How to Work as a Freelance Writer

(update of 2016 blog post)

In the past week, the question of how to dive into the world of freelance writing has come knocking at my digital door twice. This isn't a new occurrence—over the years, at least four others have sought my advice, some via Facebook and a few brave souls in person.

This type of inquiry is a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, I absolutely love the instant recognition and connection between writers. On the flip side, I can't deny that answering these queries is time-consuming, non-paying, and feels a bit like inviting potential competition into my creative space.

A Worker Deserves Her Wages 

These types of requests remind me of the life coaching inquiries I received after becoming a certified life coach. Most coaches offer 20-minute free sessions we call consultation calls. I had quite a few email inquiries which would lead to booking such a call. After a time, I realized it was my right to refuse to answer emails or hold free calls from those who might have been more-or-less snooping about the career with no real intention of working with me.

It's difficult to decide how to handle free work. (I've had people suggest they'd like me to help them write a book, and when I bring up price, I don't hear from them again.) At this point in life my writing is more than a hobby. I deserve the pay due me. 

All freelancers dig for work and often clients want us to take a test, provide samples of our work, and so on. This kind of request comes with no guarantee of getting the gig or pay. It's a risk. A gamble. But we want to earn from our passion, so we often take the risk. Sometimes it works out, other times we are the loser. 

But ongoingly, we dig for work, we research, we look for new clients, and apply for opportunities using the Internet as our playing field. 

Hard Work, Low Pay 

No one will hand you work or cash. You will have to keep developing and taking risks. You'll need to learn to accept rejection and criticism, and to be humble enough to be corrected. There is no salary with the type of work I do. 

For me, there has always been more work put in than payout in my work as a freelance writer. I trust God to reward me in heaven some day, I suppose. So my advice is if you want to become a freelance writer, don't give up your dayjob or your breadwinner spouse!

Set Boundaries 

You'll need to decide what boundaries you'll set. My boundaries have changed as of late. The requests on Constant-Content are fewer. The addition of ChatGPT AI may be to blame. I suspect the pandemic has affected many businesses' cashflow allowing them a budget for article purchases. 

Fewer of my articles are selling. That causes me to lose motivation.

Some clients ask for several re-writes which rarely pays off for the time spent. (I set written boundaries for private clients on the number of rewrites or edits allowed.) 

The Risk and Gamble 

At times, project requests within Constant-Content reqired no query. Multiple writers could independently create content on a shared topic anticipating that their respective articles might be selected. In the event of non-selection, the article could then be offered for sale within the writer's portfolio.

With the system used on Constant-Content, a buyer has the right to reject the submission. That experience has often been disappointing to me. 

In summary, t's not easy to tell another how to become a freelance writer because it's such an organic experience for each of us. 

How do You Create an Online Platform?

(rewrite of 2019 article) 

The professionals will tell you that to sell your writing you need a platform or following--an instant audience to market to. 

But many writers are introverts who love storytelling about fictional characters or simply writing about something they feel compelled to write about. They don't want to go out and meet people to build an audience or gain a doctorate degree so they can be taken seriously. But does this mean they shouldn't write or become published?

Writing for the Love of Writing

Most of us writers will write regardless of having a platform or not. But that being said, getting our writing out there is our ultimate goal. We want it read. 

As a result, many of us willingly write for free in formats such as this one. Having access to a worldwide audience through the Internet makes the process and dream of being a writer even more powerful. 

Finding Your Niche For Building a Platform 

The question for having our writing read or starting to build a platform comes down to this: 

How do we find our target audience? How do we build a following? Who will we ultimately sell to?

I suggest the focus shouldn't be our own family or church members. Focus, instead, on the world abroad through the Internet. 

When I became a life coach, blogging was becoming popular. I started a blog just to see what would happen. When I received feedback, I was amazed and a little scared. Someone WAS reading my posts! 

Nevertheless, I continued adding posts until I saw a direction forming. In those days, analytics were everything. I could see what someone had put into their search bar to find me, so I saw areas of greatest interest forming. 

It was seeing those statistics that I decided I could write a book putting most of what was in my blog posts into it. I did, and my books continue to sell. Somehow, I'd reached an audience. 

(Now, in 2024, blogs aren't as popular. Updating this post first written in 2019 will be a test. We'll see if anyone finds it. Now we are inundated with online forums, videos, reels, and social media platforms all taking away time from blog reading.) 


