In today’s blog post, you’ll learn:

• The definitions of self-employment and freelancing
• The differences between being self-employed and working as a freelancer
• Which path may be right for you, based on their similarities and differences

What Does Self-Employed Mean?

Being self-employed means that an individual runs their own business. They could be a sole proprietor (a one-person business), or work in partnership with other owners. A self-employed person might handle all aspects of their business – including finances, operations, and marketing – themselves. Or, they might enlist the help of employees to assist them in running their business.

They have complete control over the work they take on, and bear full responsibility for its success or failure. Running your own business as a self-employed professional requires a ton of commitment, so you can expect to spend a great deal of time launching and running it.

People often confuse self-employed professionals with small business owners, but there is a difference between them.

What Does Freelance Mean?

On the other hand, freelancing refers to a specific type of self-employment. Freelancers are self-employed professionals who offer their skills and services on a project-by-project basis. They can accept multiple jobs and work for various clients or employers simultaneously. They aren’t bound to a single, long-term contract.

Freelancing has many benefits; freelance can choose which projects to accept, negotiate their rates, and often work remotely or from different locations.

What’s the Difference between Freelance and Self-Employed?

While freelancing and self-employment are similar in some ways, they differ in work structure, flexibility, client relationships, and income.

1. Type of Work

• Self-employed people typically focus on running their own business, which may involve manufacturing products, selling goods directly to customers, or offering a particular service. They must source their own customers and clients. They choose what they work on, and dictate their own work style.
• Freelancers work on specific projects or assignments for clients or companies. They are hired for their skills or expertise in a particular area. They usually work under the direction of the client, within a defined scope. Like the self-employed, freelancers face the challenges of finding clients.

2. Business Structure

• Self-employed people usually manage all aspects of their business, including marketing, administration, and finances. They often have employees to help them, although some work alone. If they have employees, they have the same responsibilities as any employer would (for example ensuring they are paid fairly and on time).
• Freelancers, like self-employed people, are responsible for all aspects of their business. However, they don’t have employees, and mostly work alone.

3. Client Relationships

• Self-employed people often build long-term relationships with customers or clients who use their products or services. Self-employed individuals often rely on a few key clients for the majority of their income, so their aim is to build trust, and attract repeat business.
• Freelancers often have short-term relationships with clients, completing individual projects, and moving on to the next. Each project has a defined scope and timeline for completion. However, freelancers don’t burn bridges with clients; they may stay in touch for future projects, and clients will often provide testimonials and referrals. For freelancers, this is an important way to find new clients and boost their income.

4. Income and Payment Structure

• Self-employed people generate income from their business operations and sales. If they have long-term clients that provide repeat business, they will have a steady income. However, they also have to consider business overheads (for example employee salaries), which can reduce their net income.
• Freelancers receive payment for specific projects or services, often negotiated on a per-project basis. Because freelancers set their own rates, they can predict their monthly income – but their income is likely to fluctuate month to month depending on the projects they secure. A freelancer’s overheads tend to be less than that of the self-employed, but they do have costs associated with their work. For example, they may need to pay for a website, or other tools related to their work. They also have to manage their own budget and savings, such as ensuring that they can pay their yearly taxes.

Both freelancers and self-employed professionals are subject to taxation just like regular workers. Both pay a special self-employment tax.

5. Flexibility and Variety

• Self-employed people enjoy more flexibility and independence than traditional employees. They can make decisions on how they run their business, choose their business hours, and set their own rates – although there may be some limitations depending on the industry. For example, a retailer will typically need to be open within standard operating hours. The scope and variety of their work can also vary significantly depending on the industry they work in.
• Freelancers can work with multiple clients simultaneously, and aren’t necessarily limited to one industry (although many freelancers do choose a niche in order to specialize and increase their earnings). Like the self-employed, freelancers can set their own rates, and choose which clients they want to work with. They can also choose when and where they work, as long as they are able to meet client deadlines.

Summary: Freelance vs Self-Employed

To help you decide which path is right for you, here is a table outlining the similarities and differences between freelancers and self-employed professionals based on work and income structure, flexibility, and client relationships.

Becoming a Proofreader

Do you dream of working remotely as a freelance proofreader or editor? Our comprehensive courses, Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor, can help you launch your new freelance career. Try them for free today!

The post Freelance vs. Self-Employed: Is There a Difference? appeared first on Knowadays.

You might begin by proofreading for friends and then starting your own company, or you might find yourself proofreading as part of your job and take those transferrable skills to the bank. Broadly, though, there are two paths: working for a company or working for yourself.

Neither working for a company nor working solo is necessarily better; it’s a matter of preference, and we can’t tell you what’s best for you. What we can do, however, is look at the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed choice.

This post will:

• Explain what working for a company means
• Outline the advantages and disadvantages of working as part of a team
• Explain what working for yourself entails
• Outline the advantages and disadvantages of working alone
• Provide an opportunity for you to get started, no matter which path you choose

Working for a Company

There are both advantages and disadvantages to working for a company. Different people will find working for someone else more or less desirable than others.

