As a freelance writer navigating the digital landscape, it can be daunting to determine where to focus your energy. Unlike the traditional 9-5 job, where you're guaranteed a salary for your efforts, the freelancer's journey is quite different. From searching for projects and contacting clients to dedicating time for research and writing samples; there is lots to be done before the paid project can begin.
You may find yourself dedicating a considerable amount of time and effort without seeing immediate results.
On most online platforms where you find projects, clients can reach out to freelancers. However, due to the large pool of available freelancers, it's essential to take the initiative and proactively contact clients yourself.
At the start of your writing journey, you may be eager to apply for every opportunity, not realizing you might be overextending yourself. You could spend hours meticulously crafting the perfect few sentences for each message or sample to prospective clients.
Tip: Don’t waste your valuable creative energy applying for each and every available project.
Instead, focus on applying for the few projects you genuinely want, even if they seem out of your league. Rejection can be a form of redirection, and it’s often far better than overextending yourself, which can lead to burnout.
Securing the book project you want requires more than talent and timing; it requires true alignment.
By embracing the patience required to align with the right projects, you’ll find that the right opportunities will come at the right time. Being a ghostwriter for a client is a deeply personal experience; you’re not just writing with your own voice, but as someone else. This role requires teamwork, communication, and understanding. That’s why it’s essential to wait for the projects and clients with whom you truly resonate.
Even when you focus your energy on projects that seem to fit you perfectly, there’s still no guarantee of success. Rejection may occur, as it’s simply part of the process. There’s always someone who might be more qualified, better suited, or more aligned with the prospective project.
It's crucial to never get discouraged after rejection and to keep your mind a fertile garden for creativity to bloom.
Strategies for Aligning with Your True Desires and Securing Ideal Book Projects:
Take the time to understand yourself and the motives behind the projects you desire. Sure, we all chase projects for the ultimate prize: money. But when you decide to walk the creative path, your drive goes beyond just money. If it's only about the paycheck, a regular 9-5 might be a better fit. If you're looking to land creative book projects that resonate with the stories you like to tell, patience and self-awareness are essential.
Close the wrong doors to make way for the right ones to open.
I'm not a fan of boxing in creative talents, but if you're looking to snag the book project you want, you've got to narrow down your focus. What kind of stories lights your fire? Which genres fit best with your writing? What books do you like to read and often get obsessed with? How many words/chapters are you comfortable with writing? Asking yourself these questions can help you identify the writing projects worth your time. You’re likely to feel more motivated to work on a project when you truly connect with its requirements and the client’s vision.
Choose your preferred genre and commit to it. Once you’ve identified your preferred genres, it’s time to explore the available book projects. Some will require more of your time than others, helping you filter out those that don’t fit.
Do you thrive on juggling multiple smaller projects, or do you prefer to immerse yourself in one extensive project for a longer duration?
After finding the perfect project, reaching out to the client, conducting research, and writing the sample, take a moment to reevaluate. What does it feel like to be truly aligned with a project? It can vary greatly from person to person. Alignment with a project might feel like a natural fit where skills, interests, and values resonate deeply with the goals and objectives of the project. It's a sense of excitement and a deep connection to the successful completion of the project, knowing you're ready to overcome any obstacles in your way.
At first, it might be tough only applying for one or two projects from a list of 20, especially not knowing if you'll even snag one. In my experience, it's better to take a chance on a few projects that genuinely excite you rather than spending endless hours applying for every available opportunity.
The goal is to deliver the best possible book to your client, which demands being fully attuned to the project. This ensures an enjoyable creative process, rather than struggling or losing sleep over a vision that doesn't quite click.
As a writer, I'm a big believer in the power of mindset and imagination. Landing that dream project is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. Get your head in the game and laser-focus on your goals.
Recognize the value you hold as a storyteller, bringing a whole new universe into existence.
Don't squander your precious time and energy on endless scrolling and fruitless applications. Instead, invest your efforts in honing your skills, carving out your niche, and building relationships with clients who see the world through a similar lens.
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