Freelance writer: A day in the life

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A day in the life of a freelance writer


4am: I’m awake feeding my youngest son. He has completed a full six months of life but is yet to get the memo that night-time is for sleeping.

7am – 9am: The family is up and into the morning hustle. My husband has the summer off work to be the primary carer so I am able to spend a few glorious minutes with a cup of coffee while I check social media after he leaves with my eldest to do the morning pre-school drop-off.

9am – 10am: I check my emails and make a few tweaks to my website, which is undergoing an upgrade. I flick a note to my web guy to get him to help me out when I get stuck. I have a quick chat to a potential client who sounds really excited to send me a lot of work. I have learned not to count my chickens before they hatch but I am hopeful this will turn into $$$.

10am11am: Proofreading yesterday’s work. I like to let things breathe overnight. Using a plugin, I make the computer read my text back to me and notice a few areas where the article can be improved to flow more nicely. I send the pieces off to my clients, they know they can ask for two rounds of reviews free of charge if they have points they wish to add.

11am – 12:30: I realise it’s nearly lunchtime and I haven’t made a dime. Time to get to work! I draft a piece about diversity in the workplace and pull together some brochure copy for a client who is looking to drum up some new business.

12:30 – 1:30: Lunch! Working from home means I get to take a break to feed my little guy. I eat a sandwich with one hand and feed him with the other before taking some time to read him a story and play on the floor. I like being a working mum and freelance writing gives me the balance to feel like I am never far from my children if they need me.

Being a working parent means multi-tasking! Here I am acting as a day-bed while putting the finishing touches on an article.

1:30 – 3:30: Working on my articles. As a freelance writer I write on a range of topics including real estate, technology, mortgage broking, fitness and small business. I find it easy to turn my hand to any topic as I get a real kick out of researching and learning.

3:30 – 4:00: I go through a brief for a new client, an international chef. I am really excited about working with him as I try to find a balance between big name brands and small businesses.

4:00 – 5:00: I make a quick start on some website copy for another client. This is an area where I have a lot of clients and I really enjoy thinking up ways to drive the customer down that lead funnel.

5:00 – 6:00: My older son is home for the afternoon and now it is not so easy to focus as our house turns into a playground. I am interrupted by a little voice saying “Can I eat?” It is one of our neighbour’s children, who has obviously decided the victuals on offer at our house are superior to what she can get at home. I give up on work for the day and make her a sandwich with the crusts cut off.

Clea Sherman is a freelance writer and a lover, not a fighter. Contact her for copy with zing.  Header image via Visualhunt

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