A Freelance Writer’s Worst Fears Solved
Thinking about becoming a freelance writer? Here are some things that might be holding you back — and how to overcome them!
You’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to become a freelance writer.
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a beautiful journey full of new experiences, exciting challenges, and equally exciting rewards.
However, before you get too carried away, addressing some of the fears and concerns that might be holding you back from taking this step is essential. After all, if you’re going to be successful as a freelance writer, you need to be confident and prepared for what’s ahead.
Fear #1: I’ll never find enough work to support myself!
One of the most common fears that new freelance writers have is that they won’t be able to find enough work to support themselves financially. This is a valid concern; as a freelancer, you don’t have the security of a regular paycheck every week.
The best way to overcome this fear is to start by building up a solid savings cushion on which you can fall back if work slows down.
Additionally, diversifying your income sources by pursuing multiple clients or projects is always a good idea. That way, if one client suddenly decides to end their relationship with you, you’ll still have other sources of income to rely on.
When you can show potential clients that you’re a reliable freelancer who consistently delivers quality work on time, you’ll be much more likely to get repeat business from them.
Then you can build long-term relationships with clients who will provide you with a steady stream of work.
Fear #2: I’m not sure I’m good enough…
Another common fear among new freelance writers is impostor syndrome — the belief that you’re not really qualified to be doing this and that you’ll be exposed as a fraud at any moment.
The best way to overcome impostor syndrome is to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. You don’t need to be the best writer in the world to be successful — you just need to be good enough to get the job done and deliver what your clients need.
If you’re unsure about your writing skills, there are plenty of ways to improve them. Take some online courses, read books on writing, and practice, practice, practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get at it.
And when you get a client project, make sure to deliver the best work possible. It’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.
Fear #3: I have no idea where to start!
If you’ve never worked as a freelance writer, it’s only natural to feel like you have no idea where to begin.
The best way to overcome this fear is simply to take things one step at a time. Start by researching the different types of writing you could be doing, and then choose the niche that interests you the most.
Once you’ve decided on your niche, it’s time to start marketing yourself to potential clients. Create a website or portfolio that showcases your writing skills, and start reaching out to businesses and individuals who might need your services.
Building up your client base takes time and effort, but it’s definitely doable if you’re willing to put in the work.
Fear #4: It’s all going to be too overwhelming!
If the thought of managing your own freelance writing business is feeling a bit overwhelming, that’s perfectly normal. The key is to take things one step at a time and not try to bite off more than you can chew.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of running a business, such as bookkeeping, invoicing, and marketing. Then, once you have a handle on those basics, you can start thinking about ways to expand your business and take on more clients.
Remember, there’s no need to do everything all at once. You can always start small and gradually grow your business as you feel more comfortable with the process.
Fear #5: I’m going to fail!
The final — and perhaps most common — fear new freelance writers face is a failure. But the truth is that everyone experiences setbacks at some point in their career. The key is not letting those setbacks stop you from reaching your goals.
If you experience a few bumps in the road, pick yourself up and keep going. Learn from your mistakes, and use them as motivation to become a better writer.
With enough hard work and determination, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Don’t Let Your Fear Keep You From Pursuing Your Dreams
If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance writer but feeling a bit scared, that’s perfectly normal. But don’t let your fear keep you from pursuing your dreams.
No matter how scared you might feel, remember that there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to freelance writing.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and with a bit of hard work and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as a freelance writer. So what are you waiting for?
Get out there and start chasing your dreams!