Using Social Media

I admit, I still haven't defined what I want my social media to do for me. I know I want it for social interaction--being an introverted writer I like the connections.

I DO have my friends divided up into lists. When I post to Facebook, for instance, I decide who I want the audience to be for that specific post. 

A temptation for many people on Facebook is to gather friends as a way of finding buyers for their products. I don't like that at all. I have had friend requests from those I know see me as a possible customer. I don't want to be one of those people I push my writing or copyediting services on. 

Marketing in social media from my standpoint is always relational. If you're never going to visit my post and comment, why do I need you as a friend? I will read your posts and comment in most cases, but your posts had better be about more than what YOU'RE DOING and selling. Relationships are important in any type of sales. 

Well, a writer gets to spew his or her feelings in a blog and that's what's come out today. Hopefully, something in this post resonates with you. 

Best wishes in your writing endeavours and if you are able to build a great platform, share what you did in the comments. 

Writing - Where to Start

(Re-write of 2017 blog post) 

I've always loved writing and have looked for ways to make money writing all my adult life.  Finally I found it--creating web content articles, blog info and fillers, for pay. 

Sometimes the craving in our heart just needs the world to catch up to it.  Now that there is the World Wide Web (Internet) there are multiple opportunities for writers. Thank goodness for technology and virtual work!

Years ago, I started with a simple blog.  I began writing it never thinking I would actually publish it, have followers, or get business from it.  But I did.  Blog writing also gave me the opportunity to release my inner writer.  I need to write.  I have to write. I have more peace when I write. I feel a sense of purpose when I write.

Since then I have a few other blogs on the go and, for a time, had a website. 

If you're thinking of starting a blog or investigating paid writing opportunities, take the plunge.  First, get writing. Leave your work to simmer (work that you plan to sell, that is) and go back to edit it in a day or two. This is a start.

(Updating this in 2024, much has changed. Reels, Youtube, Tiktok, and more have replaced blogs greatly. AI has replaced many writers. I don't yet know where I'm headed next, but I'm still going to write because doing so gives me great pleasure.) 

Get Tough On Yourself and Write with a Point

An editor within the agency I write with rejected an article I had written and submitted. I've had articles rejected before, but usually, the editor has pointed out corrections needed. 

This time, the editor's words were piercing:

"You failed to deliver on the article's title.
Do not resubmit."

Wow. That hurt. Surely I could change the title. I'm certain something could be reworked. And, by the way, isn't it up to a client to decide if it is buyer-worthy or not?

So the idea that I failed to deliver on the article title's promise hit me for more than a few seconds. Ultimately, my writing didn't take the editor where they felt they were promised to go. 

I admit, this was one article I wanted to get submitted without letting it simmer longer or re-editing. But had I let it simmer, I might have seen the problem for myself and changed it.  

Here are some points on that topic. 

Make Sure Your Writing Delivers 

Literary agents often point out that issues like the one mentioned above are quite frequent. They are interested in knowing whether a book will fulfill not only the promises made by its title but also those made in its blurb or Amazon description. 

As for my editor, she wanted to know the article she was about to read would give her some new insightful information that answered any question posed in the title or introduction. 

It sounds simple, but time and again authors miss the point of their article or book too easily. 

I've purchased self-published books and discovered that for myself. It may be the book trails off in a new direction. This can happen when an author puts the writing aside for a time and, when they return, their passion or mindset is different. 

I've started books only to discover what an author suggests works for all people doesn't work for me. Painting too broad strokes may be problematic. For example, in some books I've read on life purpose, the author has assumed readers have full-time jobs or careers like they do. They tend to focus on finding purpose in a career. Since my main focus for many years was that of a stay-at-home mother, their advice didn't fit me. Neither will it fit the retiree. 

Sometimes the problem with a book is a chapter problem. An author gets so attached to a chapter he can't bring himself to chop it. It gets included but has little relevance to the rest of the book. 

When writing for pay, it's important we write for a target audience. Otherwise, we're merely writing for ourselves and our own fun. 

