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Trying something new beginning with this post: embedding my own notes/comments in pieces I decide to reprint here on Wordpreneur. This’ll be interesting. — EES

Article by Valencia Higuera

A freelance writing career is perfect for individuals with good writing skills, and for individuals who enjoy the idea of a flexible schedule and unlimited income. Before starting a career as a freelance writer, it is important to know the “ins and outs” of being a freelance writer. For starters, it can take weeks to find that perfect opportunity, and sometimes you’ll have to deal with non-paying clients. Even so, a freelance writing career is exciting and the benefits are enormous.Here are three great freelance writing tips.

1. Choose Writing Jobs Carefully

Many freelance writing jobs pay per word. For this reason, freelance writers must be able to write quickly and effectively. The best way to create an article or Web content in the shortest amount of time is to write on familiar topics. It’s good for every freelance writer to have a niche or specialized topic. There is nothing wrong with stepping outside your comfort zone and tackling new topics. However, make sure that the time spent researching and writing is worth the payout.

Good advice. But a strategy I prefer to often put into play is what I call “loss leader.” Even if a job is out of my “comfort zone” and area of expertise (in other words, I know diddly squat about it), and the amount of time and energy to get up to speed is substantial enough to in effect result in a loss for me on paper if I take on the assignment, my next step would be to check and see if I can parlay my investment in the first job into more paying assignments in related markets. If there’s good potential for more, I take it on. Every succeeding job would then essentially be already researched!

Then there’s that other thing called “learning.” It’s not always about making a profit, after all. — EES

2. Sign a Freelance Writer’s Agreement

A contractual agreement between you and the Web developer or company serves as a protection. This way, you can effectively handle a non-paying client or anyone who steals your work without permission. The contract should outline important details such as compensation, due date, article rights, and so forth.

3. Learn How to Multitask

Earning an income as a freelance writer generally requires juggling multiple projects simultaneously. To earn a living as a freelancer, it is important to determine how much money you want to make each day. If your goal is $100 a day, the next step is finding jobs that pay out this amount. For example, you may choose one project that pays $30 a day and another project that pays $70 a day.

The rest of the free world probably now considers this multitasking. Not me, which reveals my neck-deep-in-tech background. Multitasking is writing while bouncing a baby on your lap. This is managing multiple projects (which obviously is nothing new or even extraordinary). Not technically MT, Unless of course if you’re a freak of nature and can write two separate articles at the very same time. Losing battle, I know, trying to get folks to realize the subtleties, but we’re wordsmiths, so what the hey. — EES

Valencia Higuera is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and professional blogger. For additional tips and resources on starting a freelance career, visit her Freelance Writer’s World and Telecommuting Diva blogs, Both offer suggestions, advice, and periodic freelance job leads.

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