A lot of people ask me about how to get started as a freelance writer, so I wanted to talk a little bit about what to think about before you start.

Before writers go freelance, they are usually in the corporate world and dream of a day when they can quit and just spend their day writing. While that’s an excellent goal to have, there are several things writers should know before leaving their day job. Before a writer is established, his or her professional life may be filled with a few uncertainties. Here are just some of them.

Money in Savings

Do you have some money put aside in case your writing building takes a while to build? Like any new venture, running a successful freelance business takes some time before it’s running profitably. More than that, a new freelancer may go through several months with reduced pay. Money that a writer has counted on from finished work may run late. Clients may fail to pay, jobs that were meant to go long-term could end early.

Any number of things can occur, so it’s wise for freelancers just getting started to put away three to six months savings to cover their bills and expenses. Having money in the bank will also help freelancers continue to hunt for the best jobs they can find. New freelance writers will be less apt to leap at jobs that are low paying if they have some money in the bank.

Health Insurance for Freelance Writers

Health insurance is a big concern for freelance writers. There are a few options, such as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), state group plans, and independent writer’s groups. But even with these considerations, premiums may be much higher than corporate employees pay and coverage may also be limited. Before going full-time, freelancers should have a realistic plan for health insurance and feel comfortable covering the costs involved.

Developing a Client List

Many freelancers have one or two regular clients before they decide to go full-time. But even with a few steady customers, it’s a good idea to determine which types of clients and income to pursue. The path is personal and different for every writer.

Freelance Writing Work Hours

Before going freelance, some folks envision a flexible and relaxed schedule. I can tell you first-hand that when I started my freelance business I worked long, long hours for the first several years. While the writing life does has a different pace than the corporate world, many freelancers (like me!) work longer hours in the beginning than they did at their previous jobs.

Freelance writing is a wonderful career. It offers freedom, creativity, and continued learning. Like many new businesses, writing full-time requires dedication that goes beyond simply putting words on paper. Things like developing a client list, having money in the bank, and health insurance are but a few of these considerations.

When did you decide to go full-time freelance?

Books that help when starting a freelance business:

• The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less
• Getting Started as a Freelance Writer (Culture Tools)
• The Freelance Writer’s Bible: Your Guide to a Profitable Writing Career Within One Year

 

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