Yes, resolutions are cliché. But year after year you set them. Maybe you stick to them for a week, maybe you can make it a whole month. Either way, these resolutions get you to evaluate your life and really see what you would like to change. As a freelance copywriter, you have your own set of problems that the rest of the world just doesn’t understand. You are your own breed (and a very good one at that). So what should you resolve to change for 2014?
Expand Your Freelance Copywriter Repertoire
It seems like you are always writing the same type of orders. Hey, you are good at them, so why shouldn’t you? But this year, why not push your limits by trying out articles in industries and asset types not listed on your profile? Have you never written a press release before? There is no better time than now to try it out. Afraid of marketing copy? You may have a hidden talent of being subtly persuasive that you will never discover unless you give it a shot.
Bite Your Tongue
The hardest part of being a freelance writer is that you are expected to be a mind reader. While you always do your best, you just can’t read minds, no matter how much you try (darn it!). This can lead to some very rude comments from clients. Downgrading, demeaning, make-you-want-to-punch-them-in-the-face comments. Instead of instantly sending a snide remark back to the client (which they totally deserve, by the way), don’t. Instead, promise to be as professional as possible. But that doesn’t mean you have to actually do the revisions either. Instead, send the order back with a simple comment like, “I would love to complete this assignment according to your requests, but I feel like a different writer will be a better fit. Thank you for your understanding.”
Get Out of the House at Least Twice Per Week
Ah, the life of a freelancer. Getting to complete all of your work via the Internet means that you can pretty much live in your sweatpants and nobody in the outside world will know it. While this can be an awesome perk to the job, you also need to force yourself to get out every once in a while. It is good for your soul and will make you a better writer. The best part is, it doesn’t even matter where you go, as long as you shower first.
Make Time for Your Passion
What good is being a talented writer if you spend all of your time writing for other people (besides the paycheck, of course)? Most freelance copywriters dream of having a book in print, and chances are you are one of them. It doesn’t matter if you want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Deepak Chopra, if you don’t get the words written, they can never be published (duh!). Set aside a certain day of the week, even if it’s just for an hour, to only write for you.
Rachel M is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
