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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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Celebrating Women! Female Freelance Writers Share Their Top Tips

March 8, 2022 · In: Freelance Writing Community

So, something really cool is going on… Freelance writers are raising their voices to share their insight and connect with other writers like never before. We’ve noticed that our favorite freelance writing groups on Facebook (including ours—you’re a member already, right?) have been growing as new writers join the freelance workforce.

This development is part of the steadily growing freelance writing movement that was culminating even before the pandemic—but crisis mode definitely propelled many folks to leave behind unsatisfying jobs and pursue flexible, fulfilling freelance careers instead. (We love to see it.)

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. We’re sharing twenty-five stories in total, starting with the women below. Prepare to be inspired!

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Tamika M. Murray: Freelance Writer and Author

How did you get started with freelancing?

I began freelancing in 2008. Writing has been a part of my life since I was gifted my first diary for my eighth birthday. As a high school sophomore, I contributed film and music-related content for my local newspaper, the Press of Atlantic City. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature in 2004. I started a blog called PJ’s and a Movie. I also contributed to online outlets like eHow and Blogger News Network. But I stopped freelance writing from pursuing a Social Work degree.

I returned to freelancing in 2019. Since then, I’ve written for multiple online outlets while working for The Hoth. I recently wrote two children’s books for the school and library market on the third to fourth-grade level. I’ve also self-published two non-fiction books which earned some book awards.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?

What works for one person may not work for you. It’s going to take trial and error but eventually, you’ll find your way.

What advice would you give to new freelance writers?

Gain as much experience and samples as possible. But don’t stay stuck earning peanuts for content mills.

Connect with Tamika:

mikamurray.com

IG: @CelestialScribe81 & @CelestialPublishingllc

TW: @CelestialScr81

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Brianne Hogan: Wellness, Relationships and Spirituality Writer

How did you get started with freelancing?

I’ve been freelancing for 12 years come November 2022! I started as a struggling actor who wanted to write her projects. My off-off-off Broadway playa reminded me how much I’ve always loved writing. I thought, why am I not doing this? Because the acting thing wasn’t really working for me. I started out with small blog posts for anything and everything that would hire me — real estate blogs, small businesses, city news. Really topics that I had no expertise or interest in — but I was interested in writing for a living and getting better and getting my name out there.

Flash forward to a decade later and now I’ve written for big publications like the Washington Post, the BBC, Buzzfeed and Elle — and more importantly, I get to write things like that really do interest me. In fact, my interest in astrology and writing about it led me to land two publishing deals and my literary agent.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?

When I’m passionate about something, I typically sell the pitch. Trying to sound or be like someone else never works. Carving my own path. Learning through my own mistakes, trusting myself and remembering why I love writing have been the most rewarding parts of this finicky career.

What advice would you give to new freelance writers?

Connections are everything. Deliver clean copy. Communicate clearly with your editors. Let your voice shine through your writing (while adhering to the tone of the publication). Don’t be afraid to say no or speak up when you can’t make a deadline or when you don’t like the shitty rate you’re being offered. Being a good person and being true to yourself will get you further than copying someone else.

Connect with Brianne:

briannehogan.ca

IG: @briehogan

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Hailey Hudson: Atlanta-Based Healthcare, Marketing and Pet Writer

How did you get started with freelancing?

I started freelancing about five years ago right out of high school because I couldn’t attend college due to medical reasons. I’d always loved to write and wanted to be an author when I grew up, so freelancing seemed like a natural step.

I’m extremely proud that I was able to become financially independent and move out into my own apartment in a very nice complex two years after I started freelancing full time. My health has continued to get worse, but my freelance business has continued to grow.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?

I’ve become extremely confident in my abilities/skills/knowledge, my worth, and what that means as far as the rates I charge and the type of clients I choose to work with (ie ones who recognize that I have a valuable perspective and lots of experience to bring to the table).

What advice would you give to new freelance writers?

Don’t work for free!

Connect with Hailey:

thehardworkingcreative.com

LinkedIn

IG: @haileyh412

TW: @haileyh412

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Kat Gal: Health Writer

How did you get started with freelancing?

I’m a health writer. I create long-form science-backed blogs, ebooks, and other kinds of content for functional medicine doctors, holistic health practitioners, and health/nutrition brands. I’ve been doing this for nearly a decade. I started freelancing by accident. Writing was always part of my personal life and professional roles, but I never thought I could make money as a writer. I didn’t know people made money writing on the internet. I had a health coaching business (or trying to create one…) and was trying to promote my work through blogging and guest blogging.

People started reaching out to me asking me to write. Some were willing to pay though not much. I had no idea freelance writing was a thing or what the term freelancing meant. But I got curious and started to google how to make money writing. Eventually, I ran into the term ‘freelancing writing’. More googling and some trial and error followed but here I am with a successful freelance writing business.

