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Four years ago today, I was laid off from what will likely be my last full-time job at a magazine. People sometimes ask for my advice on freelance writing, so here's what I got:
Try to keep around three anchor clients at all times, people who expect weekly or daily work from you. This stuff is typically the lowest-paying and least-interesting, but oh well. My first was five $50 stories a week for a women's mag.
One of my anchor clients typically folds or shuts down every few months. It's not fun, but at least you have the other two.
I take at least one in-house editing gig per year, which translates to a few months of steady income, a leave of absence from my couch, and a bunch of new friendly faces who may assign me work in the future.
Print still pays 4-5x more than digital, but is obviously harder to come by. The happy medium is branded content for magazines, which pays a lot and is bountiful. I try not to write for less than .50 a word.
I still haven't gotten used to the feast or famine mindset. I'm either working 19 hours a day, or panicked that I'm not working enough. I'm trying to be more grateful for both of those periods (people want to hire me now! people will want to hire me again).
Be prepared to keep around 8 months of rent money in cash in an easily accessed checking account. I aim for like an otherwise very dumb $10,000 in my checking account at all times, because when am I getting paid? Who knows?!
Inquire with your anchor clients about becoming a part-time employee, on a W2 instead of a W9. It will greatly relieve your taxes come April.
Be nice to everyone. Your relationships are more important than your actual writing skills. My editors believe in me and my capabilities more than I do; they make me better than I thought I could be. Be nice!
And lastly, it's really important for me to RELISH the freelance lifestyle. I take naps after I file stories; I go to museums on Tuesday afternoons. I spend every Wednesday volunteering, and leave the country a combined 8-10 weeks a year. WHAT. A. DREAM.
Oh, with a new outlet, always ask for at least 25% more than the offered rate. Worth a shot.
