Freelancing FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Why Freelance?

If you love your freedom and the thought of spending your life in an office

cubicle from 9 to 5 makes you feel remorseful, freelancing is a godsend.

Some people are turning to freelancing because they are tired of the

commute or the office politics or they're tired of dressing up each day in business

attire.

Insecurity at a job is also another reason. There’s an uncertainty involved

with working for someone who might, without notice, hand you the pink slip. (Or

worse, send you an e-mail stating that your services are no longer needed!)

And there are plenty of intelligent and highly talented individuals who

simply are fed up with working day and night just so they can make someone else

rich.

If you are reading this guide, you can probably relate to one of these reasons

for wanting to strike out on your own.

Skills Required for Freelance Writing

• Technical Skills. You must have a working knowledge of grammar and

ability to put thoughts into words. However, an even important skill is the

ability to constantly promote yourself.

• Emotional Skills. You must be able to face rejection and not buckle

down. Having an entrepreneurial spirit will take you a long way.

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Freelancing Pros and Cons

Like any other profession, freelance writing comes with its pros and cons.

Let’s take a look at the pros:

• You can be your own boss: I really like this one.

• You can set your own schedule: No more rushing to the office and

muddling through the traffic. Get up in the morning, have coffee and set

your own agenda.

• You can work whenever you want: Don’t feel like working? Don’t

work! Feel a creative writing surge? Work straight for 18 hours! Want to

go to the beach or take a nap in the afternoon? Do it! But remember, your

income will be in direct relation to how much you work.

• You can learn about what interests you and explore different genres:

As a freelance writer, you will get the opportunity to work in a wide

variety of areas. If you feel bored writing for the health sector, jump over

to travel writing, for example.

• You can work from anywhere you want to: Unless your client wants

you to work on-site, you can choose to work from anywhere you feel like

as long as you are productive. With wireless capability becoming so

widespread, you really can work at a park, the beach or your favorite

coffee shop. (Starbucks anyone?)

I am yet to find any entity on earth that defies the Taoist

symbol. The symbol represents that for all that exists, there’s a

Ying (Light/White/Good/Male) and a Yang

(Dark/Black/Bad/Female). Simply put, for every good there’s an

equal bad that exists.

Even freelance writing seems to obey the rules. There are some cons associated

with the freelancing:

• It can be lonely sometimes: Most of your work will be done in solitude.

If you are like me, it’s a blessing. However, for most writers, it’s a

problem area.

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• It's constant work: Your income would be dependent on how much you

can write. The day you leave it, your income will tank.

• There will be deadlines: If you cannot complete projects on time, your

reputation could take a hit.

When andWhere Can You Start?

If you have decided to start freelance writing, you can start within the next

five minutes. All you need is a computer and Internet connection. Getting work may

take 1 to 5 days if you are persistent. Once the work flow starts, don’t stop

promoting yourself .You could pick up from there.

There are many websites that publish freelance writing jobs on their sites. As

a freelance writer, you can bid for the writing jobs that are available. If your bid is

selected, you get the opportunity to complete the job. The payments are made

through online virtual banks such as PayPal and e-Gold, wire transfer or checks.

The market is huge and you can bid for writing jobs on more than one site.

Should You Leave Your Job to Pursue Full-Time freelancing?

If you are a total beginner, don't quit your day job just yet. The beauty of

freelancing is that you can work even if you have another job. Once you get the

hang of the freelance industry and know how to acquire clients, only then should

you consider freelancing full-time.

Save enough money to pay bills for a few months before you take the plunge.

The whole game of freelance writing is to know how to find and retain lucrative

high paying clients. It’s simple, but it takes time to figure it out. This is only a

suggestion, but when in doubt, remember the famous quote by Joseph Campbell:

When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not

have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a

door for anyone else.

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Are You Cut Out to Be a Freelance Writer?

All freelance writers pursue freelancing for one reason. They love their

freedom. They can do what they want whenever they want. Frustration can be a big

part in the novice freelancer’s life when enough cash flow is not present.

Sometimes the work flow can be more and sometimes nil. Adjusting to the

demands of the trade can take some time. Beginners often have to work for peanuts

before they can raise their project prices.

If in the first part of the sentence mesmerized you, freelancing is your

calling. If the second part is where your attention is focused, getting a job would be

a better option.

In summary, as a freelancer:

• Get ready to work hard.

• Get ready to wear many hats. You will be the boss, the bookkeeper, and

the person in charge of your own sales and marketing.

• Get ready for a life based on your own terms!

Make no mistake; freelancing is not easy. It's a lot of hard work, but if you're

willing to work hard, it just might be the most fulfilling hard work you ever do!