5 Pitfalls A Freelance Writer Should Avoid While Looking For The First Job

Just like any other career, freelance writing also comes with its own fair share of pitfalls that every writer should be aware of. If you have never stopped struggling in getting freelancing jobs, then it is possible you have not taken time to analyze if you are doing the right things at the right time or not doing them at all. It is especially disheartening for those who are new into the system. If nothing is done earlier, you might just have no other option than to quit a very promising career out of your own fault. This article will discuss some of those mistakes that might hamper your progress in earning income writing for individuals and businesses.

Listed here are some freelance writing pitfalls you should strive to avoid as you look for your first job as a writer. They are as follows:

• Lack Of Plan: If you don’t properly plan your daily activities, both related to writing and non-writing, you are definitely planning on failing. It is important you have an organizer so you that you can effectively allot time to your activities – time for home chores, time to submit queries, time to research and write up new samples etc.


• Lack Of Marketing: If you are not making any effort towards marketing your services as a freelance content writer, then you may not make the much needed progress in your chosen career. You have to create time to put out the word out there that you write articles, blog posts, web pages and press releases for a living. This is one of the pitfalls that limit writers’ opportunities.


• Missing Deadlines: When you continually miss deadlines, it screams nothing but “incompetence”. Taking your clients’ businesses serious means you have to deliver their content at the agreed time. When you fail to do this, they have no option but to believe you don’t value them. If this happens in your freelance writing career, then you are surely in for a rough roller-coaster ride. Don’t miss deadlines.


• Scammers: This is one of the pitfalls you should watch out for as a beginner writer. They are mostly found on various job sites and would ask you to write a “sample” article to determine your expertise. At the end of the day, they use your work without paying for same. Keep your eyes peeled for this type of clients.


• Skipping Your Taxes: The last but not the least mistake you should avoid in your freelance writing business. When you skip paying your taxes, they only end up accumulated and if care is not taken, it could lead to bankruptcy. The earlier you file and pay your taxes, the better your career as a writer will get.