Ten Freelance Mistakes to Avoid

Posted: March 12, 2016

Freelance writing is a dream that almost every writer has at one time or another. It can be a great way to earn money doing something that you love. However, just jumping into freelance writing can lead to many mistakes, and even to failure. Planning and organization can help lead to freelance success. Marian Schembari, writer for The Write Life, shares what mistakes to avoid making when becoming a freelance writer.

How to Be a Freelance Writer: Skip These 10 Embarrassing Mistakes

The first time I went freelance, I was 22. I jumped in with both feet, quitting my job and starting a location-independent life. I couldn’t be more grateful. Without freelancing, I never would have been able to travel the world. I learned more in those two years than I ever did at school. But, if I’m being honest, I didn’t love it. The pay wasn’t great, I had little work experience, and running any business is hard. I had no idea how to deal with contracts, invoices, taxes and health insurance. My world became less about the actual work and more about staying afloat. I did everything wrong. Seven years later, I’m back at it. But this time I’m prepared. The good news is, whether you’re 22 or 82, you can learn from my initial naivete: 1. I didn’t hire an accountant At 22, I thought only hugely successful freelancers could afford an accountant. With systems like TurboTax, why waste the money? Here’s why: BECAUSE DIY ACCOUNTING IS THE ACTUAL WORST. During this second go-round I’m not wasting billable hours figuring out my taxes. This year I’m paying an expert to do it right the first time. Read the entire article How to be a Freelance Writer: Skip These 10 Embarrassing Mistakes on The Write Life.