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Freelance Writing Cafe - Community & Resources for High Income Remote Writing Success 4

Freelance Writing Cafe

Launch & grow your freelance writing career... even if you don't have experience!

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Female Freelancers on Their Biggest Success Secrets

March 12, 2022 · In: Freelance Writing Community

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.

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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:  

thepurplescript.com

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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:  

debpalmerauthor.com

debpalmer.contently.com

FB: debpalmerauthor

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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:  

rosalynpage.com

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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:  

linktr.ee/mayacapswrites

LinkedIn

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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:  

kathleenod.contently.com

mylonesomeroads.com

LinkedIn 

IG: @mylonesomeroads

*

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!

 

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By: Michelle Christina · In: Freelance Writing Community · Tagged: female freelance writers, female freelancers, Female Freelancers on Their Biggest Freelance Success Secrets, female freelancers success, freelance career tips, freelance success, freelance writing tips, international women's day, women's history month

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Female Freelancers on Their Biggest Success Secrets

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These 5 Women Writers Are Sharing Their Best Freelance Career Tips

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Instant Inspo: Meet the Female Freelance Writers Leading the Way

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Need Motivation? Get Inspired by These Freelance Writing Women

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Celebrating Women! Female Freelance Writers Share Their Top Tips

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Drinking Coffee With Writers: Rinu Ogundeji, Conversion Copywriter

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@freelancewritingcafe

It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways It's the first day of spring! 🌷 Here are 3 ways to hit refresh on your writing career.

1️⃣ Audit your offerings
Trying to market everything from email blasts to white paper writing? Try narrowing down to a few premium services. This is a great way to build a strong, niched-down portfolio that makes you an easy "yes" for your ideal client.

2️⃣ Clarify your ideal client
Feeling "off" about one (or more) of your clients these days? Shed any working relationships that aren't working. If you're held in place by a contract, mark the break-up date on the calendar and start looking for leads that feel more aligned while you finish up that project.

3️⃣ Spruce up your space
Don't underestimate the power of a clean desk, fresh air, and your favorite writing tunes. Spend a day making a spring playlist, deep-cleaning your workspace, and maybe even buying a cheery spring candle or two. It can make a big difference!

What's your favorite way to celebrate spring?
🌷💐🌼🌸

#freelancewritingtips #freelancewriters #firstdayofspring #freelancewriting #freelancecareergrowth
We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe We love our clients, obviously! But even high-vibe collaborations have those moments... 😅 Here's to resisting passive-aggressive emails, even when you're burnt out at the end of a long week. 

#freelancelife #freelancewriting
Unsure which domain to use for your freelance writ Unsure which domain to use for your freelance writing website? Here are 3 approaches to consider:

🖥️✨ Use your name
Naming your website domain after yourself (or your DBA) can help build recognition, especially if you have a memorable name.

🖥️✨ Use your business name
Using your business name (ie: Good Copy LLC) allows you to separate yourself from your freelance writing identity.

🖥️✨ Use your niche
Using your niche allows your target client to find you easily in search (and this builds up SEO cred over time).

Did you use one of these strategies? Something else? Share your freelance writing website in the comments! 👇 

#freelancewritingtips #freelancetips #freelancewritingwebsite #freelancewriters #freelancesuccess
Lowballing clients got you down? Good news! You ch Lowballing clients got you down? Good news! You choose who to work with—and who to politely bid adieu to. Cut them loose* to make room for high-quality collaborations. 

* Be sure to honor any contractual obligations (and consider them lessons for the next project).

#freelancewriting #freelancetips #freelancewriters #highincome #highincomeskills
Not sure what to say when a client is pressing you Not sure what to say when a client is pressing you for a call (when you specifically didn't agree to random calls)? Save this post for some quick response ideas.

☎️ I'm not available right now. Please use my calendar link to book a call: (link)

☎️ Calls should be scheduled in advance. Feel free to review our contract for a refresher on terms.

☎️ Hi! Can you put the information in an email? Otherwise, I'm available to speak at (date/time). 

☎️ To ensure the highest quality of work, all calls need to be scheduled. Thanks!

Some of these only work if you have a "no random calls" clause in your contract, so make sure you're addressing that in advance. 

Why does this matter? 🤔 If your client thinks they can ping you any time of day, your focus could be interrupted at any moment. They might not realize how detrimental this can be because they're eager to share an idea or piece of feedback.

If you're like many freelancers, you'll want to protect your deep focus time and workflow, moving calls to specific windows. Remember: Your client is not your boss! 

Also! If you DO have the time and you don't mind hopping on a call, go for it! You're free to design your days and your work sessions. Just know that you might be exhibiting your availability in a certain way. 

What do you say to a client when they request something that's against your terms?

#freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewriting #freelancewritingtips #freelancewriter #freelancewritertips

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