How much money does it take to start a freelance writing career? This is a common question that aspiring writers ask others as well as themselves. As you probably know, freelance writing is a good career to get into if you do not want to deal with large up front costs, as well as recurring expenses. When it comes down to it, starting a freelance writing career is one of the most cost efficient for anybody who is interested in working for themselves.
So what are the costs involved with starting a freelance writing career? It is difficult to list every expense because some people already have the basic items. With that being said, the list below is compiled based on somebody starting with nothing.
1. The number one thing on your list should be a reliable computer; you can buy either a desktop or a laptop. While computers used to be expensive, in today’s day and age you can find a good unit for $300 or so. Remember, you do not need anything special. The three things that you do need are: a good word processing program such as Microsoft Word, a reliable machine, and one that will allow you to connect to the internet. Additionally, consider buying a computer from a manufacturer that is tossing in a free printer. Believe it or not, there are plenty of these deals to be had at the major electronic stores.Â
2. Speaking of the internet, this is an expense that a freelance writer cannot do without. Gone are the days when you could complete assignments and mail or fax them to clients. While I do send projects in the mail from time to time, this has become more or less obsolete in the freelance writing world. You need to pay for internet access, and if you want the best of the best, splurge for cable instead of dial up.
3. You will need miscellaneous office items. This includes everything from stamps to pens to notepads. You do not need a lot of office supplies, and what you do buy should last you for quite a long time.
As you can see, it is quite cheap to start a freelance writing career. For approximately $400 you can get set up with everything you need. And as you know, if you already have a computer, your biggest expense is behind you!
What traits do you need to become successful in the field of freelance writing? I can’t tell you how many times I get asked that question every week. Although it is a valid question, it is tough to answer because there is no right answer. There are some freelance writers who excel despite the fact that they never follow any of the “standard†thoughts that have been generically outlined.
With that in mind, I wanted to share three basic traits of work at home freelance writers. You do not necessarily need to have these traits to be a success, but you might as well put them into effect. In other words, having these traits can only help you; they will never harm your chances of success.
1. You need to be comfortable working at home by yourself. Remember, work at home freelance writers do not have any supervision, or other employees to gossip with during breaks. Simply put, if you do not enjoy being a loner during the workday, you may struggle to start and sustain a successful freelance writing career.
2. Are you money motivated? Anybody who is self-employed, especially freelance writers, need to be motivated by money. You only get paid when you work hard, secure new clients, and turn out quality work. If you are not motivated by the money at the end of the rainbow, you will probably be better suited with a job that offers a guaranteed, steady paycheck.
3. You don’t like to be supervised or supervise others. This goes along with number one, but puts more credence on the latter half of the statement. In many cases in the corporate world, you will have a supervisor while also being the boss of others yourself. Simply put, some people do not like telling other employees what to do; they are not comfortable with this. When you are a work at home freelance writer you answer to yourself, and are never forced to supervise others.
Are these traits general? Sure are! But even then, you need to keep them in mind. If you do not like one of the three points above, there is a chance that you will not be able to sustain a long freelance writing career. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule; these traits are just a jumping off point!
In terms of income and advancing my career, 2007 was quite good to me. Of course, there is always room for improvement. Even though my freelance writing income was solid and steady for all 12 months of this year, I am hoping to take things to the next level in 2008. I plan on doing this in three ways:
1. Although I am happy with the progression of freelance writing career, I want to turn things up a bit. I plan on doing this by sending out at least 3-5 query letters per week. To go along with, I am also going to contact several businesses every week to attempt to sell my services. Simply put, the more contacts I make the more income I will earn.
2. I love writing, but am also interested in breaking into other areas of business as well. To get this started, I will be doing business under a new name effective January 1, 2008. I decided to start my own company as a way of expanding my offerings, and of course to keep things legal and safe.
3. Forming partnerships is a great way to increase business. I have done this extensively during the past few months of 2007, and plan on continuing this well into next year. By setting up partnerships I will be able to obtain new work without always having to do all of the marketing on my own.
At this time, there is nothing I would change about my freelance writing career. But with that being said, I want to expand into other ventures, increase my monthly income, and begin to move my new business forward.
What goals have you set for 2008? If you have yet to do this, get started right away. In my opinion, having goals will help you to stay on track from day one the new year!
