3. Running Your Own Business

In any event, if you want to become a freelance copywriter you will also have to consider if you possess the qualities you need to run your own business and work independently. For example:

• The freedom to work from home is a big plus for many copywriters but may well not suit someone who really enjoys working as part of a close-knit team, or who shares a cramped living space with other occupants.
• Chasing invoices may be OK for those who have no problem focusing on the financial side of business, but for many it is a chore that, no matter how important, is liable to be left to one side.
• As with any form of self-employment, there is no cast-iron guarantee of income, which could prove a disincentive for those with major commitments or those who simply appreciate the security of a monthly pay cheque.

There are ways around many of these problems. Partners may be able to help with administration, for example, and people who do not like working alone may find it easier to hire space in a busy office environment. But it pays to give these problems some thought before you embark on a freelance career.

It can also help to talk to friends or work associates who run their own businesses, even if they are in a different field, to find out what pitfalls they have encountered and how they have dealt with them.

Also, think about the times you have had to work on your own, either as part of a job or perhaps while studying for exams. If you found it difficult, the chances are you might face similar problems if you go it alone as an independent copywriter.

Do you have to specialise?

Theoretically there is no reason why a good writer cannot turn their hand to almost any form of prose; witness how many novelists are or were previously journalists, for example. In practice, however, many copywriters choose to specialise to some degree, either because they find it easier to master certain types of writing (direct mail, for instance) or because they develop in-depth knowledge about certain market sectors.

What is it like to be a freelance copywriter?

Copywriting is an ideal way to make money by working for yourself and using your brains and creativity. As your own boss, you can choose when and how much to work, and even who to work for. Since you are unlikely to need to employ other people, the book-keeping and legal aspects of your business will be fairly straightforward. The work can be almost as varied as you want it to be and, if you can demonstrate the value of what you do, charging good money for it should not be a problem. Perhaps the best part of the job, however, is that you get paid exactly for the effort you put in. There can be few feelings more satisfying than the knowledge that each of the carefully-crafted sentences you have put together for a client is earning you pennies and pounds.

A typical day in the life of a copywriter

Freelance copywriting work is so varied that you are unlikely to have the same routine each day. But an average day might involve:

• Checking for emails regarding new jobs or work in progress
• Taking briefs in person, by phone or email
• Replying with time scales and costs
• Doing research or background reading
• Drafting copy or making changes to an existing draft
• Chasing material or approval for a piece of work
• Making new business calls
• Networking with business contacts
• Invoicing or doing other administrative work
• Checking finished work.