Freelance Writing – Paths to Success: Part One

Tips for achieving success as a freelance writer 

Wading into the deep waters of freelance writing can seem daunting at first.

If like me, you already have a background in journalism and copywriting things may be a little easier.

However, the reality is it is not easy and there is no guaranteed pay check at the end of each month.

As the old saying goes, “The only guarantees in life are death and taxes.”

While this may not seem the rosiest of outlooks, the old adage does help put the risky job of freelance writing into perspective.

There are many reasons why people turn to freelance writing as a career. These may vary from a lifestyle choice (in my case), to being a victim of downsizing, redundancy, or perhaps deciding not to go back to your old job after the paid maternity leave runs out.

As a parent of two children myself, I sometimes think that spending quality time with my kids when they were growing up rather than at the office might have been quite beneficial for all of us.

As it was, I spent most of my kids’ early (and teenage) years in the paid workforce – worrying more about paying the mortgage than how to maximise family time with them.

And this of course, still holds true for the vast majority of fathers out there.

In many cases, it may only be when your kids are grown up and independent that you are really able to embrace the risky option of freelancing – and give up the safety net of a regular pay check.

But what an opportunity freelancing can present!

As US-based freelance writer Chris Roberts says, freelancing has a major upside: “Freedom. You are free to rise when you please, quit when you please, travel as you please.”

And in this digital age of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, connecting with your fellow freelancers has never been easier.

While ‘cold-calling’ potential clients to drum up new freelance work can still be effective, the real success lies in your relationships – new or existing  – with the editors who commission the writers.

Herein is the nub of freelancing success – get to know other freelancers and ask them to introduce you to their editors.

Concentrate on the areas you are particularly interested in.

For example in my case, I have worked as a journalist for so long in so many areas that I am fortunate to be able to write authoritatively about many topics.

My areas of expertise include health, education, government, not-for-profit organisations and NGOs, mining, real estate, motoring, hospitality, food and entertainment, to mention a few.

However as a freelance ‘newbie’ you may be better off in specialising in just a few focused areas, and only approaching editors working in those at first.

Once you establish a rapport with an editor and show you can write well and on deadline, they will hopefully come back to you with more work.

If not the name of the game is to keep contacting them and make yourself known to them regularly, without being a serial pest.

Have a well-crafted website and keep a portfolio of stories handy for editors to peruse when you first approach them.

All of these guidelines will help you navigate the often stormy seas of freelancing, without sinking.

Mike Peeters is CEO of Mike Peeters Media