Let’s face it: Freelance writing is a unique and varied career path. One freelancer’s experience can be completely different from another. That’s why it’s so valuable to hear the perspectives of our peers. Last month, in anticipation of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we decided to ask some of the freelance writing women to share their experiences.
We’re thrilled to present another roundup of writers who are out there making their careers happen. Taking action = gaining insight, and these freelancers are sharing their biggest lessons so you can get ahead of the game. If you’re unsure where to start—or how to keep going—this post is for you.
Shauna Blackmon: Tech for a Better Tomorrow
How did you get started with freelancing?
I have been freelancing for ten years now, using my diverse skillset to help NGOs and tech startups tell their story. I love freelancing because it allows me to take more control over my work-life balance and only work on projects that I find truly inspiring.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
It’s going to hurt sometimes. People often ignore freelancers or think their work won’t be as high quality. You just have to push through and have confidence in yourself and your work.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Resilience. Freelancing can be horrible to get into, but once you start getting a few clients and bits of experience, it gets better fast.
Connect with Shauna:
Sofie Couwenbergh: Content Strategist and Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
Bored at my corporate copywriting job, I decided to unite my passions of writing and travel and launch a travel blog in the summer of 2012. Little did I know that side project would become my own personal school in digital marketing, teaching me how to manage an email list, run social media channels, and – most importantly – do SEO.
At the start of 2015, I quit my 9-to-5 to go all-in on the blog and use it to create the location-independent lifestyle I’d been dreaming of. Achieving that lifestyle while at the same time being able to live comfortably in Western Europe from the income of that first business, was the first big goal I achieved.
It was time for a new challenge, but I was afraid to let go… and so the universe forced me. As COVID hit in 2020, travel came to a halt, and I lost 90% of my income. It was just the kick in the b*** I needed and without any hesitation, I turned the blog into a side project again and started to apply the skills I’d gathered over the years to help clients generate more organic leads through well-optimized blog content. I had a new business: content strategy and writing.
Three months into that journey, I moved to another country, and a few months later, I’d fully replaced the income I was previously making travel blogging.
I’d say the accomplishment I’m most proud of is proving to myself that whatever happens, I have the skills to build a new business and sustain myself.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
To trust my gut and believe in myself.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
The only way to find out what really works for you is by being okay with the fact that you’ll “lose” lots of time trying things that’ll lead to nothing.
Connect with Sofie:
TW: @scouwenbergh
Alyson Rockhold: Ghostwriter and Content Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I began freelance writing in June 2020 when a two-week trip to Tanzania turned into 4 months trapped in the country. I wrote because I had nothing else to do! I kept writing because it brought me such great joy and satisfaction. I remember jumping up and down and crying when I sold my first article for $75! Even when I returned to the U.S. and got back into my career, I continued writing on the side. Now, as of February 1, 2022, I quit my well-paying job as a physician assistant to pursue my writing dreams full time.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
It’s okay to be brave and scared at the same time.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Celebrate each little success and don’t take the rejections personally.
Connect with Alyson:
Sandra Coffey: Content Marketing and PR Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’m a former journalist and editor from Ireland. I’ve worked in newsrooms in regional and national media outlets for 10+ years. I continue to write articles and features for the media as a freelancer. For the past two years, I’ve worked as a freelance business and marketing writer.
I also work as a PR coach to business leaders and newly graduated PRs. As a PR coach, my clients have appeared in Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Irish Independent, Closer Magazine and Women’s Way.
I’ve self-published two PR books: Breaking Into The Media – A Journalist’s Guide to Publicity and The Effective PR Planner. Breaking Into The Media – A Journalist’s Guide to Publicity has been shortlisted for the Wishing Shelf Books Awards.
I also write fiction and was shortlisted for the Irish Short Story of the Year Award in 2015.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
To remain positive when things get very tough and they will! Don’t rely on one client for your income. Try to have a few so you don’t rely on one for your entire income.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Embrace other niches outside of your own. The niche you might be most experienced in may not pay very well. So being open to learning and upskilling is important.
Connect with Sandra:
TW: @SandraCoffey
Katie Palmer: Freelance B2B Content Marketing Coordinator
How did you get started with freelancing?
I started freelancing in October, 2021. I began after leaving my job as a Marketing & Communications Coordinator. I left that job because of a toxic work environment, and I figured I’d just take freelance gigs until I found my next full-time role. But then I fell in love with freelancing, and the rest is history! My biggest accomplishment is finding and retaining great clients. Plus, having the confidence to set higher rates.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that it’s so important to shift into a business mindset. Your freelance work is a business! And it needs branding. So everything from the language, colors, fonts, and images you use have to connect to and elevate your brand in some way.
Keep branding in mind when you create content for your freelance business (social media posts, resume, portfolio, and even the invoice). Plus, you need to market for yourself as well!
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
All the unpaid work you put in to build your brand is WORTH IT. It’ll pay off in the end. Don’t hesitate to put in hours perfecting your resume and other content for your brand. It’ll help you acquire clients, which will be the payout for that time! Plus, believe in yourself! Don’t let imposter syndrome take over.
Connect with Katie:
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Missed the last post? Check it out here!
Instant Inspo: Meet the Female Freelance Writers Leading the Way
Stay tuned for more freelance writing wisdom as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month all week long!
Chime in!