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How to Begin the New Year with New Vibes as a Freelance Writer

So it is nearly the end of 2018 and 2019 is just round the corner!

2018 went by so quickly. Tell me about it!

So, if you are a freelance writer and reading this, how has 2018 been for you so far?

 Throughout, the year you might have experienced good times and bad, but as you wave goodbye to this year, are you also ready to wave goodbye to all your fears as a freelance writer?

Yes, fears- fears that are holding you from growing and succeeding as a writer-to go out there and build a career in writing.

 Those were the fears I was carrying with me until last year. By the end of 2017, I was determined to step out and do something new and different- something that would evolve my writing skills and create an impact. I put my fears behind and did everything I could to make 2018 one of the most productive years of my life. I did, BUT.....

......it wasn't easy!

You see, in 2018, my family and I took a major step to move from the UK to Pakistan, and if you have ever moved, you know how difficult it is to say goodbye to your home and everything you love and then settle down in a new place.

While the move was difficult, it was a life-changer for me. My writing never stopped....even during the move and after the big move. It continued to help me vent my feelings, emotions and frustrations....it helped make my move become so much smoother and easier.

 God knows what I'd be doing now if I wasn't writing!

 This year, I became a writing coach and reached out to some online publications with a request to guest post on their platforms. I didn't hear back from the majority but among those who approved was Hope Clark from Funds for Writers (You can read it here if you like). It was exciting and I could not have felt happier! Not only that, within 3 months of my move, I was approached by a complete stranger who'd read my blogs to see if I could provide online coaching classes in writing. I said yes, and that started my career as a writing coach. I have taught before but privately, so to be doing it online on a platform with global reach has been a life changing experience for me.

 Currently, I am offering a content writing course for beginner and advanced levels and a creative writing course for kids through a platform called Virtual Mentors.

 Also in 2018, after having ghostwritten so many stories for kids for other clients, I decided to self publish one of my own...It had been on my to-do list for a long time but was never materialised due to my busy schedule.

 Now, that my kids are going to school and that I have the luxury of having a maid in the house, I finally managed to self publish my very own children's story. 'Peter Learns to Play Tennis' was published on the 30th of November 2018 on Amazon. A dream just came true for me!

So you see, putting your fears behind and coming out as yourself actually helps.

While 2018 closes well for me, I am not quite done yet. I want to step out of my comfort zone and build my career as a writer in 2019. Despite being backed by nearly a decade's worth of experience, I am taking further trainings and investing in myself to become a truly professional writer.

 Now, tell me how has this year been for you? How did you progress in your writing career?

Try this little activity:
  • Think about all you did as a freelance writer in 2018
  • Write down about every successful thing you did.
  • Read it and enjoy every little progress that made. Be proud of what you have accomplished.
Don't stop there! You need to do more and work harder in 2019 to build your career as a writer. What are you going to do different this time? Think about what more you'd like to do in the upcoming year as a freelance writer. What kind of writing do you want to do to progress and earn better than you did this year? What new things do you want to learn and do as a writer to bring the change? What kind of new projects would help you earn well in the comfort of your own home?

Keep a note of the earnings you'd like to generate in the new year and lead the comfy life of freelance writers like Carol Tice, bloggers like Jon Morrow and award-winning author and freelance entrepreneur Hope Clark!

 Having your goals down in writing always helps you envision the future more clearly and when you have them in front of you, they scream to you 'Go ahead and do it!'

 Go ahead, do it!

Make 2019 an amazing year in your career as a freelance writer!

 Happy new year!

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Comments

  1. Bins22 February 2019 at 07:53

    Hi Tasneem, I just chanced upon your blog today. It's a great blog. You are really generous with your info.
    Well, 2018 has been great. I have been writing for about 11 years now. But, I have been working with companies writing developing training modules, writing website content etc.
    Recently, I met someone who's on Upwork making a ton of money. I guess I should have joined that bandwagon a few years back. Now, it seems like a serious uphill task. I am really interested in writing e-books. Trying to somehow manage a foothold. Let's see how that pans out.

    I do have a few questions. I would be thrilled if you can answer them.

    1. How exactly do you charge for writing someones autobiography?
    2. I do not have any bylines for any of my work. What exactly can I submit as samples of my work?
    3. If I were to take up writing (afresh) and maintaining a blog for a company? Should I charge a monthly salary or per word?

    Like I said, I have been working with companies who had their fixed charges and now I feel like a fish out of water.

    Bins

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tasneem Ali22 February 2019 at 09:33

    Hi Bins,

    Thank you for your kind words.

    11 years must have given you loads of opportunities and experience as a writer. You won't be starting off from scratch.

    You may start working again from freelance platforms like Clear Voice, Toptal and the like instead of settling for low-paying bidding sites like Upwork.

    Create a killer portfolio by displaying the work you have already done in the past. These platforms understand that samples of your work may have been ghostwritten. That's why a byline isn't always required.

    You may also start writing on your own blog or on Medium and use your writing as samples of your work.

    How you charge your client depends entirely on you and your experience. Some writers charge on a per word basis. The rest have a fixed hourly rate. Research the ongoing market rates and charge accordingly. Whatever you do, do not settle for peanuts.

    I hope this helps.

    Wish you all the best with your writing ventures!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bins5 March 2019 at 19:47

    Hi Tasneem,

    Yes, I am fortunate to have worked with many brick n mortar companies and unfortunately I have signed NDA's with all of them. I cannot use any of the work I have done in my portfolio.

    Since I was looking at diversifying a little bit, I realized there is tons of opportunities and all of them require sample work. I have now decided to start a blog. Between all the stuff that I was trying to do, I just did not plan it out too correctly. I see all the people who regularly maintained blogs patiently over the years have reaped the benefits! :D Let's see how it all pans out.

    I was actually trying to get a ball-park figure out of you. :D No worries! But it is always great reaching out to fellow writers. I will be reading your blog more. There is a wealth of information here.

    Regards

    Bins

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tasneem Ali5 March 2019 at 22:16

      Hi Bins,

      Blogging is a great way to showcase your work whether you are a beginner or not. I have emphasized on the idea to create your own blog many times on Ghostwriters' World and that's what I teach my students too as a writing coach. I think you're on the right track. Keep up the good work.

      I am glad you find the content on this blog useful. I'll do my best and add lots of more ideas and useful information for writers like yourself here.

      Thank you and all the best for future.

      Tasneem

      Delete

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