First of all, there are different kinds of companies. So, you might have a lot of options when deciding if this is the right path for you to choose. 

Some companies are easier to get into than others. For instance, publishing houses do not often advertise proofreading posts. That’s not to say you’ll never get work with companies such as these, but you may need to be proactive and build a reputation first.

Online proofreading companies, meanwhile, are usually looking for new freelancers, but you may need to complete a test and/or have relevant experience and qualifications.

Advantages of Working on a Team

One of the obvious advantages of working for a company is security. Most companies will take care of all the accounting work, leaving you free to just focus on your job. 

Another benefit is that being attached to a company is likely to bring in a higher volume of work more quickly than working alone at the beginning of your career.

Some people, when considering the benefits of working for a company vs. working solo, find the atmosphere of working with a team more desirable. 

That kind of security has a lot of advantages:

1. Consistent paycheck (low financial risk)
2. Set hours (able to enjoy free time when the workday ends)
3. A more social work environment
4. Health insurance and other benefits
5. The potential for promotions and other career development opportunities

Disadvantages of Working on a Team

Once you are on a company’s books, there are several things to consider. The first is that each company will have a certain way of working. Whether you are formally employed or working freelance, you will have to adhere to their rules and follow their processes. 

This might mean doing things in a way that you find counterintuitive, but it is important that you do what’s required, whether you like it or not. To do otherwise would be unprofessional and could damage your reputation.

A company will also either pay you a salary or take a portion of your payment per word rather than allowing you to set your own rates. This may work out as less than you could earn by yourself, depending on your rates and how much work you’re able to find.

Another issue is that, particularly if the company specializes in one thing, you might have to roll with its busy and not-so-busy periods.

Finally, another difference between working for a company vs. working solo is that companies often require you to work set hours in an office, and that is not always a preferable environment for everyone.

Working for Yourself

As a solo freelance proofreader, you set your own rules, choose your rates, and decide when to work and when not to.

You can refuse jobs if they’re lost causes or drop clients if they’re timewasters, but it’s all on you.

Advantages of Working Alone

When working as a freelancer, you can enjoy something sought after by many: freedom. You make all the decisions about how, when, and where you work.

If you do this well, you can build up a solid client base that gives you regular work. This level of freedom is desirable for many, and the advantages include:

1. Control of your rates/wages
2. Flexible schedule
3. Choice of working environment/conditions
4. Autonomy when deciding what work to take on
5. The potential to accumulate wealth

Disadvantages of Working Alone

When considering if you’d rather be working for a company vs. working solo, you need to recognize the disadvantages and possible stress that can be involved in working alone. 

You may have freedom, but you also have all the responsibilities. 

You have to decide whether to pay for your own training. You must create and run your website, attend to your work email, and organize your own schedule. 

You have to go looking for work. If you don’t do this well, you might not be able to get clients. That can lead to a significantly reduced income.

Of course, there is a middle ground. Many proofreaders get by on a mixture of solo freelance work and work with online proofreading companies. In some ways, this offers the best of both worlds: a balance of security and freedom.

Becoming A Proofreader

Only you can decide if it’s better to work for a company vs. working solo. You will need to figure out what fits best with your needs and your life.  Whichever path you choose, our comprehensive courses will take you from a complete beginner to a confident, trained professional.

Sign up for a free trial today.

The post Working for a Company vs. Working Solo appeared first on Knowadays.

In this blog post, we’ll:

• Define the term elevator pitch.
• Explain how to write an elevator pitch.
• Provide you with a handy elevator pitch template.
• Take a look at some examples.

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch (also known as an elevator speech) is a short, pre-prepared summary of your professional background, experience, and the services you offer. Put simply, it’s a concise way to explain who you are and what you do.

It can be useful in all sorts of situations and environments: at networking events, on calls with potential clients, when cold pitching via email, or when explaining your job to friends and family. An elevator pitch should cover:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Who you do it for
• How you do it

Done well, an elevator pitch can spark interest in you or your business and help you secure new clients – so it needs to be memorable and attention-grabbing.

How To Write an Elevator Pitch

Getting your elevator pitch right can take time, but there is a process you can follow when you’re thinking about crafting your pitch:

1. Define your niche.
2. Identify your goal.
3. Discover what makes you unique.
4. Write your elevator pitch.
5. Practice until you are confident.

1. Define Your Niche

Do you specialize in a specific area or type of work? Including your niche in your pitch will help clients identify whether your services would be a good fit for them, which will spark their interest.

For instance, as a proofreader and editor, you might specialize in a particular service, like developmental or line editing, or a particular format (e.g., essays or novels). As a freelance writer, you might favor a specific subject (e.g., travel writing) or a particular type of writing (e.g., blogs or marketing copy). If you have a niche, it’s important to include it in your elevator pitch.

2. Identify Your Goal

What are you trying to achieve with your elevator pitch? Are you looking to partner with a company to provide your services? Or are you pitching to an individual? It’s likely that companies and individuals will have different priorities, so it’s worth tailoring your pitch to suit each.

