Guest Post from Brenda Richardson
Many new freelance writers attempt to make a career out of their writing only to run into multiple hurdles along the way. Frankly, no profession will be free from obstacles and challenges; you just need to be persistent and deal with whatever comes your way. Today, we will be taking a look at 5 common challenges freelance writers face and how to overcome them.
1. Overcoming writer’s block
Many writers plan out their day and set aside the time to write, only to stare at a blank screen with no way of channeling their thoughts into words. No matter how hard you try, on some days, the words just refuse to flow. That’s perfectly fine, and it’s okay to turn off the computer now and then to take a break.
As a freelancer, you are responsible for your own time, and can agree to take on more or less work based on your productivity and ability to write. Here are some useful tips to help you overcome writer’s block:
- Go through writing drills and exercises.
- Force yourself to write. It can be about anything or nothing at all, just sit down and start writing something.
- Set small goals that are easy to achieve.
2. Deciding on your niche
Finding something to write about can be extremely difficult. It helps if you already have a good idea of what kind of writer you want to be. Think about what excites you and what kind of real-world experience you have. If there is already a community that gathers around your field of interest, you should do some research into what content they are craving.
3. Finding paying jobs
This is probably the most common challenge freelance writers face, and overcoming it is one of the most discussed topics amongst writers.
Build up a portfolio that you can later use to market yourself and attempt to score better jobs. Start with websites that accept guest blog pitches from unpublished authors. Don’t be scared of rejection; it can take a while to master the art of pitches if you want to land high-paying jobs. Use social media to your advantage and create profiles on multiple networks, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
4. Getting paid enough
One of the things you will need to accept is that, as a freelance writer, making ends meet will be a constant struggle. Consider taking on a side job when you are just starting out, and try to have savings in case of rainy days. However, you need to be very careful to avoid burnout. Anyone who gets paid based on the amount of work they do often takes on more than they can handle.
Negotiating a wage can also be confusing to beginners. If you need help determining your worth, you can check out platforms like Fiverr and UpWork to see what other writers are charging.
5. Dealing with clients
An invaluable skill for any aspiring writer is learning how to hold your ground and say no to pushy clients. Some of your clients will ask for endless rewrites and try to micro-manage everything you do. Try to discuss any issues and requests with your client in advance. Foster good communication and focus on establishing a healthy long-term relationship with them.
The bottom line
Now that we have covered the 5 common challenges freelance writers face and how to overcome them, you should be ready to start your writing career. Good luck with your future writing endeavors!
Author bio
Brenda Remington is a freelance writer with 5 years of experience working with Link Department in their copywriting team. She has vast knowledge of SEO and blogging, and hopes to inspire others to take the same path. In her free time, Brenda loves reading mystery novels and going swimming.