Have You Got What It Takes to be a Freelance Writer?

It's quite likely that many people have complimented you on your writing skills.

I first became aware of my writing talent when I was still in high school. Each week our English Teacher would read out the best compositions, and almost every week mine would be chosen. I loved getting feedback from him about my piece as well as what I could do to improve.

I enjoyed sharing these little accomplishments with my family members, who readily acknowledged my talent with lots of praise and promptly appointed me "The Official Speech Writer" of our family. For many years, I wrote speeches for my nieces and nephews.

I wrote my first published piece at the tender age of 18. I wasn't paid a dime for it, but the editor of the magazine personally called me to ask if if was a professional writer, because she was so impressed with the quality of the article. That praise was payment enough.

My twenties were spent getting married, having babies (4 of them) and raising them and my love for writing went onto the back burner. But now, a decade later, I'm returning back to my passion of writing with the goal of becoming a full time freelance writer.

Perhaps you've also experienced something similar, or perhaps your story is completely different.

Whether you are already a professional writer or aspiring to become a freelancer, here are some things you may want to consider.

• What are your goals for writing? - Are you writing simply to make yourself heard or do you want to earn a living from it?

• How hard are you willing to work to reach this goal? Freelance writing is not a road to easy money or instant riches. Writing is a craft that requires time, effort and dedication.

• Are you willing to spend some time each day or week on your writing? 

• How many hours a week can you realistically spend writing? Take into account all your other responsibilities and demands on your time as well.

• How much progress can you realistically make from the time you are willing to commit? - Obviously, it will take longer to establish a voice as an author and earn a living if you are spending only 3 hours a week as opposed to 30. 

• Do you want to become a full-time freelance writer or are you content with it being a part-time gig? If you are depending on your freelance writing to pay the bills, then you'll have to devote more time to it than if you are just writing for the sheer enjoyment of it.

• How much income do you want to earn from your writing, both this year and in the years to come?
  
• How many articles will you have to sell in order to meet this income goal?

• Are you trying to do too much too soon or are you working below your potential?

• What kind of writer are you? Do you like to read "how-to" type articles, humorous pieces, "tips" articles, first person accounts or probing, investigative pieces that require weeks of research?

• Are you willing to try different writing styles to find your own unique voice?

• Are you prepared for the challenges of being your own boss?

• Do you have the self-discipline it takes to sit down alone day after day and write, without anyone behind you, pushing and prodding you to get on with it?

• Are you strong enough to handle the inevitable rejection that's part and parcel of writing?

• Are you a "thinker & talker" or are you a "doer" - Would you rather think and talk about something or would you rather just go out and do it?

So tell me, have you got what it takes to become a successful freelance writer?