1. Sources of Income

Where will your work come from? This question is not just one you will ask yourself as you start out in business, but one that will present itself for as long as you trade. It is quite likely that you will already have part of the answer; a big contract that is yours for the taking, for example, or access to a network of contacts that will assure you of a steady stream of jobs.

Most likely this promise of work is from an existing contact, someone you already have a long-standing relationship with. This is where most of all freelance copywriters’ work comes from. Even if you do not have any work leads yet, you should be aware that they will mostly come from people you know. These are the people who are always more likely to trust your abilities and bear you in mind.

How else do you drum up business? Some options to consider are:

• advertising your services
• using the web to find work
• working through agencies.