My Freelance Writer’s Manifesto

As 2011 dawns, I mark five years as a full-time freelance writer. I feel intensely grateful to have spent these five years in control of my schedule and enjoying a variety of challenging and fun writing assignments. I love the freelance life.

Through the years of hacking my way through the freelance jungle, and mentoring other writers looking to earn a living, I’ve developed a philosophy.

I think there’s a mentality you need to succeed as a freelance writer. A belief system that helps you rise above the doubt, insecurity, and fears of starvation. It enables you to scratch out a living with just your ideas and your words, month after month.

This is the creed I live by. It’s helped me to earn more each year I’ve been a freelance writer.

This is my freelance writer’s manifesto:

1. As a freelance writer, I work hard. I deserve to earn a decent hourly rate.
2. I won’t let self-doubt hold me back from finding good-paying markets.
3. When I send out resumes or query letters, I won’t get discouraged or feel personally rejected. I will persevere.
4. I know I have the power to advance my writing career.
5. I will set goals for my writing business and take steps to meet them.
6. If I need more work, I will market my writing services more aggressively.
7. I will not use the economy as an excuse for not earning.
   
8. Even though it may not come easily to me, I can master new technology.
9. I will keep an open mind toward emerging types of writing.
10. If I encounter an aspect of the new-media world I don’t understand, I will learn about it.
11. I won’t waste my energy worrying about the recent proliferation of low-paying online writing markets.
12. I will actively participate in writer communities for camaraderie and support. We can help each other succeed.
    
13. It’s important as a freelancer to remember that I’m free. If the sun’s shining, maybe I’ll walk the dog in the middle of the day. I’ll take a few minutes to experience gratitude that I’m no longer trapped in a world of offices and set schedules.
14. I will give back to the writing community and share what I learn.

What’s your philosophy of freelance writing? Tell us about the beliefs that guide your writing career in the comments.

Photo via Flickr user Dmitry Kichenko