10 things for freelance writers to ponder

In 2005, I left the world of regular paychecks, corner offices and difficult bosses to become my own boss. I opened my own public relations agency and at the same time began taking on freelance writing assignments from newspapers and magazines.

Becoming a freelancer and entrepreneur was NOT on my bucket list of things to do before I died. In fact, over the years I had many conversations in which I emphatically said, “I will never, ever own my own business. I like my regular paycheck, benefits and security.”

Well, so much for my inflated sense of security. Like millions of others in our nation, one day I was employed and the next day I was scanning the want ads for a job. But something happened during that brief job hunt. I realized I didn’t want to end up in a PR job that looked exactly like all the other PR jobs I had held in the previous two-and-a-half decades. In my mind I was a writer, I always wanted to be a writer, and this was my chance to take a leap of faith to follow my bliss. So I decided to try it on my own (how’s that for deep business planning!).

Since then I’ve grown a successful career as a writer and a business owner and I’ve done things that five years ago would have never been possible (the New York Times contracted with me for freelance writing, I’ve won awards for my magazine articles, and I began a new specialty as a ghostwriter, to name a few).  Some of my acquaintances say they admire what I’ve accomplished, but for themselves, being a freelancer or small business owner was way too scary.

I totally get that.

So, I’ve been thinking about what it takes to be a freelance writer and independent business owner. It’s a lot of work, and it is not for everyone, but the rewards and sense of accomplishment are endless. For anyone who is even entertaining the idea, here are a few things that come to mind:

1. Being a freelancer is not just a job. It is a business

Sure, you are working out of your home and you might even be wearing slippers as you write, but this is not just a job. It is a business and you are the CEO. You run it, you are responsible for it, your name is on the shingle. When you think of it as a business rather than just a bunch of jobs strung together, you will approach your work differently.

2. Make your business a priority

If you want to make a living with your writing, you must make it your priority in the same way that working for someone else would be. If you don’t approach it this way, it will never grow.

3. What’s your frame of mind

Think like a business owner and not someone who is simply looking for a freelance writing gig. Approach each new assignment as your client. Make a business plan and set goals. Before taking on a client or a new writing assignment, ask yourself if it is good for your business. Is the pay what you are looking for? Do you like that client’s reputation? Will you be able to handle the workload?

4. Be diligent

I will never forget the one piece of advice a successful author told me as I was just starting out. She said that I will love having the flexibility of being a freelance writer but along with the flexibility comes the responsibility to make sure the work gets done. “Don’t spend your time socializing at 2 and 3 hour coffee meetings with friends,” she said. I can’t tell you how many times those words have come to mind when I am tempted to linger and linger at lunch or coffee. It is easy to stretch flexibility into idleness when you have no boss hanging over you. Remember, you are the boss.

5. Hone your craft and keep learning

Read, write, visit blogs, find ways to improve your craft, ask for feedback. Becoming a better writer will earn you a good reputation, get you more clients and will bring former clients back to you again and again.

6. Network with other writers

Freelance writing can be a very isolated profession. Stay connected with other writers via blogs, message boards, Facebook, Twitter, writer’s groups, occasional coffee meetings or other connections.

7. Develop a thick skin

You will be rejected by editors, and your writing might receive criticism from readers. Accept the constructive criticism and learn from it, and ignore the backbiters. Just remember how much fun you are having following your passion!

8. Find a niche
In the freelance writing world, it is helpful to have a niche. For example, I write for Sun Valley Magazine, a premiere high-end publication in Idaho, and I have established myself as a writer of history. Invariably, when they have a story about an historical subject, I am likely to receive an assignment from them.

9. Don’t over-commit

Watching your freelance career grow is exciting, and you may want to snatch up every new project that comes your way. However, you have only so many hours in a day and if you over-commit it doesn’t do you or your clients any good. Why? Because burnout can be just around the corner.  To avoid a meltdown, set criteria for selecting projects: Do they pay well? Do they interest you? Can you complete them quickly and on deadline? Do you like the client who you will be working with? Also, be sure to set some regular business hours, along with some free time for yourself (this is a point I am still working on and I know how hard it is to detach when you are your own boss).

10. Believe in yourself

You ARE a writer. Say that to yourself every day, more than once. When you believe you are a writer and that writing is your career, you will begin to introduce yourself to others as a writer. Live it, say it, believe it! It carries a lot of psychological and emotional power.

Of course, there is so much more involved in opening a freelance business and making it work. Maybe you’ve gone through this transition and can share some insights. I’d love to hear them!

Thanks for visiting Murphy Writes.