Three Segments in my Freelance Writing Month
Every month, with the exception of a few, my freelance writing income seems to build the same way. I always look at my income in three sections: the first, second, and third 10 days of the month.
For me, the first 10 days of the month is always the most profitable. In most cases, by the end of these 10 days I have earned anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000. This is due in large part to the fact that my checks and bank wires arrive during this period.
The second 10 days are always the slowest. This is when I am churning out work for clients, and is usually when I work the most hours. For the most part, these days usually net me somewhere around $1,000 or so.
Finally, the last 10 days is when I make my final push for as much money as I can. While not as much as the first segment of the month, I can usually draw in $1,500 to $2,500 during this period. As mentioned above, a lot of this has to do with the amount of work that I complete during the middle stages of the month. By the end of the month all those projects are complete, and payments begin to roll in. Subsequently, I do not work nearly as many hours as the month winds down.
Of course this can change, but over the past few months when I have been earning just about $5k, this tends to hold true. Personally, I love being able to rely on this sort of pattern. It helps me to chart my progress, while also knowing when certain payments are going to arrive.Â
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:39 am
Good points – knowing when you are most productive helps you to know when to do the most profitable work, too. I look at things like this daily – I know I’m more productive in the morning and like to work more morning hours before I take lunch. After that, things go downhill…
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Interesting concept Chris
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:45 am
i like that. its like gauging as you go. rather than waiting until the last minute.
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:41 am
I track my freelance writing income differently. Instead of noting when the money comes in, I keep track of how much I’m earning as I’m earning it. I feel this is a more accurate representation as to the the distribution of income, rather than when the money actually comes in.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:48 am
I strongly believe in keeping track of every last move that I make; especially when it comes to my freelance writing income.
Michael – I actually keep track of both! I have one sheet that shows me how much I am earning as I complete the job. And of course, the other that records when the money comes in. I agree with you that accuracy is quite important, and tracking as you are earning is important!
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 am
I’ve just come across this blog. And it looks great.
Understanding how and when you get your money is very important. 80% of my web income comes around the end of the month. I take a few days off and then I prepare for the next month’s run.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:48 am
PreBlogging – Great to have you here! I have checked out your blog before, and am a regular visitor!
August 24th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Wow ! I’m proud to have you as a fan Chris
If you ever want a stage to send me an article you want published on PreBlogging.com I would be more than honoured to add it to my site.
Becks