Ask These Questions 

We can ensure we make a point when we ask ourselves important questions as we're writing such as these: 

• What's the goal of this article, book, or book chapter?
• What is the point of this paragraph?
• Does this story illustrate the point of the chapter?
• Does this anecdote reflect the book's theme?
• What conclusion am I urging the reader to draw?
• Have I enlightened, informed, or inspired the reader?
• Do the stories I add undergird the theme of the book or simply make the reader feel displaced?
• Why am I mentioning such-and-such?
• Have I already said this?
• Does mentioning such-and-such distract from the story?
• Are my words bossy, preachy, or spoon-feeding the reader?
• Do I let the reader fill in the blanks?
• Is this book merely my own catharsis, a way to brag, an attempt to make a quick buck, or does it offer value to the reader?
• Why would someone pay to read this?

Writing is easy and hard. Good writers get tough on themselves and grow with each writing project they take on. 

As for the article I mentioned above, I did a full rewrite and resubmitted it with a new name. All went well. The lesson was learned. 

Writing/Proofreading/Copyediting/Rewrites

 

Writing/Proofreading/Copyediting/Rewrites   

Don't get caught looking unprofessional! Have your writing checked!

SLIDING SCALE OF FEES 

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

Proofreading of letters, articles, websites, blog posts, transcripts, etc. Especially suited to:

• business professionals
• writers
• self-publishers up to 40,000 words
• completing paperwork for those for whom English is an additional language (ESL/EAL)

HOW?

Proofreading and editing from MSWord document sent by email attachment.

A marked-up copy and final copy are returned. 

Payment by PayPal Invoice

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Proofreading

Checking/Correcting:                                                                 

·        Spelling
·        Typos
·        Grammar
·        Sentence Structure
·        Punctuation
·        Format Consistency
·        Numerical Sequences 

Critiquing

 Includes:

·        As in proofreading above,

plus

·        Comments on continuity/word choice and cautions
·       Questions for greater clarity

Copyediting/Rewriting

Includes:

·        As in proofreading above,

plus

·        Light or heavy changes to improve clarity and fit for purpose
·        Rewriting text
·        Reorganizing or restructuring for flow 
·        Tightening wordiness
·        Correcting run-on sentences
·         Changing from passive to active where possible

Get Your Timeline Right: Write With Coherence

I recently read a Kindle book, but the timing of events in the storyline were so significantly off I had to stop reading. That is what prompted this blog post on timeline coherence. 

Publishing your story with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is quite easy, even if you are new to self-publishing. Many self-publishers skip the hiring of editors or writing coaches and it's understandable. I don't hire one myself for my published books. That's because writing and selling ebooks hardly results in earning enough money to cover the cost of editing. I once paid $500 for a writing critique, and it was a bargain price. Since I have done editing for pay myself, I know what I would have to charge if I were an editor. Therefore, I prefer to do editing and proofreading myself. 

As I was reading the above-noted book, I could tell the author hadn't had it professionally edited. If she had, it would have had a better flow. That being said, this is something that can be self-taught too. 

So this tip is to help you as a writer become aware of the importance of writing your events in order. (This doesn't mean you can't do foreshadowing or highlight a dramatic event and go back to it later. Often, books start with an impactful event to catch a reader's attention. The details of the event are explained later in the story.) 

Backward Timing

Here is an example of something written with backward timing--the kind I want to point out in this blog post: 

My belly felt bloated. I walked the waters edge hoping movement would help me feel better. 

I entered the cafe and overlooked the menu. The meat-filled wraps looked appealing. I ordered one.

My blue dress was my favourite. I felt pretty in it.  Now I just felt fat. 

I bit into the wrap after the waiter brought it. Yum, it seemed to hit the spot. I sloshed down my diet Pepsi quickly. I wanted to get out into the sun before it set.

Years ago I'd been to this beach and loved it. There were no cafes on the beach at that time. I spotted the cafe and decided it was the perfect spot for a late lunch. 

In my opinion, this story goes all over the place. It isn't in sequence.  A writing coach or editor could point out improvements or even fix it for the writer. Simply, there should be a flow of the timing of events. Obviously, you don't mention a bloated belly before you've even eaten the sandwich and had the beverage that caused it. You don't eat at a cafe before even spotting it. 

Think Through Logically 

Many times, getting the flow right is simply a matter of thinking logically about how normal events of the day unfold. However, there are larger timelines that should be taken into consideration. For example, if you have relocated to a beach area apartment with your baby, it would be confusing to then discuss the progress of the pregnancy. This is because the reader understands that there is already a baby present.

Read from a Reader's Perspective

Yes, pouring your thoughts out on paper (computer screen) is a first good step when writing anything. And, as the author, it can be hard to see the storyline unfold in proper order. Nevertheless, it is essential to read your narrative from a reader's perspective to ensure that the timeline flows smoothly and maintains its intended coherence.

