Here’s something that happens to most freelance writers, early on in their career:
You’re out there, sending query letters or pitching companies your marketing writing help. And finally, one of them actually calls you back.
You meet. They want to work with you. They make you an offer, and you accept.
Ecstasy!
Then you go home and think about what just happened, and a terrible gnawing feeling of dread begins to form in the pit of your gut.
Soon, you’re freaking out.
You realize you have no clear idea how to do this assignment.
You’re not sure you can do it.
And now you’re terrified you’re going to flub this up and look stupid.
How to stop freaking out
The first thing to do in this scenario is realize that worse things have happened.
And that this has happened to many other writers before you.
Likely, no lives are at risk here.
Even if you mess this up totally, you will not die. And this one disaster will not destroy your chances of having a freelance writing career.
Now that you have a perspective on your situation, you’re ready to fix this and get your assignment done — and done right.
Here are seven tips for ending the panic and getting your assignment back on track:
- Breathe. Don’t do anything in haste. Stop and analyze your situation. Do a calming activity until you can think rationally about the situation.
- Find out why. What is the cause of your panic about this gig? Once you put your finger on it, you can start solving the problem.
- Ask lots of questions. Now you can go back to your client to resolve your issue by asking for more information. Say, “How many sources would you like to see in this story?” or “Who is the core audience for this marketing piece?” or whatever you forgot to ask — or didn’t realize you needed to know until later. Get the knowledge you need to create a roadmap for writing this. Editors will not be put off by a request for more information. It shows you care about making this assignment the best it can be.
- Break it down. Often, I find, the cause of freak-out is overwhelm. Make a list of all the tasks that need to happen related to this. Next, put them in priority order. Now, start at number one, and just focus on getting that done. Then, move on to the next step. See, don’t you feel better already?
- Learn more. If you’re stuck midway through an assignment with a problem — like a source that’s flaked out on you — go back to your editor or marketing manager and ask them how you should proceed. Editors just hate surprises, so they’ll respect you for telling them early while there’s still time to fix it, rather than giving them an ugly surprise later when you turn in a mess. Or, if you feel like you don’t know enough about your topic, find another expert to interview. Do more online research. Fill in the holes.
- Ask for more time. Often, there is wiggle room in deadlines. If you’re concerned you can’t get it done on time, ask if it would be a problem to take another day or week. Yes, it would be more pro to turn it in on time. But if you can’t turn in top-quality work on time, great work that’s a little late (and with the editor knowing it will be late) is better than crappy work on time.
- Get an expert’s advice. Many new writers would love to bounce these dilemmas off a pro writer and get their advice, I’ve learned. I get so many questions from freelance writers who’re in a panic about their gigs and need answers right away that I created a community for writers looking to grow their income. Freelance Writers Den offers tons of ecourses, weekly live events, and supportive forums where your question gets answered by a pro within a day — and usually within a few hours.
What do you do when you’re in a panic about a freelance writing assignment? Leave a comment and add to my tips.
P.S.: The Den is closing to new members tomorrow. Won’t open again until summer. If you’re interested, join now.
