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Being a freelance writer has a lot of perks and can be a very fulfilling career. But it’s not the ideal path for everyone. Before you jump into the freelancing world, it can behelpful to ask yourself a few key questions…

Is Freelance Writing Right for You?

Are You Self-Motivated?

This is the most important question to consider when you’re thinking about becoming a freelance writer. If you need pressure from your boss or colleagues in order to stay on track and get your tasks done, then becoming a writer might not be the right option for you.

But if you can motivate yourself and are good with deadlines, then you’re more likely to succeed. When you’re a freelance writer, you don’t have anyone else motivating you.

No one is going to tell you to reach out to ten prospects today or pressure you to get your website completed. You have to be able to set your own goals and follow through onthem.

Are You Skilled at Writing?

Some people want to become freelance writers because they’re looking to escape a job they hate or they need to start a side hustle to bring in extra income. The problem is they dislike writing and find it a bit boring. It takes them hours to write even a few paragraphs.

When it comes to offering services, it’s best to capitalize on a skill you’ve already developed. If you decide you want to be a freelance writer but you’ve never written anything, then you’ll be learning writing basics at the same time you’re starting a business. That’s a lot to learn at once and may overwhelm you.

Are You Able to Listen and Accept Feedback?

Being a freelance writer often means you’ll bring someone else’s vision to life. This person could be an editor at a magazine or a business client that you write blog content for. There’s nothing better than hearing a client or editor rave about your words.

But not everything you write is going to be golden. You may create a project and have a client tell you that you missed the mark. An editor may ask you to revise your article and change the tone of your content.

Writers, like all service providers, have to be capable of listening to feedback and implementing it. If you can accept constructive criticism gracefully and learn from it, you’ll be more likely to succeed as a writer.

Are You Financially Prepared?

Before you start pursuing a career as a freelance writer, you need to take a look at your finances. This is important because it can take a few weeks or months before you start getting clients regularly and earning an income. You need to expect this and have a way to pay your bills in the meantime.

Most writers recommend starting your journey with as much debt paid off as possible and a savings account with six months of expenses. This ensures that should there be any emergencies, you and your family won’t be doing without.

If you’re not financially ready to start freelancing, don’t give up. Spend a month or two saving up and paying down debt. Then revisit your freelancing aspirations after your finances are in better shape.

Freelance writing can be a fun and rewarding business. But like all careers, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before you decide to pursue it.

Further reading: 

The New Freelance: A Book for Writers: The Honest Guide to Freelance Writing in the 21st Century Amanda Layman shares how she went from waitress to a top-earning freelancer. Inside, you’ll get practical advice you can use right now to supercharge your freelance game and earn a solid living doing work you love.

How To Make A Living With Your Writing: Books, Blogging and More. Joanna Penn shares with you how she made a six-figure income from writing books, blogging and marketing in an ethical manner.

How to Launch a Freelance Copywriting Business: Creative Writing for a Living. This practical business guide tells you how to start a solo copywriting business, find clients, set up a work pipeline, handle time and money, and survive and thrive on the freelance frontline.

Is Freelance Writing Right for You?

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