Time-saving tips for freelance writers
By: Joe Donatelli
Tags: Freelancers, Freelance, Freelance Writing, Productivity

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

In my years as a freelance writer, I made all the mistakes. I also learned a few things. These are the tips I give to folks who ask me for advice when they’re starting out as a freelance writer.

1. Do two big things a day

I try to accomplish one major task in the morning and one major task in the afternoon. If I try to do too much, and don’t get it done, it bums be out, my energy drops and I become less productive. If I get my one thing done, and then tackle something else, and get that thing started or done, and it’s not even noon yet, I feel great. Just as we should under-promise and over-deliver with editors, we should do the same with ourselves.

2. Embrace the whiteboard

I use a whiteboard. The whiteboard reminds me of tasks I have to accomplish that day, such as my two things from above. I also use it to jot down ideas I don’t want to forget.

3. Embrace the digital whiteboard

I keep a list of tasks I need to complete in one place on my computer so that all of my work obligations are in one place, and not scattered in various files and calendars and such.

4. Use email folders

It’s easy to let email stack up. That’s why I broke down my email into folders such as To Do (email I need to answer that day), Work (work-related email that demands my attention), Upcoming Events, Save for Later and others. I star any email that requires action before depositing it into a folder. At the end of the day I go through each folder to make sure I’ve tackled everything.

5. Use real folders

All important printed papers go into a well-organized file cabinet, where they can be accessed easily. I file things like tax forms, business expenses and contracts.

6. Use calendars

If I have to make a decision, but I don’t need to make it for a few weeks, I save it in a folder and make a note on my calendar to revisit the email and make a decision. Sometimes decisions can’t or won’t be made for weeks. This way I know it will be be dealt with and I can free my mind to tackle the next task instead letting it weigh on my brain or hoping I will remember it in a few weeks. (I won’t.)

7. Write when you write best

For a long time I did all of my web browsing in the morning. This was stupid. These are my best hours of the day. Now I save non-mission critical tasks, such as answering email and browsing the web and paying bills, for the mid-afternoon, when my energy and alertness wanes.

8. Snack

I eat a healthy snack of fruit or vegetables or nuts when I am hungry. This keeps my energy level up. No garbage food.

9. Exercise

I exercise for 30 minutes a day. Even if it’s just walking to the store or walking my dog. This also keeps my energy level up.

10. Track your time

I count how many hours I work on a job. I have a goal rate in my head. If I am being paid for one hour of my goal rate, I dedicate one hour to that job, file, send and move on. The temptation to keep working on something over and over can be tempting, but at some point you’re costing yourself money and you’re not improving the piece that much, so don’t let the perfect become the enemy of paying the rent.

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