Freelance Writing and the Holiday Season
Personally, I always find this time of the year one of the most difficult for keeping my freelance writing career on track. There is a lot going on at the end of December, and every year I seem to get off track even though I try not to. While there is nothing wrong with taking some time off for the holidays, I always find this difficult to do. This time around, I hope to cope a bit better than in the past.
There are two main reasons that this is a difficult time of the year for me.
1. With so many distractions, it can be hard to concentrate on the task at hand. After all, I have to buy presents, entertain family, and of course, think about the gifts that I will receive! In all seriousness, this can begin to slow any freelance writer down as Christmas gets closer and closer. I must say that this year I have done a great job staying on schedule with my work. In fact, as of today, my freelance writing income is ahead of pace for the month of December.
2. During every other month of the year, clients are usually quick to respond and offer new work. But in between Thanksgiving and the new year, this slows down considerably. Just like me, I am sure that my clients have a lot on their plate as well. In addition to personal tasks, they also have to get their business ready for the upcoming year. For this reason, you do not want to pressure your freelance writing clients too much during this time. Instead, give them some room to breathe, and then regroup after the first of the year.
When it comes down to it, you do not want your holidays to get ruined because you are too caught up in your work. Even though I work hard day in and day out, this time of the year should be for relaxing as well. With that being said, I know that I will be at my computer checking emails the first thing Christmas morning. Oh well, I guess I am addicted!
December 21st, 2007 at 6:12 pm
[...] considered as published by some); Lillie Ammann posted some of her blogging goals for 2008; and Chris Bibey shared the struggles every freelance writer has this time of the year — trying to get it all [...]
December 21st, 2007 at 8:31 pm
This is one dead period for some kind of businesses, while for others is the top peak!
I will do some more content writing in january… right now I will just spend time offline and away from the computer.
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:38 am
It’s s a busy time for me then again my main business is creating and selling natural beauty products. I’ve been shipping out a lot of products. I did get an idea a few days ago. I do have a newsletter that I send out to those on my enewsletter list. When I sent out my Holiday enewsletter, I did add the fact that I can be hired as a freelance writer. I’ve received many responses. I always add a personal blurb in my mailings. This wasn’t unusual.
I’ll be doing the same thing within my Alternative healing group. I’m back in school working on my Masters degree in Traditional Naturopathy. Many members of that online group are practitioners and have websites. I formerly worked with one I did the content writing for her website.
Hopefully I’ll receive additional offers. In my case since I was already “known” with my business, I could pick up offers. I’ve surfed the job boards but haven’t picked up anything that way yet. Thus far everything I’ve received has been from my personal connections. With my business website and personal websites I’ve met a lot of people. They know me, trust me, so they are more inclined to work with me. I’m not the new kid on the block. With the job boards, I am.