Freelancing
Receive helpful tips on writing professionally as a freelance writer.
Freelance vs. Agency Writers
by Kevin Nunley
Here are some tips for people who want to write professionally. These tips can work just as well for anyone providing a service.
Some professional writers believe freelancing is better than working in an advertising agency. Others say that freelancing is for those who can't get a job at an agency. Whether you decide to be a staff or freelance writer is a personal decision. Here are thoughts to keep in mind if you're trying to decide whether freelancing is for you.
There are many advantages of working as a freelance writer. Probably the most noticeable advantage of is that you get to set your own hours and work from home. No commuting or dress-codes could definitely be appealing!
Freelancing also gives you greater independence and autonomy. You are your own boss. You get to make the decisions of how and when you want to write. This allows you to control your workload and you also have the freedom to walk away if necessary.
However, there are some drawbacks of freelance life. The flow of work and money is often inconsistent. You might go six weeks without any phone calls and without seeing a dollar and then suddenly have thousands in checks show up in your mailbox. You have to learn to live without steady work or paychecks.
Another difficulty is with your prospects. Prospects will happily waste your time if you let them. They might ask you to send samples of your work and other items, and then they won't return your phone calls. Prospects could also call you up and expect you to spend hours on the phone giving free advice with no intention of ever becoming your client. Try to keep free consultations under control. People often buy if they get a free sample, but others won't respect you or your time unless they know that they're paying for it.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing advice and copy writing for businesses and organizations. Read all his money-saving marketing tips at DrNunley.com. Reach him at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.