How to Manage Multiple Projects as a Freelance Writer

Very few freelance writers have just one project on their plate at a time. At my busiest, I've been known to work on eight or nine projects simultaneously, which requires a certain degree of multi-tasking. Managing multiple projects as a freelance writer doesn't have to be difficult, however, if you learn how to properly structure your day.

One of the most difficult aspects of being self-employed, which all freelance writers are, is that you don't have a steady paycheck from one source. It is easy to budget when you know exactly how much money you'll be bringing in; when you have no idea, it becomes more difficult. Managing multiple projects becomes essential to make end's meet.

First, you must be familiar with your threshold if you are going to manage multiple projects as a freelance writer. Each of those projects will likely come with deadlines attached, which means that you must have sufficient time to complete them by that point. If you have twenty projects due in one week, you're going to be working twenty-hour days and I can almost guarantee it won't be your best work.

When you know how much work you can complete in one day, you'll be better able to determine your threshold. The next step in learning to manage multiple projects is to set up a scheduled work day. If you are trying to fit in working between doing the laundry, changing the oil in your car and helping your kids with your homework, you won't get much done.

Obviously, one of the perks of working from home as a freelance writer is the ability to work whenever you desire. A routine, however, is preferable to chaos because you'll be able to adequately manage your multiple projects. For example, if you're working a standard eight-to-five day (with a break for lunch), you can section each project into a timeslot, thereby giving you an opportunity to complete them all.

Once you've scheduled your workday, the next step in managing multiple projects as a freelance writer is to stick to your schedule as rigidly as possible. Each minute that you spend pursuing other activities - such as the television or a book you want to read - is a minute wasted, just like your mother said. To avoid distractions and temptations, make sure that you're working in a reasonably enclosed area and that your family members know you are working and not to be disturbed.

It is entirely possible to manage multiple projects as a freelance writer, but you don't want to reach a point of overload. When you accept too many projects in an effort to get ahead financially, you might wind up breaking contracts or disappointing clients who might otherwise have brought you more work in the future.

If you do find that you've reached your threshold, don't be afraid to say 'no' to clients who are asking you to take on projects. It is entirely acceptable to develop a waiting list or to make a referral to one of your writer friends.