For inherently disorganized, procrastination-heavy individuals such as myself, getting one's act together as a freelance writer is a daunting task. Being used to sporting a usually disheveled appearance, a ragtag schedule and chaotic priorities, going freelance maybe considered career suicide by such individuals because there's no one else to keep them in check.

The true secret to a successful (i.e. sustainable) freelance writing career is getting one's priorities in check by staying organized. I'm not talking about keeping a daily grocery list of things you have to do at specific times during the day: simply sticking to a fairly reasonable work schedule, keeping your workplace and paraphernalia neat and functional, and making sure that your client list is organized are great ways to get started as regards spring cleaning your freelance career if it needs one.

Sticking to a work schedule

Isn't working without a schedule the best thing about going freelance? Wrong! The more you subscribe to the notion that working freelance would mean that you can work once a week and slack off the rest of the month, the more you'll come to realize your need for a real working schedule. The beauty of freelance is that you're able to work on your material at times of the day that you'd want, instead of going through the 8 or 9 hour gauntlet that regular offices require. Want to take a break in the middle of the day or take the odd day off? No problem, just remember to create a daily working schedule that you could keep up with as much as possible. Being lazy once in a while to indulge in the finer things in life such is okay, just don't get into the habit of doing it whenever you feel like it!

Creating a professional work area

Nothing proves to be a greater deterrent to freelance writing productivity than a work area that is within close proximity of the TV, an Xbox360/Playstation 3/Wii, and a nice, ultra-comfortable couch. With a setup like that for a work area, you realize you get more work done twiddling your thumbs (or flailing your arms, as is the case with the Wii) than typing with your fingers! Clean up your act by ridding your work area of distractions and other clutter that would otherwise get in the way of your writing work.

Search online for ways to create a more ergonomic workplace, such as proper monitor level setting and typing position. A well lit work area with a window is a great place to setup your freelance station. Get a pen and paper desk scheduler to jot down important dates and deadlines (if you aren't using your computer's built in service), and keep your work phone and other communication devices within reach. Music is great for writing and getting in the mood for some people, but if you're one of those who just can't concentrate, turn it down.

Maintain a database of your past, current and potential clients either through more traditional pen and paper means or on your computer. A spreadsheet program would be a fantastic means to create a searchable database that would contain fields for pertinent client data, such as past submission dates and the amount of work you've done for them. Maintaining a client database such as this enables you to determine who you've serviced recently, and who you should be looking at for leads if they haven't given you any business as of late.

Freelance writing enables writers to get into the realm of paid writing without having to subscribe to office rules and regulations. Even though it takes a lot of work getting your freelance career off the ground, what matters is that it's possible as long as you keep yourself and your schedule organized and are able to commit to it totally.

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