by Doreen Martel

Created on: May 24, 2010

If you are dreaming of a career in freelance writing, you want to do your best to achieve a specific level of success. You might be wondering what helps you attain freelance writing success. Here are ten tips for freelance writing success.

1. Know your clients needs

Before you start an assignment, make sure you get clear instructions from your client. Knowing exactly what their expectations are will help you achieve freelance writing success.  The more information your client provides to you, the more likely you are to successfully complete their project.

2. Stay on track

One of the biggest challenges you will face as a freelance writer is staying on track and accomplishing your goals.  Make sure that you have a method in place that allows you to stay on schedule. Make sure to allow for mishaps when you are providing your clients a delivery date.

3. Communicate

One of the pitfalls of working on your own much of the time as a freelance writer is communication. Stay in contact with your clients, especially if you have issues meeting a deadline. Being in regular contact and updating your clients is critical to good communication.

4. Networking

It is critical that you network, not only with other freelance writers, but with potential clients.  Networking will help provide you an ongoing source of potential clients. Networking can also help you feel less cut off from the "real world" if you have a support system.

5. Market yourself

One of the keys to freelance writing success is good marketing. Make sure that you are doing an excellent job marketing your skills.  The more you market your skills, the more likely you are to achieve freelance writing success.

6.  Diversify

Some freelance writers are capable of only providing one type of content. All too often, this means you are limiting your potential opportunities. If you are very good at writing press releases for example, try writing other types of material. Helium and other writing sites offer you a variety of opportunities to do this.

7. Ask for referrals

Do not overlook the fact that a client may have contacts that can provide you with additional work. Always ask your clients if they would consider referring you to other people they know to provide you with additional work.

8.  Don't undersell yourself

One of the biggest mistakes that freelance writers make is cutting their rates too far when they are just getting started. This can be a problem since you may then have clients asking you to lower your rates. Make sure you set your rates fairly.

9. Know your strengths

If you are not particularly good at a specific type of writing, be honest with your clients. Let them know up front that the work is out of your scope of expertise. If they elect to have you try to do the assignment anyway, make sure that you establish clear ground rules for payment.

10.  Meet your deadlines

The most critical thing you can do as a freelance writer to help ensure your success is to always meet your deadlines. You will gain credibility and additional clients if they know they can depend on you.  If for any reason you are having issues meeting your deadlines always speak with the client and explain why.

Summary

Freelance writing is not a get rich quick scheme. It requires hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence. These ten tips for freelance writing success along with your talent and commitment to getting the job done properly will help ensure your freelance writing success.

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