Comments on: 5 Things About Freelance Writing Jobs I Wish I Knew When I Was Starting Out

By: Jennifer Brown Banks

Jennifer Brown Banks — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:04:50 +0000

Good advice. I think the most valuable lesson for me has been to always have a plan B in terms of income.

Writers’ pay can be sporadic and unpredictable.

By: 65 New and Useful Posts for Brand New (and Veteren) Freelance Writers : Freelance Writing Jobs

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:11:52 +0000

[...] 5 Things About Freelance Writing Jobs I Wish I Knew When I was Starting Out [...]

By: Paul Chalmers

Paul Chalmers — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:29:40 +0000

So – does anyone have any advice about what sort of jobs to try and get if you really have not much experience at all? I mean, I write all the time and think I would be good once I get my foot on the ladder, but have never considered freelancing (and actually getting paid!) before.

By: zack kushner

zack kushner — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:24:07 +0000

Passing up gigs is great when you can afford to do so! For those just starting out, or who are struggling in this bleak economy, saying “no” to paid work is a luxury.

That said, firing a pain-in-the-butt client last year was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done.

By: Tess Taylor

Tess Taylor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:30:35 +0000

Wow, I can so relate to # 3 & 5! Coming from the business aspect of things, as freelancers we have to do whatever we can to exceed our client’s expectations each and every time to get repeat requests and more work. Failure to do so results in unhappy clients who are less likely to use a freelancer the next time. It’s also the responsibility of all writers to expect and ask for a decent pay rate for the hard work we do and accept projects that are worthy of our talent, time and efforts.

By: Freelance Writing Resource Roundup Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Freelance Writing Resource Roundup Tuesday, November 25, 2008 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:46:36 +0000

[...] 5 Things About Freelance Writing Jobs I Wish I Knew When I Was Starting Out – to which I’d add a 6th – I had no idea how important the business things would be, like bookkeeping, invoicing, paying taxes, marketing, etc. etc. etc. Easily a full third of my time. [...]

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:19:45 +0000

As someone who’s just starting out, I appreciate the post. I have learned about #3 very early, though. I’ve taken some low paying, boring assignments just for the sake of making a few bucks and now I have to really sit down examine how I am spending my time. Sure, the money may add up eventually, but spending hours writing an article for $5 on a topic that doesn’t interest me is probably not going to lead to career satisfaction.

By: Kitty

Kitty — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:41:32 +0000

Since I mostly do food writing, I knew that photography would be a big part of the job, but I did not realize how time consuming it would be. Having to edit photos to odd size specifications, always have my camera handy, and be that annoying person at dinner always snapping photos is making me think that the fees I am currently getting are not really adequate. Moving forward, I am going to figure that into what I charge.

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:26:40 +0000

Number 4 is a biggie for me. I like looking for work, research and interview processes, but I had a big problem with the office management duties.But I soon realised that it was easier to get to do things I loved when my home office was organised and everything was in its place.

By: Edna

Edna — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:47:52 +0000

I think #3 was my biggest learning piece. I also took everything that came my way and ended up having work but being angry about working for so little when I knew I was worth more. I think the breaking point came slowly but I procrastinated also and still stayed up all hours looking for gigs and trying to write about stuff I had little interest in and less knowledge of.
I think it was writing about satellite dishes that did me in. I have found a couple niches I enjoy writing about and have a knowledge base to work from, so things are getting easier. I still have to market myself and manage the other aspects of freelance writing; that piece will always be necessary.