Since I teach writing and work as a freelance writer, people always ask me what they need to do to get started. Besides the basic writing skills, here are the top 10 things I think every freelance writer should get started.
1. A professional resume. If you’re just starting out, your resume may not have much content, but you’ll still need something to showcase your education, writing experience, and publications (if any) to potential clients, editors, and publishers.
2. Professional resume: A resume is easier to put together than a resume. It should be written in the third person and outline your education and experience, the type of writing you do, and the services you provide.
3. Some of your articles do not need to be published. They could be examples of different types of writing that you enjoy that have not yet been published. When you respond to an ad for a freelance writing job, you usually need to submit your writing sample and professional resume.
4. Set three major writing or career goals for the year. I recommend writers set only three big goals this year. Then everything they do during the year should help them achieve one or more of these three big goals. Working on no more than three big goals can really help any writer avoid feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or distracted.
5. Weekly Marketing Plan (Action Plan): It is important to have a marketing plan and writing schedule for the next work week every Sunday evening or Monday morning. If you have a clear plan, “working on your plan” is all you do every week.
6. A way to be accountable. Every writer needs someone or something to hold them accountable for staying focused and working on three main goals throughout the year. This can be done with the help of a writing coach, a writing group, or even friends who write as well.
7. Professional website or blog. Editors and clients want every serious freelance writer to have an online presence, such as a website or blog, with information about the writer, his or her education and experience, and the types of writing services offered.
8. Business cards should be easy to make and inexpensive. Include your name, company name (if you’re making one for a freelance writing company), or any slogan that tells people you’re a writer, as well as your phone number and email address. Don’t let go of where you live. If you think having a mailing address is important to your business, buy a PO Box and put that address on your business card.
9. Success Diary: This can be as simple as a spiral notebook in which you can record your progress on a daily or weekly basis. With a weekly marketing plan, weekly writing goals, and three goals for the year, a success journal is another way for freelance writers to stay on track.
10. Give everything. Starting a freelance writing career can be difficult because most people who do so do so while still holding regular jobs and/or many other professional and personal responsibilities. Then, when things get too stressful, the first thing to do is freelance writing. Before embarking on a freelance writing career, a writer must put in his full effort to achieve it.
If you want to become a successful freelance writer, here are ten things you need to tackle right away. Once you’ve done that, your career will be much easier.
Give it a try!
