5 tips to help you grow as a freelance writer

Freelance writing can be one of the most fulfilling careers that a creative thinker ever gets a chance to pursue. The initial forays into the field can be the most difficult as the stress of being new and unsure cause many to throw in the towel before they truly get immersed. If you’re just starting out and you want to grow in your craft, here are some things you can try.

Have a mentor

Any writer who has made it to greatness or at least moderate success will have passed through the stages you now are suffering through. Reach out to a more advanced writer than yourself. They may be able to give you some good advice that can help you avoid some of the less necessary traps of the industry.

Set goals

One of the easiest ways to keep yourself from progressing is to repeat the easiest actions possible so that you get a feeling of mastery without risking failure. This is only possible in the long term if you lack goals to compare your missing progress to. Ensure that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve so that you can correct your course if you find yourself stalling.

Write regularly

Practicing will draw more out of you than listening to good advice or planning ever will. This can be accomplished by setting up your own blog, keeping a journal or just writing fan fiction consistently.

Pick your jobs wisely

Some of the most discouraging aspects of freelance writing come about because of poor decision making in the selection of jobs. Make sure that you can afford to take on any jobs you select both in terms of time expended and money potentially earned. Ignoring those factors can leave you frazzled, broke and disillusioned. None of those traits make for good writing.

Read extensively

One of the best ways to improve your writing style is to read. Think of it as inhaling and exhaling. You take in good examples of writing and you put out better writing as a result. Never forget to take a break and give yourself a refill by reading for pleasure.

None of the tips given above are hard to implement into your life, no matter how busy you are. All they require is some persistence and the benefits they impart can be yours.