Portraits of the freelance writer.
There you are in front of the computer, your thumb resting gently on the space bar. The cursor blinking in a hypnotic rhythm. Perhaps you’re trying to come up with four more ideas for your “Top Ten Things to Avoid When Moving” article that you’re writing on spec for a random website. Or maybe you have one eye on a blog post you’re creating and one eye on your email account, waiting to see if that local dental practice that needs some marketing copy on gingivitis has gotten back to you.
Maybe this sounds familiar. Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure—if you are trying to make it as a freelance writer in this world, there is no direct path. No one “right” way. No instruction manual that can guarantee success and financial security. But there are clues. And there are people who have gone before and have made it in the freelance writing world!
With all that said, I want to welcome you to another installment in our series on freelance writing. Our previous article, featuring Nikki Steele, got some of you thinking and talking, so I decided to jump back in with a new feature on Phoenix-area freelance writer Suzanne Heyn.
I presented Suzanne with the same four questions, and have provided her answers below. Take a look and see what she has to say. Perhaps it can provide guidance as you navigate the freelance writing maze!
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What is your academic and professional background in the writing space?
I studied journalism at Temple University, and then went on to write for newspapers for four years. I probably learned more in the newsroom than during college. I learned how write fast, be accurate, meet deadlines and self-start. Then I worked in marketing communications for a small consulting firm and did the corporate thing for a while.
What were some key factors that got you thinking about a freelance writing career?
I hated my corporate job and wanted to quit. I missed the independent yet collegial atmosphere of the newsroom and decided I valued my independence more than a steady paycheck, so freelancing it was.
What steps did you take to get your freelance career off the ground?
I didn’t do an LLC. I’m a sole proprietor.
The first thing I did was set up my writer website. I had a .wordpress one at first, but had a high bounce rate, so then went ahead and bought my own domain name. I think that’s really important. You don’t need to have a super snazzy site, but it needs to look professional and like you’re committed.
Then I marketed my butt off. People always say not to answer Craigslist ads, but I’ve gotten some really good clients from that site. One of them I still work with today, and they’ve turned into my biggest client. I also cold called a lot of people and sent letters of interest. Cold calling didn’t really bring in a lot of results, but letters of interest turned out well. I landed a big trade magazine client that way, and the editor gave me a ton of work.
I was interested in pursuing magazine journalism initially, so I broke into some local magazines with pitches.
What are some key tips you can give to those considering a freelance writing career?
Have money saved up or a spouse willing to support you for a while. It takes a few months to get going, and you won’t have much money coming in at first. You don’t want to have to take low-paying work because then you won’t have time to market for better jobs.
Also, you need patience. The first few months are really hard and you’re pouring a lot of yourself into an enterprise that isn’t necessarily giving you anything back. So take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep, remember to exercise and hold out for clients who respect you and pay you well. They’re out there, it just takes work to find them.
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Suzanne provides some strong advice. First, decide if you value that steady paycheck or more independence—it’s a key threshold question to determine if the freelance life is right for you. Then, project a professional image and don’t be afraid to market yourself. And finally? Patience. Understand the ball may start rolling slowly, but that you will build up momentum over time.
If you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, or even if you’re a freelance veteran, we’d like to hear your stories. How did you get started? How do you maintain success?
Suzanne Heyn is a freelance health and wellness writer, author, yoga teacher and mindfulness expert based in Phoenix. You can find her professional work at SuzanneHeyn.com, and tips for living a more peaceful, authentic life at ModernYogi.today and on Instagram @modern.yogi.