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I love reading books and writing about everything in my life, and I also love participating in the stories other people have to share. As someone who loved the literature part of my English degree and still has the quotations book given to me as a prize by my headteacher as a teenager, soaking up literature is something I have continued into adulthood.
Prior to setting up three blogs, I attended the local literature festival for as long as I can remember. On those days I arrange childcare and totally clear my schedule. Free to immerse myself in culture, and words. More importantly, to be in the company of other amazing creatives. I am now finding ways to travel further afield. It is time to share with you what I found when I searched for more opportunities to do something I love.
Since 2008 we’ve been bringing you an exciting mixture of debate, ideas, celebrity author events, workshops and humour in spring and winter. We’re also a charity promoting the benefits of reading and writing on education, literacy and well-being in schools, the community and prisons.
I have only recently heard about this festival, through contact with a publisher about reviewing some amazing writers who find new and creative ways to cope with anxiety. The festival website states –
Being a freelance writer is an incredibly rewarding job. You get to work from the comfort of your own home, set your own hours and rates, and have the freedom to write about whatever topics you’re passionate about. Yet there are also some challenges that come along with this type of work. To become a successful freelance writer, you need to be organized, have excellent writing skills, and be able to market yourself effectively. But that’s not all.
As much as this career choice isn’t impossible to master and turn into a very lucrative career, it can often take more than a creative voice and good contacts. This is a business endeavour after all, so it’s important to get it right. So to help you get started, in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at what it takes to become a successful freelance writer.
Develop Your Writing Skills
Before you can start working as a freelance writer, you need to develop your writing skills. Start by reading as much as possible and practising writing in different styles. Take classes or workshops, if necessary, to hone your craft. Of course, you’ll always get better by doing. So keep writing and writing more to help you to establish your voice and improve your craft.
Find Your Niche
Next, you’ll want to pick your key niches. It’s important that writers identify their niche so that they can specialize in certain types of projects and build expertise in those areas over time, rather than trying to do too many things at once without any real focus or direction. You don’t have to get too specific here, but knowing that you write about travel or business or tech or TV is a great place to start.
Research the Market
You need to understand what types of writing businesses and publications are looking for before you start pitching yourself for jobs. Do some research into which publications might be interested in hiring you and what kinds of stories they’re looking for. Again, team this up with your skills and interests so that you can come up with a few areas of expertise that you want to specialise in.
Create Your Portfolio
A portfolio is essential if you want people to take you seriously as a freelancer. Start by creating a website or blog where you can showcase samples of your work and link back to articles that have been published elsewhere online or in print magazines or newspapers. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new — write some blog posts on your site or write for free to get some samples going to start with.
Set Up as a Business
One of the most important things is to get set up as a business from the start. You will need an easy way for clients to pay you for your services. So sign up for payment accounts like PayPal or Venmo so that clients can easily transfer money into your account after they hire you for a project. You’ll also want to register yourself as a business officially and for tax purposes. This is best to do early on, so you can treat your freelance writing like the business it actually is.
Build Your Network
Networking is essential if you want to find new clients and stay on top of industry trends and news. Reach out via social media or attend industry events so that potential employers know who you are and what kind of services you offer as a freelancer. Also, look to go to networking events and make connections online to help yourself get noticed.
Pitch Yourself For Jobs
Once all the groundwork has been done, it’s time to start looking for work. Start by searching online job boards such as Problogger or Upwork for freelance gigs related to your speciality area(s) of interest. You can also send pitches directly to business owners and editors to land gigs or introduce yourself. This is a huge part of the job and should be something that you get more comfortable doing.
Determine Your Rates
However, before sending out any proposals, make sure that your rates reflect the amount of experience that you bring with each particular client opportunity. This will ensure that both parties feel comfortable with the arrangement moving forward. When it comes to publications, you may find that they are the ones that let you know what they can pay or what their rates are.
Keep Learning
The best way to stay on top of trends in the industry is by continuing education. Whether it’s attending seminars or webinars related specifically towards writing or your niche, reading more, or keeping up to date with industry trends — make sure that you’re doing it. Not only that but make sure to learn how to get the most out of your writing tools. With options like setapp.com, you can get more familiar with your laptop or computer to help you be more productive. Over time, you’ll feel like more of a master at it.
Stay Organized
Last but not least, it’s important that you’re always focusing on staying organized. If you don’t know where you are with pitches and projects, things can get messy. So make sure that you’re setting clear milestones and expectations upfront, then track the progress too. Using more online tools, like Trello or Asana, can help you here. It’s all about making sure you know where you are and so do your clients. This can be essential when it comes to delivering your work and meeting deadlines.
