Freelancing for Life: Writing, Editing and Earning

Can a freelance writer or editor make a decent living? Yes, it is possible!

During the past quarter of a century, since I stepped out of my corporate office for the last time, I have freelanced. Although the self-employed life has pros and cons, I would not trade it to return to headquarters.

Here are several professional lessons I have learned, either simply or the hard way.

Assume a professional personality.

Real networking is personal, not electronic. Don't rely on cyberspace to build your client base. You have to do this in person. Don't wait for the web!

Computer-friendly folks love to look online for freelancing opportunities. The internet overflows with banner ads hawking freelance job offerings. You simply sign up, pay your fee, and wait for the work to come flowing in. It usually doesn't work that way.

As a paid freelancer, I have seldom received, or even accepted, a worthy assignment that came solely from the internet. Basically, clients want to know freelancers firsthand.

Besides, most freelancers prefer to know their clients personally too. Who wants to spend a considerable amount of time working on a project, send it back by the appropriate deadline, and then wait forever for a paycheck that might not ever arrive from an unknown client?

Amass your professional contacts.

As you embark on your new freelancing career, you will have to invest the time to develop a real-life clientele. If you are a skilled writer and editor, eventually you will find folks who value your talents and services.

Initially, you should try to forge professional friendships in the industries that interest you the most. If you want to edit professional journals, you must meet those who produce them. If fiction is your favorite, then you will have to get to know publishers and editors. Find the circles in which you desire to operate, and begin building relationships.

Accumulate professional experience.

Every career begins with hands-on experience. Freelance writing and editing is no different. So sharpen up your blue pencil, grab your telephone and computer keyboard, and get ready!

Grab experience wherever you can find it, even if you have to take on a few projects for free. You might offer to edit a friend's professional web-site. Why not volunteer to proofread for a local newspaper, magazine, or association's publication?

As you choose your first projects, aim for variety and the highest quality pieces you can produce. If you are currently working full-time in any capacity, tell the top brass you are available for editing and proofreading materials before publication. Most important, keep track of all of your contacts. Every past client, gratis or paid, may be a potential reference.

Assemble a professional portfolio.

Any prospective client will want to view samples of work you have done. Before you can begin calling on possible customers, either corporate or agency, you will have to build your portfolio of published work. A savvy freelancer will not enter a client meeting or interview without taking his portfolio.

At first, you may have to perform some pro-bono (free) work. Quite honestly, clients do not care what you charged for previous projects. Most people don't even ask. They simply want to see evidence of experience and proof of your potential.

Be sure to keep copies of every printed piece you have written, edited or proofread. Compile these items in a tasteful binder. Include artwork and photos, if applicable. Personally, I have used a leather-bound three-ring binder, filled with samples enclosed in protective pages.

Often, prospective clients will ask to keep samples to share with their colleagues, who may participate in the selection of freelancers. Gather multiple copies of a few of your very best samples for this purpose. (You may or may not be able to retrieve these later, so it is best to avoid giving out your whole portfolio.)

Alert your professional and personal acquaintances.

When you are ready to begin freelancing, you will want to contact everyone you know. Let them know that you are available for writing and editing.

Create your own website, offering your editorial capabilities. List projects you have completed. (Obtain permissions before listing client or company names.) Get the word out.

Certain colleagues of mine have even enclosed their freelancing business cards with their families' Christmas greetings. Why not?

As soon as you have completed several successful projects, the word will spread. Truly capable writers and editors are a rare find. Writers, manager, and top executives tend to appreciate those who are able to rescue them, in advance, from embarrassing errors! If you are really good, your skills will soon become valuable, and you will be logging billable hours in no time.

Practice professional book-keeping.

When you begin working as a freelance writer or editor, you will need to learn to exercise your administrative muscles as well. Keep careful timesheets for client projects. Document all of your income and expenses. Retain all receipts, for client billing or tax purposes.

Many freelancers find it worthwhile to employ accountants for taxes and general book-keeping. The savings these professionals can generate for you will often outweigh the bills they hand you!

Enjoy your professional life!

Freelance writing and editing can be extremely rewarding for the free-spirited professional. If you are a self-starter, a capable administrator, and an adept networker, then the self-employed life may be for you.