A freelance academic career is one with many twist and turns. What I mean by this, is that subjects and layouts can vary dramatically. And, right when you think you got it down, you find a set of instructions that you just weren’t prepared for. In fact, you can get a little worried from time to time, that maybe you jump too far ahead of yourself, and that you need to take a step back.
Yet, you don’t exactly want to tell the client you’re not sure about the order and that you can’t do it. They might think, “What kind of academic writer are you?” No one wants that reputation. You have to remember that these skills improve over time, but you should know from the start which subjects you’re knowledgeable about and which ones you can confidently work with.
Don’t ever tell a client “okay” without reviewing the instructions. And don’t attempt to do an assignment you don’t feel very confident with. This can help you lose credibility quickly. You’ll end up nervous about future assignments. Sure, in all careers, there are going to be bumps in the road and this is definitely one of them. In fact, it may even make you postpone the order until later, figuring you can figure it all out when the time comes.
One of the greatest tools you have today is the internet. The “how to do’s” and the social networking to ask questions can help, and you want to use this to your advantage. If there is a will, there is a way, just don’t be foolish and do it all the way BY YOURSELF. And, never ever, ever, wait till the last minute to get it done. Start early and get it done right.
Personality is everything in most businesses. However, in this business, it’s best that you keep it professional. Knowing that first or second person are normally not acceptable will get you far. Watching your words and tone for each sentence and argument is important. These papers are not casual. They aren’t blog posts… so don’t make it that way. It’s great to have a persuasive personality but only affiliate it with advanced vocabulary and college level reading.
Last, but not least, make sure you proof your work, and if possible get someone else to proof it also. Bad grammar can take points off each paper in the academic field and the last thing you need is to represent yourself as a bad writer.
Getting into a career like this is tedious work. You need to build a network to make it consistent and to get the experience you need. It’s possible for some to jump start their own career if they are that lucky but for the most part, you’ll need help. Ask tons of questions and get with others that have experience and build off that. Elance.com is a good freelance marketplace that can connect you with potential clients and may be a good place to start. Or a freelance site that’s specific to writing. You have to remember that it takes hard work and experience to become an expert. If that is what you want, then don’t ever make the mistake of thinking of this as an easy way out to be a writer.
