Getting Back On the Freelance Track

By Jenn Hollowell

How long has it been since the last query was sent? How long has it been since an assignment was completed? How long has it been since resources were updated? Are office supplies collecting dust, rather than being used?

If a long period of time has passed since the last time work was accomplished in the freelance market for whatever reason, as outlined briefly in the questions above, there are some steps that can be taken to become active once again. Yes, this is possible . . . as impossible as it might seem right now. In the coming months, information will be delivered pertaining specifically to getting back on the freelance track. Let's get to work!

This month, focus is being placed primarily on answering the following questions: 

1. Is it important to reconnect with writers you were once sharing leads with?
2. When should friends and family be approached about the plans to rebuild a writing career?

We're going to baby-step through the process of reestablishing a writing career and getting back into the freelance market. Otherwise, these columns will soon be ignored because frustration will take over everything. It's difficult not to just jump right back in, but let's not do it blindly. There are a lot of things to consider.

Is it important to reconnect with writers you were once sharing leads with?

YES! The answer can't be clearer. YES! Why? Establishing a support system was an important ingredient towards success while first starting out. This ingredient is just as important now as it ever was. There's no reason why these conversations can't become part of a regular routine again.

It wasn't too long ago that conversations were happening on a daily basis about leads, ideas, career moves, and goals. Friendships were blooming, information was being shared, and pats on the back were occurring frequently. It wasn't too long ago that encouragement was received and pride was taken when following-up on leads. It wasn't too long ago that clients were lost and shoulders were available to cry on. It wasn't too long ago that life changed things around and everyone said, "We'll still be here!" Venting frustrations, sharing excitement, and asking for advice are all part of what makes working writers continue to be able to write.

It's surprising how clear memories are when that door back into the freelance market is opened. Consider:

·         Participating in discussion groups again.

·         Visiting forums where active membership was part of a regular routine (AW Water Cooler, perhaps?).

·         Visiting chat rooms where a common niche or venue is a hot topic.

·         E-mailing writers who used to frequently exchange leads and swap resources in the past.

·         Reestablishing friendships with those who have stayed connected with the market and those who might have fallen off the radar and needs a pick-me-up.

When should friends and family be approached about the plans to rebuild a writing career?

This decision to enter back into the freelance market may or may not have been a difficult one for a variety of reasons. If it was, the need for support from family, friends and peers could make or break any writer. Establishing a strong support system is vital so discuss this as soon after making the decision to write again as possible. They may need to make adjustments to their schedule, they may need to develop a new routine, or some other change might need to occur that might take some time and patience getting used to.

Remember, it's just as important for you to be as considerate to others as you expect them to be toward this career move. Be sure to:

·         Listen attentively to concerns. (They may not sound like concerns to you, but it's still important to be attentive to the needs of the people around you.)

·         Be open to changes in schedules that could impact writing schedules. (It might not be a good idea to install a lock on your office door just yet.)

·         Understand that not all burdens can be lifted. (Yes, folding laundry and doing groceries will remain on most to-do lists!)

·         Understand that this idea might not receive a positive reception at first. (What? Mom's going back to work? Who will bring me from Point A to Point B at my beck and call?)

Next month's topic will be: what do you need to do to relearn the ropes if a particularly long period of time has passed since you were last in the game?

About the author: Jenn Hollowell has been a freelance writer since 1999, but for many various and sundry reasons, she had to take a break from her career for what seemed like an eternity. (In the real world, it was about a year.)  Now that's she's back, she's ready to rock and take you along for the ride!  Visit http://www.myspace.com/art_explorations to learn more about her, her career and her family.

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