The celebration continues! If you’re looking for some freelance writing motivation this week, you’re in the right place. Last month, in anticipation of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we decided to ask some of the freelance writing women in our own community and peer communities to share their experiences. Today we continue sharing their stories. Scroll for inspiration.
Chloé Skye: Sustainability and Education Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I founded Chlohemian Copy in 2018 to provide down-to-earth content marketing services – in short, helpful communications, humorous copy, and human content that hits the spot for sustainable eCommerce, education, and SaaS brands. From NYC, I’ve lived in Israel, Czech Republic and now Denmark. My travel and culture blog Chlohemian garnered 71,000+ views across 160 posts over 6 years. I’m a contributing writer to Earth911, TriplePundit, Expats.cz, and Standart Magazine (coffee print mag), with additional bylines in The FBomb, Freelancer’s Union, and Kafkadesk.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
To advocate for myself. I’m a sole proprietor and if I don’t speak up for myself – when setting prices and time expectations, when dealing with scope creep, or facing imposter syndrome – no one else will. This takes time, and in my experience, is learned from and emboldened by having a larger writing community (I’m a big fan of Facebook groups for writers).
I remember seeing a meme that joked about how if organic raspberries have the audacity to ask $6/lb, why shouldn’t freelancers also demand their value? That really spoke to me!
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
To have patience with themselves and to take it one day at a time, don’t try to do everything at once. When freelancing isn’t fun, you have the power to take the break or vacation you need. We only do this because we want to, not because we have to!
Burnout is real, even when freelancing is your dream, and you have the ability to shape your business (services, industries, hours, and more) the way you want it. Furthermore, don’t chain yourself to your computer.
Connect with Chloé:
Joycelyn Ghansah: Healthcare and Nonprofit Copywriter
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’m a healthcare and nonprofit copywriter who fell into freelance when I accidentally asked to shadow a nonprofit e-commerce retailer. Seven years later, I’m creating community toolkits, writing pieces on healthcare recruitment, women in art, and trying not to spend too much time on canva. My greatest accomplishment is interviewing experts in the health field about Covid, racism in healthcare, and the importance of unionizing. Plus, writing a column on historical women for Herstry Magazine.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
To know my worth.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Keep your receipts and surround yourself with community and support. I wouldn’t be where I am without other freelancers.
Connect with Joycelyn:
Meg Stewart: Freelance Writer & Coach
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been freelance writing for nearly two decades, I started on ODesk in 2003 (which is now UpWork). I now teach freelancing, blogging, SEO, and coach other writers on how to get paid more for their writing. I specialize in working with freelance writers, those who want to self-publish, and those who struggle with the technology needed to do business online.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Setting an income goal and shifting your mindset from employee to business owner are the keys to putting the freedom into freelance writing!
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Approach new clients with the mindset of a business owner rather than as an employee. This gives you the ability to set your rates, set your schedule and your own deadlines, and do only the work you choose to do.
Connect with Meg:
Bronwyn Tagg: Freelance Marketer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been freelancing for three years now, initially as something I could do to fill my time around my uni degree in Sports Business Management. Now my freelancing is more than a side hustle or a small business. It’s one career path door I’ve opened for myself.
I’m extremely proud of all the hard work, rate raises, pitching, and client relationship management that’s got me where I am today. I’ve helped brands grow their social media presence and engagement, develop apricot marketing campaigns, and create both business, marketing and social media strategies to aid business and revenue growth.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
You put in what you get out, but you should believe that you’re worth that outcome. It does take hard work, refining of processes, and continuously showing up. But if you do that, you’ll slowly build yourself a business, case studies to get more business, and a personal brand that cuts through the noise.
As a freelancer, there’s nothing more important than your personal brand because people work with you to work with YOU.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
To anyone just getting started I’d say this: accept that you’ll make mistakes. You’ll forget to make a client sign a contract, you’ll charge rates far too low, you’ll send a rubbish pitch, you’ll forget to ask for a testimonial. But every time you make a mistake, jot it down, then go and adjust your processes to stop that from happening again.
Mistakes are okay, they’re learning curves. But poor processes are just a recipe for losing opportunities, clients, time and money, so get these straight and adapt them whenever necessary.
Connect with Bronwyn:
TW: @bronwyntagg
Melissa Hobson: Copywriter and PR Consultant for Conservation and Sustainability
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been self-employed full-time for one year now. Before that, I did bits on the side around PAYE jobs for several years. I guess you could say it’s something that’s always had a draw for me. The biggest shake-up for me was when I burned out after a decade in London, quit my job and moved to Mozambique.
I ended up helping an amazing marine conservation charity (Marine Megafauna Foundation) with their comms. This led to me being able to really tie together my passion (scuba diving and the ocean) with my expertise as a writer and PR practitioner. Taking the leap to leave my London life behind and step into the unknown is something I’m really proud of. Thankfully for me, the risk paid off!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Saying no to something that’s not right for you leaves you open to saying yes to something that’s a better fit. When you start out as a freelancer, it can be pretty scary: you suddenly don’t have a set income month to month and still have bills to pay. That can lead you to say yes to everything but saying no is really powerful.
Building up my business enough to turn away clients was a game-changer for me. I turn away clients that aren’t a good fit for my values but, so far, that has always left space for another door to open.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
See other freelancers as a great support network rather than your competition. Working for yourself can sometimes be lonely and there’s plenty of work to go around. I have a great network of other freelance writers and marketers working in the sustainability space and I love being able to collaborate, catch up and pass on work.
No one does exactly what you do so don’t be afraid of building relationships with other people in your field. It makes such a difference to be connected with other people that get it – and often there are opportunities to pass each other work when you’re busy.
Connect with Melissa:
TW: @mel_pud
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Missed the first post? Check it out here!
Celebrating Women! Female Freelance Writers Share Their Top 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!