Going to work as a freelance writer is to be self-employed;
you become the employer and the employee at the same time. Examine your commitment
and performance as an employer would and be realistic in the areas you need to
improve upon. Would You Hire YOU? Most successful freelancers and independent contractors will
often be harder on themselves and their own performance than other employees.
Even if you have decide to pursue fiction or poetry, freelance writing jobs can
help you to pay your bills along the way.
As a freelance writer you need to build positive relationships
with customers if you expect any income – they will need to see not just your
ability to write, but also your ability to meet their needs. You are running a
business where your clients become your (temporary) bosses and business
partners; they will make demands and it’s up to you to negotiate and accommodate.
Setting prices, or accepting their offered rates, meeting deadlines and working
on THEIR goal are some of the priorities you will have to keep in mind. And
know that it’s a lot smaller world than you think and you will affect your
reputation with each client you do business with.
Especially in the beginning, you are the one who will have to
seek out your clients, not vice-versa, even a recognizable storefront business
has to put the word out that they are open for business. Start by gathering
your portfolio, this really isn’t as frightening as it sounds. Do you have any
published work, whether paid or UNpaid? These writing samples should include any magazine or newspaper
articles AND articles published in local community journals, school or business
newsletters, club bulletins and flyers, etc – choose two or three of the best
pieces to submit with queries, if possible make those samples of the type of
work you are looking to do for the potential client. In the absence of
published or relative samples, make a mock-up of the kind of work you are
applying to do (ie: copy for an advertisement).
In addition to looking for clients and sending queries, turn
to social media to spread the word that you are available for work. Decide what
your specialties are/will be so that you know what you are able to offer, just
being a WRITER is not enough of a job description. In all cases you should have
a decent understanding of your target audience and the venue market. Most
freelance writing careers should be diversified with multiple clients to be financially
stable – but never commit to more than you can deliver or you will ruin your
budding reputation when you miss deadlines or do not follow the assignment.
When you enter into an agreement with a client, and certainly
before YOU sign or write anything, understand what the client wants and all of
the terms including deadline, price and rights. Most assignment work (where the
editor assigns you a topic to write about) is considered “Work for Hire” which
means the product will become the client’s property; note terms like first-publication-rights,
(regional) rights, usage and more – these will determine whether you will be
able to re-sell or re-use the product (for more income, expanded visibility,
etc.). For your own budgeting purposes ask about payment schedules and if you have
to submit a bill or not.
Be aware of regional industry rates so that you neither price
yourself out of the market nor undervalue yourself. Most publications are
honorable, but most publications are also concerned with their internal
budgets. It isn’t unusual for an editor to try to low-ball a price – it’s up to
you to decide if it is worth it to you to accept or not. If I submit a quote I
often stick with it but will be flexible for some clients (multiple or package
jobs and non-profits for example) and include “discounts” – this helps to
reinforce my asking rates and still wins me points from grateful clients.
Writing Exercise: [3 parts] 1) Review one or more editions
of a magazine; compile a list of 6-10 topics that would fit the magazine’s
focus. 2) Choose any knick-knack in the room; compose a 150-word pitch that
would accompany a sales ad for that item. 3) Write a brief news-story [up to
300-words] about any event that happened in your life today; stick to the facts
and avoid adding opinion or emotion.
Writing Prompt: Daydream about being a freelance writer.
List 10-pros AND 10-cons about the career as you visualize it.
Challenge Assignment: Investigate different types of
freelance writing jobs and decide which up-to-3 types of writing jobs you will
offer clients. Prepare at least one sample for each type of freelance writing
job you decide to pursue.
Types
of freelance writing jobs can include: news reporter/journalist; copywriter; magazine/feature
writer; blogger; ghostwriter; speechwriter; newsletter editor; resume writer;
public relations; travel writer; food writer; medical or technical writer;
researcher; proofreader; and more.
