So many freelance writers are attracted by the freedom, creative expression and potential financial rewards of freelancing. But so many writers are undercharging for their work.

Last week I got a LinkedIn Premium account for free. For a year. Without giving over my credit card details.

When I first started writing feature articles for magazines and newspapers, I would pitch my idea to an editor, conduct all my interviews, transcribe the interviews and then write the article.

I am an old-fashioned kind of freelance writer.

I mean, I’m not typing this post on my typewriter, but I definitely don’t run a paperless office system.

Yes, my income target goes into an excel spreadsheet.

So does my pitch tracking, but almost everything else is on paper.

And all that paper, well, it gets messy.

Last week I mentioned how I have recently implemented a new paper flow system for my receipts and invoices.

And loads of you got in touch to say that you were excited to see my new system.

I’m going to share that with you in just a minute, but I first I want to tell you why I think this filing system has to be in every freelance writers’ toolkit.

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ll know how important I think LinkedIn is for freelance writers. I’m definitely not in the league of self-professed LinkedIn nerd (more like legend) John Espirian, but I’ve found so much great work from the platform. And barely a week goes by when I’m not contacted by prospective clients on LinkedIn.