There are many reasons that you may want to become a freelance writer. For me, it is a fun job that pays well. For this reason, I tend to take on projects that will be interesting while also paying at a reasonable rate. This leads to the question of whether or not you should ever write on spec.
Generally speaking, writing on spec is not difficult to understand. This is when a client will say something to the effect of, “write a sample article for us, and if we like it you will get paid or we will offer you a paying job in the future.†Believe it or not, this is something that happens quite often. And the problem with this is that it can be difficult to decide when to write on spec and when to say no.
If you accept a spec project, it is a given that you are not working for any specified amount of money. Is this something that you are willing to do? If not, you never want to give this type of assignment a second thought. Of course, there is a positive to writing on spec. If the client likes what you have written for them, they will pay you for it. And not only will they pay you for it, they now know that you are a good writer and may hire you for future work.
Should you take on these types of projects? In my opinion there are two reasons that you may consider doing so. First off, if you are new to the industry, writing on spec will help you to get your foot in the door. Even if the client does not use the work you deliver, at the very least you will have a sample to add to your portfolio. Additionally, if you really want to do business with a company and the only work they are offering is on spec, you may consider moving forward. You never know when you will forge a lucrative and long lasting relationship.
There is no way of saying for sure whether or not you should write on spec. Some freelance writers have no problem with this, and others are totally against it. Early in my career I took on a couple of jobs like this, and none of them turned into anything in the long run. Of course, you may find that your experience is entirely different.
The main thing is that you know what writing on spec means, and that you consider the pros and cons of doing so.Â
Just because you are a freelance writer does not mean that you can escape jury duty. I have found this out first hand as I am set to fulfill my duty all day today. Even though I would rather be working at my computer, there are a few work related tasks that I can take care of while waiting around as the jury selection process unwinds.
1. I have several books on freelance writing and business to take with me. These will surely keep me busy for hours on end.
2. With so many new projects in the pipeline, I am going to attempt to get them organized today the good old fashioned way, with paper and pencil. This will help me to get everything in order as the year comes to a close.
Hopefully the above two tasks will keep me busy throughout the day. It is better to attempt to be productive than to simply sit around while the day wastes away!
Freelance writing is a great career for me because it is something that I enjoy. And of course, I would be lying if I said that I was not happy with my freelance writing income. With that in mind, what do you do with the money that you make as a freelancer?
Generally speaking, I would have to imagine that full-time freelance writers deal with income a bit differently than part-timers. After all, the money that I make is the only money that I have to live. If I was freelance writing on a part-time basis I would have the ability to combine this cash with income from another job.
For me, my freelance writing income is broken down into several categories. First and foremost, I pay my bills; this is something that has to be done, even if it is a pain in the neck. From there, I take a close look at how much money I have left from that particular month. This usually leads me to putting a certain percentage towards savings, while also keeping some for pocket change. After all, not all of your freelance writing income should go towards bills and savings. You want to have some fun, right?
No matter if you are a full-time or part-time freelance writer it would be interesting to hear how you break down your monthly income. My guess is that some part-timers probably use their entire freelance writing income for nothing more than entertainment related expenses. Maybe I should look into getting an office job? Although the additional money is tempting, don’t count on me heading back to the corporate world anytime soon!
