7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Freelance Writing
Advice to help you kick off your career as a freelance writer like a pro
After working in book publishing for a couple of years and then in marketing for a few years, I sort of stumbled into being a freelance writer and editor. At some point, it simply became apparent that it made the most sense for what I wanted out of life. When I first took the plunge down this path, I found myself learning something nearly every day about how to be more successful in my new career.
To save you the trouble, I’ve rounded up some of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned from my experience, research, and friends in the industry.
Here are the seven things I wish I would’ve known when I first entered the world of freelance writing:
1. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your contracts.
When I landed my first successful pitch, I was too excited at the opportunity to get that byline to think much about whether the contract was “fair” or whether I might want some of the clauses edited or even taken out. Sure, I read every single word before signing, but it honestly never even crossed my mind that I could negotiate the terms to my benefit.
