I started freelance writing in 2014. It saved me from a job that I hated and gave me an entirely new career path and a new sense of financial freedom.
When I first started, I had preconceived notions about what a freelance writer does. But, nine years later, I have a much more robust perspective on freelance writing and what’s required of the writer.
First things first: A freelance writer must do a little of everything.
You are in charge of the following:
- Business development
- Sales
- Writing
- Editing
- Customer service
- Etc.
Specifically, here’s a list of things you might find yourself doing on any given day:
- Conducting research on various topics to gather information and data for articles, blog posts, or other content pieces.
- Creating outlines and drafts of articles or other written content for clients to review and provide feedback.
- Incorporating feedback from clients and making revisions to the content as necessary.
- Writing and submitting pitches to prospective clients to secure new work.
- Meeting with clients to discuss project requirements and timelines.
- Managing deadlines and juggling multiple projects at once.
- Collaborating with editors or other team members to ensure that content meets client specifications and is high quality.
- Staying current on industry trends and developments to write relevant and engaging content.
- Promoting their work and building a personal brand through social media or other channels.
- Managing their business operations, such as invoicing clients and keeping track of finances.
Keeping up with all these tasks takes a lot of work. But there’s something new daily, which is only sometimes true at a traditional, full-time job.
And remember, the more experience you have, and the more you develop your niche and the type of writing you do, the more efficient you become and the easier it is to keep up with all of these tasks.
So embrace the freelance lifestyle if it fits your personality. And revel in the fact that you get to work when you want to work and that you get to work with whomever you like.
Did I miss anything? What else do freelance writers do? Share below in the comments section or via the contact page.
