Is something holding you back from becoming a successful freelance writer? Is there a reason why you are not making as much progress as you would like? If so, you need to pinpoint the roadblock and then determine how you are going to get around it.
Here are three things that may be getting in your way, as well as some tips for getting past them:
1. Your lack of knowledge. No matter what career path you choose, a lack of knowledge is going to slow you down sooner rather than later. If there is something you do not understand about becoming a freelance writer and the path you are going to take, now is the time to search for an answer. The longer you go without finding the right answer the more trouble you are going to run into.
2. A lack of time. Many people are interested in becoming a freelance writer, but are not able to find enough time to realize this dream. Does this sound familiar? The best advice I can give is this: make time, no matter what it takes. If you are working as a part-time freelance writer, get up in the morning before your 9 – 5 job and put in some work. If this doesn’t work, spend some hours in the evening getting your career on the right track.
3. Doubts about the future. Every freelance writer has doubts from time to time. Some begin to think they made a bad choice. Others believe that they are never going to earn enough money to be comfortable. Even though doubts are sure to creep into your head, you cannot let them get you down. In most cases, you will find that they are unsubstantiated.
Are any of the above roadblocks standing in your way?
Freelance writers love big projects that pay a lot of money! If you don’t, something is wrong. That in mind, there may come a time when you are presented with a project that is too big. While you may find this hard to believe, it has happened to me a few times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ensure that both parties are satisfied.
First things first, why do you think the project is too big? Is the client asking for something that you have never done before? Are they in need of a lot of content in a short period of time? Once you know the details of the job you can then begin to search for a mutually beneficial way of doing things.
For example, if you are being asked to complete several hundred web articles within two weeks you may be worried about how much stress this will add to your regular workload. Rather than put yourself in a bad position, maybe you can negotiate a longer delivery time. This will allow you to take on the job without stressing out.
Are you thinking about turning down a big job? While this may be something you have to do, don’t jump the gun. As noted above, you should first discuss the details with the client. They may be able to change some things around in order to better accommodate you and your current schedule. At the very least, you should open up the lines of communication and see where you get. You may be surprised to find that the client is more than willing to change things around for you.
In short, some projects are going to seem so big that you will not want to get involved. Before you make a final decision, consider all your options and be open to negotiating.
When you sit down at your computer do you have any idea of how long you are going to work? While most freelance writers have a set schedule, others simply work until they can no longer take it. Before we go any further, keep this in mind: every freelance writer is different in terms of the number of hours they work, as well as how they approach their career.
Even if you do not believe it right now, there may come a time when you are working too many hours. This may sound like an impossibility, but it rings true soon enough for many freelance writers. Even though I try to avoid it, from time to time I begin to feel burnt out. This is usually directly attributed to working entirely too many hours.
How long is too long? Again, this is up to each individual writer. Most of the time I do not have any problem working eight hours a day – or more in many cases. Of course, this is just an average. If I work 10+ hour days for a couple weeks in a row, it goes without saying that taking some time off becomes very important.
As you work longer as a freelance writer you will get a better feel for how many hours you are comfortable with. Once you have an idea, it is easier to stay on track without going overboard.
Only you know how many hours are too many. Do your best to stay the course and avoid going overboard.
