to ensure that you are giving all of your writing endeavors the time and attention they deserve.
March 14, 2009 at 6:10 am | For the Writer | 2 comments
Getting organized… now that is the one hurdle I am most in need of!
Hi Eric! haha Yes, I think that’s a never ending battle that some of us are never going to win I don’t think. I’ve reorganized and decluttered my office so many times… It still looks the same. Welcome!
Angie