Image via Ed Yourdon

I have been getting inquiries over at 20sb and on this blog about how I started writing for money and keep promising that I will share. Well, I’m going to start answering some of your questions…RIGHT NOW.

I am going to start off by saying that although I have encountered some success I am in no way an expert on the subject, I just keep learning as I go along and hope to share any new tips that I learn with you all. I have also decided to turn this introduction to freelance writing into a series on the sole basis that there is so much information that I need to share. So, without further ado I will present to you Intro to Freelancing Part 1.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Freelancing Career

Many people start freelancing with huge expectations, realize that it is much harder than it sounds (although definitely not impossible), and quit when they realize that freelancing is not what they were hoping for. I can’t even tell you how many times someone has either a) assumed that I’m broke or b) thought I lived like Carrie Bradshaw. For the record I am neither. The truth is that while freelancing may look glamorous, it can easily be more work than a regular job.

So to avoid any future growing pains that you will encounter, I have set up a list of things you should know before starting to freelance. Some of these tips are common sense while others I have learned the hard way. These tips of course do not just pertain to writing, but can be applied to any freelancing you wish to do whether its fixing computers or web design.

1. Don’t quit your day job…yet.

Freelancing is a great way to make money while being your own boss, it’s also a plausible option since unemployment is still high. However it takes a lot of work, trial and error, research, and patience before you can actually start profiting a lot from it. Take me for example; I made 5 bucks the first month because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  Now, after a lot of research and patience I can make up to 200 a day just by writing for a couple of websites, which is a nice way to supplement the income. And of course, I do not plan on stopping there.

My advice to you is to start freelancing as a side project. Maybe you can start off by setting aside time on the nights or weekends to do some research and start writing. Trust me, once you know a few of the ropes then you can start making some money.

2. Patience is a virtue and perseverance is omnipotent.

You cannot…I repeat CANNOT…expect to start freelancing unless you take on my mantras: Patience is a virtue and perseverance is omnipotent.  First off, it takes time to build a significant audience and get attention. Unless you are the next Ginsberg you will probably not get published on a major media outlet tomorrow.  It took me about 4 months before I had a major piece published on Yahoo News. Second, rejection is a part of freelancing. If someone doesn’t accept your article or proposal, learn to brush it off and move on to the next project.  The same goes if you get nasty comments on an article. You can’t please everybody and that’s just a fact of life. (Read Dealing With Criticism Effectively for more on this subject)

3. Be prepared to be your own boss.

With freelancing, you are your boss. That does not mean any of the following: moping around all day in your pajamas, doing assignments and projects whenever the hell you feel like it, or goofing off. Sure, you have more freedom when you are the one setting the rules, but if you have a financial goal in mind (let’s say paying the electricity bill) you had better treat it like the real job that it is.

4. You must set realistic goals.

If you are just starting, you’re not even going to get close to making a thousand, in fact you may not even make 100 bucks your first month. Instead of obsessing over how much you can pound out for money, set some realistic goals and then work your way up as you gain more experience. This is a much better alternative than staying up until 3am just trying to make a buck on an article.

5. You should write up a business plan.

Believe it or not, freelancing will be your small business. Set up a plan with weekly and monthly goals. Ask yourself some questions. What kind of a clientele do you want? Will you have a specific niche? What makes your services different than all the others who offer the same thing? This is especially great for visual learners; it all becomes easier when you can actually SEE what you want. This requires some thought so I wrote up a nice little template to get you guys started.

6. Time management is key.

When I first started I was so busy pounding out articles left and right that sometimes I would be up until 4am. I specifically remember staying up late writing one article for Environmental Graffiti on Burmese Pythons. Naturally, I ended up having nightmares about a python strangling me in my sleep.  You will also find yourself juggling multiple projects at once. So if you don’t want to lose your mind, set up some sort of semblance of a normal schedule. For instance, on days that I teach at night, I usually just spend 9 to 5 (including a lunch break) working on articles and promotion just like a normal job. Sometimes I work on Saturdays but only for a few hours, and I never work on Sundays. Our bodies and our brains need breaks, so give it to them.

7. Working at a coffee shop is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Ok, I had to mention this just because of the stereotype of “writers” on their Macs at the nearest Starbucks claiming that they are writing a book when they are really just on Facebook (Speaking of Facebook, have you become a fan yet?). I also speak from experience when I say that coffee shops are not conducive to working, period point blank. On a more serious note, you do need to find a quite space where you can focus. I personally like to sit outside on my porch, but it’s really up to you.

8. Freelancing is 2/3 talent and 1/3 promotion.

I know some people may beg to differ on this one, but my philosophy is that if you don’t have the talent then it doesn’t matter how much promotion you do you will not get hired. By the same token, pure talent won’t get you very far either…at least not at first. Consequently, when you are freelancing you are basically your own PR team. Twitter and Facebook work well for promotion, and more importantly for building a relationship with your audience. I will eventually write an entry about how to properly use social media for promotion.

9. Always give back.

This is a good business practice no matter what your trade is. If you are a niche writer, then set up a blog where you write helpful articles on your expert topic (Check out my green website, Ecobellus, for an example). If you are a web designer, let your customers know that a part of the proceeds go to charity. The list goes on, and you can definitely get creative, but the most important thing to remember is that sincerely giving back (even just a little bit) will help get you a clientele or audience.

10. Don’t worry, you CAN have fun.

One of the great things about freelancing is that you learn something new every day. Don’t believe me? How about you check out this eHow article I wrote about how to donate your body to science.  You can also set up your own breaks, vacations, or do yoga in the middle of the day if you like…just make sure it does not to stray away from the schedule that you set up for yourself.

That is all for now folks! Keep an eye out for Part 2: How to Start Freelancing.

Amanda Abella

Amanda Abella is a freelance writer and language instructor based out of Miami, Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2009 and holds a degree in English Literature from Ave Maria University. Amanda Abella is available for freelance work, why not hire her?

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Related Posts:

• 7 Tips for Starting Your Own Freelance Business
• Intro to Freelancing Part 2: How (and where) to Start
• 5 Ways to Be a Blogging Rock Star
• Intro to Freelancing Part 3: How to Deal With Clients
• How to Take a Step Back and My Case for Doing Nothing