Blogging Is Great for Developing Your Writing

(reprint from 2011)

If you want to be a writer and don't have a blog, start one.  Blogging is free and it is something that will help to develop your writing skills.  

Actually, blogging accomplishes several very important tasks for writers:

1.  Whether you gain an audience or not, you will feel accountable to update your blog.  That will push you to write often.  

2.  Needing fresh content for your blog will stretch your mind.  You will think of new angles and approaches to tackling subjects so you don't repeat yourself.

3.  Knowing outsiders may see your blog, you will be more careful about sentence structure and grammar.

4.  Blogging is a little forgiving as far as errors go, and editing is easy.  Even professionals have spelling mistakes in their blogs.  They don't want to use up extra time or money by hiring a proofreader or editor to check their blog.  They like the natural flow of blog writing and they are able to publish their blog as soon as it is complete.  

5.  You will feel validated by getting the art of your writing into public view especially if the stats show people have visited. 

6.  If you gain followers who make comments, you can enter into some great two-way conversations.

7.  Blogging can help get you noticed as a writer.  You might even be contacted by a buyer who'd like to buy one of your blog posts for re-publishing.

8.  Your blog can become your personal portfolio of writing style examples.

9.  Blogging keeps everything nicely typed and organized in an archive.  It is virtual and should stay safe for a long time.

10.  Blogging becomes a type of diary.  It's fun to go back and see your development over time.

If you're starting out as a writer or are a writer who wants to develop your skills, try blogging on one of the free online formats.  Doing so will help you become an even better writer and you never know where that may lead.

Affordable Copyediting is Available

Typos and Edits 

Before you go and self-publish through KDP I want to share some points. I recently paid $10 for a book from someone I met on Facebook. Something in her post resonated with me causing me to make the purchase. I hoped I'd find some new direction and inspiration from her book.

The book started off great. But then it led me down bunny trails. Reading it from the viewpoint of a writer who has done editing, her errors were glaring. There were grammatical errors, punctuation errors, typos, and so on. But what really bothered me was trying to understand the point of the book as it tended to stray.  

I've seen this many times. And I know it costs too much extra to hire a copyeditor, proofreader, or to have someone critique it. Now that I'm 'semi-retired' I'd like to fill my time, so I would be happy to give you a quote for your new project. Better yet, tell me what you can pay and the subject matter. I'll take a quick look at your project and let you know how I might be able to help.

Copyediting/proofreading service is purposely for self-publishers of books under 40,000 words (145 Kindle pages; 

160 double-spaced MS Word pages). 

Or articles of up to 1200 words. 

Yes, it is scary having someone else read your manuscript. But it can be well worth it. 

Finding Words for Your Story

I usually write non-fiction. In non-fiction, especially articles for web content, we need to write concisely. That means, we don't add in flowery description. While this blog is in first person, articles I sell are never written in first person. And, each writing project has its own rules.

Writing Your Story

Recently, I wanted to write my story. What I mean by that is a sort of memoir or creative non-fiction piece that describes a specific time of my life. This sort of writing demands flowery descriptions and can be written in first person. 

As often is the case, I want to write it to help others who might read it. But another benefit arose. While writing my story, I found healing and better understanding of myself and that era of my life. I thought most of the wounds of that part of my life had been healed, but it was remarkable how writing my story out in detail brought me even more clarity and healing. 

Adding Description

They say if you're going to write your story, you need to make it gripping. You do that by showing rather than telling much of it. And you do it by adding meaningful description. 

I'm not usually good at writing such details. The non-fiction writer in me finds it tedious. But I may want to self-publish my story on Kindle, so I need it to be all it can be. 

A tool I found which helped me put words to my feelings is a website called Descriptionari. This website is remarkable. You simply type in a word and it gives examples of compelling writing using your word or emotion. 

I used this site to teach me how to add touch, scent, emotion, and description. (I don't recommend copying the sentences into your story, but to use their examples as prompts. Then you can put it into your own words.) 

Other tools exist now in 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT and Grammarly will rewrite sections for you in remarkable ways. As long as the original thoughts were from you, there is no copyright violation to use the rewrite, though checking it for accuracy and rewriting it in your voice is advised. 

A remarkable thing happened for em while using the Descriptionari tool. The descriptions offered seemed to describe my pain in words I could not find myself. And in doing so, I found more healing. 

