Freelance writers love big projects that pay a lot of money! If you don’t, something is wrong. That in mind, there may come a time when you are presented with a project that is too big. While you may find this hard to believe, it has happened to me a few times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ensure that both parties are satisfied.
First things first, why do you think the project is too big? Is the client asking for something that you have never done before? Are they in need of a lot of content in a short period of time? Once you know the details of the job you can then begin to search for a mutually beneficial way of doing things.
For example, if you are being asked to complete several hundred web articles within two weeks you may be worried about how much stress this will add to your regular workload. Rather than put yourself in a bad position, maybe you can negotiate a longer delivery time. This will allow you to take on the job without stressing out.
Are you thinking about turning down a big job? While this may be something you have to do, don’t jump the gun. As noted above, you should first discuss the details with the client. They may be able to change some things around in order to better accommodate you and your current schedule. At the very least, you should open up the lines of communication and see where you get. You may be surprised to find that the client is more than willing to change things around for you.
In short, some projects are going to seem so big that you will not want to get involved. Before you make a final decision, consider all your options and be open to negotiating.
When you sit down at your computer do you have any idea of how long you are going to work? While most freelance writers have a set schedule, others simply work until they can no longer take it. Before we go any further, keep this in mind: every freelance writer is different in terms of the number of hours they work, as well as how they approach their career.
Even if you do not believe it right now, there may come a time when you are working too many hours. This may sound like an impossibility, but it rings true soon enough for many freelance writers. Even though I try to avoid it, from time to time I begin to feel burnt out. This is usually directly attributed to working entirely too many hours.
How long is too long? Again, this is up to each individual writer. Most of the time I do not have any problem working eight hours a day – or more in many cases. Of course, this is just an average. If I work 10+ hour days for a couple weeks in a row, it goes without saying that taking some time off becomes very important.
As you work longer as a freelance writer you will get a better feel for how many hours you are comfortable with. Once you have an idea, it is easier to stay on track without going overboard.
Only you know how many hours are too many. Do your best to stay the course and avoid going overboard.
When you first start working with a new client you are sure to be excited. Not only are you ready to take on a new project, but you are making some money as well. Does it get any better than that? While this is definitely an exciting time, you may find out soon enough that you don’t know all the answers. In other words, your new client may stump you from time to time.
If a client asks a question of you and you do not know the answer, you can do one of two things:
1. Make something up, and hope that you can get away with it. Believe it or not, this is very common.
2. Admit that you are stumped, but immediately go out and find the right answer.
As you can imagine, I opt for number two time and time again. The last thing you want to do is lie to a client. If you make something up and it ends up being wrong in the end, you are jeopardizing your relationship.
Your clients do not expect you to know everything. In fact, there are going to be times when you are downright lost. Rather than act like everything is okay, communicate your position to the client and let them know what you plan on doing next. There is nothing better than researching a client question, and coming back with the right answer in the near future. Not only will this make the client happy, but it will make you feel good inside at the same time.
I have been freelance writing for many years, and still get stumped by clients – this is part of the industry. Don’t expect to know the answer of every question that comes your way.
As long as you are willing to find the answer for your client, admitting that you don’t know should never be a problem.
