For those of you who are looking for a transition to a more stable career, freelance writing may be the answer. The freelance writing world is a very diverse place, so it’s a shame to limit yourself to writing copy for a marketing campaign. There are various opportunities for you to get involved in as a freelance writer, such as editing, reviewing, and even teaching.
But before you begin your freelance writing journey, you should ask yourself some serious questions. How much do you want to write? What’s your perfect earning potential as a freelance writer? What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can you contribute to the field?
To help you make the right decision and prepare for the freelance writing world, we’ve put together a list of some of the things you should know and consider before you begin.
The Industry Is Growing
Whether you’re experienced in writing or you’re just starting out, the freelance writing world is waiting for you. The demand for skilled freelance writers is on the rise, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to scale your freelance writing career. According to Enness Global LLP, the legal practice group of Enness Research & Consulting, the freelance writing market will hit a staggering $16.9 billion by 2021.
Enness Research & Consulting predicts that by 2021, 70% of all business plans will be found online and 65% of all white papers will be authored by freelancers. The demand for online content is only increasing, so if you want to be able to write for a living, get used to the idea of being one with the keyboard.
Location Is Everything
If you’re looking for a less-than-desirable climate in which to do your work, forget about it. You may find a sweet location for your domicile, but if you want to be able to write for a living, you’ll need to be in one of the most popular cities. Naturally, we recommend you choose a city that offers you all the advantages your trade requires. For example, let’s say you’re a tech-savvy freelancer and you want to write about all the new technology out there to make your life easier as a freelance writer. You’ll need to live in a place where tech startups are thriving.
If you can’t find a desirable location in your beloved hometown, then consider moving to one of the most popular cities where the tech industry is located. It’d be best to find a place that’s comfortable for you and your family, where the temperature fits your preferences, and where your bank account can take advantage of the lucrative opportunities that await you.
Marketing Budget
You’ll need to consider how much you can spend on ads and the like to successfully pitch your work to editors and prospective customers. Luckily, the amount you need to spend is quite small compared to what you’ll earn, so it’s highly likely you’ll be able to find the money you need. Just remember: you’ll need to put in the legwork to earn what you want. You may not always have the luxury of pitching your best work without restriction, so you’ll need to be creative in your approach to get the most from your pitches.
Getting Started
If you’ve decided freelancing is for you, then how can you make the most of it? There are numerous ways, but you’ll need to be practical in your approach to be able to succeed. First and foremost, you’ll need a reliable stream of income. Although there are occasional opportunities to earn extra money through various channels, such as freelance writing, you’ll probably need to look elsewhere for the bulk of your income. Building up a savings account is a good idea, as you’ll have money to fall back on when you need it. If possible, get a part-time job that supplements your income and allows you to build up a fund for the future.
Getting An Editor
An editor is someone who accepts your work for publication and helps you shape it into an article or story. If you’ve decided journalism is your game, then get used to submitting your work to editors. Fortunately, it’s a largely honorary role. You don’t need to be a seasoned journalist to qualify, and, in fact, many a fledgling writer has made a successful career for themselves simply by virtue of having a pen and a computer.
You’ll need to prove yourself to be an asset to an editor. Make sure you’ve got something useful to offer beyond your words. Think of ways in which you can contribute to their editorial process. For example, you may be able to find a graphic designer who can whip up some eye-catching mockups for prospective articles. Or, if you’re a technology buff, you can help troubleshoot their computers or set up a remote desktop so they can get work done from anywhere. These are all useful things to have on hand as an editor looks to fill a gap in their resource pool. You’ll also need to prove that you’re a team player. The work environment in a journalism office can be somewhat cutthroat, and you won’t be able to thrive in such an atmosphere. Being a team player doesn’t mean you have to agree with what the other members of the team are saying or doing. It just means you’re willing to pitch in when necessary and contribute to the success of the team.
Pitching
Pitching is the art of getting someone to listen to you and your ideas. You’re essentially trying to convince the other person that you’re the best person for the job. In order to successfully pitch your work, you’ll need to get as much information as possible about the person you’re pitching to and understand their needs and motivations. It’s a two-way street, so you’ll need to be open to receiving advice as well.
You may not always have the luxury of pitching your best work without restriction, so you’ll need to be creative in your approach to get the most from your pitches. First, gather as much information as possible about your target audience. What do they like? What are their interests? What are their pain points? The more you know about your target audience, the more you’ll be able to tailor your pitch to be effective and interesting. Additionally, having a clear idea of the scope of the project will greatly ease the workload of both parties. When you’re pitching, it’s imperative that you come up with a clear idea of the end goal, otherwise, you may wander around in circles for a while without ever actually landing the job. Knowing exactly what you’re trying to achieve will greatly reduce the amount of wasted time.
Rewards And Benefits
As you’d expect, being a freelance writer comes with its perks. You’ll be able to set your own hours and work remotely whenever you want. There’s also the steady stream of income to consider. According to PayScale, the median income for a freelance writer is $24,000 per year. That puts you in the top 10% of all occupations. You’ll also get to explore a variety of topics, which can be highly rewarding. However, a large number of writers prefer to work remotely, so if you want to be able to write full-time, consider making your home a bit more professional-looking.
Learning
Even seasoned writers are always learning. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to write. If possible, diversify your training by taking classes or reading relevant materials. Additionally, being a freelance writer allows you to quickly build your network and connect with various industry figures. Further, the more you know, the more you’ll be able to contribute to the field. Writing is a never-ending source of knowledge, so make sure you continue learning as much as you can.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, let’s take a quick review of what we’ve discussed. We’ve examined the numerous opportunities available to freelance writers and considered the merits of each. Now, it’s time for you to decide which route you want to pursue. Consider the various pluses and minuses of each option and decide which one feels right to you. Ultimately, you’ll need to follow your heart. Are you passionate about writing? Or, are you looking for a more stable career? Consider the options, research the field, and make the right choice for you.