For example, during the era I wrote about, I cried out of confusion, disappointment, and sadness. Instead of simply saying "I cried" I put cry into the tool. Look at the sentence it came up with:

"It is my tears that keep my soul alive in the furnace of this pain. They cannot extinguish what has been, yet only carry me forward until a time comes when that searing pain is distant enough to forget more than remember, and maybe one day erase itself from my brain. So perhaps it may be an oddity to thank my tears and be proud to cry, yet if that's what saves me from becoming a monster, a person indifferent to suffering and sorrow, then crying is the smartest thing I can do."  

https://www.descriptionari.com/quotes/crying/ 

It was helpful to see the purpose in crying when put this way. The words above make me believe the writer had an experience similar to what I went through. In that interpretation, I found that perhaps in my suffering I was not weak, strange, pitiful, a victim, or odd for crying as much as I did. I was simply human. 

Should You Take a Writing Course?

Every day there are courses offered for writers.  There are online courses and there are writing coaches who will help you walk through the steps of writing.   

(I started writing in a creative writing course in high school.)

Do you have to take a course or have a degree to be a writer?  No. 

(But now, in 2024, I will share with you that I have looked at enough online jobs for content writers and similar roles and they all say the applicant needs to have a journalism degree. I disagree with the need for one but if that is their rule, I guess you can't get the job.)

To write, just write and see where the path leads you.  Do what suits your personality and skill level. Look up help online to improve your grammar. 

If you feel taking a course will help, sign up for one.  If a writing group is of interest, join one. There is always more to learn in the field of writing.

Writing for an online audience is also far different than writing more intensive materials. Look into tips for writing for online audiences if that is your goal. Much input can be learned online and through studying style guides. 

If you really love writing, you will also be a reader. Much can be learned simply through reading. 

Grow as a writer at your own pace. You should know when you're ready to take the next step of publishing a blog, writing a query letter, sending an article to a content site editor, signing up for personalized coaching, or sending a manuscript to an agent. 

The point is, there is no set path for a writer. 


Thick Skin

The field of writing can be tough on you, though.  You will have editors rip your work apart. You will want to be as prepared and knowledgeable as you can be. 

As you develop your craft, you will likely see yourself make dumb errors and feel embarrassed when important people point them out.  You will get rejections and have your feelings hurt.

Writers take the pain in stride.  They take what they're dished and pour it back into their writing to be used for good.

A great way to test your skills is to put a piece past an inexpensive proofreader or editor to see how you fare.  Another way to test your skill level is to send an article to an article site--preferably one that uses in-house editors that will scrutinize your work and offer feedback.  

I have learned a lot from the editors at Constant-Content.com where I have many articles for sale. I don't always agree with the editor's comments. Like art, some writing is subjective. But good grammar is also needed. 

Writing a Memoir? Here's Some Advice

Someone in one of my Facebook writers groups posted a question about how to structure a book about her life experiences. I suppose she was writing a memoir. 

I gave her this response and thought it might be a good blog post:

"I know writing this will be therapeutic for you. 
To actually sell it, you'll need to consider who would read it and why. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

How will your experiences inspire or enhance a reader's life? 

Why would someone want to read it? 

Is there a hook? 

(The primary purpose of a hook is to capture the reader's attention and engage them right from the start. A well-crafted hook can make the reader curious, eager to read more, and set the tone for the entire piece.)

Why would someone pay money to read it? 

If you were going to buy such a book, what would you expect from it? 

Will there be a point to the book aside from you having fun telling your story?"

The Point of the Book

I write non-fiction and often weave life experiences into my writing but I try to only do that if it moves the reader further. Illustrations should have a point that is connected to the theme of the book. 

Sometimes my writing presents a problem and provides some solutions and, in the case of a memoir, I'd think the writer would have life examples pointing the way for the reader to find solutions for themselves. 

I went on: 

"If you can find an interesting hook or define a niche topic, you'll have more success. 

Would it appeal to someone the same age you were at the time? Is it geared toward others questioning their faith upbringing? Can you explain what made you have doubts about your faith while still holding onto it? Is that likely to happen with a reader too from what you write? Who are the people who might be in a similar situation?

Once you identify the person you want to share your story with, write it as though you are talking to them over coffee. Give your reader points to ponder. Ask them probing questions."

That's my 2 cents.