Time management tips for freelance writers

Tip 1: Fix schedule for each client

The very first thing a freelance writer can do to manage time is to set a schedule, client-wise. Let’s say you have three full time clients and one or two one-time clients. Fix one proper time for each permanent client and keep one-time projects floating in between them. For instance, you can work from nine to eleven on Client A and then from one to three on Client B and from four to six on Client C, and keep the other one-time projects floating in between them depending upon when you get time. Do not follow my two-hours to one client timing. You can vary the duration of work according to the amount of work given to you.

Tip 2: Make a weekly list of articles to write

If you have a permanent client who needs so many articles each week then you should take one day out, probably Saturday, to make a list of articles’ titles that you should write in the coming week. This will save you a lot of time cracking an article idea at the time of writing.

Tip 3: Use Word 2007 for blogging

I am writing this post using blog feature of Word 2007. This is very handy. You can use it to write and publish blog posts. All you need to do is add accounts using XMLRPC link to the client’s blog. IF you do not have word 2007 then you can also consider using other offline blog editors. It will save a significant amount of time.

Tip 4: Install Clutter Cloak

On computer, it is quite easy to get distracted, and it is equally easy to save yourself from distraction while writing. You can save a lot of time by installing clutter cloak or any other similar application on your computer.

There are many more things that you can do to save yourself the horror of missed deadlines. Stick to these and see the improved performance.

A residual income keeps a steady sum of money flowing into your account.  This you can save for a rainy day, or spend as you need to, to keep the career going.  Residual income’s usually don’t earn as much as your mainstay, but they are a good supplement.

Think about the opportunities before you.  If you haven’t created a personal blog, you really should consider doing so.  It’s a good way to speak your mind, get noticed, and sell some ad space to make a little extra money.  Every writer should have a personal blog, and even if you don’t have the full time to invest, at least a simple blogspot.com one would suffice.  Combined with Google’s Adsense program, you can make yourself a nice little cash cow.

Try some seasonal opportunities.  There’s always someone out there looking for writers to write copy for season specific events, or advertisements.  Those are decent jobs that are fairly easy to complete, and they pay pretty well most of the time.  It’s a nice easy job that won’t detract from your main projects, but that keeps you writing, as well as earning.

If you have the sort of degree necessary, you could consider teaching other writers.  Many universities offer opportunities for independent teachers.  As long as you have the credentials, you can get paid for your time.  Plus you get exposed to new styles, and have a chance to communicate with other writers.  Now you’re not only earning some side money, but also helping your own writing to grow.

Start an Online Business – providing specific products and services has a good business potential. Currently, popular online trades include internet marketing, web design, and copywriting. It’s easy to start a business nowadays. But it is important to find the right people who will help you succeed. In addition, building relationships with the internet community is critical.

Join Get-Paid-To Websites – although the income potential of this technique is quite limited, it can provide easy extra income. Completing surveys, surfing the web, and signing up for trial offers are just some of the ways you can make fast money. There are many offers like this online. If you intend to join get-paid-to sites, it is important to differentiate legitimate sites from scams.

Find a Virtual Job – there are a lot of online jobs in today’s economy including online self-coaching, virtual assistance, and technical support. There are also consultation networks such as Bitwine that allows anyone to set up their profile and offer advice for pay on the web. A lot of these jobs involve communicating with clients directly through virtual means whether it is through emails, instant messaging, or online telephony.

Freelance Work – offering your specific services in exchange for money can be done on the internet as well. Services such as programming, copywriting, and web design are highly in demand on the internet today. Other freelancing jobs include translation, transcription, and proofreading. There are many freelance marketplaces that connect you to potential clients.