Adapting to Life as a Freelance Writer
How To Make the Transition from Staff Writer to Freelancer
Dec 19, 2008
With newspapers across the world, laying off journalists and editors, many people who are used to working regular hours from an office now find themselves facing the precarious life of a freelance writer.
Surviving the transition requires a new set of skills.
The Freelance Writer is a One-Person Business
Being your own boss may sound like a dream come true, but it comes with added responsibilities.
- Expenses. Freelance writers pick up all their own tabs, that means all stationery, travel, telephone bills, internet service, computers, faxes, duplicating, printing.
- Medical Cover. They also have to take care of their own medical and travel insurance.
- Paychecks. Coming up with the next paycheck, means finding new sources of funds on a daily basis.
And all of this comes with the additional responsibility of meticulous record-keeping:
- Every inquiry letter has to be logged.
- Every record has to be kept of communications and negotiations by telephone or E-mail.
- Every writing project has to have its status visible and constantly updated.
- Every cent that comes in or goes out has to be accounted for.
The Freelance Writer is Also a Salesperson and Agent
Even the smallest article will require to be sold. Bidding for jobs on freelance sites, or pitching ideas means setting aside time in the schedule for preparing bids or inquiry letters.
New writing skills will have to be acquired to compose compelling copy selling your talents to editors or employers. All of this demands:
- Time
- Effort
- A Thick Skin
- Unlimited Energy and Enthusiasm
Rejection can be draining and depressing; it’s essential to develop routines to cope with it.
A New Working Environment
Making the transition from working in an office building to working from home can be a difficult one. To office workers, “home” is associated with leisure time. To freelance writers "home" is also the workplace. It’s important to establish several things.
- A practical work space. You need somewhere private, where you won’t be disturbed while you are working. It has to be ergonomically designed, with drawer and file space and a good worktop area. You may have to invest money to achieve this, but not only is it a valid business expense, it’s essential for your well-being and productivity.
- A rigid routine. Get up early, get dressed and go to “work”. Set your working hours. Take breaks. Make task lists. Set goals. Keep progress reports on projects.
- An agreement with other family members. Everyone has to be aware and accept that when you are working, your are not available. It is too easy for other family members to assume that because you are at home, you can do “home-related” tasks.
Budgeting
Budgeting includes the vital aspect of negotiating for and keeping track of your money. Negotiating is a delicate balance – don’t have unreasonably high expectations which will put people off, but at the same time, don’t undersell yourself. You can always offer to reduce your rates.
- Never spend money you don’t have. Wait, not only until the check is in the bank but, until the check has cleared before allocating the money for spending.
- Take some time studying the tax rules that apply to your new status. An hour of your time might pay for itself tenfold when you are better informed about your rights. Always be prepared to get professional advice if necessary – even if you have to pay for it, it’s an valid expense.
- Keep records of the status of all your projects. Keep careful track of checks that come in and payments still due to you.
- Save whenever you can. When money is coming in from projects, put as much aside as you can to see you through the times when work is harder to come by.
Get support
Being a freelance writer can be tough and lonely, especially if it is your sole source of income, but seek out organizations and communities for freelance writers online, such as Suite101. Find articles and advice. Do some networking on the forums. You will not only find people who can help you with information and connections, but you will also have the chance to make friends and get the vital support you need to crack the freelance market!
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