3. Discover What Makes You Unique

The best thing you can do in your pitch is highlight what makes you unique: your unique selling point (USP). What sets you apart from your competition? It’s possible that your potential client has had many people pitch their services to them (sometimes unsolicited). If there’s nothing unique in your pitch, they may forget about you. Try to establish what makes you different from everyone else and use that to convince your potential clients to choose you.

4. Write an Elevator Pitch

You can use the template below to help you script your first draft. It’s unlikely you’ll get it right on the first occasion, so you might need to revise a couple of times. Remember, an elevator pitch should be short. The idea is that you can provide all the necessary details in the time an elevator ride usually takes – approximately 30 seconds.

5. Practice until You Are Confident

You want to be able to deliver your elevator pitch confidently and smoothly but without sounding robotic. This takes practice and lots of it. Perhaps you could try it out on your family and friends! Try to keep your body language friendly and open while maintaining eye contact with the person you are speaking to.

Elevator Pitch Template

Here is a basic template you can use to script your elevator pitch:

“I am [your name] and I’m a [your job]. I help [your target audience] do/with [the task] by [your USP].”

If you prefer to structure your elevator pitch in a different way, that’s absolutely fine! Just make sure you include the key components: who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and how you do it.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Below are some example elevator pitches to help you get started.

Example Elevator Pitch for a Writer

I’m Sarah, and I’m a freelance writer who specializes in writing SEO-friendly content for the elearning industry. I help elearning providers reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers by producing engaging, keyword-rich blog content.

Example Elevator Pitch for a Proofreader

I’m Charlie, and I’m a proofreader. I specialize in academic writing and proofread everything from student essays to journal articles and published books. I help students and academics refine their work by correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, reviewing citations and references, and providing comments on other potential issues.

Example Elevator Pitch for an Editor

I’m Lyn, and I’m an editor who specializes in medical writing. I help my clients express complex ideas clearly and accurately. I ensure that technical language is used correctly, that content is appropriately structured, and that texts adhere to standards for regulatory compliance.

Example Elevator Pitch for a Social Media Marketer

I’m Adam, and my passion is helping freelancers and small businesses reach their business goals through social media marketing. I guide clients through the process from start to finish, showing them how to create an effective professional profile, craft content that entertains, engages, and converts, and use analytics to refine their strategy.

Example Elevator Pitch for a Graphic Designer

I’m Fran, and I’m a graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in the traditional publishing industry. I now help self-published authors create eye-catching book covers that stand out from the competition and convince readers to pick up their book.

Becoming a Freelancer

Have you ever considered becoming a freelancer? With our Becoming a Proofreader, Becoming an Editor, and Becoming a Freelance Writer courses, you can make that dream a reality and begin your journey toward a flexible and rewarding career. Try them out for free today!

The post How to Write an Elevator Pitch as a Freelancer appeared first on Knowadays.

Upselling is a staple marketing technique and one that freelance writers can adopt to generate a more stable income and stronger client relationships.

From understanding your client’s needs to offering bundle packages, learn how you can upsell your freelance writing services.

What Is Upselling?

Upselling is the process of encouraging a client to purchase an upgraded or additional service on top of the one they have already committed to.

Upselling can look like:

• Being offered a first-class seat on public transport for a slightly higher price
• Having the option to add extra toppings to your pizza at a restaurant
• Being recommended an item of clothing in a higher-quality fabric at a store

The purpose of upselling is to increase the income you earn from an individual client while also increasing the value that client receives.

Some definitions of upselling define it as a separate process to that of cross-selling (selling a different product or service to the same customer, rather than an upgraded version of the same product), but for the purposes of this post, we will treat upselling and cross-selling as the same technique.

What Are the Benefits of Upselling for Freelancers?

As far as freelancing goes, the most obvious advantage of upselling is that you can earn more from your current clients, meaning you don’t have to spend valuable time looking for new ones.

But it’s not just about the immediate financial benefit. Upselling can also allow you to demonstrate the breadth of your expertise, plus help you develop better relationships with your clients, which can lead to further work and networking opportunities.

How to Upsell Your Services

Upselling can seem like a difficult process, but as long as you understand your clients, your services, and how to pitch them, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of upselling and increase your freelance income.

Take a look at our tips below to help you get started.

Recognize Your Client’s Needs

There’s no point trying to upsell a service that your client doesn’t need. At best, they’ll politely turn you down. At worst, they might consider you too pushy and even decide not to work with you again!

The services you offer as an upgrade should depend on what you know about your client. So take some time to ask them about:

• The scope of their current project
• Any concerns they have about that project
• Future work they might have in mind

Once you’ve identified your client’s needs, you can offer to solve any potential problems they might encounter by upselling your relevant services.

Make sure to pitch your upsell properly by explaining how your services can help your client and what value they’ll get out of purchasing a more expensive option.

Remember, you’re not just letting your client know about a service you offer; you’re selling it to them specifically according to the needs of their project.

Use Different Upselling Techniques

As we’ve already explored, the way you upsell as a freelancer will rely largely on your client’s needs and the context of their project.

That said, there are several types of upsells commonly employed by freelance writers that you can adapt for your clients. We’ve outlined some of these techniques below.

