Advice for a budding freelancer

Post Reply New Topic

I always knew that I couldn't stand a typical desk job, even if I was working with my passion for the written word. I have been researching what it takes to be a freelance writer and editor, and I may have issues "marketing" myself in a competitive online environment. I don't doubt my skills, it's just that social networking was never a strong suit for me. I have looked into sites like Textbroker and oDesk. I skipped over typical content mills like HubPages because I heard of the recent downturn those types of sites have taken.

I am a college student with not much experience besides writing for my college's student newspaper. Are there any aspie freelancers out there willing to give advice as to how I should go about starting out my life as a "starving" young writer?

you're wise not to do hubpages. i wrote 30 articles, mostly about health (i used to be a doctor), a year ago and have yet to receive one cent. i've made friends, which is nice, but it's a good thing i have another job.

Would you be able to find some work that you can do on a volunteer basis? Anyone hiring a freelancer will want to see work samples. Doing some work for free while you're still in college will help you build up a portfolio and also make connections. Word of mouth from satisfied clients is a great way to get hired without having to do a lot of intensive marketing.

Freelacing is rough. Especially for someone with no experience outside of college.

I suggest working at least a few years before trying to go freelance.

You need job connections, and previous employers are a good resource to get freelancing jobs from.

You need marketing skills and presentation skills to pitch gigs to prospective employers.

And, the economy sucks. If people hire you, a 22 year old with no work experience, for a freelance job, it'll be to save money.
Otherwise, they would go with their current freelancers who have proven results.

Build a strong portfolio. Work a few years at a normal job, get the portfolio. Or volunteer a lot and work on the portfolio.

Even freelancers who are stellar at what they do have a hard time getting freelance jobs these days, and often turn back to working normal jobs for companies during the economic downtown.

But.. portfolio and corporate work experience and stellar presentation skills (plus low prices) will help you.