I am the most proud of just creating this business all by myself without any emotional or financial support behind me from anyone. Except for some freelance writing FB groups, those were invaluable on my journey, which is the reason why I’m so active in them.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?

Stop listening to the noise and stop comparing yourself to others.

What advice would you give to new freelance writers?

Portfolio. Portfolio. Portfolio. It doesn’t matter what strategy you are using (cold-emailing, cold-calling, warm messaging, Linkedin, social media, etc), without a strong portfolio you will not be able to get great paying clients. If you don’t have a portfolio yet or it’s not strong. Narrow down your ideal clients. Consider what type of work they need. Create that! You can self-publish on Medium, your blog, or various other platforms, guest post, create mock-ups, or do pro-bono work.

It doesn’t matter how or where you publish these pieces. The most important part is that they are high-quality and super relevant to your ideal client. They need to go “wow, this is exactly what I need!”. And they will hire you.

Connect with Kat: 

katgalwriter.com

LinkedIn

IG: @katgalwriter

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Jennifer Passmore, Parenting Writer

How did you get started with freelancing?

I began freelancing when my son was one year old. I had already known I loved writing since I was a child. I was even in the school newspaper writing columns and interviewing teachers. 12 years ago, I started my journey. I began with a local newspaper that allowed me the freedom to go out and interview local neighbors and those from surrounding areas. I segued into freelancing online, and I have never looked back.

What began as a simple side-gig to try and make a little extra money to supplement what my ex-husband was bringing in, turned into a whole career for me and I could not be happier. I’ve written for many parenting publications, and I continue to look for bigger and better opportunities out there!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?

I think that the biggest lesson that I’ve learned along my freelancing journey is that I should not be devaluing myself by working for pennies. I had to learn that I was worth more, and my work was worth more. As a person with low self-esteem, this was a rather hard lesson to learn. But I am learning more each and every passing day that I do my work, and I apply that knowledge to my current skills, and try to get better and better every day.

What advice would you give to new freelance writers?

Don’t give up, even if it feels like you’ve not found a job just yet. They’re out there, and they are looking for YOU. Make sure that you know your worth!

Connect with Jennifer:

jenniferpassmore.contently.com

LinkedIn

Pinterest

FB: JLynnPassmore

IG: @jenniferlynnpassmore

TW: @jenngem

*

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, international women's day, women freelancers, women writers, 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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Need Motivation? Get Inspired by These Freelance Writing Women

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Drinking Coffee With Writers: Rinu Ogundeji, Conversion Copywriter

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Feeling social? Us too!

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@freelancewritingcafe

Worth a re-post considering the wild volume of the Worth a re-post considering the wild volume of these requests coming in lately: 

We get a lot of DMs from writers asking if we can hire them. 🤔 We're not hiring writers -- we create our content in-house -- but we CAN help you find work the effective way. 👍✨⠀
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(Random DMs begging for work aren't helping you. 👀)⠀
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Our entire method is based on launching and growing your career LONG-TERM instead of using these little flash in the pan, scatter DMs everywhere "strategies". 
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SO! If you're ready to learn how to do this stuff the right way, check out any of our free resources! ✨
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☕️ How To Get Your Very First Freelance Writing Client⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/get-first-freelance-writing-client
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☕️ Freelance Writing 101: The Beginner's Checklist⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/freelance-writing-101-beginners-checklist
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☕️ How to Make Consistent Freelance Writing Income on Upwork⠀
https://freelancewritingcafe.com/consistent-freelance-writing-income-upwork

You can also sign up for our newsletter:⠀
http://freelancewritingnewsletter.com⠀
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And join our FB group:⠀
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You'll be amazed how QUICKLY you can get results when you stop using lazy techniques and start applying smart, long-term-oriented strategies.
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🍁 NOVEMBER FREELANCE WRITER CHECK-IN 🍁 A fe 🍁 NOVEMBER FREELANCE WRITER CHECK-IN 🍁

A few questions to ask yourself as we transition into a new month:

☕️ How are you feeling about your goals so far this year? If you're feeling behind or overwhelmed, remember that while we're nearing the end of 2022, it's not over yet!

☕️ On a scale of 1-10, how strongly do you feel that you'll hit your goals this year? What needs to happen in order for you to hit those goals?

☕️ Write down 1 thing you'll take action on for each remaining month of 2022 to finish the year strong.

☕️ Write down 1 thing you'll do each week to ensure you stay on track. This might mean: booking a weekly discovery call, writing a niche-specific blog post, reaching out to past clients, etc.

☕️ It's not all about hustling! How can you take better care of yourself through the end of 2022 so you FEEL good and can show up as your best self in your freelancing career?

Wishing you a productive, healthy November!