1. Offer a Faster Turnaround

As the adage goes, time is money.

If your clients have a tight deadline and want work to be completed as soon as possible, you can offer an express option on your services for a small fee.

Just make sure that your workload and schedule leave room for you to complete the work on time!

2. Include Extra Revisions

When you complete a piece of writing, your client might want you to make revisions to your first draft.

It’s not unusual to include one or two rounds of editing in your base fee as a freelance writer, but if your client expects to request more, you can upsell further revisions as necessary.

3. Create Bundle Packages

If you’re working with clients who require multiple documents, consider offering discounts for bulk work.

A client who has already committed to paying for three blog posts could be convinced to upgrade to a five-post package if they’re getting a good deal out of it.

4. Provide Social Media and SEO Add-ons

For a lot of digital content writing, the work doesn’t end with just the content itself. Social media tie-in posts, search engine optimization, and metadata management are all additional services that you could be providing to your clients.

So, as long as you have the relevant skills, don’t be afraid to upsell digital marketing upgrades such as these.

5. Suggest a Retainer Agreement

Freelance retainer agreements are a great way to guarantee work for a longer period of time.

Upsell the benefits of a retainer agreement to your clients, and you could end up with a more secure income and a stronger working relationship.

Becoming a Freelance Writer

Need a career with more flexibility and the power to set your own rates? Freelance writing could be for you.

Get started with our Becoming A Freelance Writer course and discover how expert training and on-the-job experience will equip you with an in-demand skillset.

The post How To Upsell Your Services As A Freelance Writer appeared first on Knowadays.

But is the right answer always a firm “no”? For freelancers, the question of working for free is a little more complex than that.

Should Freelancers Ever Work for Free?

Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer to this question.

Whether you choose to work for free or not depends on a number of different factors, including:

• Your goals as a freelancer
• The stage you’re at in your career
• Whether you’re producing free work for a client, or some other context
• The nature of the work itself

See below for some broad ideas of when you should say “yes” or “no” to working for free.

When to Say “No” to Working for Free

In most cases, working for free as a freelance writer may not be the best idea.

As well as the obvious financial drain, working for free can often devalue your work in the eyes of other potential clients. As you’ve provided work for free before, you may be seen as unprofessional and your work worth less than projects clients have paid for.

Because the risks of working for free can often outweigh the benefits, you should say “no” if:

• Your client is a large company or obviously has the financial means to pay you your full rate
• The work you have been asked to do is especially long, complex, or requires specific technical skills
• Doing work for free will noticeably reduce the time you can spend taking on paid work

Of course, you’re well within your rights to say “no” to any request for unpaid work. But sometimes, working for free can be beneficial.

When to Consider Working for Free

Saying “no” to unpaid work is not always the right course of action. But if you do choose to work for free, it’s important that you do so in a way that respects your skills and the value of your work.

Whether you choose to offer your skills for free will depend on your own goals, motivations, and career progress, but generally speaking, there are a few scenarios where working for free could be in your best interests.

Working for Free As a New Freelancer

If you’re new to freelance writing, finding those initial clients who are willing to pay for your services can be a challenge.

This is especially true if you don’t have any previous experience or writing samples to demonstrate your skills.

So, to make it easier to find paying clients as you progress in your career, consider offering some free work to those initial few clients. Pro bono work as a new freelance writer provides you with:

• The opportunity to hone your skills as a writer and freelancer
• A better understanding of the subjects or formats you prefer
• Material to use in your portfolio
• Feedback, testimonials, and referrals from real-life clients

You should still take care not to say “yes” to every request for free work, though! Take the time to decide if working on a project for free is relevant to your career goals or will help you progress as a freelancer.

If it doesn’t have any clear benefits, it’s probably best to turn the work down.

Working for Free As an Experienced Writer

Experienced freelance writers are much less likely to work for free, as the payoff rarely makes it worth it.

However, even if you are a freelancer with a little more experience under your belt, you might still consider volunteering your services if:

• It’s for a cause, non-profit organization, or small business that you want to support
• It will help you market your freelance business (e.g., guest blogging)
• It’s a requirement for securing a paid job or project (e.g., speculative work)

As above, you should only agree to do any work for free if it’s clear that you or a cause you support will benefit from it.

Alternatives to Working for Free

Sometimes, you might encounter clients who request free work for a variety of genuine reasons. They may be inexperienced in working with freelancers or want to be reassured that you’ll complete the work to the standard they require.

But of course, you can’t always agree to free work.

In cases where working for free isn’t an option, but your regular rates don’t fit the bill either, there are several alternatives you could consider, such as:

• Providing free samples
• Offering discounts
• Setting up bundle packages

As with offering work for free, though, be careful not to undervalue your work by providing too many hefty discounts and deals. As we explain in our post on the subject, it’s all about striking the right balance.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Proper training can minimize the need to take on free work as a new freelancer.

Enroll in our Becoming A Freelance Writer course for expert training in freelance content writing and attracting your first clients. Pass the course successfully, and we’ll set you up with immediate work and professional writing samples to display in your portfolio.