Breaking into the World of Freelance Writing
Becoming a successful freelance writer requires dedication and hard work—but it can be incredibly rewarding when done correctly. While there’s no set formula for making this work for you, you will find that the points in this blog post create a great guide for you to stick to. By following the key steps that we’ve outlined, from perfecting your writing and finding your niche to making connections and getting set up like a business, you’ll be well on your way towards finding success within this ever-growing field!
I’ve seen some posts from fellow bloggers recently discussing creative outlets, their main reason behind having writing as a passion. What motivates them to write and why do they enjoy it so much? It got me thinking.
I wanted to share my personal journey and my love of writing. I haven’t ended up at this point by accident. I picked up skills from my ancestors and I was always destined to reach this point.
Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and thinkwould be useful for you.
How it all began
Throughout my life, I’ve taken steps to turn my passion into something more. My ideas have usually been about giving back to society.
I wanted to study journalism and imagined myself uncovering some huge injustice, like Erin Brockovich. I then wanted to be an English teacher and during my university placements to further this dream, I spent time helping underachieving students. I worked with the Communications Manager for an NHS Trust, interviewing nurses and writing pieces for a newsletter. I loved each and every one of these experiences. They made me who I am today… a writer.
Further back in time
In this post about why I’m grateful to be a writer, I explain the following:
Istill have a nursery rhyme book I wrote lists in when I was tiny. From the age of 12, I was writing folders full of poetry. I wrote for our local newspaper and still have the clippings. I have a portfolio folder full of the pieces I wrote for work experience and throughout my university days and I one day dreamed about writing a book. I also toyed with the idea of becoming an English teacher.
I still have boxes full of diaries I wrote in during my younger days and sometimes go through them. It makes me feel nostalgic about those days. I really should read them again soon and get some inspiration for the blog. When we moved in together, I told my now hubby I was keeping these to one day contribute towards my book. It’s vital information I needed to keep, justifying the reason for taking up so much space in our storage cupboard.
During the worst times of my life, living through anxiety and depression, I’ve used journaling as the main technique to help me get through it. There is something about releasing the words onto the physical piece of paper. Therapists have taught me to rip them up afterward and complete a breathing exercise. Literally releasing the negative energy from my body and it really does make you feel better when you complete this exercise.
My relatives and their writing
When we first moved into our house, nearly 6 years ago, I was adamant I wanted to display two pieces of writing, one from my grandpa and another from my aunty on our wall. I didn’t consciously know at the time, but it’s because it inspires me each day. I literally wanted to view the skills I picked up from my ancestors.
Discovering treasure
I first came across the below piece of writing when my grandma used to let me go through her things. Like any little girl would. She had drawers full of jewels, an old 1950’s suitcase packed full of old photos and amongst all these wonderful gems, was this letter my grandpa sent to my grandma. I loved it from the first time I saw it. I was probably about 10 years old.
There is no avoiding the fact that writing is definitely in my blood Something which was predestined for me.
Writing supplies
As writers, we all need our vital supplies. I used to be adamant about writing paper lists only, but I’ve come around to the idea of technology, due to starting the blog. Paper lists mean I basically had to cross everything out, because life is so hectic.
That isn’t to say I don’t like my paper-based stationery. It still excites me and I write notes as I’m working.
The only way I can describe the excitement I feel is this. When I walk down the stationery aisle at Wilko, I hear the York Minster choir singing in my head and I feel an excitement I just cannot describe (BTW I cried when they sang on a random visit when they were practicing!). This should convey the level of excitement I feel.
Purchase your Wilko stationery here…
A list of some more amazing stationery…
Paperchase – I have an absolute obsession with the shop. I’m basically banned from entering a shop or buying online. I do keep trying to convince my little one she loves it because of course, daddy won’t say no to her. I have a solution, a shopping trip with the little one and grandad.
We haven’t even broached the subject of Smiggle yet… hmmmm!
Boots – each year I get a new piece from the Zoella collection. The hubby is fully aware it is to be added to my Christmas list.
Final thoughts
What inspires you to write?
Do you have another passion you feel comes from family members?
What skills did your ancestors pass down?
Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
My online blogging journey began in July 2021. It was born out of hitting rock bottom and feeling compelled to help other people facing mental health struggles. I just had to write down my thoughts and feelings, and sharing my story aided my recovery. Now I am working on my third blog launch.
Needless to say, my writing journey began way back. I still have boxes full of poems and diaries I scribbled in and shoved away in our storage cupboard. I really should dig them out and do something with them! I’ve always considered myself a writer at heart. Writing is my method of communication. It’s how I express myself. Writing helps me process my emotions.
