How I Launched My Freelance Writing Career
May 28, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
August, 2007: I had been out of work for almost six months, ever since the company I’d been working for folded. My job search wasn’t going anywhere and the thought of returning to the nine to five cubicle life made me cringe every time I logged into Monster.
Even before the company shutdown, I had been thinking about taking up freelance writing. In my mind, a freelance career would involve writing articles for magazines and newspapers. So, I had embarked on a quest to discover what kind of writer I wanted to become. My experience was pretty vast and included business, technical, and creative writing. Still, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to focus, so I worked on my fiction, drafted some articles, and launched a blog on a social networking site.
But by August, time was running out and so was my unemployment insurance. I needed to get some work fast. I realized that I didn’t have time to write articles and submit them with no guarantee of payment. The turnaround time between submission and acceptance (or rejection) and publication (and payment) simply could not meet my immediate (financial) needs.
I began scouring the web for freelance writers and quickly learned that freelance writing was not limited to composing articles for magazines and newspapers. What I discovered was a way to become not just a freelance writer, but an entrepreneur with my very own business.
Research
I spent several days looking at freelance writers’ websites, taking notes, and paying special attention to the services they were offering. Some specialized in specific areas such as marketing or technical writing. Others provided an unlimited range of writing services. Everyone had an online portfolio or writing samples and almost nobody published their rates.
During the research phase, finding rates was almost impossible. After days of searching, I only came up with about three freelancers who published rates.
Samples & Portfolio
It was immediately clear that I would need a portfolio. After all, nobody in their right mind would pay me to write without seeing my work, proof that I could do the job and do it well. I collected some writing projects I had done for employers, friends, and family. Then I put together some samples to make sure my portfolio was well-rounded and showcased the various types of writing I could do.
This step was actually quite time consuming because I had to go through all my files, reformat and edit several pieces, and make sure that there were no copyright or privacy issues with any of the work I was using in my portfolio. Plus, I had to write the sample pieces from scratch.
Prices and Policies
Even though I’d only found a few freelancers who published rates on their websites, I managed to put together a very rough plan outlining how I would charge for services. This was based somewhat on the rates I’d seen online combined with an estimation of how much time I would spend on a piece, broken down by word count.
Initially, I didn’t put any rates on my website although later I did publish some pricing, packages, and special deals. For the most part, clients would need to provide project descriptions and I could then provide them with quotes for each project.
Since writing is so vast in terms of research, word count, and other specifications, such as formatting or style guidelines, I have found it best to use the quote-per-project model while still offering pre-designed plans for standard projects like keyword articles and blog posts.
I also put together my terms and conditions, which explained the process and policies that I would follow in conducting business. There were a lot of questions that came to my mind, which I thought clients would ask; questions about turnaround time, copyright ownership, payment methods, and invoicing. It turned out to be an invaluable resource for my clients and for me. In fact, I regularly update my terms as new situations and questions arise.
Putting together a set of policies, an FAQ, or terms and conditions page would probably be my number one suggestion to anyone who is thinking about getting into freelancing.
Website
The website, of course, would be the headquarters of my business. It was my brochure, business card, and my portfolio, all rolled into one. I knew it was the single most important tool for marketing my services and luckily, I had over a decade of experience designing and developing websites.
All I needed to do was come up with a name for my business and a site design. Then, I could put it into action and open for business.
This proved to be one of the biggest struggles in launching the business — coming up with a name for my site and putting together a marketing campaign. Every idea I had was squashed because every domain I wanted was taken.
After trying for dozens of domains, I realized that I needed to start doing business immediately and didn’t have time to sit around making up names. So, I used one of the domains I already owned (melissadonovan.com) and decided that I would test the freelance waters for a few months and worry about a name and marketing campaign later.
The Blog
Writing Forward used to be hosted at melissadonovan.com and it was originally called Writing for Writers. I had been blogging on a social networking site and loved it so much I wanted my own blog and domain. I also figured that a blog about writing would be an ideal way to showcase my knowledge and experience and show potential clients my writing style and skill.
I had no idea at the time that so many freelancers were also bloggers or how effectively blogs can be used as part of a business model. I also had no idea that this blog would lead to relationships with other freelancers and bloggers or that it would lead to making so many new friends among the online writing community. All that was a big juicy bonus! Yes readers, you are juicy!
