by Jane Rutherford

Created on: January 06, 2011   Last Updated: January 07, 2011

Freelance writing is often described as “Feast or Famine” type of career, where you either have so much work you barely find time to sleep or you’re struggling to find any work at all. But it doesn’t have to be the case with your own freelance writing career. There are several easy strategies that can guarantee a constant work flow.

Query even if you already have enough work

Freelance writing assignments are rarely long-term. While there are regular writing jobs, like blogging for websites or writing newsletters, for most of the time it’s a onetime project. Those projects may pay well, but it’s still a single payment.

That’s why it’s important to query even if you have enough work to last you a week. Depending on your area of expertise keep querying editors and applying for various jobs to ensure that once your current project ends, you will have another one to pay the bills with.

Market and Promote Yourself

Clients can’t find you, if they don’t know you exist. Even with a completely booked schedule, it’s important to keep marketing and promoting yourself and your work. Presence on the major social networks, as well as active participation within your niche, helps establish you as an expert in your field.

Additionally, if you network amongst other freelance writers this can also result in finding more work, when other freelancers refer their clients to you.

Ask your Past and Current Clients for more Work

It’s important that freelance writers develop an exceptional relationship with their clients. It might be as important as delivering high quality writing, if not more. If you have a good relationship with a client, you can always ask them whether or not they would have more work. You could offer to handle additional tasks.

People are always more likely to agree to work with those they already know and like. Combine that with good writing and you might end up developing high-paying long-term clients who will come to you with writing assignments.

A similar logic applies to past clients, especially those who provided you with positive feedback on the writing you did for them. Emailing them when you find yourself with a lower work load, reminding them how well you work with each other and asking if they would have more work can sometimes lead to some great assignments.

Another thing your current and past clients can do is refer you to their friends and colleagues that might have work for you. Tell them you have an opening and ask whether they know anyone who could use your services. That unassuming approach can be very effective.

Become your own Client

Many freelance writers forget that there are other income opportunities apart from the work they are doing for their clients. Working on your own projects and investing time and effort into something that can bring you additional income is never a bad idea.

In fact, if you have an idea that you know will bring you money in the long run, you should consider it just another of your assignments. Treat yourself as if you were your own client. Schedule milestones and set up deadlines. That’s what freelancing is about, after all, pursuing your dreams and creating something you’re passionate about.

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