Qualities That A Newbie Freelance Writer Must Possess

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One standing on the shore of the sea will never know the depth of it. But have you ever thought of diving in to experience the world under water? Writing is similar to this. You will have to delve deep into it to know how worthy it is.

Just like the sea, the boundaries of writing are endless. It has various types, and being new to the field it is your responsibility to explore it like a voyager. Having a passion for writing is applaudable but is that alone enough to sustain in the world of freelance content writing?

Being new to freelancing myself, I have learned a lot about the characteristics that one must have to become a freelancer in demand. I would like to share them with you. Let’s get rolling.

 

The ability to identify a niche area

Academic writing, creative writing, website content writing, speech & essay writing, proposal writing, are only a few options for you to choose from as a writer. Sure, you can be an all-rounder, but even if that's the case, you must still identify three or four niche areas that you excel in. 

 

Availability

Make sure to mention your avaialbility clearly in your profile. Freelancing is like a rat race, so, it’s recommended that you are available 24/7, keeping in mind that the clients can be from all over the world. Don't forget to discuss this with any potential clients. 

 

Be receptive and proactive

Listen to the needs of your client. Why? Because ultimately you have to satisfy them more than yourself. Of course, you can provide suggestions and consistently improve on their work.

Remember to be proactive when your client is out of ideas. Here is your chance to prove your creativity. Don't be afraid to give it your best shot, and then make any necessary changes as requested by the client. 

 

Time management

This is most important of all because you will probably find yourself handling many projects at one time. Prioritize your work and keep a deadline which is well ahead of the one given to you. This will allow you to complete your work faster.

Initially, when you start, you might feel as if you're taking forever to complete a simple article. However, once you get into the groove, then there won’t be any looking back. Every project will become easier.

 

Read, read, read

This is a must. Never ever stop reading. You need not make a change in your choice of books since you have started freelancing. It can remain the same but just don’t stop, because this is how you will gain knowledge both actively and passively.

 

Pen down your thoughts

Always have a small notepad or diary handy with you wherever you go. This is to jot down any flash ideas that you may get at the most random locations. If you don’t do this, you will never get them back.

Not a ‘pen and paper’ person? Never mind. You can use your mobile instead.

 

Edit more than once

The write-up might seem perfect to you but you have to give it a final read from the perspective of a third person. Trust me, there is a high chance that you will still find a mistake.

 

Maintain a database

Your database can include a varied amount of information: the date, title, number of words, the client name, and any other details that you consider to be relevant. Update it as you keep getting more and more work. This will be of great help in the future.

 

Never stop writing, even when you are out of work

There can be days when you don’t have any projects happening. It does not mean that you have to stop writing. Therefore consider keeping a diary. By doing this you will always remain in the writing groove, whilst ensuring you keep that writer's block at bay.

 

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