After I posted my 7 Habits of Highly Paid Freelance Writers, I heard from new writer Bob Lynn. “Do you have a related, or similarly helpful list of suggestions for people trying to break into writing?” he asked. “I’m totally new to this.”
This got me thinking about the important habits for writers looking to break into earning and getting those first few clips…so here you are, Bob:
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful New Freelance Writers
1. They write regularly. Develop a writing routine and try to write every day. That’s the only way you’ll be ready when you get a paying assignment.
2. They believe in themselves. Rejection letters do no phase them. If they send 20 resumes and queries and get no responses, they don’t take it personally. They don’t dwell on it – they move right on to the next step in their plan to find paid writing.
3. They are willing to market their business. Their methods may vary – they may favor in-person networking, cold-calling, social networking or sending query letters. But successful new writers are always looking for a new, better-paying client. They have a plan to market their writing and stick with it.
4. They seek out mentors. Writers who want to earn a good living attend workshops, hire mentors or coaches, or ask editors for advice. They know mentors can help them develop and get better-paying assignments.
5. They are open to criticism. Successful writers are not prima donnas who moan over ever tiny change an editor wants to make to their story. They join writer’s groups to seek feedback on their work. They are self-confident enough to listen with an open mind to suggestions for improving their work.
6. They keep learning. Whether it’s reading the newspaper to study the style of it, or buying writing books, downloading e-books, taking college classes, e-courses, or a writer’s group, successful writers look for opportunities to increase their knowledge.
7. They have goals. Vague dreams of earning a living from writing will not put money in the bank. Writers who want to move up in pay set long-term goals and break them down into shorter-range goals. They break those down into concrete to-do lists and focus on accomplishing their tasks, and track their progress. Periodically, they analyze their results and to adjust their goals based on what’s working best for them.