Getting Those First Clients
The idea of cold calling (or emailing) terrified me. I knew this was a standard practice but on the first day of work as a freelance writer, I simply wasn’t comfortable pitching myself to potential clients in this manner. I wanted to take it nice and slow, get my feet wet, and get a handle on my new career. In other words, I wanted to be somewhat low key.
I needed experience, but on a small scale. My ideal customer was another small business owner. Someone looking for a writer. I asked myself, if I was a small business owner and needed to hire a writer for a project, where would I look? The answer was Craigslist.
This is my little marketing secret: when you’re first starting out, post ads on Craigslist. I got exactly the types of clients I wanted, small business owners who needed writing for their websites. It was perfect. The downside was that I got a lot of inquiries for writing academic papers, something I’m not into for numerous reasons. But I was able to pick up work and acquire clients. I used Craigslist (and only Craigslist) for months.
And So It Goes
Now I have clients coming in through my blogs, my website, and through referrals and search engines. I haven’t posted an ad on Craigslist for several months and business continues to grow.
The past nine months have been crazy. There are ups and downs, moments of sheer excitement when I realize that I’m doing this all on my own and moments of sheer exhaustion when I realize it’s all riding on me. The freelance life may not be for everyone but I absolutely love it.
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Great advice on just getting on with the building of a site. So many writers spend countless hours fussing over domains and designs. The personal brand thing means a lot, but perhaps not quite as much as actually getting down to hands on keyboard.
Great post, Melissa!
First, I love that photo. All the positive emotional energy of canoing without actually getting wet.
Thanks for sharing your journey (process). Sometimes there are so many voices among the “freelance writing niche” screaming that this step or that step is next or the most important and it gets very confusing. I also like that you succeeded with a slow and easy plan because there is a lot of urging to jump in full bore and sink or swim which I haven’t been comfortable with but hadn’t found anyone who succeeded (or admitted they succeeded) with a different path.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I’ve recently started freelancing part-time and my goal is to make it a full-time business. I love reading success stories! I’ve just subscribed to your feed.
Lisa
This is a GREAT post, Melissa. I toy with the idea of freelancing but don’t have the courage (or financial resources) to actually drop the full-time job and try it. But, while there are websites out there that tell you “how” to freelance, they don’t usually tell you how to actually start, or acknowledge that it’s a big and scary step. So, thank you for this! I’m so glad it’s working out for you!
–Debs last blog post..MM: Period
I agree, this is a great job of sharing your experience and offering awesome tips! Like Deb #1, I love the photo. It looks so serene, almost like the reader is the one sitting in that canoe.
Thanks for being so open and honest.
Micheles last blog post..Fortune Cookies and Patience?
@Jamie, Even after I put up the first website, I continued to brainstorm for names and it took almost eight months before I found one that was available and that I liked. I haven’t launched it yet but I’m glad I didn’t press the issue when I first started. The experience I’ve gained over the months really helped me come up with the model for my relaunch, which is slated for summer 2008. Thanks for reading and commenting Jamie!
@Deb (gscottage), I love that photo too. In fact, as I was writing this post, I kept catching myself just sitting there staring at the photo and thinking, I would like to be there, doing that, right now. And I am not a boat or water person at all.
I started out writing this as kind of an advice piece but then I remembered that there are already too many of those all over the blogosphere. I thought folks might find it interesting to hear a freelancer’s personal story. I’m glad you liked it!
@Lisa, Thank you for subscribing! Freelancing is quite a ride. My only advice is to enjoy it. Let yourself bask in each little success and push yourself over the hurdles that stand in your way. Good luck to you Lisa!
@Deb (Punctuality), The funny thing about me is that I wasn’t scared at all when I first started freelancing. I was several months into it when I realized it was actually working and I got a little nervous and fear started to creep in. It was almost like it was too good to be true but then I reminded myself that I’m not making that much money. Yet. Heheh.
@Michele, Thanks! I just hope someone can learn or get ideas from my story!
Melissa, we are learning from each of your posts! *pats you on the back* Well, someone has to do it–you deserve it!
Seriously, this was a very good post on how to start out. Great job!
Micheles last blog post..Fortune Cookies and Patience?
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing your story - it encourages me to push ahead with my own plans, and I know I’ll get there too.
