9 ways to make a really good living freelancing

Whenever the average person hears that I’m a freelance writer, they inevitably say, “Wow! Cool! Who do you write for?”

Then they seem highly disappointed when I don’t say Rolling Stone, Salon or something equally cool. (Although I happen to think my clients and editors are pretty neat in their own right.)

Other writers, however, say, “Wow! I’d love to freelance but I like to eat and wear shoes.”

Well, dear freelance wannabe, may I say that I both eat and wear shoes.

Here’s how I make a good living freelancing:

1. I view freelancing as my business, which means I define what success is for me and my life, then I set goals and work hard.
2. I develop relationships and do great work, which, together, lead to word-of-mouth referrals.
3. I engage in strategic networking—online and off.
4. I charge a competitive rate and deliver real value on my rate.
5. I know when to say yes to an opportunity and when to say no.
6. I help other writers, including referring work to them when I’m too busy or not the best fit, and being generous with what and who I know.
7. I educate the uninformed about the need to hire a professional writer.
8. I ask for the work.
9. I default to the first piece of advice I got from another freelancer: busyness begets busyness (which, for me, includes doing some pro bono work as my way of giving back)

I’d love to keep this list going … share your ideas in a comment.

By JanO on 2/28/11, In writing, Tags busyness, clients, editor, freelance, freelance writing, freelancer, help other writers, professional writer, word of mouth, writer