To complete freelance writing assignments effectively a writer must be well-organized and disciplined.
Top income-producing freelance writers use specific time-tested steps to write fast and well.
Armed with these 7 tips, a busy writer can complete all of their freelance writing assignments, including scheduled time for research and editing, successfully and effortlessly.
In this post, you’ll learn about:
Efficient freelance writing requires planning
Find a quiet place to work silently. If you work from home, create a special space where you can work without interruption. A freelance writer relies on concentration and time to ponder ideas to complete writing assignments efficiently.
Organize your ideas
Rather than storing your next great story idea on scraps of paper, use an alphabetized filing system to capture these thoughts.
These ideas can be used for future writing tasks to create a copy or complete existing writing assignments. A filing system is an efficient way to complete writing assignments faster and cut a busy writer’s research time in half.
Plan your writing day
Break up your schedule into three separate time slots for research, writing, and editing. Isolate each task.
To complete your freelance writing assignments quickly, designate a few solid hours for each phase of your writing.
Determine time requirements before you accept any writing assignments
Will the assignment require one hour or two days to complete?
Knowledge of the time needed to complete the writing task will help a busy freelance writer plan their writing day wisely.
Create a to-do list sheet for each assignment
Write the name of the assignment and the date at the top of a blank page. After numbering the page from one to ten, write down all the tasks necessary to complete the writing assignment.
From billing the client to research, writing, and editing, assign a unique number to track your progress. When you complete each task, place a check near the number of the line item, to complete the task.
Use a mind map to brainstorm and prevent writer’s block
Mind mapping is a great way to generate ideas to complete the freelance writing assignment.
Using a blank sheet of paper to generate ideas in a free-flowing manner this exercise paralyzes writer’s block effectively.
Write your copy first, then proceed to edit
The secret helps the busiest freelance writers complete their assignments quickly.
First, let your ideas follow freely. Follow this step with ruthless editing. By editing while you write, you slow down your effectiveness, while simultaneously adding doubt to your prose.