5 Common Mistakes New Freelance Writers Make

How to become a successful writer by avoiding these mistakes

Working as a freelance writer is a dream for many people. Setting your own hours and working with a variety of clients is a much different experience than working a regular 9 to 5 job.

However, being a freelance writer isn’t without its own set of challenges. Learning how to avoid a few common mistakes will save you a lot of stress while also helping you improve as a writer.

Here are a few common mistakes new freelance writers often make. (Author’s Note — I’m guilty of each one.)

#1 Not Knowing Your Value

One of the biggest mistakes new writers often make is not knowing their value. While everyone has to start somewhere, writing a 500-word blog post for $10 or less is only a good deal for the client.

Trying to earn a sustainable income at two cents per word will only force you to work too many long hours, and you will eventually burn out.

On the other hand, charging $30 to $50 for a 500-word blog post as a new writer is a much more sustainable rate. You can also raise your price as you gain more experience and confidence in your writing.

#2 Lack of Goals

Creating short-term and long-term goals as a writer is essential in helping you stay motivated.

These goals can be wide-ranging, whether you are trying to write a specific number of articles in a week or reach a monetary goal.

Creating realistic goals helps you to stay accountable while also giving you a sense of purpose. It is also a good idea to review your goals periodically, as you will become a much more prolific writer over time.

#3 Failure to Market Yourself

Always looking at ways to grow and never staying satisfied with the status quo is essential to becoming a successful freelance writer.

Creating a personal website or a LinkedIn profile is a great way to network with potential clients while also allowing you to share your articles.

Medium is also an excellent way to build your portfolio, as many businesses will want to see the style of your writing before they hire you.

#4 Putting All of Your Eggs in One Basket

Change is the only certainty as a freelance writer. Diversifying the number of clients you work with is essential to avoid any extended periods without much work.

While a client may need you to write a few blog posts this week, there is no guarantee that you will be working with them next month.

Signing up for various writing platforms is also a good way to spread out your workload. Saving up enough money to last you a few months is also necessary due to the unpredictable nature of the job.

#5 Working Too Many Hours

The flexible hours of a freelance writer is a major selling point for many people. However, it is essential to give yourself breaks and avoiding working all of the time.

Taking the time to exercise is one of the best ways to relax and help you rejuvenate your mind. Developing a daily routine is a great way to maintain your workload and help you stay productive.

Finding a schedule that works best for you is important to avoid burnout and will also help you become a much better writer.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a full-time freelance writer takes time, and it won’t happen overnight.

Staying patient throughout the entire process is a necessity.

However, always learning from your mistakes allows you to grow as a writer and will help you build a strong foundation for future success.