I’m looking forward to what you have in store for your relaunch - it will be very special indeed!
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..practice what you preach.
What a fantastic post!
As others have said, plenty of ‘beginner’ freelance sites gloss over these very practical first steps. Perhaps because once you’ve done it, it seems so obvious.
From researching other business sites, portfolios, and rates to getting that first job, you have covered it all succinctly. This will be very useful for a lot of new writers.
Thanks for all of this great information, Melissa. I will be reading this again tomorrow! Craiglist! I never would have thought about that.
Your posts are full of such good information. Now how do you find the time to do all of this?
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..With Love from the Louvre
Melissa, Congratulations on your success! I love peeking into the lives of other writers. It never fails to inspire me and give me new ideas. It is also really nice to get to know more and find those commonalities that draw us all closer. I know that you will continue to soar Melissa, you are so super talented.
Karen Swims last blog post..A Post About Nothing
@Melissa
Wow…that took a lot of guts to re-invent yourself after losing your job, and going into business on your own.
It gives me hope..that it’s possible for myself to do this, one of these days…
Friars last blog post..Five Flats in Eighteen Days
Thanks so much for this post Melissa! I know it’s a lot of hard work, but you make it sounds so much less intimidating… this sounds like something I could actually do.
Allisons last blog post..Orange-Flavored Mochi
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story with us. It is always great to see how others built their business and you have certainly done a fabulous job of it.
Your whole concept is great and I also look forward to see what else you have in store.
Monika
Monika Mundells last blog post..Networking - Freelance Writing Guide
You are one awesome lady, Melissa.
Greers last blog post..Contrast Podcast- 2008 (so far)
@Michele, Thank you so much, I always enjoy a little pat on the back. Now if I could just save up for a nice long massage
seriously, all this typing is taking a toll!
@Brett, Thanks for sharing your story too! You are one my greatest sources for inspiration.
@Rebecca, I wish more freelancers would talk about exactly how they got into the business. I bet there are hundreds of very different stories out there. I’m curious to hear some of them. Hmm, maybe I should have made this post a meme.
@Ellen, How do I find time? Well for starters, I don’t get out of the house much. I also missed a whole week of blogging because I had so much going on. And there’s a lot more that I want to do. I have so many projects I’d love to work on and I really need more hours in the day.
@Karen, Aw, thank you! I like the idea of soaring but I don’t think I’m there yet. I see myself as still in the learning phase. I think this is a good time to share my stories because folks who are more established seem too far removed from the early phases of starting a business to explain it in a way that other beginners can relate to. Anyway, I’m glad you liked this post
@Friar, People always say that I was brave or courageous but it didn’t feel that way at the time. I wasn’t even scared. Actually, going back to the cubicle seemed way more scary than freelancing. But I know for most people, it’s a huge risk, going out on your own. Because of where I was in my life, it was a choice more than a risk. I’d love to hear more about your future plans for freelancing (hint hint).
@Allison, Of course you could do it. Your posts give me food cravings and stir in me a desire to cook! The ability to affect the audience can take a writer to great heights, and you’ve got it.
@Monika, Thank you! Now I’m thinking when I do the relaunch, I should write about it here. That would be fun and hopefully show people that there’s always time to reinvent yourself.
@Greer, You are too kind!
Melissa,
Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I blog only twice weekly.
My problem is scheduling my time. I could do more if I could schedule more effectively. And I get sidetracked very easily.
And then I get overwhelmed with everything I need to do! One step at a time!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..With Love from the Louvre
@Melissa,
Likewise! We help each other, which is a really great thing. Monika’s story is also really inspiring, I love her 7 months to self employment story.
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..viking fridays - words of praise.
@Ellen, When I first started this blog, I posted every other day. Then I switched to five days a week. It proved to be way too much and now I just try to post anywhere from two to four times a week. I’d like to get to a 3x a week schedule though. Like you said, scheduling can be tricky and trying not to get sidetracked is a constant battle. I get overwhelmed all the time too. Deep breathing helps with that
@Brett, Do you have a link to Monika’s post? I think I may have read it already but I’m not sure.
@Brett - Yeah, we can all help eachother. I like the way we share infomration with eachother.
