This is it! We’ve arrived at our final installment of our International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month celebration. Last month we posted an open call asking freelance writing women in our community and peer communities to share their experiences—and biggest lessons. For the past week, we’ve been sharing those responses and the insights have been golden. If you missed our previous posts, check them out here. Let’s finish strong with our final five writers.
Drashti Shah: Content and Copywriter
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been freelancing for 3+ years. I fell into it when I moved from India to Italy, and have never looked back since. I’m proud of making it as a content and copywriter for companies located across the globe and being compensated fairly for it despite being a non-native English speaker. That I grew (and didn’t give up) when faced with the hurdles, micro-aggressions, and preconceived notions that came my way.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Every new challenge is an opportunity in disguise.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
When you are just starting out, you don’t need a 360° website or a fully fleshed-out social media marketing strategy as long as you have a robust portfolio with samples particular to the niche you want to work in.
Connect with Drashti:
Deb Palmer: Storyteller of Truth and Daydreams
How did you get started with freelancing?
In 2018, I co-authored, (with hubby), “In Spite of Us – A Love Story about Second Chances.” As a promotion tool, I published stories of all kinds, hoping to draw attention to the book. In doing so, I fell in love with storytelling. Although a lot of my work is inspirational, I most enjoy writing humor. If I can combine a pungent message with a burst of laughter, well, that’s my sweet spot.
I am most proud that I’m published in a variety of genres from Christian magazines to Chicken Soup. When there’s a call for a genre I’ve yet to try? Challenge accepted!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Giving up swallows valuable time. Build something, one rejection at a time until.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember why you enjoy writing. Refuse to let go of the “joy” part of it.
Connect with Deb:
FB: debpalmerauthor
Rosalyn Page: Content Writer & Strategist
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been freelancing full-time for almost a year after leaving a staff job, although I’ve freelanced part-time for almost 20 years. I’m proud of finally taking the leap to work for myself and run my own business. After working at home during the pandemic and in a job that didn’t pay well and was unfulfilling, I decided to take the plunge.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Ignore imposter feelings, have confidence in the value of your skills and experience, protect your interests in terms of pricing, scope and how you want to be treated. Find good clients and don’t be afraid to walk away from clients or projects that will cause you too much grief.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Approach freelancing with a professional mindset and as a business. It’s your business and never forget that.
Connect with Rosalyn:
Maya Capasso: Entertainment Journalist
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’m a queer freelance entertainment writer with over one year of professional experience. I’ve worked with sites like HorrorPress to write features and news stories about horror films and TV shows. At the core of my writing, I hope to both entertain and educate.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
I am a GREAT writer! Imposter syndrome is a huge struggle for many artists, but I’m finally at a place where I know I’m an asset.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Don’t bother with content mills. Find your clients through cold pitching. It gives you control over your work and your wages.
Connect with Maya:
Kathleen O’Donnell: B2B Content Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I began freelancing after 10 years in the non-profit and then corporate communications world. In fall 2018 I quit my corporate communications job to travel the world, and after a year I just couldn’t go back so I began freelancing from Europe. While I started small, 2.5 years (and a global pandemic) later I have a successful, steady business built with all wonderful clients, interesting work, and the ability to live the life I want.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Being extremely reliable and professional has been a big factor in creating my business. Many freelancers are talented but struggle to communicate often enough or hit deadlines, and I do both of those things every single time. My clients know they can count on me and so I’ve built strong relationships that have lead to even more work.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Find your weak spots right away and develop systems to account for them! For me, writing is really easy, but the financial management part of working for myself was a really big challenge. I hired an accountant (worth every penny) and have figured out systems that work to keep me on track because that’s my biggest struggle.
Connect with Kathleen:
IG: @mylonesomeroads
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We hope this series has been inspiring. Comment to let us know which insights and lessons from your fellow freelance writers have been the most valuable.
Missed the last post? Check it out here!
These 5 Women Writers Are Sharing Their Best Freelance Career Tips
Stay tuned for more freelance writing wisdom as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month all week long!
Chime in!