Lindy Alexander | The Freelancers Year

Travel Writing

Want to break into travel writing? Do this.

When you think about the dream job – being a travel writer is up there for many people..

The one thing every freelancer should be doing (but isn’t)

Whether you are a freelance content writer, journalist, copywriter, editor or something in between, we have all been in situations where we could do with more work. The feast or famine nature of being a freelancer is nothing new, but there’s one very simple thing that freelancers often neglect to do. But if you do it regularly, it can turn your business around.

March – a huge month on part-time hours

All through March I wondered what I was going to be writing in this end of month round up. In the middle of the month, I was nowhere near my income target and I felt that a lot of the exciting business plans that I had dreamt up at the end of 2017 were getting left behind because I needed to use the time I had to work, rather than to build a business.

Why you don’t need a writing routine

I’ve been coaching quite a few freelance writers lately and when we talk about some of the challenges they have there are five words that pop up over and over: “I don’t have a writing routine”. Often these writers tell me they feel guilty and unproductive because they don’t have a set routine. But I think the focus and pressure on freelancers to have a writing routine is unnecessary. Here’s why.

Online courses – the six things freelancers need to look for

I received an email a couple of weeks ago from a reader asking about investing in online courses. She wrote, “I’ve subscribed to a few newsletters and get invitations to do courses. The most recent is for for people earning under $2,000 a month and wanting to grow clients. I’m tempted, but I don’t want to spend all my money on courses!”

February – back on track (sort of)

None of us know what life has in store, but when you’re a freelancer, you never quite know what work has in store for you either. By the middle of February I had hit my income target, but I was also grappling with the idea of pulling out of writing a commissioned article on a very difficult topic. My family and work situation changed at the end of the month, meaning I’ve had to re-evaluate the time I can dedicate to my freelance business.

from lawyer to freelance copywriter – meet libby hakim

Meet the Freelancer

From lawyer to freelance copywriter – meet Libby Hakim

Libby Hakim is a quiet but extraordinary achiever – a former lawyer, Libby now works full time as a freelance copywriter, SEO writer and digital content specialist. She’s an incredibly versatile writer and is just at home writing technical white papers as she is penning an article about how tidying may just change your life. I was so thrilled when Libby agreed to be part of this Q&A – she spills the beans on the benefits of writing for agencies, why she resisted writing about the law and her advice for those dreaming of being a freelance writer.

January – a slow start to 2018

After a hectic November and fairly busy December, January was really quiet for me. I didn’t feel much like pitching, instead I wanted to hang out with my family and have some down time. Towards the end of the month I started pitching, because I realised that even though I had invoiced for a good amount of money, not having lots of commissions means that a few months down the track, my bank account will take a big hit.

Feature Writing

Anatomy of a feature article

In the survey I sent out a few weeks ago, lots of you mentioned that you’d like to see how one of my feature articles developed – from the initial idea and pitching the editor to interviewing case studies and experts, writing the article, submitting it and being published. In this post I take you through an example of a feature story and all the steps involved in getting the article published in one of Australia’s newspapers.

December wrap-up and my income for 2017

On the the first of December I decided I would take my foot off the gas, and only pitch stories that I really felt strongly about. Financially, the pressure was off a bit because October and November were such big months and so I started to relax. I had lunch out with my partner and friends, I went for long walks, I started to ride my bike again (hello quad muscles), and I felt rejuvenated. This is my last post for 2017, and one where I outline my yearly income for the year.

Five ways to get the new year off to a great start

The ham, turkey and pudding may have barely settled in your belly (if you celebrate Christmas), but almost as soon as the festive season is over, the new year looms. Lots of freelance writers have told me that they want 2018 to be their year – one where they start a new type of writing, earn more, quit their day job or build up their side hustle. Whatever your aim for 2018, it’s worth ensuring you have done these five things to ensure the new year gets off to a strong start.

The 9 lessons I learnt from my first year of full time freelancing

2017 has been a huge year for me. I started in January not knowing how I would go trying to earn a full time living from freelance writing for magazines, newspapers and corporate organisations. I’m so glad to say that it’s been a success. I’ve never felt more motivated, more productive or more engaged in the work I’m doing. The year hasn’t been without challenges, though.

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Author: Lindy Alexander