The Writers Manifesto Blog

Every now and then we need to set the record straight. Whether that is at home, having been taken for granted by the rest of the family or even at work when our boss can’t stop pushing that annoyance button.

When we do speak up for ourselves it is often fueled by a passion for what we believe in at the central core of our being. Often this can lead to petty arguments between the parties involved and isn’t very nice. Especially when people move into the personal abuse territory to further state their point to the other party.

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This post has been inspired by Skellie’s latest blog entry on her Top 10 Blogging Tips for Freelancers. She writes that as a freelance writer we shouldn’t accept blog posts that pay less than $50 for 500 words.

Well, in this instance I’m making an announcement. Calling ALL prospective new and existing clients who are willing to pay me $50 for 500 word blog posts.

Admittedly I’m taking the piss. Pardon my French. It’s just that getting these kind of rates are not advertised on conventional job boards. At least not were I’m looking - and I’ve scoured many in my time online.

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Many freelance writers make one fatal mistake in their business. They wait until they run dry before they plan their future freelance writing gigs. Big mistake! If you do this, you will only hurt yourself in the end, since you are the person suffering most when no money comes through.

You don’t really drive a car until your fuel runs out do you

Unless of course you run out of money to fuel up beforehand. Running out of work as a freelance writer is inevitable at times. Sometimes you can plan all you want, only to find that your new client pulls back at the last minute.

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I spend some time every week browsing the numerous freelance job websites that offer work to freelancers and have found a new developing and disturbing trend. Deb over at Freelance Writing Gigs got me thinking with her latest post on readers queries (especially one from a guy called Richard Z).

It seems that more and more clients are starting to ask for free samples, often asking for whole sized articles making up some 400-500 words on topic. In my eyes this is daylight robbery since some of these “posers” are actually never ending up employing anybody.

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After conversing with some of my readers via email I have come to the conclusion that many newcomers to freelancing still don’t have a clue on where to start once they decide to become a freelance writer. This dilemma doesn’t just affect writers, but also designers and has the potential to stop them from becoming successful.

Therefore the tips I will provide below will apply both for freelance writers and designers. By knowing what you could do to get going, it will hopefully help you to put aside procrastination and doubt and just go for it.

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Finally I can announce to the world that I have reached my target of earning a full time monthly income as a freelance writer and pro-blogger. This journey has taken me all but 7 month, from the first month of working for a paying client back in June 2007 to the end of January 2008.

The journey has been exciting and rather fun. My initial target for this was actually July 2008, so I can safely say I’m way ahead of target.

As some of you probably know, my online journey has been marked by many events that have shaped the way I think and act these days.

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Google Docs have been a life saver for me in many ways. Being a little slow to pick up what’s cool I have always been a late starter in terms of adapting to the latest trends and apps. I guess I’m comfortable in what I use and do - most of the time anyway.

But since I discovered Google Docs I have made the switch from a cluttered hard drive (mind you on a new laptop) to a Zen like appearance. Maybe not quite yet but I’m certainly getting there.

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Starting off as a freelance writer is the easiest part of the whole deal. Anybody can pick up a virtual pen and announce to the world that they are in business. All we have to do is make an announcement and we are in business.

… or so they thought and wondered why the clients wouldn’t come knocking.

Well hello!

Talent alone won’t bring you clients

As a matter of fact talent and skills is a great starting point if you intend to get into freelance writing. Unfortunately many new freelancers belief that they need real talent to be successful as a word smith. This isn’t true!

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