How To Get Started In Freelance Writing Online: The Main Do's And Don'ts

Freelance writing can be a great way of working, as you have the freedom to choose the jobs that you take on, it’s a good way to build up your reputation as a writer and you will end up working for clients all over the world.

The Do’s:

• Work with a reputable agency. Preferably work with an agency that does all of the billing for you as producing invoices can severely eat into your writing time.
• Checkout the competition. When submitting proposals for jobs, if you notice that generally there are 40 proposals for a proofreading job and only 3 for an article writing job, build your skills for Article Writing.
• Get a portfolio together. Choose 2-3 of work that you are proud of and best illustrate you expertise. You may have to take out any details that are specific to a company or individual.
• Write every day. Even on the days when you are not doing paid work, write even if it only for 10 minutes. Start on the novel you always wanted to write.
• Be professional. Just the same as if you dealing with a client face to face, (and sometimes you may be by using a video link), always be courteous.

The Don’ts:

• Sell yourself short. There are many freelancers who will undercut your proposal and work for a very low fee. Everyone has to start somewhere, but value your and ask a reasonable fee.
• Don’t plagiarise. Sign up for an online tool that can scan your work prior to you sending it to your client. Remember it is possible to plagiarise your own previous work!
• Work with a client that you feel uncomfortable with. Sometimes for whatever reason you may not be comfortable with a client. Their attitude or the work you are asked to do may be out of your comfort zone, or you may just find them unprofessional. Remember that you can choose who you work with.
• Work with clients who keep changing the goal posts. This can be quite common, especially if a client is not sure from the start exactly what the job specification is - they make it up as they go along. This can mean that you will spend hours working for them only to be told that your work does not meet their requirements.
• Be afraid to try something new. You may have spent years producing reports and feel that you are really good at it, but try something different such as blog writing, you may surprise yourself .