Freelance Writing Tips for Beginners

I used to only read what I wanted to read. I mean I had no desire to read about the artificial reproduction of the eel, because it served no purpose to my everyday existence. However, since becoming a freelance writer, I have had to retrain my mindset. I actually see mind-numbing topics in a new and interesting light. Retraining the mind does take practice though, and is not an overnight job. One way this can be done, is through repetitive action, meaning the more you read about unfamiliar topics, the better you will become. Reading really does expand the mind, and I now set a daily task of reading an article on a topic unknown to me, and that includes topics about eels and seahorses. (Yes, apparently seahorses have been spotted in the River Thames in London!)

1.Start small and only accept jobs that you can manage. If you are not up to writing 10 articles in four days, then say so. Don’t feel cornered into accepting more work than you think you can handle. It’s wise not to set your goals too high just yet. Just get your foot through the door. Try not to worry about the money either. Picking up the calculator at every spare moment because you want to make the hourly rate seem so worthwhile can be soul destroying. It’s much easier to go with the flow.

2.Meeting deadlines is crucial when working as a freelance writer. If you can’t meet deadlines, then it could go against you. Many clients place meeting deadlines as top priority, because they too have deadlines to meet. If you know you will not be able to make the submission date, then let your manager know. Some are sympathetic and some are not. It really is pot luck. However, It’s always an idea to weigh up the assignment beforehand, by looking at your current situation.Even your current state of mind plays some part. If mentally, you are just not up to it, then say so. It would save a lot of heartache later.

3.With your first freelance writing gig, sometimes you may know a few days in advance what you will be writing about. If so, read anything you can on the topic, make notes in preparation and research. If you are not given the topic until the last minute,then don’t worry, once you have the assignment, research in depth. With your first gig, researching may seem like a never-ending process. Don’t get too carried away though, and set yourself a time limit. For example,don’t spend more than three hours on researching ten articles. This is only a guideline, but you can set your own guidelines though, just so long as you feel it is within your capabilities.

4.Don’t worry about the number of words whilst you’re writing. Sometimes it’s tempting to write, then check the word count, then write again. It’s so disheartening when you think you’ve written enough, but then when you check the word count, it shows that you still have another 250 words to go. So just write. It’s easier to reduce the number of words, than to add them in. In time you will be able to judge how many words you’ve written.

5. At some point, set up a web page with a portfolio of your work and any other selling points about yourself. This makes it easier for a prospective client to see instantly your writing quality and style. You can even make yourself some quick money by offering articles for sale, giving away exclusive rights to the articles. This can create serious demand, because web owners constantly need articles, either to promote themselves or their website.

Although you can learn from the above points, and any textbooks on the market. However,any freelance writer will tell you that the best way to learn, is by experiencing the exciting world of freelance writing yourself.