I was talking with a fellow writer the other day and then it hit me. We were both striving for the same thing-to make a living as a freelance writer. But we had very different ways of reaching our goal.
For me, business is a lot slower. I really want to focus on magazine and newspaper writing but the process is a lot longer than other writing gigs. There’s querying, waiting, writing and then waiting again. To make up for it, I do have a few clients that I do copywriting for. But even with that, I’m still a world’s away from my writer friend’s work load.
She’s at the other extreme with a diversity of clients from resume editing and blogging to writing for content sites. While she is busy working hard and making more money, she also has less time to query publications-something she’s also interested in doing.
The ideal scenario would lie somewhere in the middle, between working too much on non-writing things and too little where there’s not enough income coming in. The difficult part is deciding what to do when you’re at the beginning. When you need the money to survive and may need to sacrifice better paying writing gigs to keep your head above water.
What about you? What do you writers do to achieve a balance between the two?
Hi.. Stumbled on your blog.. I am working as part time freelance writer..Though it means less time for sleeping and social life, I enjoy every minute of it.
Great post! It’s so great that in freelance writing there are so many options and different ways to achieve success!
I think the key is finding out what works for you. No two paths are the same, but as long as your path takes you to your goals then you chose the right path.
Hi Frugal Expat,
Thanks for your comment! I feel the same way. I think freelance writing is the hardest job I ever had. It’s forced me to grow as a person, pushing me past what is safe and comfortable. But at the same time it’s given me confidence and joy from the pleasure of pursuing something I am passionate about.
Hey Raechel!
I agree. There are so many different writers and different paths. I’m still on my way to achieve a greater balance and find my own way.
You need to know WHAT you want before you can find your path. Take the time to make a writing plan (like you would for any other business). Clarify your vision and mission. Then begin pursuing the different areas that can help you to those points.
One way to get the income and still have the time is to build up higher paying opportunities. One $50 article can take a fraction of 5 $10 articles (or 10 $5). You will have more time to pursue those things that you are passionate about doing.
Hi Kathryn! That’s really great advice. I think it’s easy at the beginning to get ahead of yourself and forget to create a clear goal first. I think the tricky part for me is finding more higher paying opportunities. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Brandi!
I’m no longer considered a beginning writer. I spend most of my time writing and blogging for private clients, with some editing thrown in.
The one thing that seems to make the most difference is to make sure that you provide exceptional service in every way — excellent copy, deadlines met, good communication, etc.
This will set you apart from many other writers.
Good luck to all of you.
Thanks Laura!! You’re definitely not a beginner!! I really appreciate you chiming in here with your expert advice. Happy Holidays!
Content sites to pay the bills while I write up queries to magazines and put articles up on my blog. Your friend is right, there’s much less time for queries this way. Sounds like once you get some of the bigger assignments it’s easier to wait it out for a few months for the magazine editors to respond.
Hi Eric! Yeah it’s a challenge to fit in time for querying, but I guess if your goal is to get into magazines, you need to put in time for that as well. I make time to do so on the weekends when things are less busy. Also, I’m always thinking up new ideas when I’m waiting around at doctors appointments or even in line at the grocery store. I also try to go to the library or bookstore and catch up on my magazine reading. All these things take up some of my free time, but I enjoy it and basically I see it as small steps toward my ultimate goal. Thanks for joining the conversation!