Freelancing success eludes many writers who lunge head first into writing for a living, partly because they start out with the wrong idea of what it means to be a freelancer and partly because they didn't prepare a plan to claim the success they wanted.

If you think freelancing is about sleeping late and writing only when you feel inspired then you can probably forget about cashing any kind of check at the end of the month. But if you are serious about making it as a writer, the following tips will lead you to success.

1. Separate Work and Home

While you may not have a fancy office with a solid oak door, you should be able to claim a spot in your house that is your designated writing corner. It may be in the guest room, your own bedroom or even the basement, but it should be made clear that between certain hours it is your 'office'.

2. Be Patient

It can take a while to earn any kind of income from writing, but the key is to be patient. Whether you are trying to build up a sizable portfolio to take advantage of a passive income stream, or you are submitting to various publishers while writing articles to pay the bills, it takes time to get to the big pay out.

3. Submit, Submit, Submit

Don't get discouraged. There are many reasons your work might be rejected, but stick to it and keep sending in work, while of course trying to learn from your previous submissions.

4. Build up a Passive Income Stream

Passive income is one of the most powerful financial tools because it requires no additional effort to keep generating money after the initial work is put in. There are several writing sites that offer contributors a share of the revenue generated from their articles. Find one you're comfortable with and start chipping away at creating a future income stream.

5. Scout for New Opportunities

Freelancers should constantly be on the lookout for opportunities. Even if you are currently flush with work, it couldn't hurt to put some time aside to explore your options. This keeps you in tune to what is going on in the marketplace so you can price your work and so you can be confident that you are investing your time wisely.

6. Develop a Writing Schedule

Successful freelancing demands some sort of structure. Routine helps to force a minimum level of productivity into every day.

7. Use a Believable Pen Name

This helps to put publishers and readers at ease. Simply using a real sounding pen name, if you are opposed to using your own name, helps to lend credibility to your words.

8. Network with Other Professionals

Meeting other like-minded folk creates a type of community which fosters creativity and gives a sense of release for all involved. It is also an opportunity to learn from others and share your experiences as well.

9. Market Your Writing

Every writer needs to advertise their work both online and off-line. The degree of attention devoted to each marketing effort will be determined by your general focus. If you primarily write for online sources it follows that you will focus online using social networking forums and blogs to push your content.

10. Believe in Yourself

Confidence is essential. Visualize your success and know that you will be able to make it if you put in the necessary work.

Learn more about this author, Natalia Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Ten tips for freelance writing success?
We want to hear your view. Write now!