Want to try before you buy? No problem – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

The post Should Freelance Writers Ever Work for Free? appeared first on Knowadays.

While there’s no single perfect way to set freelance editing rates, we have a few helpful tips to share with you. Keep reading to learn more about setting your freelance editing rates.

How to Set Your Freelance Editing Rates

There are a number of important steps to take when setting your freelance editing rates. You should:

1. Decide whether to charge by the hour, word, or page
2. Research average rates for your services and experience level
3. Establish a baseline rate for each service you provide
4. Adapt your baseline rates to fit each job
   

1. Decide How You’ll Charge

The most common ways to charge for freelance editing services are by the hour, by the word (or number of words, such as per 1,000 words), or by the page. Each of these methods has its own merits.

• Charging by the hour means you’re guaranteed to be paid for your time. However, it’s also easy to misjudge how long a job will take, especially when you’re just starting out. You might therefore either quote too much or too little for the whole project and end up underpaying yourself or overcharging your client.
• Charging by the word or page, meanwhile, makes it easy to quote a price for a project. But different projects may require different amounts of work, even for documents of a similar length. And if you don’t take that into account, you may find yourself charging the same for a well-written document that only requires minor tweaks as for one that needs significant work.

Ultimately, whether you advertise your services with rates set by the hour, word, or page will be a matter of preference, with the final decision depending on what you think will appeal to your target clients (e.g., if you mostly work on longer documents, a per-page rate may be the most attractive to potential clients). But flexibility is also helpful here – for example, if you list your rates by the hour, you could add a note saying that you’re willing to quote by the word or page if preferred.

2. Research Average Editing Rates

Once you know how you plan to charge, you’ll need to decide how much to charge. It’s a good idea to research the standard editing rates in your region. Here are a couple of examples:

• The EFA (US) recommends charging $36–$50 per hour for copyediting, and between $46–$70 per hour for developmental editing (depending on the type of document).
• The CIEP (UK) recommends a minimum hourly rate of £33.30 for copyediting and £38.30 for substantial editing, rewriting, and developmental editing.

The average rate can change over time, though, so always check how up-to-date (or otherwise) the information is and keep an eye on any changes. As a freelancer, it’s important to know when to raise your rates.

And don’t forget, research can be as simple as asking a friend in the same field how much they charge for their services. If you don’t know any freelance editors, you can always find other editors’ websites via search engines or connect with them via social media. Do your best to find people at a similar experience level, though, as well as those who are providing the same service(s) as you.

3. Work Out Baseline Rate(s)

Once you’ve done your research, you can decide on baseline rates for all of the services you provide. Your baseline rates will act as a guide to help you quote prices for each job.

Note the plural here: you should price separate services differently. Think about the services you’re able to offer and their respective levels of difficulty. Typically, this should reflect the amount of work involved.

For example, it’s important to understand the difference between proofreading and editing. You’ll need to set separate rates for these services.

4. Adapt Your Rates to Reflect the Work

Baseline rates are just that: a baseline. You won’t want to deviate from them too much when quoting prices – after all, potential clients aren’t likely to stick around if you ask them to pay a rate way above the one you advertise! But as long as you clearly label them as a baseline, there’s room to adjust your rates to fit the situation at hand.

There are a range of factors to consider when quoting a price for a job; here are the key ones:

• The service type and level of editing requested. For example, while you might have a base rate for developmental editing, different editing jobs can vary significantly. You may want to ask to see a writing sample, or offer a sample edit, to get a stronger sense of what will be involved.
• Whether the job requires any specialized knowledge.
• The volume of work involved. One client might ask you to review a manuscript and offer advice on how to improve it, after which they will redraft themselves, while another might ask you to redraft the document. Other things to consider are whether the client is seeking a single pass on a document or ongoing support, whether it’s one document or several, and how long the document is.
• The complexity, topic, and genre of the document.
• How quickly your client needs the work finished.
• The relationship you have with your client. Many editors offer a discount for clients who provide regular work.

You can then use this information to decide whether you need to adjust your baseline rates when quoting a price for a job. Likewise, if required, you can change the way your charge (e.g., charging by the page when your usual rates are by the hour). It’s about finding an arrangement that works for both you and the client before you start working on a document.

Remember that your rates are not set in stone! It’s a good idea to examine what you’re charging at least every six months. Here are some valid reasons for raising your rates:

• Your skills have improved or you’ve undertaken additional training.
• None of your clients are questioning (or complaining) about your rates.
• There’s a rise in industry rates.
• You’re having trouble covering your business costs.
  

Becoming A Proofreader

Having a proofreading or editing qualification may mean you can charge more for your services. It shows that your skills are up to date and that you’re motivated to grow and develop as a professional.

Our proofreading and editing courses are CPD accredited and will teach you everything you need to know to begin or develop a career in the field. Give a free trial a go today to find out more!

The post How to Set Freelance Editing Rates appeared first on Knowadays.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about freelance writing invoices, including:

1. What an invoice is
2. What to include in a freelance writing invoice
3. An example of a freelance writing invoice
4. Online invoicing tools to help streamline the payment process

Keep reading to learn more about all things invoicing.

