I asked my fellow Plurkers what they wanted to know about freelance writing. JHipkin asked: how you keep a balance between looking for the next job and doing a good job on the current assignment? I gave a short answer to that question (due to the 140-character constraint), but thought I would answer it in more detail here.
Every writer has the problem of how to devote enough time to getting new work while not letting existing work suffer. I handle this simply, by planning time for looking for new work into my day.
I subscribe to several RSS feeds for job sites. I go through the job feeds in the morning as a way of easing into my day, opening any jobs that take my fancy in a Firefox tab. They stay there until I have dealt with them. I usually check again towards the end of the day. I also get some job leads by email or through my site. I try to start writing by 8.15, then when I reach a standstill, I look at the job feeds again in case anything new has come in.
When I get to the point where I can’t do much more, such as half an hour before pickup time or when DH is doing bedtime, I send out queries. I open my portfolio site in one tab, and quickly respond to all the job leads I have found that day. This takes no more than half an hour a day, and I manage to stick to this schedule most days.
I consider this time well spent. It still leaves me the best part of the day for writing, and it ensures that there is always the possibility of new work. And if I get more work than I can handle, I’ve got lots of freelancing friends who can help me. 
You might also enjoy:
{ 7 comments }
Sharon,
This is my struggle, but I am working on it. I have learned to schedule blocks of time for seeking new clients, working on existing projects and blogging/reading blogs. It got tricky this week though because I was building a new website (I am sooo not technical – you should have seen me!)and doing some other administrative/promotional things for my business. Still, if I didn’t plan my time each day I’d get very little accomplished!
Kimberly’s last blog post..SEO Copywriters: Real Freelance Writers or Not?
I love using firefox tabs for productivity. It’s also a good idea to grab job posts early because if they’re on Craigslist, many of the good posts get flagged before you can respond to them so replying early is a good idea.
Ideally, doing your job posting with your morning coffee is a good idea. I don’t always practice what I preach though as I get complacent once I’ve got a few clients keeping me busy but I do need to follow your advice to continue to get my rates up!
Good post!
Dana’s last blog post..When Do You Do Your Self-Promotion?
I had a very hard time with balance until I stopped writing for clients! I’ve picked up my blogging now and also do affiliate marketing. Blogging and affiliate marketing are a lot more fun for me than ghost writing. Now when I write, the project is 100% selfish. I felt I needed more balance at one time because I felt that I spent all my time writing for others and little to none writing for me.
Katherine’s last blog post..Setting Writing Career Goals – Freelance Writing Can’t be Ignored
Well, I guess this must be a problem more for established freelancers. I’m fairly new at it (loving it though!) and I find myself more likely to spend all my time applying for new jobs, and then squeezing to get my actual writing time in. Horrible habit I know. I’m working on breaking it.
Good post, thanks!
Robert M.D. Minto’s last blog post..Day Three: I Make My First Freelance Money, Join the Community, and Monetize My Blog
@ Kelly: I know how tough it is to get a new site together. You did well
@ Dana: You’re right; it makes sense to do it early, though I don’t always manage that. Because I’m often chasing a UK deadline, I do work for that market early.
@ Katherine: you’ll have to share your secrets.
@ Robert: Don’t worry; this will happen to you too once those jobs start coming in more regularly.
Great Post, Sharon!
I think an important thing is to focus on how much time each part of each project will take to accomplish. Set those times into your day and give yourself time for your other business tasks. Things like accounting, follow up, advertising/marketing, etc. all require regular upkeep.
Having said that, I’m still struggling to get that balancing act happening. Keep brilliant tips like these coming!!!
Rebecca Laffar-Smith’s last blog post..Do You Schedule Your Day?
Yes, it’s essential to divide your time, Rebecca. There are days when the schedule goes out the window, but it still helps to have one.
Comments on this entry are closed.