Freelance Writing: 5 Things I Know Now That I didn’t Know When I Started

“Can I even do this?”

At the beginning of my writing career, I can’t tell you how many times I thought those exact words.

I kind of stumbled into freelance writing. Sure, I had written professionally before, but writing had never been my sole job. Add in working for myself, setting my own goals, and being fully responsible for my time, and it was a big shift.

And let me tell you, while writing seemed like it would be the hardest part of the job, it was NOT.

It’s all the other little, unknown pieces that take the most time to learn. And I learned most of them the hard way, through a lot of trial and error.

None of these ideas is groundbreaking, but if you hear them earlier than I did, they might save you some time, energy, and a few unnecessary headaches.

#1 Keep Track of Your Time

“Why should I track my time if they’re paying me a flat rate?”

That was absolutely my mindset in the beginning.

Then one day, I sat down and actually paid attention to how long it took me to write something for a specific client. I tend to get lost in research or overthink what I’m trying to say because I want to sound knowledgeable.

When I did the math, I realized I was making about $10 an hour.

Um, no thank you.

That’s not even close to minimum wage. And for me, writing while also being a stay-at-home mom, the work I take on has to be worth the time I’m stepping away from my priority.

You might be thinking, “Just spend less time researching or editing.” And I did try that.

But what I found was that the work taking me the longest was the work that felt the most out of my depth.

Which leads me to this…

Writing should bring you some level of joy. Not constant stress.

#2 Find Writing That Actually Feels Good to Write

Even though this is #2, it’s probably my #1 piece of advice.

I get it. In the beginning, you’re just looking for work. Anything that helps you build experience and credibility.

If that’s where you are, start paying attention. Notice what feels good to write and what feels like a struggle.

Because when you’re writing in a voice that doesn’t fit your style, everything takes longer. It feels harder. And you end up doing more editing on the back end.

For me, I love writing blogs and conversational copy. Even when I’m writing in someone else’s voice, if it’s natural and conversational, I can step right into it.

Technical copy or product descriptions? Not my lane. It feels like every word I type is like laying a 50 lb brick.

Once I figured that out, it became so much easier to decide what to say yes to and what to pass on.

And honestly, it’s made me better at what I do because I’ve stayed in my lane.

Don’t shy away from the kind of writing you enjoy. It’s better for you and better for your clients.

#3 Work With People Who Align With Your Values

My early mindset here was the same: any work is good work.

It’s not.

When a client is interviewing you, you should be interviewing them right back. Because when you’re aligned, everything runs smoother. Communication is easier, expectations make more sense, and the overall experience is just better.

Over time, I’ve realized I really enjoy working with women who own their own businesses and are also mothers. Funny how that works, right?

But it makes a difference. There’s an understanding there. A level of respect for each other’s time and priorities that you don’t have to explain.

Would I still work with someone outside of that? Of course.

But I’m more intentional now. I ask better questions and make sure it’s a good fit on both sides.

The right clients don’t just keep you busy. They make you better.

#4 Staying Organized Makes Everything Easier

I know. This feels obvious.

But coming from the girl in her college days who used to dig crumpled assignments out of her backpack to check the due date, I can’t skip this one.

In the beginning, I had notes everywhere. I missed details. I was tracking work in multiple places, and none of it was working.

What finally helped was keeping it simple. One notebook for my work schedule and my phone calendar.

Writing things down helps me remember, and seeing it on my phone keeps me accountable. I also track my time the same way every time, so everything stays consistent.

Am I perfectly organized? Not even close.

But having a basic system has made a huge difference. I’m less stressed, I make fewer mistakes, and I feel more in control of my workload.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to work for you.

#5 Don’t be Afraid to Say You’re Looking for More Work

This one can feel uncomfortable at first.

But if you’ve built a solid relationship with a client, this is one of the easiest ways to grow.

People don’t know you have availability unless you tell them.

And it doesn’t have to be a whole pitch. Just keep it simple and honest.

“My schedule has opened up a bit, and I’m looking to take on more work. If you know anyone who could use help, I’d really appreciate the referral.”

That’s it.

No pressure. No overthinking. Just a conversation.

What Actually Matters

None of these are flashy tips, but they’re the ones that change how this work actually feels day to day.

Freelance writing isn’t just about getting better at writing. It’s about how you manage your time, the kind of work you say yes to, the people you choose to work with, and the systems you put in place to keep everything moving.

It takes time to figure that out. It’s supposed to.

But once you start paying attention to these pieces, things do get easier. Not perfect, but more manageable. More sustainable.

And if you’re in the middle of figuring it all out right now and struggling, go check out Dez at the

Pajama Writer. She has a wealth of knowledge and systems to get your writing now!