What Is an Invoice?

A freelance writing invoice is a document you send to your clients that outlines the services provided and requests payment for completed work. It includes the details of the completed project, the agreed-upon rates, the total amount due, and the payment terms. Invoices are essential for maintaining a professional working relationship with clients, as they ensure you’re not leaving anything up to chance. They also eliminate the guesswork regarding payment and fees for both parties.

What to Include in a Freelance Writing Invoice

A well-structured, professional freelance writing invoice should provide all the necessary information for your client to understand the services you’ve provided, the amount they owe, and the payment process. Generally, you should include:

• A header: your name and contact information
• An invoice number: a unique number for tracking purposes
• The date
• Client information: the client’s name and contact information
• The type of service (e.g., article writing, blog post)
• The quantity (e.g., word count, number of articles)
• Your rate (e.g., hourly rate, per-word rate, flat fee)
• The total amount for each item
• The subtotal and total amount due
• Any additional fees
• Your signature

Be sure to also include your preferred payment method (such as Venmo or PayPal), payment details, and your late payment policy, if applicable.

Example Freelance Writing Invoice

Below is an example of a freelance writing invoice that you can customize to your specific clients and projects:

Since this is a professional document, carefully proofread it to ensure you’ve included all the necessary information and everything is up to date. Once the client has paid their invoice, save a copy for your personal records. When tax season rolls around, having easy access to all your financial paperwork will make filing easier.

Online Invoicing Tools

If you’d like to save time and effort, you can use online tools to help with your invoicing, such as these downloadable templates. You can also take advantage of comprehensive finance tools aimed at small businesses, such as Paymo and FreshBooks. For more online invoicing options, check out this list of apps that help freelancers manage the financial side of their business.

Of course, you should always check to ensure these templates include all the relevant and correct information for your specific client before finalizing and sending off the invoice.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Do you want to learn more about what it takes to start your own freelance writing business? Claim your free trial of our Becoming A Freelance Writer course and take the first step toward a rewarding new career.

The post How To Create a Freelance Writing Invoice appeared first on Knowadays.

Find out what you can gain from writing your own professional bio and how to get started crafting one, then take inspiration from our five proven examples of professional bios by established freelance writers.

What Is a Professional Bio?

A professional bio is a short biography covering a writer’s professional history, experience, skills, and achievements.

Its purpose is to introduce the author and their authority on their chosen subject or subjects.

Professional bios can be used in all sorts of contexts, from a freelancer’s website or LinkedIn profile to any guest posts or articles they may have written.

Why Should You Write a Professional Bio?

If you’re a freelance writer, having a professional bio is as essential as a strong resume.

The difference between the two is that a bio is a much quicker and more accessible way for potential clients to understand who you are and what you do.

A well-crafted professional bio can:

• Develop your brand
• Establish trust with potential clients
• Help colleagues and clients relate to you
• Provide you with a ready-made resource for networking

As a writer, you can even use your professional bio to demonstrate your writing skills and unique style.

How to Write a Professional Bio

Writing a professional bio shouldn’t come as an afterthought. After all, it might convince a potential client to work with you!

But if you have no idea where to start, here are our tips for writing a professional bio.

Know What to Cover

If you’re a freelance writer, your professional bio should include your:

• First and last name
• Job title (or name of your freelance business)
• Work and education history
• Professional achievements
• Skills
• Career goals or interests
• Freelance services

Remember to provide specific, quantifiable evidence to back up the claims you make in your bio.

This might include how many years of experience you have in a particular field, brands you’ve worked with, or awards you have received.

Depending on the context, you may also want to add contact details such as your email address or professional social media handles.

First-Person or Third-Person

Unless the website or publication you’re submitting your professional bio to requests otherwise, there are usually no rules as to whether you write it in the first or third person.

This means it’s up to you to decide the perspective for your bio!

On one hand, first-person bios build a connection with your readers and make you seem more approachable.

On the other, a bio written in the third person comes across as more objective and authoritative.

Think about what sort of clients you want to work with and what you want your professional bio to achieve before deciding which perspective to write it in.

Make It Personal

While the focus of a professional bio is, unsurprisingly, your professional life, there’s no harm in adding some personal touches to help your audience and potential clients get to know you.

In fact, adding details that your audience connects to on a personal level can increase your chances of finding work, as well as making your bio stand out.

So when writing your bio, consider adding any of your personal values, your interests outside of work, or formative life experiences such as where you grew up.

You could even link these personal details back to your professional goals.

Professional Bio Examples

Ready to write your own professional bio?

Before you begin, take a look at these five examples of professional bios we’ve collected to help inspire you.

1. Ruth Learner

Writer and editor Ruth Learner’s third-person bio showcases her experience, areas of expertise, and credentials before ending in a brief note on her personal interests.

2. Tahney Alexandra May

Arts writer Tahney Alexandra May takes a slightly different approach, opening her first-person bio with some personal details before specifying her skills and experience in three areas.

