Guest post: How much do YOU make freelance writing?

A couple of days ago I wrote “How much do YOU make freelance writing?”, discussing the many searches this blog gets for information on how much freelance writers earn.

Here’s Shay’s post.

My name is Shay Rockhold. I am the homeschooling mom of four kiddos – ages 15, 12, 10 and 4. I am also the wife of a disabled veteran. He is the love of my life and my hero.

I have only been a freelance writer for 4 months, but I am already making a full-time income from it. I started back in September of ’08 as a way to make money for Christmas, and I quickly realized that I could make a full-time income from writing.

I started out by writing articles for people who have websites and membership sites. My first paid assignment was to write 50 articles about hamsters. Not glamorous, but it paid well. Not only that, but it paid instantly – no waiting for a paycheck! I was hooked.

I still write articles; but now I also write e-books, press releases, reports, e-courses, and numerous other projects. You name it and I will do it. LOL

Now I have also branched out and have found offline clients in addition to online ones.

Looking back, there are several things I did that I know (now) were the right thing to do:

1. I had a website with samples. I had so many people wanting to see samples of my work that I saved a lot of time by putting a sample on my site. I also added rates and the services I offer – it is a huge timesaver for me and any potential clients that see it.

2. I asked for work. I know this seems very simple, but so many writers don’t take this first step. When I was on a forum and saw someone needed a writer, I asked for the project. I didn’t get every one I asked for, but I would have gotten zero if I had not asked. The worst that could happen is that they say, “No.”

3. I keep in touch with all of my clients. Just a simple email once in a while brings in repeat business. Clients are busy – it is my job to remind them that I can help make their lives easier.

4. I never wrote for peanuts. I always made sure I wrote for a rate that was good for me and also my client.

5. I branched out. I did not limit myself to articles. I will write anything my clients have in mind (although I do avoid certain niches, such as gambling, etc.).
So the answer to, “How much money do you make freelance writing?” is simple.

You make however much you want, as long as you take the appropriate action.

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Shay Rockhold offers a 7-day course on how to make a full-time income as a freelance writer. She also offers one-on-one coaching for freelance writers who want to develop a full-time income. For more information, please email her at rockhold60654 [at] gmail [dot] com. You can also visit her writing website at www.rockholdwriting.webs.com.

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I’m looking for more guest bloggers, so if you’ve got a freelance writing topic you’d like to post on, contact me at angela.booth@gmail.com and tell me what it is.

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