What is the freelance writing leap: this is when you decide to quit your day job and go “all out†in order to chase your dream of becoming a full-time writer. While this is easier said than done, there comes a time when you either decide to take this leap or stay behind your entire life. Before I move on, let me say that there is nothing wrong with being a part-time freelance writer. I know many people who work in this capacity, and most of them enjoy writing as their side job.
For those of you who are ready to take the leap, there is one word to keep in mind: preparation. You need to make sure that you are prepared for every possible detail that could arise. Even those that may seem far fetched can and probably will come into play sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, while many people prepare for a full-time freelance writing career they end up scaring themselves back to their day job. This is something that you need to avoid at all costs. Is it scary to leave a secure environment for the life of a freelancer? It sure is. But even if you know that you can make a solid income as a writer you will still experience some fear. The bottom line is that you are going to be scared no matter what position you are in; this is normal. The key is to avoid letting this fear hold you back from accomplishing your goals.
To prepare for the freelance writing leap, you must organize and detail every step that you plan on taking. This includes everything from when you are going to quit your day job to where you are going to work. Trust me, the better plan you have the more confident you are going to feel when it finally comes time to make the big move.
If you have tried to make this move before but have yet to do so, you have to determine why you are shying away. Through my experience, the number one reason for not taking the leap is fear of not earning enough money. This is a legitimate fear, and there are only two ways that you can get past it. First off, you can work as a part-time freelance writer until you build up enough clients and income to ease your fear. Or you can simply ignore it altogether. When I moved into the capacity of full-time freelance writer I did a bit of both. Ignoring your fear may not be the best idea, but it will definitely help to make the leap a bit easier.
There is no reason to be embarrassed if you are afraid to leave your job to become a full-time freelance writer. This is a difficult step to take, and you are not the only one having a tough time. If you have any suggestions on how to do this or questions on moving forward, leave them in the comment section. Hopefully everybody can help each other to take the leap soon enough!
As a freelance writer, you need to remember one thing: you are not exactly working for yourself. Yes, you are self-employed but at the same time you need to make sure that you are giving clients what they want. Time after time, I find myself asking what I can do for my clients. And in many cases, the answer is not world changing. Instead, it is something small that could make their business run a bit more smoothly.
Here are three things that you can do for freelance writing clients that will show just how much you care:
1. Ask if they need anything else. In addition to sending the work that is requested of me, I always ask clients if I can do anything else for them. Most clients say “thanks but we are set.†But in some cases there are things that I can do to make their life a bit easier. Remember, when you offer additional help you are showing the client that you care about their future.
2. Send your client a gift or card from time to time. This is something that companies, both big and small, do time after time. For instance, you could send out a card and/or box of chocolate to clients this Christmas. While it may cost a few bucks, it is well worth the time and money in the end. Believe it or not, clients appreciate these small gestures of gratitude.
3. Make yourself available. If you want to be known as a high quality freelance writer you should make sure that clients can always get in touch with you. No, this does not mean that you should work 24/7, but it does mean that you should be available during business hours to promptly address questions and concerns. If you want to take things to the next level, give clients your email address and business phone number.Â
To show your clients that you really value their business, test the three ideas above. They will definitely help you to make the most of your freelance writing career!
Lying to potential freelance writing clients is never a good idea. Although you may already know this, it is safe to say that you may be tempted anyway. After all, many people think that lying to potential clients is a great way to obtain more work. Sure, this may work with some, but in the long run it is only going to harm you. It always pays off if you are open and honest with potential clients as well as those that you already work with.
Here are three common lies that freelance writers tell potential clients:
1. I have tons of experience with that subject matter. If you say this you better be ready to back it up in a big way. Remember, your client is going to have a lot of experience so they will know if you are lying. In many cases, admitting that you are not well versed in a particular area will not disqualify your chances of winning the job. If you are honest about what you do and don’t know, the buyer will be able to give you feedback and hopefully work with you to get started on the project.
2. Time after time I come across freelance writers who refer to themselves as “we.†In other words, they want their “company†to look big. The fact of the matter is that this is not always a good thing. In some industries it may be better to make yourself look as big as possible. But as a freelance writer this is not necessary. Not only is it a lie, but it may also deter clients. I make it known to every client that I will be the guy working on their project. I don’t outsource my work, and this makes the client comfortable because they know they will be working with me while having access to my expertise.
3. Don’t try to fake your way through an interview or project. If a client asks if you have questions or are confused, be honest with them. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. The client will be happy to address all misconceptions and problems up front. This helps to avoid loss time and conflicts in the future.
There is no reason to lie to potential freelance writing clients. Instead, be honest with all of them at all times.Â