So how have I turned this ability into something I do each day? A passion that has taken over my life, in the best way possible?
I don’t do anything by halves. I never have done. My university days were spent burning the candle at both ends for three years. And as a result, almost seriously quit three times. From there, my life carried on in much the same fashion. A constant pattern of, running around like a superwoman, with lack of sleep, high anxiety, believing I could tackle the world. My blogging journey is no different.
The only difference is, that I am now a transformed person, who can manage my anxiety better. It hasn’t gone away, and it probably never will. However, I now look after my well-being daily. I make myself a priority. Hitting rock bottom has forced me to admit I cannot take on the world and I need a job with fewer hours, so I can focus on my little girl more.
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Time to review the way I live my life
Admitting you are not superwoman, when you’re predisposed to believe it, is a hard pill to swallow. However, hitting rock bottom was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.
Following my mental breakdown, I was forced to stop and take stock of my life. My mind and body wouldn’t allow any other mode than ‘go slow’. The only way to recover was daily self-care, medication, and self-love. By being brutally honest with myself and those closest to me, about my years of stress and anxiety. And telling the truth about what it did to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have bad days. Even bad weeks. Everything gets on top of me no matter how hard I try to prevent it. I still have unhealthy outbursts around those I love, because I allow anxiety to take over. However, no human is perfect. We are all flawed and the difference now, is I don’t beat myself up about my downfalls. Instead, I learn from it and move on.
In summary, I’ve set up two blogs and I am working on my third. However, I am confident I will know when a rest is required. When a long soak in the bath is to be favoured over writing a blog post.
You can be a certain personality type, even honour this, but also honour yourself and take care of your needs.
When you suffer the impact of a mental breakdown, you can’t ever go back to the person you were before. You’ve lived through the hard lessons already. It makes you a pro at detecting your stress levels are rising, and it’s time for some much-needed recharge time.
How do you manage your stress levels? I would love to know the techniques you use! Let me know in the comments below
I can’t wait to launch my third blog, in the meantime, you can view all my blog posts here. You can sign up for my freebie library here and you can check out the social media accounts for my second blog here.
By offering a guest post slot on my blog for other people, I felt like I was giving something back. I honestly felt emotional and proud to host some of the amazing writing I will talk about in this post.
And best of all, I got feedback like this:
Guest posting is a way for us to strengthen our relationships in the blogging world. To support one another and share in our talents. For this reason, guest posts are still open on my blog and you can send your ideas using this form.
But I also wanted to dedicate a blog post to talking about the benefits of guest posting
Your writing can be seen by a wider audience, especially if you’re new to blogging
The reality is, not many people will see your writing when you start publishing. But don’t be disheartened! Google ranking takes time. Social media promotion can be tedious, but it also pays off. After three months I saw the results of my hard work.
Think of it like this. If you don’t tell anyone you’re writing is there, how will they know? Imagine the millions of Google searches each day and how hard it is to find one specific piece of writing. You have to trust the process.
You will make lasting connections with other bloggers
Some of the relationships I’ve formed by communicating with other bloggers via email are valued to this day. It’s refreshing to make contact via another communication method, other than Twitter. It’s also lovely to chat with other creative minds about your writing and get feedback.
Improving your domain authority (DA) score
For anyone who doesn’t know (I didn’t when I first started blogging) I am going to trust another source with explaining. I am not the most technical person, hehe!
MY DA score started off low, but jumped to 15 after three months of immense hard work, day and night. And now it’s at 22. Backlinks from higher authority websites will improve your DA score. Who wouldn’t want to do that? Whilst also building lasting relationships.
A summary of the guest posts I wrote for other people
Head over and check them out. It’s great to have my writing on other people’s sites. Follow me on Twitter for updates on my guest posts.
A summary of my recent writing on other platforms
In recent months I’ve also expanded where I publish my writing. Some of what I want to say doesn’t fit with the topics on this blog and it’s refreshing to publish on another platform.
Gratitude day is the perfect time to talk about something I love – writing! In this post, you will hear all about why I’m grateful to be a writer.
Today, I will be sharing my thoughts on The Writer’s Job Newsletter. Firstly, I want to share with you why this newsletter had such an impact on me, and in order to explain this to you, we need to step back in time, just a few years.
When my love affair with writing began
Every day I’m grateful to be a writer. It’s in my blood.
I still have a nursery rhyme book I wrote lists in when I was tiny. From the age of 12, I was writing folders full of poetry. I wrote for our local newspaper and still have the clippings. I have a portfolio folder full of the pieces I wrote for work experience and throughout my university days and I one day dreamed about writing a book. I also toyed with the idea of becoming an English teacher.
