View Single Post
 
Old Feb 02, 2018, 05:34 AM
CreativeMe CreativeMe is offline
New Member
 
Member Since: Nov 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooklyniebee View Post
Oh man! Self-doubt SUCKS. I'm dealing with a lot of that right now too. Maybe try practicing different types of writing to help yourself feel more comfortable? There are a lot of prompts out there, just tackle one each day and critically read your work and think, "Would I want to read this?" Focus less on whether or not someone should be paying for it and more on whether or not people will want to read it. If people will read it, it IS worth the money someone spends on it! Also, you could try starting a blog on the side, and see how people respond to your writing. It might help boost your confidence! You could also post in the creative space here to get feedback from others. There are free writing classes you can take through Coursera.org and EdX, if you'd like to learn some new techniques. Don't doubt yourself, you've got this!
Thanks for the suggestions! To be honest, I'm also dealing with motivation and procrastination issues in regards to improving myself, so doing things like practicing every day will be difficult. One step at a time, I suppose.

Quote:
Originally Posted by seesaw View Post
Oh man, as an experienced freelance writing consultant, let me tell you, it never goes away. Even when you're good, you ask yourself if you're worth the rate that you're charging.

Just put the self-doubt away and go for it. FYI, Fiverr is like the worst freelancing site out there. Everyone is bidding super cheap on projects, and it's a lot of overseas talent that can underbid US competitors. There are other freelance sites out there that offer a lot more support and better clients.

You just have to be clear with clients about what their expectations on deliverables should be. Establish when the project will be completed, and don't just bend to their will, tell them how long you need (but be reasonable. Along the way, share drafts of the article or whatever with the client and get their feedback. I often get on the phone and type as fast as I can while the client tells me what they want it to say, then I take those notes and turn them into something well-written. I find clients like being involved in the process, because it makes them feel up to date on what's happening, so don't be afraid to share the draft with the client or ask them for feedback or ask them plain questions if you aren't sure of an aspect of the project.

If you get bad feedback you can: offer to fix it for free. Offer a partial refund. Offer a full refund...Thank them for their feedback on how you can improve and take it just as that: feedback on how to be better. I get feedback all the time. Today I had a client tell me twice to make a certain edit. I was exhausted and not paying attention. It reminded me to slow down and make sure I read instructions fully, especially when I'm tired.

Tell the voice of self doubt to F*** off and you will be fine.

And yes, taking a grammar course is great.

If you want, write some samples to use when you apply for the jobs. Samples help a client see your style of writing and technique.

Seesaw
Thanks! I appreciate the advice. Out of curiosity, what other freelancing sites are better than Fiverr for beginners? I picked Fiverr because of how well known it is, and it doesn't seem too bad. I'm not looking to make a specific amount of money in a certain amount of time, as I just would like some sort of income, so I think it fits what I'm doing right now.