3. Cecily Paterson

Cecily Paterson’s LinkedIn profile is a great example of a professional bio with a style that doesn’t skimp on the details.

4. Kevin Baldwin

Copywriter Kevin Baldwin doesn’t shy away from highlighting his career achievements, while also managing to bring a sense of humor to his professional bio.

5. Marlen Komar

Marlen Komar’s professional bio is a little longer than most, but the unique dictionary-style formatting and her interesting anecdotes keep it memorable.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Before launching your freelance writing career, get the expert training you need with our Becoming A Freelance Writer course.

In as little as six weeks, we’ll teach you how to craft compelling content, write for SEO, and navigate working with clients.

Plus, if you gain a distinction in the final assignment, you’ll get the opportunity to write content for the Knowadays blog!

Sign up for a seven-day free trial and get a taste of the course.

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So how much can a freelance proofreader earn?

We know that lots of people worry about whether they’ll make enough money. As a new proofreader, it’s important to understand how to set your freelance proofreading rates and make sure you aren’t undercharging (or overcharging!) for your services.

In this post, we’ll explain: 

• How to set your freelance proofreading rates
• The rates recommended by proofreading organizations
• How Knowadays can set you up to earn as a freelancer with our partner company Proofed

How Do You Set Freelance Proofreading Rates?

There are three important steps you should take when setting your freelance proofreading rates:

1. Decide whether to charge per hour, per word, or per page.
2. Research the recommended rates in your country.
3. Adapt your rates according to the nature of the project and your level of experience.
   

Charging Per Hour, Per Word, or Per Page

Let’s have a look at the three main ways to charge for freelance proofreading services:

• Per hour – Charging per hour is a simple way of working out your rates. However, it does mean you need to give clients an accurate estimate of how long each job will take. If you misjudge this, you will need to either renegotiate part way through a job (which your client may not appreciate) or undercharge for the extra hours you work.
• Per word – Charging per word means you can give a reliable estimate of how much you’ll charge a client for a job. Most freelancers either quote per word or per 1,000 words. The downside of this is that the word count is only one factor in how long a job may take, therefore you may need to adjust your rate depending on the complexity of the job.
• Per page – Although this may seem a simple method, charging per page can be difficult; the pages of a document can vary widely depending on font size and type, spacing, and margin size. To avoid confusion, many proofreaders steer clear of charging per page.

Average Freelance Proofreading Rates

In this post, we’re going to focus on hourly rates, as there is more information available on those. However, if you prefer to charge per word or per page, we’d recommend looking at what other proofreaders are charging for similar work, then setting a rate that reflects your own level of experience.

Here are the hourly rates recommended by various proofreading organizations:

Estimates for annual proofreading salary vary depending on where you look. No one website has all the data. Here are some current proofreading salary estimates for the United States:

Factors that Affect Proofreading Rates

The rates you charge can vary significantly based on factors such as:

• How experienced you are as a proofreader
• How complex the job is (e.g., you may charge more for EAL work)
• Whether you are working in a specialist subject area (e.g., technical writing)
• The type of client (e.g., corporate clients may pay more than individuals)
• The client’s desired turnaround time (some freelancers will charge a rush fee for work with a short deadline)

As a new proofreader, you may initially charge lower rates than those listed above.

Over time, as you gain experience, you’ll be able to provide a higher quality service to your clients – and can raise your rates to reflect that.

How to Explain Your Rates

Once you’ve set your rates, stick to them! It can be hard to stand firm in the face of opposition, but you deserve to be paid fairly for your work. If a potential client questions your rates, don’t be tempted to apologize or over explain. Briefly summarize the factors you took into consideration when setting your rates and highlight the value you will add to their project for that amount.

Once you’ve secured a client, always make sure to agree on a contract. This will set out the scope of the work you’re agreeing to deliver, how much you will be paid, when you will be paid, and how. This can help to avoid any disputes further down the line.

How Much Can You Earn with Proofed?

If you pass both our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with distinction scores (80% or higher), you’ll qualify for a trial period with our partner company, Proofed.

To start with, you’ll be paid to proofread up to 10 documents, with a maximum of 1,000–2,000 words apiece. If you successfully complete the trial, you’ll be invited to work for Proofed as a full-fledged freelance proofreader. You’ll get to work on all sorts of different documents of varying lengths and on a fantastic variety of subjects! As you continue to gain experience – and positive feedback – you’ll be able to tackle an increasing volume of work and more challenging assignments.

But how much will you earn?

• Proofed pays $9 per 1,000 words, so it’s tricky to establish an hourly rate. This will vary depending on the ease or difficulty of the document, as well as the editor’s level of experience.
• On average, freelancers earn around $12–16 per hour with Proofed once they have proofread enough documents to be able to work with confidence.
• This can rise to as much as $18–24 per hour as they gain more experience, take on add-on services, and work on a wider range of documents and projects.

As you can see, by working with Proofed, you can take on your first documents as a professional proofreader and start paying off the cost of training with Knowadays not long after you complete your courses. This offers a great way to start your new career as a freelance proofreader!

