How to Make a Living as a Writer – Part 2

First, let me answer a few questions/comments.

1.  Can you go into more detail about what should be on your website?

Sure.  Put 2 or 3 articles on it – around 400 words each.  The subject matter isn’t really important.  You just want to show potential clients that you can write well.  Make sure that you have no typos or errors in your samples!

You also want to have contact info, as well.  I don’t put a phone number on my site – just an email address.  (Make sure your email address isn’t something like hotmama696969@hotttmail.com.  Be professional, people.)

Put on there what types of writing you offer – articles, press releases, e-books, reports, etc.

2.  How long does it take to make a full-time income as a writer?

That depends on you and what you consider “full-time.”  For me, I was making a living as a writer from the first month I started.  I could make more in a week writing than I could in a month working a regular job, plus I get to sit on my butt at my computer doing it.  Money motivates me.  Like I said before, I’m funny that way.

3.  How much do you, personally, make as a writer?

More than you do.

Okay, now that that is over….

At this point, you should have a site and you want some clients.

Now you start looking.

The hardest part is that first client.  That’s your learning curve.  It’s your goal.

My personal opinion (and feel free to disagree with me) is that your first client is worth settling for a lower-paying job than what you might normally charge.

Why?

1. The whole thing is a learning process.  You’re going to make some kind of mistake along the way.  Giving the client some slack with the rate is a good “Thank you,” in my opinion.
2. This first job is a trial.  From offering your services to delivering the finished product to receiving payment – it’s all a learning process.
3. After the first job, you’ll get a whole lot more confidence.

What’s a typical job?

There is no “typical” job, but I’ll give you an idea of some things you might get.

“I need 10 articles of 400 words each about cats.  Keywords are enclosed.  I need each keyword phrase mentioned once in the title and 3 times in the body of the article.  Need them by Friday.”

“I need a 1500 page report on how to set up a WordPress blog.  I need it in two weeks. “

“I need a press release about XYZ Widget Company.  I need it tomorrow by 4 pm.”

Those are typical jobs.  Basic, straightforward and simple.

Two Phrases to Remember

Once you get that first job – and the client is pleased – say these two things:

1. Can I use you as a reference?
2. Do you know of anyone else that could use my services?

You honestly only need a handful of steady clients in order to make a living as a writer.  Honestly.  Most good writers I know have to turn business away more often than not – good writers are in demand, and there are only so many hours in the day!

Now, what if you want to make a living as a writer, but don’t want to be chained to a desk with deadlines and clients?

Ah, my lovebugs…..that will be for another post….

Questions?  Comments?  Tell me!

Plus, you can follow me on Twitter:  Shara O’ Ryan