How to Develop Confidence as a Freelance Writer

Starting a career as a freelance writer can end up feeling like being lost. This is especially true if the writer is coming from a setting where a boss gave specific directions on on what to do every day. Learning to manage time, staying focused, writing every day and celebrating each small success will rapidly increase a freelance writer's self-confidence.

Time Management for Freelance Writers

Learning to use work time effectively is a challenge for a new freelance writer--just as it is for any person who is new to the experience of working from home. The easiest way to get started is to set aside scheduled work hours just as you would if you were heading out to the office. There are going to be times when you have to break your schedule, so if you take an hour out of your work time to do something other than write, then schedule the make up hour immediately.

Keep a log of your hours--at least at first--so you can look back at it each day or at the end of week. This will give you a source of confidence-boosting visual reinforcement that you are working according to the goals you set for yourself. Make notations about articles submitted, articles published or number of pages written, and challenge yourself to complete more writing more each week.

Staying Focused on the Task of Freelance Writing

This is actually part of time management, but it is important enough to deserve its own section. At first it will be hard to resist the urge to stop writing so you can chat on the phone or do household tasks like the laundry or dishes. After all, you are right there, and it will only take a few minutes to take care of, right? Wrong! Every time you stop, you are going to break your train of thought.

Allowing distractions to interfere with your writing will set you up to fail. If you want to write good content and make a living as a freelance writer, let the time you schedule for work be your opportunity to succeed.

How Often Should a Freelance Writer Sit Down to Write

The part about sitting down is just an expression: If you write more effectively standing up, then stand up. The important part is to write every day, even if it is just for fifteen minutes. If you cannot be near your computer or full-sized notebook, keep a small notebook handy or type notes in a handheld PDA--just write. Write about anything that catches your attention. Even the topics that seem silly might be inspiration you can use later in your writing.

Celebrate Every Writing Success You Have

Money is usually the reward people seek for their labors, and it often comes slowly at first for a freelance writer. Sometimes the writer creates a large body of work before seeing any money at all. Rewards that are slow in coming make it more important than ever for developing confidence as a writer to celebrate each small success. The celebrations do not have to be big or expensive, but definitely do something to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.