Confession of a Freelance Writer

Hi there! I follow you on Hubpages and noticed that you make your living freelance writing. I am also a freelance writer, but I'm not making a living! I was wondering if you could write a hub with some tips, or point me to some good resources..in particular, how to get clients:) I'm enrolled in odesk and freelancers, but they are often very low paying and competitive jobs.

Thanks!

I am flattered that one of my followers would ask my advice for a hub. It is true I make my living as a freelance writer, but I never thought about persuing writing as a career. In all reality, I was set on becoming an editor, and when I was rejected, too many times to count, I fell into writing . . . Ha. Don't I wish that's how it went? It wasn't. I struggled, but ultimately I found what I love to do, and I'm fortunate to be able to do it. So here is my solicited advice about becoming a freelance writer.

I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2008. I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to tackle the world by editing one page at a time. Unfortunately, I had absolutely no idea what a recession was or how it was going to pulverize the job market I so desperately wanted to join. Upon graduating, my husband and I moved to California, and I began to search for an editing career. I have a very impressive editing portfolio (don't judge my hubs too closely!), but even with my experience, I couldn't land a job. I swore that I wasn't going to give up until I found someone who would let me edit, but after going two months without a job, I had to settle (yes, settle!) for a temporary position. I worked odd jobs, while still interviewing for various positions. Another move and two years later, I finally found an employer who wanted me. . . . as a Freelance Writer.

Even though I never considered writing for my career, I have discovered that it is a very fulfilling field. I get to work from home; I have flexible hours; I get tax write-offs, but it is a lot of work to generate work. So if freelance writing is your dream, prepare yourself for some pretty rough months! With some hard work, you can gain a great pay-off.

My freelance career began because of a job search. So my first bit of advice is to search for jobs--everywhere! I found my current job on a occupation board on BYU's employment webpage. If you live close to a university or college, check the job boards for listings. Also there are a litany of job search websites at you finger tips.(As a disclaimer, I recommend using only job search websites that you trust. There are a lot of dishonest people out there, and I don't want anyone to be taken advantage of.) Check local super market boards, church groups, talk with your neighbors, your kids teachers, literally search everywhere you possibly can. You never know where you will find your gem.

(An Added note: I just picked another client by searching an online college job board. They were initially looking for someone to work for nine dollars an hour, but after they saw my resume we were able to negotiate a higher rate of pay and unique job for me! You seriously never know what job leads will land you great clients so follow all of the ones you find!)

Next, Networking. My dad always told me it's not what you know it's who you know. I did not know the value of this statement until I tried to find a job. It's really true. I recently acquired a job because a friend at the business recommended my services. I will admit, I have not spent a lot of time networking, but I know one thing is for sure: It hurts my business if I keep my mouth shut. So I make sure everyone, who might benefit from my services, knows what I do and how to get a hold of me. Because its often difficult to generate business, it helps to have friends, family, or other associates refer business to you. I try tell everyone what I do in hopes that more jobs come my way.

Advertising. Get your name out there: Start a blog, put a sticker on you car, make business cards. To me advertising and networking go hand-in-hand. While I'm out and about meeting new people, I might as well hand out a card.(I'm starting to look into advertising for my business, so check back and this section might be updated!)

Finally, there are reputable third-party job websites, like Odesk.com. I am a member of Odesk.com, but I have not actively pursued work on this site. My understanding is that websites like Odesk.com bring employers and employees together, and the company takes a small fee for the service. One thing I noticed about the site is that most jobs are low-paying assignments. I believe this is because the employers want to see what the perspective employees can do before they offer the high-paying jobs--or maybe the employer is looking for inexpensive employees--at any rate these websites are a good way to build your portfolio and gain experience. So don't be afraid to take a low-paying job if it's a good learning and networking experience. Just make sure you read the contract you agree to with the job site when you create a profile. I know Odesk.com has a specific time limit you must work with a company through Odesk.com, and if you try to contract work outside Odesk.com with a company you found on the website, you get penalized.So read the fine print.

Like I've said before, freelancing is not easy. So if you really want to make a career, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. While you build your portfolio and gain experience, you're probably going to have to write for very little pay or possibly write about things that aren't necessarily your passion. Right now I'm working as a technical writer. While I love my job, my passion is writing fictional short stories and novels. Maybe someday I'll get a book published, but until then I will write/edit technical material. The point is that to be a successful freelance writer sacrifices must be made. If you find a job that pays very little take it, work it, develop your portfolio, and create rapport with the company. Soon you might find yourself making enough to live on.