Freelance writing can be a great career choice for those who love to write and are willing to dedicate the time and energy needed to write top quality pieces. For some freelance writers, becoming self employed is a goal that they are uncertain how to attain. While it does take some planning, work and time, there are basic steps that are needed when trying to learn how to become self employed as a freelance writer.
Assess your financial needs
The first step that a freelance writer needs to take on their path to becoming a self employed freelance writer is to determine their financial needs. Monthly income needs should include rent, household expenses, insurance expenses and taxes. Because those who are self employed must pay their own taxes, it is critical that a complete budget be assembled that honestly reflects monthly income requirements.
Draft a business plan
Once a freelance writer has created their financial needs, the next step will be to create a business plan. It is important to note that this plan should have some flexibility, however it is an important step. A business plan can help a freelance writer determine what their next steps should be, what needs to be changed and what should be pursued more aggressively. Create a list of freelance sites, paid to write sites and blogging sites along with how much each pays, and when payments are made. This list will help a freelance writer develop a solid plan of action.
Create a presence
The next step that a freelance writer must undertake to become self employed is to prepare to market themselves. A self employed writer often depends on advertising and word of mouth to obtain new assignments. Creating a professional presence online includes creating a LinkedIn profile, a blog or other portfolio and optionally, signing up for one or more social networking sites.
A freelance writer should include a professional photograph, a well written biography and a cross section of work samples. These will be necessary elements to help a freelance writer establish themselves.
Payment methods
Finally, those who are interested in becoming self employed as a freelance writer need to take into consideration how they will be paid for work, what their terms of payment will be and develop an invoicing system. Those who rely heavily on paid-to-write sites or freelance marketplaces may not have to be concerned with invoicing but will want to make sure they are able to receive payments. At a minimum, a freelance writer should have a PayPal account so that they can receive payments.
Self employment as a writer summary
Freelance writing can be a very exciting career choice. Making the transition from being employed to being self employed can be fun, frightening and full of pitfalls. Understanding some of the steps that are needed can help writers learn how to become self employed as a freelance writer. It is important that freelance writers understand that success is unlikely to happen overnight. Patience and persistence as well as constantly reviewing and setting new goals can help create a successful business.
