Mindy’s Recipe for a Stunning Freelance Writing Career
By Mindy Tyson McHorse

New freelancers often ask me:

“What should I do first?”

“How do I guarantee I’ll make it as a freelance writer?”

“What did you do that made the difference??”

I tell them that freelance writing careers are a lot like homemade food. You can follow a recipe, sure. But, your end product is going to be slightly different than what somebody else makes with the same ingredients.

That’s because there are a lot of variables. Recipes are affected by everything from the brand of your ingredients to the freshness of your spices.

Freelance writing careers are the same, but they’re affected by attitude, access, support, and diligence (among other things).

Today I’m going to share the ingredients of my own six-figure freelance writing career. I can’t guarantee your path will be exactly like mine. But, if you include these things in your quest for success, you’re bound to wind up with a freelance writing career you can be proud of.

How to Cook Up a Six-Figure Freelance Writing Career

Core Ingredients:

• AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting (no substitutions)
• Reliable computer
• Easy-to-use word processing software
• High-speed Internet connection
• Like-minded support group
• Personal goals (written out & highly specific)

Optional add-ons (useful if you want to accelerate prep time):

• 1-2 live AWAI events each year (Recommended: Bootcamp and the Web Intensive)
• Membership in a mastermind group, such as Circle of Success or the Professional Writers’ Alliance
• Professional website

Optional garnish (improves professional appearance):

• LinkedIn profile
• Twitter account
• Professional Facebook account
• Facebook fan page

Prep time:

Varies. Base expectations on personal end-goals, not on what others have accomplished or the time it took them to get there. Your “incubation” period as a newbie writer should be tailored to your personal situation and individual ambition.

Instructions:

Start with AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. Completion time varies, but the entire program should be finished for best results. If you’re serious about freelance copywriting, be sure to dedicate at least 10 hours a week.

Use your reliable computer and Internet connection to access the Six-Figure Program. Watch your skills and expertise grow as you complete assignments and practice writing.

In the meantime, connect with your like-minded support group. You can find one in specialty locations like AWAI’s LinkedIn group or the Wealthy Web Writer. Recommended options are Circle of Success membership or membership with the Professional Writers’ Alliance.

Keep the skills you build from the Six-Figure Program pungent by practicing your writing every day — or at least on a regular basis. Gradually fold in your personal goals. A plan should start to take shape, based on what you’re comfortable writing and where you want your writing to take you.

It’s highly recommended that you add zest to your process by attending a live copywriting event. That’s typically the best way to solidify resolve and speed up the development process. (My results skyrocketed once I started going to Bootcamp regularly … and I know I’m not the only one.)

On the side, set up your professional website. With the online tools out there, anybody, regardless of technical expertise, can do this. For improved professional appearance, launch a social media platform with accounts in LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Let the entire mixture simmer and blend until you feel comfortable serving it to the world. Average cook time varies from one month to one year, sometimes longer depending on personal situation.

End result should be a satisfying freelance writing career that brings you closer to your life goals and contributes to radically improved daily satisfaction.

Really, This Works …

In all seriousness, there are a few core ingredients that have gone into the careers of every successful writer I know today.

The first one is the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. It contains all the fundamental writing lessons that can later be applied to any form of copy, whether it’s online or offline, in a specific niche, for short autoresponders, or for long case studies.

It’s a lot like learning your ABCs, really. The program teaches you essential writing elements so you have the means to create any career of your choosing.

The other really vital step is to attend at least one live event. I think the magic of participating in something like Bootcamp or the Web Intensive is that they can solidify your understanding of and commitment to a freelance writing career.

That’s because when it comes down to it, working from home and having complete independence is glorious — but sometimes hard. When you connect and become friends with those who share your drive to succeed, it’s like building a defense against failure. You’ll always have someone to turn to who can share advice or get you re-motivated.

And as far as the incubation period — the “cook” time — it really does vary for everybody, because we come at this lifestyle from all directions — all ages, all backgrounds, all kinds of personal situations.

The key to realizing your freelancing dream in a timely manner is to push yourself to finish your training by a certain deadline. Then, push yourself to put yourself out there — “hang up your shingle” — by a certain date. You can’t start building a reputation until you’re actually out there in front of clients. So, the sooner you make the leap … the better.

Some people make six-figures their first year out. Others spread out their efforts and maybe reach $50K by the five-year mark. There’s no “right” way to do this — all that matters is that you do what satisfies you most.

 … As Long As You’re Focused On Your Own Goals

And as far as your end result … remember, that really depends on what you want — not what anybody else thinks you should do. Don’t push yourself to duplicate someone else’s path, unless you’re sure it’ll get you to where you want to be in the end.