Nov 27 2009
Other Traits of a Successful Freelance Writer
I discussed some traits of a successful freelance writer in my last post. Today I want to add to that list.
Basic Computer Skills are Necessary–If you don’t have a basic knowledge of computers there is no need to worry because you can always learn what you need to know about running a computer. Although you don’t need to be a whiz kid with a computer there are reasons why you at least need basic skills. These reasons are as follows:
- Editors almost always want a copy of your article on a disk
- They will also want to e-mail you or have you e-mail your copy to them
- The internet is a great place to find writing assignments
- There is a massive amount of information online that may be useful when researching an assignment
Ability to Meet Deadlines–Do you know the principal reason why new writers fail? It is because they did not finish their assignments on time. If this becomes a problem then you will find it hard to keep clients or develop new ones. The editor or client is counting on your article, book, or newsletter and they will not be happy if it is not turned in on time. If you have a valid reason for missing a deadline let the editor or client know what is happening and try to work something out. Maybe you can get an extension or you may be able to turn in your research notes and have them find someone else to finish the assignment.
Good Listening Skills–Are you a good listener? Do others like to talk to you about almost anything? If this is not true of you don’t worry this is a skill that you can learn quite quickly. Most people are actually poor listeners because we pay too much attention to our inner thoughts or have too many outside distractions. Then there is the fact that we can think faster then another person can speak and we tend to tune that person out. By being an inattentive listener you may miss out on a lot of valuable information.
Empathy or Being Able to Put Yourself in Their Shoes–When you interview someone you need to be able to have that person open up to you. You have to have a basic liking of people to be a successful freelance writer.
Assertiveness or The Ability to Stand Up For Your Self–To be successful as a freelance writer you must be able to let people know that you are the best person for this job. It is essential that you cultivate the necessary self-confidence you need to sell others on your abilities.
Good Family Relationships–Your family is important to the success or failure of your writing career. If they are not supportive or able to understand your goals there is a good chance that your efforts toward a successful freelance writing career will be in jeopardy. You also need to make sure that you are not taking advantage of their support and understanding for this career to work. There may be a period of adjustment while your family begins to understand your new career path and what changes that will bring to the family.
These are the additional traits to becoming a successful freelance writer. If you don’t already have these traits don’t worry, you can learn these skills and with practice you will become proficient with them and have a great freelance writing career.
