Freelance Writing Business – Welcome!

 

So you’re thinking of starting a freelance writing business, but don’t have a clue where or how to start!  Believe me….I’ve been there!  Around the year 2000, I started my first web business.  It was a training site for beginning/aspiring web designers, which taught basic design through e-book courses.  I worked with beginning designers for approximately five years before launching my writing career.

Within those first five years, I learned a lot about writing for the web.  How did I learn this?  I wrote how-to and informational articles every week for my own website and newsletter.  My writing skills weren’t that great, however, so I had a lot to learn when I finally did start a full-time freelance writing business!

In 2005, I started submitting some of my web training articles to a writing venue online, and folks were actually buying my articles!  This stirred my interest in writing for the web even more, so I soon began writing for direct requests on various subjects like home decor, travel, car insurance, etc.  Then I developed a website to promote my copywriting services to others.  This is when my copywriting business really started earning a profit.  I would promote through my own site as well as write for other article brokers.  I was also press release writer for a major marketing firm in California, and soon became an article writer for them as well.

During this writing journey, there were a couple of BIG BUMPS in the road….it’s a good thing we can learn from our mistakes.  The first was that I didn’t make an effort to actually study proper grammar until I got a big ego-buster from one of my first clients.  I lost thousands of dollars in future writing work because of grammar mistakes (mistakes that should have been obvious to a professional writer)!

The second “BUMP” in the road occurred when I took on TOO MUCH work for a while with my writing business.  At one time, I had six other writers helping me because of the great demand for articles, and took in more than $60,000 in one year. That might not sound like a whole lot of money these days….but it is for a mom working at home!!!  Unfortunately, writing my own articles and trying to keep up with other writers as well was a bit much…..so I work alone again these days.

Trial and Error for Beginning Writers

Like any other business, becoming a writer is a trial-and-error process.  There are lessons to be learned, but it’s always nice to learn from others before taking the plunge.  That’s why I developed this website.  I realize the frustration beginning writers can experience as they try to determine how to use their skills to make money.  There are many ways to earn an income as a writer….so you don’t even have to write a popular novel!

My writing “lifesaver” was an e-book I purchased and downloaded from another writer.  He was already successful as a business/marketing writer, so I decided to learn his methods. It was the best money I ever spent because the tips from a true freelance writer along with his business experiences gave me the know-how to move forward with my own writing career.  I would have spent months of trial and error to figure out what he had already learned in his years as a freelance writer. So sometimes it’s very helpful just to find out how others got started.

Motivation for New Freelance Writers

There are no words to describe the life of a freelance writer!  The word “free” seems to be the key word that appeals to all freelancers.  It means you are “free” to work at your own pace, but must still be mindful of client deadlines.  It means you are likely “free” to work from home, but wearing pajamas might make you feel a little too laid back for writing!  The word also means you’re “free” to handle all your finances.  You’ll be paid as an independent contractor, meaning you will need to handle your own income tax or hire an accountant to do it for you.  So being a freelancer has its ups and downs.  But if your goal is to work at home, then it’s the best way to approach a writing career.  It gives you the freedom and flexibility needed to work at home while also enabling you to earn more money by simply writing more.

Motivation must come from within…find your strong points.  Determine when your most creative times of the day are and plan to do your writing during these times.  Perhaps you’re a late-nighter or an early riser.  These are often great times to write because you can have a solitary time, away from the hustle and bustle of the day.  If you’re a stay-at-home mom, it’s probably a good idea to write while the kids are away at school.  Even if they are not old enough for school yet, consider getting a part-time sitter to give you some quiet time for writing.  If you find yourself getting stressed over a big writing project, take a break.  Breathe slowly and deeply.  Take a walk outdoors or do some aerobic exercises.  Avoid eating when you feel stressed as this will only make you feel lethargic in brain and body.  Chat with a friend or visit a neighbor for a few minutes.

These activities have nothing to do with writing, but can clear your mind and help you relax.  Once your mind has been cleared, you’re ready to start afresh on your writing assignment.  Bite off one assignment at a time.  I find myself becoming anxious when I have more than one project at a time.  When this happens, I try to forget about all projects except the one I’m working on currently.  I also use a written check list to mark off assignments as they are completed.  This helps keep me focused on one project at a time.  Get organized and keep your mind fresh so new ideas can flow freely!

If you’re here because you want an easy way to make money as a writer….then you might want to find another profession.  Being an online copywriter isn’t easy, but it can be rewarding once you build a solid client base.  And if you enjoy writing on various subjects, then you’re in for an exciting and potentially lucrative future!

Browse our links to the right for tips on starting a writing business.

Sincerely,
Candice Pardue