Do You Have What It Takes To Start a Freelance Writing Business?

Some straight truths about freelance life.

For as many people I meet who don’t understand how freelance writing can be an actual career, I get an equal amount of people who think it must be the cushiest sort of job on Earth. I mean, I get to make my own hours, right? And charge whatever I want? And it’s just writing, after all. How hard can it be? It’s like constantly being on vacation, right?

Ugh.

I suppose I can’t blame some of them. If you look at some freelancers on Instagram, it seems they’re all working from sunny, warm beaches year-round. If you can call what they’re doing working. Many are just balancing a closed laptop on their tanned thighs and sipping something blue.

Maybe you’re one of those folks considering a switch to the freelance writing world.

If so, I know I can heartily recommend it — based on my personal experience. Although it would be irresponsible of me not to mention that results may vary.

Before diving into the freelance world, here are some of the more “non-cushy” parts of freelance life you may want to weigh before choosing this life.

You don’t really get days off — not paid ones, at least.

This was the hardest thing I had to get across to my wife. Just because she got holidays off or a paid vacation didn’t mean I did. I also don’t get sick days.

Sure, I could take days off if I wanted, but I wouldn’t be getting any work done or hustling for new clients. In short, I’m not making any money, and money is something I need to exchange with others for goods and services — like food and electricity.

I also don’t get disability or paid time off after bringing a new baby home.

All of that is on me.

You’re pretty much always writing.

Well, maybe not always, but often enough. If I’m not writing, then I’m researching or editing. Or I’m taking care of some business housekeeping or making pitches for new clients.

But mostly, I’m trying to write a coherent, well-researched blog, article, or whitepaper that is easy to read, informative, and perhaps even a little entertaining. I can’t turn in subpar work, so I work hard to make sure it’s what my client expects and needs. I write thousands of words a day, but not all end up part of the final product.

So… always writing — or doing writing adjacent things.

And, mind you, this is whether you’re feeling creative or not. Muses don’t care about my electric bill.

You need more discipline than you’d expect.

A lot of folks still think I work in my slippers and robe.

Jeez, no!

Some freelancers might, but I need to be fully and properly dressed to feel productive.

But that aside, part of the discipline you need to further is that whole “self-starter” thing you hear about. You have to get up every morning and be ready to work. You have to actually get your butt into a chair.

Every day.

There’s no watching TV all day long. In fact, turn the TV off. Unplug it. Go to another room.

The hardest part of launching a freelance writing routine is getting started. Once you do that, however, it gets easier.

Being a people person on occasion, whether you like it or not.

There are a lot of reasons why I never looked back when I entered the freelance world. One was I got real tired of office life, office politics, and… well, the people in my office. For the life of me, I’ve never understood the appeal of the show The Office.

Just the same, you’re responsible now for your client relationships. That means answering emails and phone calls in a courteous, professional manner. More importantly, it means pitching and attracting new clients by being somewhat personable (and professional).

It means spending some time networking either in the real world or online. It may even mean establishing an active and well-presenting face on social media — especially LinkedIn.

And you have to be sincere about it. Clients can smell a fake a mile off.

Keeping track of money now and for later

Money, money, money…money!

Yeah, it’s what pays the bills, puts food on the table, and lets you have a good time at the local carnival from time to time.

It’s also what you’re now responsible for managing in all its wonder:

• You need to bill for your work.
• You need to chase down late payments.
• You need to do your own bookkeeping.
• You need to manage your own business bank accounts.
• You need to pay for your own equipment, subscriptions, and services.
• You need to save for and then pay quarterly taxes. (And figure out deductions, expenses, and such forms.)
• You need to manage and pay for your own insurance.
• If you plan on retiring someday, you need to prepare for that, open up a retirement account, and pay into it.

Not impossible, but not for the faint of heart.

It can get a little lonely.

This is true. If you need people around you to feel energized and motivated, you may want to think carefully about how you set up your freelance writing business. Are you going to work from home alone? Or at a co-working space? Do you have a plan in case Covid resurges in your area and shuts everything down again?

Or maybe you thrive in isolation.

Just the same, you need to interact with people from time to time just for your own mental well-being.

The trick is figuring out what works best for you.

Do you have what it takes?

Yes, you do.

And it’s all worth it.

But that said, if you’re going to enter the world of freelance writing, you’re going to have to do it with both eyes open. You may be an incredible writer, but you also have to be a competent business person.

Now a lot of this is based on my experience. Are you a freelance writer with different experiences or advice?

Feel free to share.

We’re all in this together, after all.

Cheers!

About John Teehan

John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2