I still have boxes full of diaries I wrote in during my younger days and sometimes go through them. It makes me feel nostalgic about those days. I really should read them again soon and get some inspiration for the blog. When we moved in together, I told my now hubby I was keeping these to one day contribute towards my book. It’s vital information I needed to keep, justifying the reason for taking up so much space in our storage cupboard.
During the worst times of my life, living through anxiety and depression, I’ve used journaling as the main technique to help me get through it. There is something about releasing the words onto the physical piece of paper. Therapists have taught me to rip them up afterward and complete a breathing exercise. Literally releasing the negative energy from my body and it really does make you feel better when you complete this exercise. If this is something you feel like trying, Zoella talks more about journaling here. The benefits of journaling and how to get started are also discussed in this article.
More on the therapeutic benefits of writing creatively
This Independent article, along with this article discusses the benefits of writing creatively and how it can improve your mental health. Whilst writing in a diary is a form of creative writing because your personal thoughts are recorded on paper, like a story, there are other creative ways you can process your emotions. On the flip side, some believe feeling strong emotions actually fuels creativity. You can read more on this here.
Personality type and how this impacts the way you express yourself creatively
Although I’m grateful to be a writer, it has some downsides. You sometimes become consumed by the creative process and it’s hard to step away when you literally have thoughts spilling out of your head. It can be exhausting at times.
I’ve asked myself this question in the past… Can personality type really impact how we interact with the world and possibly make us communicate in a different way to others? You can read all about my personality type here.
I write about it in this blog post, because interestingly my personality type indicates I am creative and a possible job includes ‘writer’. Is it therefore coincidence that I started a blog?
I remember taking this Myers-Briggs personality test as part of a training course at work and it honestly makes you realise a lot about yourself. If testing your personality to discover more about yourself is something you’re interested in, you can read more in this Hubspot blog.
You can also read more about the Advocatepersonality type here. For anyone who has read my previous blogs, I think we can all agree this is true – “Advocates may feel that they aren’t allowed to rest until they’ve achieved their unique vision of success, but this mindset can lead to stress and burnout.”
Why are writers so important – using our voice to affect change
Writers are vital, for not only sharing stories or reporting news events but also giving a voice to a cause or a topic we need to discuss in society. For this reason, newsletters like this are invaluable. It’s a quick and easy way for budding and established writers to gain access to people and organisations seeking their services. Everyone benefits.
With the Internet allowing us to make connections all over the world, hitting rock bottom this year meant I relied on the one trusted method I had to express myself – writing. And I felt compelled to start a blog. To use the one thing I was good at to help others. To tell my story and hopefully make a difference in changing the stigma surrounding mental health. You can read more on why I started blogging here.
I am grateful we have writers in the world and respect everyone who is bravely speaking out on the topic of mental health at the moment. Changes in society don’t happen overnight, but collectively we can make an impact.
Making connections and grabbing opportunities
I’ve made connections with some amazing people since creating my social media accounts and starting the blog. One of them being Della and I need to introduce you to the amazing newsletter she runs.
Just knowing there is a newsletter out there containing paid freelance writing jobs makes me excited. It’s something I hadn’t seen previously and I thought it was handy to have this vital information in one place. It also brought me a sense of confidence. I felt worthy of such jobs and also wondered whether it would be something I would consider in the future.
I am now actively looking for freelance writing opportunities and starting off small, but still taking action to reach my goals.
At the moment, my blog is there to help others, but it’s no secret I would be overjoyed if I could make a living from writing. The newsletter email also contains non-paid work, but great opportunities to gain experience and exposure for someone new to blogging, like me.
My review
I’ve now received two Newsletters via email and found the links posted include varied subjects, from gaming to engineering, so there really is something for everyone. I love the fact the newsletter is set out into easy-to-read sections and includes paid jobs, calls to pitch, details of competitions, and other useful information.
The Newsletter website can be found here. Pay them a visit and sign up – you won’t be disappointed!
Final thoughts
The newsletter will be my go-to when seeking out paid jobs or other opportunities which could help me achieve my future goals. I still get excited when I receive the email on a Sunday and I hope you will too.
As I am actively on the hunt for opportunities, I will keep you posted on any progress I make.
On gratitude day I thought it was apt to share why I’m grateful to be a writer and why I’ve always relied on this communication method to express myself…I hope you enjoyed reading this post!
Let me know in the comments below whether you’ve subscribed to the Newsletter and how useful you found it.
Please also remember to let Della know about your experience. I am sure she would appreciate the feedback.
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