When is the Best Time to Start a Freelance Career?

Now! Now! Now!

In short, the best time to start a freelance career is when you are ready. Procedures will change depending on the time of year you start, though.

To explain, editorial is a cyclical industry. Not much happens during the summer months and late November through early January. So, if you find yourself starting during these times, you can use this time to fully prepare marketing materials, gather contact information, target your strongest industries, etc.

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If you're starting during a full-throttle season, ie, early February through May and September through mid-November, you'd do well to work overtime and get your marketing material out the door as quickly as possible. So, instead of designing an intricate brochure and/or complete sales kit, you might want to go with a hard-hitting postcard campaign.

Postcards are inexpensive to mail, can be designed quickly and force you to pare down your marketing message to the bare bones (ie, your most powerful, succint message). Sites like http://www.vistaprint.com allow you to design your own postcard right from their site. You can use their images or upload your own and have your order delivered in 3-5 days.

Whenever you start freelancing, as long as you are willing to put in the muscle to market and get your name out there, you can be successful at it. Good luck!
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