How to Map Out Freelance Writing Assignments Efficiently and Effectively

Top income-producing freelance writers use specific time-tested steps to write fast and well. To complete their numerous freelance writing assignments efficiently, these professionals are well-organized and disciplined. Armed with these 8 tips, a busy freelance writer can map out their writing assignments successfully and grow their writing business effortlessly.

Instructions

Efficient freelance writing requires planning

1

Find a quiet place to work. If you work from home, create a special space where you can work without interruption. A freelance writer relies on concentration and time to ponder ideas to complete writing assignments efficiently.

2

Organize your ideas. Rather than storing your next great story concept on a small scrap of paper, use an alphabetized filing system to capture your thoughts. The filing system can hold your ideas for future writing tasks or be used to complete existing writing assignments.

3

Construct a consistent writing process for each freelance assignment. Identify a method to research, find contacts and check sources. Use this process each time you write to ensure a standardized approach to your freelance writing tasks.

4

Plan your writing day. Break up your schedule into three separate time slots for research, writing and editing. Isolate each task. To complete your freelance writing assignments quickly, designate a few solid hours for each phase of your writing.

Map out each writing assignment to write quickly and effectively

5

Determine time requirements before you accept any writing assignments. Will the assignment require one hour or two days to complete? Knowledge of the time needed to complete the writing task will help a busy freelance writer plan their writing day wisely.

6

Create a to-do list sheet for each assignment. Write the name of the assignment and the date at the top of a blank page. After numbering the page from one to ten, write down all the tasks necessary to end the writing assignment. When you finish each task, place a check near the number of the line item, to indicate completion.

7

Use a mind map to brainstorm and prevent writers block. Mind mapping is a great way to generate ideas to complete the freelance writing assignment. Use a blank sheet of paper to generate ideas in a free-flowing manner. This one idea-generating exercise helps writers consolidate information effectively.

8

Write your copy first, then proceed to edit. This one secret helps the busiest freelance writers complete their assignments quickly. Let your ideas follow freely. Follow this step with ruthless editing. By editing while you write, you slow down your effectiveness, while simultaneously adding doubt to your prose.