Hiya writer friends,
For the first time in three years, I’m bringing back Write With Me, an 8-week accountability program to help you finish your book.
Write faster, stay motivated, and join a community of writers all working toward the same goal.
Early bird pricing is 50% off, but only for the next week.
Hope to see you there!
Now then, on with the show…
It’s a tough season, isn’t it? Every time I open my inbox, it seems like another freelancer is sending out a farewell newsletter or announcing a career pivot. Writers who once boasted six-figure incomes are now talking about lost clients, dwindling assignments, or deciding to step back entirely.
It’s unsettling.
If you’re newer to freelancing, this might feel like a gut punch. You start to wonder if you’re delusional for holding on when even the most successful freelancers seem to be bowing out. Is it time to quit? Are you foolish for believing that things will get better?
Here’s the thing: moments like this are scary, yes—but they’re also part of the cycle.
Been There, Survived That
This might be your first downturn, but it’s not mine. I’ve lived through at least three major ones:
- 2008: The financial crisis hit, and freelancers left the industry in droves.
- 2013: The journalism world was imploding, with publications shuttering left and right.
- Now: A similar reckoning, with layoffs, AI disruptions, and shrinking budgets.
Each time, it felt like the end of the world for freelancers. And yet, each time, I’ve seen writers not just survive but come out the other side stronger.
Take 2008. It was brutal—assignments dried up, editors ghosted, and self-doubt crept in. But 2009? That’s when my career soared. I broke into The New York Times, TIME, and more, landing some of my biggest bylines to date.
Or 2013. That was hands-down my worst year. I thought I’d hit rock bottom. Then, I decided to diversify, dipping my toes into content marketing. Within a few years, I was commanding rates of $400 an hour—rates that still make people do a double take.
These weren’t isolated experiences. I know countless writers who hit their stride during or after these downturns. The key? They stayed in the game. They adapted. And they refused to let panic dictate their decisions.
Here’s How You Can Do the Same
- Diversify Your Income Streams
If journalism work has slowed, consider branching into related areas like content marketing, copywriting, or ghostwriting. These fields often weather economic storms better than traditional media. Bonus: They can pay exceptionally well.
- Look for New Opportunities
Where are budgets shifting? Maybe certain industries (like tech) are tightening their belts, but others (like climate, health, or education) might be ramping up their communications. Follow the money and pitch accordingly.
- Sharpen Your Skills
Use quieter months to level up. Take a course, learn SEO, or explore AI tools that can make your workflow more efficient. Clients love freelancers who are proactive and adaptable.
- Reconnect with Your Network
Reach out to editors, former clients, and fellow writers. Not with desperation, but with genuine curiosity. How are they navigating the downturn? Sometimes, just staying top of mind can lead to opportunities when things pick up again.
- Don’t Panic—Plan
It’s tempting to spiral when work dries up. Instead, take a breath and focus on what you can control. Set daily goals, whether it’s sending one pitch or applying for one new gig. Consistency will carry you further than fear ever could.
The Big Picture
I won’t sugarcoat it—freelancing is unpredictable. Some years will test your resolve. But if you can weather the tough times, you’ll be poised to thrive when the pendulum swings back (and it always does).
Remember, survival isn’t just about keeping your head above water; it’s about positioning yourself for the opportunities that come next.
So, stay in the game, writer friends. The work will return—it always does. And when it does, you’ll be ready.
Happy writing (and thriving)!
Cheers,
Natasha