A freelance career with Proofed has many other advantages, too, such as:

• Being able to take on as much or as little work as you want
• Being able to work where you want and when you want
• Not having to worry about finding clients or doing your own admin
• Having the flexibility to pursue other interests alongside your paid work
• Developing skills that you can use with other clients

While freelance proofreading may not make you a fortune in the short term, it can offer a brilliant balance between a reliable income and personal freedom. And there’s no better way to take your first steps in this career than with Knowadays!

Updated on 25/08/2023

The post How Much Can a Freelance Proofreader Earn? appeared first on Knowadays.

If that sounds stressful, don’t worry – invoicing doesn’t have to be a headache! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can streamline your invoicing process and ensure that you get paid promptly for your hard work. In this post, we’ll discuss:

• What a freelance editing invoice is
• Why it’s essential to send an invoice
• What to include in an invoice

Keep reading and discover how to make invoicing a breeze!

What Is an Invoice?

An invoice is a document that allows freelancers to record the services they have provided for a client and how much these services cost. When a project is complete, the freelancer can use the invoice to request and collect payment from the client.

As a freelancer, you should keep records of all financial transactions related to your work, including any sources of income or business expenses. Invoices are often required for tax purposes, like when completing a tax return.

Why Do You Need to Send an Invoice?

There are several different reasons why it’s important to send your clients an invoice. An editing invoice can help:

1. Build trust between you and your clients
2. Ensure you get paid the right amount at the right time
3. Keep track of your business income and expenses
4. Keep track of your tax obligations
5. Provide legal protection
6. Refine your marketing strategy

We’ll discuss each factor in more detail below.

1. Build Trust Between You and Your Clients

Having a clear process in place for invoicing can help build trust between you and your clients. It shows them that you are well-organized, familiar with professional business processes, and eager to make the relationship run as smoothly as possible.

2. Ensure You Get Paid

Invoices contain all the information a client needs to pay you, streamlining the process and making it far less likely that payment will be delayed. If they have all the information in one place, there’s no excuse for late payment!

3. Keep Track of Your Finances

Invoices are helpful for bookkeeping. They help you keep track of all your earnings, which you can compare with your expenses to determine your profit margins and cash flow. They can also help your clients keep track of their finances.

4. Keep Track of Your Tax Obligations

As we mentioned earlier, you should maintain clear records of all business transactions, including earnings and expenses. For example, in the US, the IRS recommends retaining a number of business documents (including invoices, receipts, and account statements) to support the entries on your tax return.

5. Provide Legal Protection

Invoices can provide freelancers and small businesses with legal protection. A signed invoice is a legally binding document because it records the amount a client agreed to pay you for your services. If they don’t pay you, you can use this invoice as evidence if you need to take further action.

Proper invoicing practices can also help businesses maintain compliance with relevant regulations and tax laws, further enhancing their legal protection and reducing the risk of costly penalties or legal action.

Essentially, invoices ensure that all parties are held accountable.

6. Refine Your Marketing Strategy

By analyzing your invoice records, you can uncover valuable insights, which you can use to refine your marketing strategy and grow your business. For example, you can establish the peak demand periods for your services and which of your services are the most and least popular.

What to Include in a Freelance Editing Invoice

There’s no need to start from scratch every time you create an invoice. It’s best to create a template that you can customize each time you work on a new project. Keep reading to find out what you should include in a freelance editing invoice.

1. Title and Invoice Number

Have the word invoice at the top of the document in a clear font to avoid any confusion about the purpose of the document.

Next to or beneath the title, include the invoice number. Every invoice should have a unique number to allow for easy bookkeeping. You can use a sequential numbering system (and letters if desired) to avoid duplication.

2. Contact Information

Include your business name, address, and contact details (which can be your phone number and/or email address), as well as those of your client.

3. Specific Details of Services Provided

This section should include:

• A description of the tasks or services being invoiced. Place each task or service on a separate line, and be as clear and detailed as possible.
• A supply date (this is the date the services were provided). This is usually different from the invoice date, but if they are the same, make sure to list them on separate lines to ensure clarity.
• An invoice date (this is the date the invoice was provided to the client).
• A payment due date (in addition to the invoice date, you should always define a payment due date; for example, within 14 days.)
• Purchase order number. If your client gives you a purchase order number, always include it in your invoice. A purchase order number, once generated, is a legally binding agreement between you and your client.

4. Total Owed

Total owed, also known as base rate, is the sum of what your client owes you for each service you provided before tax.

5. Payment Instructions

In this section, list the ways your client can pay the invoice and provide any information they’ll need to do so (e.g., your bank details). It’s best to list your preferred payment method first and then move on to any other options. If there are any payment methods you don’t accept, make sure that is clear.

Becoming an Editor

If you’re interested in starting a new career, why not check out our Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor courses?

Pass both courses with distinction (80% or above), and you’ll be eligible for guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. They’ll take care of administrative tasks such as contracts and invoicing, so you can reap the benefits of freelancing without the stress!

Sign up for our free trial today and save 15% when you buy the courses as a bundle!

The post 5 Things to Include in a Freelance Editing Invoice appeared first on Knowadays.