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
Are we getting desperate? ⚠️ There's a hint o Are we getting desperate? ⚠️

There's a hint of panic in the freelance community re: decreased workloads, low-paying clients, inflation... These fears are valid, but is this energy we can rise up and ✨prosper✨ in?

I won't say it's impossible to build a career out of desperation. That "oh sh*t" moment can lead to extraordinary results. But if you stay in desperate energy, you'll operate from there (which clients see as a red flag).

Like it or not, being an energy match for a client is a big deal. They want focused problem-solvers who can get results. When your stress seeps into your interactions, you could be scaring those high-quality gigs away.

It goes like this...
📌 Freelancer: *Panics about money*
📌 Client: *Senses desperation, doesn't hire them*
📌 Freelancer: *Confirms fears, continues to panic*
(The cycle perpetuates!)

A subtle mindset shift can help:

☕️ Be aware of inner dialogue and how it leads to self-sabotage. Are you sending sob stories with pitches? Alluding to needing money immediately in ANY way? Cutting corners to get paid faster?

☕️ Flip the script. Yesterday's failure doesn't mean today will be the same. Society's panic doesn't mean you need to spiral. This is a new day full of new opportunities, new clients, and new ways to collaborate. 

☕️ A recession means clients are more eager than EVER for ways to reach their own customers... and that's your specialty! This is your time.

☕️ Give yourself a break. If nothing's been going your way, remember: nothing is permanent. Take a day off and ease up on yourself. You can't pour from an empty glass.

Chin up, writers. You won't only "get through this", you'll thrive! ✨

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
Why become a freelance writer in 2022? 🤔 ☀️ Why become a freelance writer in 2022? 🤔
☀️ YOU DECIDE THE SCHEDULE. Rather avoid the "Sunday scaries" by taking Mondays off? No prob! Wanna schedule client calls on Wednesdays only? Do it. Prefer to get your work done before 11am? Why not? Craving midday naps? Go for it! 

☀️ YOU DECIDE WHO YOUR CLIENTS ARE. Learning who you work well with is a process—and it usually comes with a few blips along the way—but it's one of the most liberating aspects of freelancing. You have the power to turn down anyone who doesn't fit your ideal (or close to ideal) client avatar.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR RATES. How much are your services worth? You make that decision based on your niche, value, and income goals. That means you decide how much money you're making this week/month/year. That also means you get to tweak your rates until they're working for you.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR RULES. Your policies will shape the way you work. You get to create/change them as your career evolves. Examples? Don't text with clients or accept unplanned calls. Don't do endless revisions. Don't do rush jobs without a rush fee... etc. Your choice.

☀️ YOU DECIDE YOUR LOCATION. I decided to freelance because being in an office was killing my creativity, productivity and nervous system. The freedom to work from a home office or anywhere in the world means I can deliver work I'm proud of and build a career that works FOR my life, not against it.

Can you think of any other reasons being a freelance writer is awesome? Let's hear them! 👇👇

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice
What keeps you going when freelancing gets tough? What keeps you going when freelancing gets tough? 🪫

So many of us are struggling right now because of the economy's steep fluctuation and clients cutting back on budgets (on top of summer being a dry season for many). 

But we both know you're NOT just going to throw in the towel when faced with a challenge, right? 🤔 You're a problem solver, after all. That's one of the reasons you're such an awesome freelancer. ✌️

The truth is, in any economic situation, regardless of the season or circumstances, there are ALWAYS ways to thrive. 

There are clients who need writers. There are opportunities to uncover. The sheer number of businesses and organizations who need recurring marketing copy and content on a weekly basis is wild (with new ones popping up all the time). Just one example. There's 💵 to be made! 

So while you seek those opportunities out, grow your network, and polish your optimism, here's one more thing you can do to battle the "woe is me" energy that's bringing down your vibe:

✨✨ Remember WHY you started freelancing in the first place!

Remember why it's so important to you. Remember why you're made for this. Remember previous challenges you've overcome because you weren't about to give up on your ultimate goal. 

✈️ For some that's location freedom. 
📋 For some it's schedule freedom. 
💰 For some it's uncapped income. 
💓 For some it's "I'm the boss" energy.

Maybe all of these! Whatever it is for you, call it forth. When you're clear on your goal, your creative problem solving and resourceful nature will shine as a natural result.

And, as always, we are here to help! 🤓 What's one challenge you're facing in your freelance career right now? Any tips for fellow freelancers? 👇👇

#freelancewritingcafe #freelancewriter #freelancewriting #freelancewriters #freelanceinspiration #freelancewritertips #freelancewritingtips #freelancewritingsuccess #freelancewritingbusiness #freelancingfemales #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #freelancesuccesstips #freelancesuccess #upworkfreelancer #freelancelifestyle #freelancelife #writerslife #remoteworker #remotefreelancer #remotewriter #workfromanywhere #workhardanywhere #mobileoffice

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