Time Management for Freelance Writers

If you're a freelance writer, you know that if you write more articles, you'll have more articles to sell. However, in order to write more, you need to either write faster or find additional time in your schedule. Writing faster isn't necessarily an option, especially if you're already juggling multiple projects. By better managing your time, you may find that not only do you write more, your writing speed may improve due to fewer distractions.

Start by examining your current writing schedule. Don't have a writing schedule? That's part of the problem! In order to write more, you need a set time, every day, dedicated specifically to writing articles. If you're squeezing in fifteen minutes here, fifteen minutes there, your writing speed will be sporadic and you'll waste time with all the starts and stops. How much time you set aside each day is up to you, but make sure that you allow yourself a sufficient block of uninterrupted time for writing each day.

If you have a writing schedule, how are you spending your time? Are you actually writing or are you looking at freelance writing sites? Are you researching articles or are you reading your favorite writing blogs? Commit to doing nothing but writing during your scheduled writing time and you will write more.

Forget about multitasking during this block of time. The only exception to the multitasking rule involves writing-related tasks such as performing research, looking up spelling, or double-checking a grammar rule. Resist temptations such as checking your email or posting a quick status update on Facebook or Twitter. While it may only take a minute or two to do those mini-tasks, each minute adds up and causes you to lose focus.

Creating a regular writing schedule and devoting your time strictly to writing often requires a lifestyle change. For instance, if you work full-time and have kids at home, there's not much time left over for writing. You may need to watch less TV, stay up an hour or two later, or write during your lunch hour. Consider coordinating your writing time with your kids' homework time.

One final write more articles tip is to keep a list of article ideas handy. Whenever you have an idea for an article, write it down. Your list will grow over time and you'll always have a topic to tackle. Pick a topic and write about it!

Writing more starts with a conscious effort. You must set aside time to write and use that time wisely and regularly. If you do so, you will write more and your productivity will likely improve.