How long to build your freelance writing career?

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A freelancer contacted me to tell me that she was pregnant, and that she would like to stay home with the baby, and make freelancing a full-time career. She asked how long it would take before she’d earn good money.

A lot depends on your writing experience and contacts. I know one freelancer who managed to double her previous full-time working salary in six months. She wrote for several publications that she’d moonlighted for previously, and she sold a book - her book proposal was doing the rounds when she left her job.

If you’re a new freelancer, I suggest moonlighting. Stay at your current job until you have some industry contacts, and are making at least half of your current salary freelancing. Yes, this is difficult, because you’re working two jobs. Save all your freelance income.

This process may take you a year, or even longer. If so, that’s fine. The more money you can stash away while you’re working, the more relaxed you’ll be when freelancing full-time.

My gift to you: Holiday Season Writer’s Gift Pack - Santa’s sleigh is packed with gifts for you, dear writer. I wish you and yours a joyous holiday, and your best writing year ever in 2007.

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