Hi Anne,
I’m one of your loyal jobs readers, and I have a link to your site on my blog. Here’s a question for you. I hope you haven’t already answered it.
How does one get re-started in the freelance writing business? Here’s my situation. I’m not a newbie, but I never really got established. I’ve had a few big clients here and there, and I think I have a rather impressive website and blog (though I haven’t written on my blog recently).
My problem may be lack of confidence (why would they hire a writer, let alone me?) or a lack of belief (it’s a “recession,” so no one needs writers now), or a lack of marketing (due to the first two issues).
Any thoughts? Maybe you can write a post about not giving up, that times aren’t really that tough, that people still need writers, and that yes, you can do it. Or just write all that in your reply to me. J
Any advice about how to get myself out there again? I’m working a full-time job now, but I really want to make at least $2000 a month to start as a freelance writer. Is that too ambitious for a short-term goal, in your opinion?
Finally, if this falls too much under the category of consulting, I won’t be upset if you ask me to pay for your advice first.
Thanks for reading/listening!
TKR
Hi TKR,
Well, you might want to hire me as a writing coach – being accountable to a writing coach can help break through lots of barriers. But maybe you won’t need to.
Start updating your blog daily. Even short posts. The goal here is to get back in the habit of writing – sort of a daily page approach. Okay, write five or six days a week.
If you’re watching the job postings you know that the so-called recession (I’m not participating thank you) means more freelance opportunities not less. Organizations of all sorts need writers, always.
As far as why would they hire you? Why not? After all, you’ve got solid experience and even newbies are getting hired.
I’m wondering if you’ve been writing your passion or just writing to get paid. I don’t know about you, but if I’m only writing to get paid, I burn out; if, however, I combine the need to get paid with my passion it generally flows.
So figure out what you really want to write about and start submitting queries to publishers along those lines and see what happens. Two grand a month is certainly possible, but focus on what you have to offer first.
Make sense?
Do you have a question about freelance writing? Ask Anne, The Writing Pro - that's me ;) Ask in the comments or send an email and put Q&A in the subject line so I can sort it out from spam and I'll do my best. Meanwhile, you'll find some Q&A's here: Ask Anne, The Pro Writer
Write well and often,
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Solid advice as always. Good luck to TKR. Do you have TKR’s blog? Always interested in networking.
Isaac’s last blog post..Attract Freelance Clients (even during a recession)
It’s exactly during hard economic times that two things happen: writers with poor self-esteem drop out – leaving more work for us, so thanks – and companies realize that bad writing isn’t making them any money. So good writers are needed more than ever. About the self-worth part … if you don’t believe in your work, why would anyone else?
Writing is a job.
Marketing is part of the job.
What you’re marketing is yourself. Not your brilliant prose, not your encyclopedic knowledge of sprockets, not blogging about what you had for dinner. You.
Once you get that straight, there’s only two choices. Do the Work, or stop.
I agree! Networking is key. I am a writer for Associated Content and often network with other writers. In fact, I’ve gotten advice and tips from the writers at AC and have earned a nice supplemental income as a freelance contributor for them. Just another resource to consider. Good luck!
The thing I like about these sites is it’s possible residual income… small income, but enough of it adds up nicely.
Joseph… we used to say the same thing about real estate agents when in what now seems a different lifetime the market would slump… roughly half or more of the agents would get out.
Re self-worth. Amen!