New Year’s Resolutions for the Freelance Writer

In the tradition of the new year, I have a few things I’m going to change about the way I do my freelance writing business. Starting with better record keeping. I’ve been using an Access database to manage my projects, invoices, and expenses, but I’m thinking about upgrading to Quicken this year. It’s a tax-deductible business expense, so there’s one benefit if I don’t get any other from it.

• Market more. You can never do too much marketing. It’s a good idea to keep your name in front of your target customers so you never have a shortage of work.
• Look for ways to make money. I look for freelance writing jobs on a daily basis, even if I feel like I already have enough. It paid off when one of my clients had to take a break from orders. Look for other revenue streams, too. The most successful freelance writers make money from more than just writing.
• Charge what you’re worth. The new year is a good time to evaluate your current rates and increase them if necessary. If you have trouble making ends meet in 2008, it’s time to charge a rate you can afford.
• Network more. Other freelance writers are your colleagues. Not only does staying in touch help you through some of the obstacles of freelancing, you can also get some pretty good gigs just by talking with other writers.
• Keep a consistent blogging schedule. I’m very much guilty of the sporadic blogging schedule. This year, I’m resolving to have a regular blogging schedule on my top blogs.
• Read more on your niche. No matter how experienced you are in your niche, you can always stand to know more. Make it a habit to read up on your niche this year.
• Say no to jobs you don’t have time for/charge too little/you won’t like. It’s ok to turn down jobs, within reason, of course.
• Make a business plan. Every business needs a plan. It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, my business plan is written on a 12×12 piece of cardstock with markers. It’s a plan, nevertheless, and it’s better than no plan at all.
• Write for fun. You know what they say about all work and no play… I’m planning to spend at least an hour each week writing for fun. Make sure fun writing doesn’t distract you from doing client work though. You might even use it (fun writing) as an incentive for meeting a goal.
• Make time for you. You are your business’ most important asset. Treat yourself like it. Spend some time, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, doing something for you.

Resolutions are no good if you don’t follow them. Write your resolutions on a piece of paper and put them in a place where you’ll reference them often.