advice, editorial

The Best Advice For Freelance Writers

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pointby Catherine L. Tully

What is the best advice you have ever received as a freelance writer? I can think of several good nuggets of wisdom I have heard over the years, and I’ll share a few here…but I’d like to do something else as well…

If you read this post today, take one minute–just one minute–to pass along a piece of advice that has helped you. Fair enough? Here goes:

  • Don’t give up easy. Simple, but huge for a freelancer. You can’t take things personally in this career field. I’ve learned this lesson well and I’m one tenacious lady these days. Keep on swingin’!
  • Be true to your own inner voice. Don’t try to write like someone else. Even if you think they sound much cooler than you. Being true to your voice as a writer will help you to shine, get work and polish your style.
  • Make things easy for your editor. This is so huge. So huge. If you are a fair writer but take good care of the editor and anticipate things they may need, you’ll get more work than if you are a brilliant writer who doesn’t. And yes–it really is that simple. So the next time you get an assignment, hunt down some photo options, offer an optional sidebar and get the piece in a day or two early. Then, watch the magic happen.

Ok…now it’s your turn…the best advice you’ve heard as a freelance writer…what is it?

4 thoughts on “The Best Advice For Freelance Writers”

  2. “Always have enough money saved that you can tell your boss to go to h*ll.”

    My dad advised me thusly when I started my first “real world” job, and I used it several times prior to my freelance career. Then, when I cut the corporate cord for good in 1999, my savings allowed me to get a fresh start and not panic about the bills (even though my wife was a stay at home mom for our two toddlers).

    Of course, I’ve revised “boss” to “client” now that I’m self-employed. (My dad was self-employed through most of his life, so I’m sure he would approve.) Anyway, the principle is the same for freelancers: You *never* want to get stuck in a bad situation just because you need the money.

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