Freelance Writers: How Do You Do It?

If I were asked to list one of my biggest weaknesses as a freelance writer, I’d say time management. Don’t get me wrong, I meet my client deadlines despite parenting four kids between the ages of nine and two; even if at times it’s by the skin of my teeth. But there are times when the administrative tasks are overwhelming.

Finding focus

I’m trying to get back on track with marketing which means tweaking my website, writing copy for my own marketing materials, building a contact list, querying and so on. All while staying on top of client projects. On some days there doesn’t seem to be enough time to work on my own projects, but if I don’t they just keep getting put on the back burner.

When there's only you

For me balancing client projects and all of the daily administrative tasks is the biggest challenge of being a solopreneur. Filing, scheduling, returning calls and emails, researching my target market, writing and sending out queries, research and making brief appearances on select social networking sites – it all takes TIME. How I’d love to pass some of those tasks along to someone else so that I could just be responsible for the writing.

But for now I’ll just have to work at organizing my time a bit better to balance all of my responsibilities. I’m curious to know how other freelance writers are doing it. Do you outsource or handle everything for your business on your own?