@Melissa - This sounds rather bizarre, but I am going to have to get a planner to schedule every last inch of my time. And stick to it. Even when I comment on blogs! I have had jobs where I was extremely productive, and I have been so conditioned to working 9-5 that I always put off what I should be doing. Then i get burned out. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..With Love from the Louvre
@Melissa,
Here you go!
http://www.thewritersmanifesto.com/blog/2008/02/11/self-employed-in-7-month-my-journey/
I really like this one as it inspires me to keep going.
@Ellen,
I agree - information and ideas are meant to be shared freely. We do it well.
Brett Legrees last blog post..best laid plans.
@Ellen, I have been having the exact same issue with time. Conditioned to the 9-5 and now working like a madwoman until I get burned out. I’m working on a plan to fix things too
@Brett, Thanks very much sir!
Hi Melissa,
Count me in the “thank you” group. Question: What do you say to people who say, “Let’s barter!”? A friend said she was starting a business and talked about doing a Web site. I told her I’ve created Web sites. She said, “Great, let’s barter. I can teach you to bead and knit and you can do a simple Web site for me.” I didn’t say no . . . but thought, no, I don’t want to do this. I write and design for a living. Learning to knit (which I already know) won’t pay rent . . . Thoughts? Thanks, again! p
I have so been enjoying the comments on this post! I had to come back and respond to Paige - DON’T DO IT. LOL! Sorry for yelling.
True bartering is when both parties exchange something of mutual value, not when someone offers you something that you do not want. I’ve been in business 3 years and have made all of the mistakes in the book (and I will make a few more). Keep in mind that this is a business and not a hobby. To get others to take it seriously, you have to teach them to take it seriously. There are graceful ways to get out of it and preserve the friendship. Suggest having a college intern do a “simple” site or paying a high school student. You can tell her that you don’t barter your business as it is your sole source of income but you’d be happy to offer her a few tips or referrals. Trust me, it is much easier to set boundaries early on or you’ll end up regretting it later.
@Paige, Bartering can be wonderful, but only if you’re getting something useful out of it. That is, after all, the whole point of bartering — an exchange where both parties win. You might do the project free or on the cheap because she’s your friend or to build a portfolio. However, you should only do what you’re comfortable with and what you feel is fair.
@Karen, Yes, of course I agree (as you can see above). And you are right about setting up boundaries, otherwise you’ll spend 85% of your time working for free!
@Melissa, oh yeah, been there, done that and have no desire to rinse and repeat. LOL! Good advice!
Karen Swims last blog post..I Am an SOB!
Thank you all for your thoughts on bartering. At first I wondered if I was taking it too personally . . . my initial reaction was that the person didn’t respect my work as professional (which extended to respecting me — which I know she does). I agree, though, that once started, the path doesn’t end. On the other hand, the person may not realize all that goes into a project. Coming full circle, I will work on explaining my thoughts . . . and do it to preserve the friendship. Many thanks! p
@Paige, Oh no, I don’t think you were taking it personal at all. Sometimes clients will expect you to work for free so it’s totally expected that you’ll get that from friends and family. It’s up to you to decide your comfort level and what works for you on all levels, even the paid ones. Ever turned a client down for a project?
Melissa,
I know I’m late to the party here, but I just found this post via Writing the Cyber Highway.
Thanks for being so honest and forthright in laying out your experience as you transitioned into a full time freelance writing career.
It’s always nice to see how an accomplished person actually accomplished their goals. You put out a clear gameplan.
Thanks.
Jesse Hiness last blog post..How to Become a More Clear and Concise Writer by Reading Road Signs
Hi Jesse! I’ve read a lot of articles and posts about launching a business (freelance and otherwise) but I was always hoping to read one that told someone’s story rather than an advice column. Finally, I just did it myself
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hey Melissa!
How long were you thriving on marketing your services through Craigslist alone? Are there any similar sites you could recommend your readers who want to get started in freelance writing and would like to work with small business copy and such? =)
@Joey, I was using Craigslist for months… I still use it actually. However, I connected with my biggest client through the Revolution theme website. My other site is listed in the showcase and they found me through that.
There’s also another client who found me through this blog. I’m looking at some other forms of marketing and advertising for my relaunch and will definitely talk about those once I have some solid information. For example, I haven’t tried Guru but I would like to since I hear it’s pretty good for getting work.