Freelance Content Writer, SEO Blogger, Ghostwriter – squareONE

Any freelance writer knows the feeling when your writing project ends and you have nothing lined up to pursue next.

Photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash

I kinda feel like that cat right now. I have a lot of time on my hands and am not quite sure what to do with it. I know what it feels like when you finally have time to tackle all those chores you have made a list of or when you have free time to write for yourself on different platforms like Medium.

Except you don’t.

That buzz and energy just isn’t there. Now, there is no need to look at the clock anymore, no urgency, and no deadline, so you don’t feel pushed to do anything.

So now what?

Between applying for new opportunities and keeping positive that something will turn up, there is plenty you can do that will improve your writing and lead to bigger and better things!

1. Write Everyday

Create written text every single day. This is the most essential advice, so it comes out at number one. Why? Because writing, like any art, is best perfected when done consistently, which does not mean consistently good. It needs to be done consistently, but you can try any technique you want, write 500 words without editing, and just let the thoughts flow. Write in 15-minute intervals, pick a topic, and write the first thing that comes to mind. It doesn’t matter. Just write.

2. Research Your Niche

If you are a ghostwriter, a B2B SEO writer, or a food blog writer, take this time to learn what is current and what is trending. This is a great way to catch up on what is new in your niche because when you are head-deep into trying to meet a deadline, you do not have the time to look at what everyone else is writing about. Learning more will prepare you for your next big assignment and provide avenues for potential new job opportunities.

3. Update your Profile

Have some extra time? Why not take a look at your profile and portfolio and update it? Add all those new writing assignments you just completed and fine-tune your skill set to see if you can add expertise you recently acquired. If you have outdated samples of work, take the time to add newly written pieces so that when you are applying for new assignments, hirers will see your latest work.

4. Let Your Network Know

Available for work? Let relevant contacts in your network know this. Sometimes, someone is looking for a freelance writer or knows someone who is looking for someone, but unless they know you are between jobs at the moment, they won’t consider you as a prospect. Use the LinkedIn Open to Work banner, or write a post saying you just completed this great project and are now taking on new clients and assignments.

5. Explore New Freelancing Job Forums

Take the time to explore other writing platforms you may not have had the time to do while working. Register, upload your resume, and complete the questionnaires now that you have time to do it. Even if you don’t get a response immediately, finding a new forum for freelance writing jobs can only be good in the long run.

6. Don’t Give Up

And the most important: DO NOT THROW IN THE TOWEL!

I know what it feels like not having something to work on the first thing you get up in the morning. I know what it feels like not having a deadline looming over your head, and I know the awkward silence when someone asks you what you are working on right now.

In the End…

Take all of this in stride because one of the beautiful things about being a freelance writer is that you have the liberty to sometimes have work and sometimes not to have it. You get to pick and choose what you want to work on, and not everyone has this luxury. Enjoy it, and remember you will be OK!

Originally published on Medium for New Writers Welcome on October 1, 2024.