Three Reasons for a Decrease in Freelance Writing Income
One of the most difficult things about being a freelance writer is earning a steady income. When I worked in the corporate world, a set amount of money would show up in my bank account twice per month. But as you probably know, self employed writers do not have this luxury.
Through my experience, there are three reasons that ones freelance writing income may begin to decline.
1. You may see a decrease in income if you decide to start working on other projects outside of your primary career. For instance, this blog has taken a bit away from my freelance writing income. Even though I made nearly $5,000 last month, this is several thousand less per month than earlier this year. While I am not happy about this, taking the chance to build this blog is something that I hope will pay off in the end.
2. Losing a big job can greatly affect your freelance writing income. For instance, if I were to lose a $1,000/month job, my income would drop to $4k/month right away. If this were to happen, I would immediately begin to search for a way to make up some or most of this money. My backup plan always has been, and always will be Associated Content. I know that I can write for them whenever necessary, and if I can do so in quantity, there is money to be had.
3. Simply put, when the quality of your work decreases, so will the amount of money that you make. This may not happen right away, but shoddy work will lead to clients dumping you. In turn, your income will suffer.
Some of these things are unavoidable, so it will not do you much good to worry about them. Instead, do your best to build your freelance writing income to a steady level. This way, you can at least have a ballpark figure of the money you will earn each month.
August 16th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
I think that this blog is a great investment, it might not be a quick and easy way to earn extra cash, but it certainly puts your name out there, and will eventually get you more writing gigs.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
That’s one of the downsides of freelancing of whichever type. It takes time and patience until someone actually starts making a constant earning. But if you’re up for it, you will achieve your goal!
Sly from Slyvisions.com
August 16th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
I agree with you here Chris, freelance writing is definitely an income fluctuating job. But like all businesses, these kinds of risks will always be involved. It’s the entrepreneur’s responsibility to weigh out the risks and rewards of his business.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Hi, I’m in the beginning stages of full-time freelance. I quit my job to do what I love. I was wondering what tips you might have on starting out from scratch. I’ve just graduated with my English degree and am living in Canada, so no Associated Content for me, unfortunately.
August 17th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Looking back on my 2-year long freelance experience I have one bit of advice to keep the earnings where they need to be. Focus on what you’re best at.
No matter how desperate you are for money, don’t take on work that falls outside your core business. Every time I did this, I ended up wasting time and money.
If I had just stuck to what I knew best, I would have been OK.
August 17th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Thanks for all the comments thus far. It can be tough to deal with a fluctuating income, but that comes with being a freelance writer.
Since I am still making a solid freelance writing income I do not mind trying new things, such as this blog. After all, I will never know what else is out there until I look…