Is it possible to become a freelance writer overnight? Let me dive into this question a bit further. As of late I have been reading more and more about how easy it is to become a freelance writer. And while there are always low paying content jobs out there, you need to determine what it means to become a freelance writer. Some people think that if they get paid to write that they are in turn a freelance writer. Others feel that there is a certain level that they have to reach before they can join the industry. How do you feel about this?
I am not one to say that you are only a freelance writer when you make so much money or get published in a certain type of publication. But with that in mind, it is difficult to read that some people think becoming a freelance writer overnight is possible. As noted earlier, you can secure a job to write some online content no matter who you are. All you have to do is head for a message board, such as Digital Point, and search for buyers. You are sure to find somebody who will pay, especially if you are offering a low rate.
In my opinion, you cannot become a freelance writer overnight. Yes, you can start a career as a freelance writer in one day, but you must build your career day in and day out if you are going to turn this into a long term gig. There is a big difference between writing articles for the web from time to time and earning a steady, full-time income as a freelance writer. There is nothing wrong with picking up some extra money by taking on small content writing jobs, but this is not the best way to move your career to the next level.
This post is a bit of a rant. I have heard many times how easy it is to become a freelance writer, and that anybody can do it. It is true that the opportunity exists, but if you ask any quality freelance writer they are sure to tell you that there is a lot that goes into starting and sustaining a successful career.Â
Are your freelance writing rates entirely too low? If so, you are not alone. There is one main reason that many writers keep their rates on the low end of the scale: they think that this allows them to garner more business. And while this is true with some clients, others want to hire the best of the best even if it means paying more.
Believe it or not, low freelance writing rates can be a bad thing. Not every buyer shops with price in mind. When I am hiring a web designer I always look at their portfolio and experience first. After that, I then take a closer look at their rates. Just because your rates are lower than the industry average does not mean you are going to obtain more work than those charging more.
What do you think of yourself as a freelance writer? Take this for example. If you charge $2 for a 500 word article potential clients are going to think one thing: the quality must not be that good. You need to think more of yourself, and have confidence that you can get paid a decent rate for what you offer.
You can change your freelance writing rates at any time, but you need to be careful when doing so. Staying with the example above, if you are currently writing at $2 for 500 words it is going to be difficult to begin to charge $15 for the same project. If you attempt to spring this on your client there is a good chance that they are going to cut all ties and move on. You need to slowly increase the rates that you charge current clients.
On the other hand, with new clients you should start out at a higher rate. This will give you the chance to earn what you are worth, and eventually ask for more in the future when you feel comfortable doing so. But even if you never receive a “raise†you will still be earning a nice income.
Increasing your freelance writing rates is never easy. This is something that most freelancers dread because it means a major change to their business model. If you are currently working for pennies and are at the bottom of the industry, you need to make a change. The most important thing to remember is that writers with the lowest rates do not always win. Informed buyers shop for writers with experience and quality samples, and then consider project rates.
I was asked an interesting question yesterday: do freelance writers really have as much freedom as it appears on the surface? This was interesting to me because most people simply believe that freelance writers have tons of freedom, and never really think about whether or not this is the truth.
In my opinion, freedom and freelance writing go together hand in hand. If it were not for the freedom of this career it would not be nearly as enjoyable. I think most freelancers agree that freedom is a big benefit, and many of them may say that it is at the top of their list.
Here are three ways freelance writers can experience freedom:
1. You do not have a direct boss. Sure, you have to answer to clients because they are paying you, but you are not an employee but instead a contractor. This means that you can more or less terminate a relationship with a client at any point for any reason. It is nice to know that you don’t have direct report, and don’t have to worry about a boss breathing down your neck.
2. Freedom as a freelance writer means working your own hours. This morning my workday started at 5 am. This is not normal, but I decided to bump my day up a couple hours to get an early start. Of course, this means that I could quit early for the day but I will probably stick around to work on a few projects of my own. The point is that you can start and stop when you want, and work as many hours as you please. If that isn’t freedom I don’t know what is.
3. You have the freedom to work with clients you enjoy. As a freelance writer you and you alone are in charge of your business. I only like to work with clients that treat me right and are easy to get along with. This is not always possible, but it is what I strive for. As you know, when you work an office job you are told what to do and who to speak with.
This is how I answered the inquiring party yesterday, and I am positive that 99 percent of you will agree that freelance writers have tons of freedom within their career.
