Introduction

As a freelance writer, I’ve often found myself grappling with three common writing problems identified by the Copyblogger community: getting started, cutting the fluff, and finishing a draft. These issues are symptoms of not understanding what you’re trying to accomplish with your writing. But fear not, fellow freelancers! I’ve discovered a five-step process that has helped me clarify my objectives and finish any writing project with only the necessary elements.

Remember, everyone’s approach to finding an efficient writing process is different, so it’s important to find the right method that works for you. Let’s dive into this process!

1. Begin with the End in Mind

Starting a writing project can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. The key is to start with the end in mind. Visualize your final product and what you want to achieve with it. This will give you a clear direction and make the writing process much smoother.

For instance, if you’re writing a blog post about the benefits of freelancing, your end goal might be to convince readers to consider freelancing as a viable career option. With this end in mind, you can structure your post to effectively convey this message.

2. Identify Questions to Simplify the Writing Process

Once you have a clear end goal, the next step is to identify questions that your writing should answer. These questions will guide your research and writing, ensuring that your content is relevant and valuable to your readers.

Using the same example, some questions you might want to answer could be: What are the benefits of freelancing? How can someone get started in freelancing? What challenges might they face and how can they overcome them?

3. Write the Headline and Subheads

Now that you have your questions, it’s time to write your headline and subheads. These elements are crucial as they not only guide your writing but also grab your readers’ attention.

Your headline should be compelling and give a clear idea of what your post is about. Your subheads, on the other hand, should break down your content into digestible sections and provide a roadmap for your readers.

4. Fill in the Blanks

With your headline and subheads in place, you can now start filling in the blanks. This is where you flesh out your ideas and answer the questions you identified earlier. Remember to stay focused on your end goal and ensure that every paragraph you write brings you one step closer to it.

Don’t worry about making your first draft perfect. Just get your ideas down and refine them later.

5. Edit

The final step is to edit your work. This is where you cut the fluff and polish your writing. Check for any grammatical errors, awkward sentences, and unnecessary information. Make sure that your writing is clear, concise, and engaging.

Editing might seem tedious, but it’s a crucial step that can make or break your writing. So take your time with it and don’t rush.

Conclusion

There you have it, a five-step process to help you overcome common writing problems and finish your writing projects efficiently. Remember, the key is to understand what you’re trying to accomplish with your writing and to find a method that works best for you. Happy writing, freelancers!