September’s here and the days are cool….maybe it doesn’t feel like fall where you live yet, but there is definitely a change in the air. When children start back to school, it’s a sign that the more casual atmosphere of summer is finished and our focus is back on rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business.

What does that mean for freelance writers? Clients are once again focused on projects. Corporate clients who are working with a set budget may be looking to get work assigned and completed before year end.

How do you tap into the freelance writing job market at this time? You start by making a plan. This doesn’t have to be an intimidating process, though. It’s your plan and you can make it as simple or ambitious as you like.

Decide how this endeavor is going to work. Are you going to measure success in dollars taken in, the number of new clients you pick up, or the number of people you approach each week? In order to turn your plan from a simple wish list into a goal, you need to be able to measure how well it’s working for you.

Part of your freelance writing job search should involve flexibility. As you work your plan, if you find that despite your best efforts, you aren’t getting the results you want, go back and make some changes to your plan. If you are actively looking for new clients, it may take some time for the people you are approaching to make the decision to hire you. That doesn’t mean your plan isn’t working; it does mean that it takes time to attract new business.

In the meantime, go through your list of previous clients and make a point of contacting the ones who you haven’t worked with for some time. It’s possible that they are (or soon will be) looking for a writer and by getting in touch first, you make it easy for them to decide to hire you.

If it’s been while since you have worked with someone, make a point of reminding them of what project you worked on when you call or e-mail them. This will help them place you and make it easier for you to ask for more work. When you do make contact, do take a moment to thank the client for their past business. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and this small detail may make the difference between getting a new assignment and hearing, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

What steps are you taking to gear up your freelance writing job search this fall?

Image from sxc.hu