Writing Goals for 2014

I’ve focused a lot of this blog’s content towards what it means to become a writer and how to go about doing so. I’m still traveling as much as I can, but I want to create a life where I can do both, travel and write, and have the, for lack of better word, “digital nomad lifestyle.”

I’m lucky that the community of writers I’ve joined is supportive enough of one another that we let each other know when there are freelance opportunities, which I hope to lead to more work.

Moving Income Towards Writing

In the past year, about 25% of my total income was from writing. The other 60% comes from my seasonal work at the gift marts in Atlanta and New York and another 15% from substitute teaching. I will continue to do my temp jobs in 2014, but I would like to see 2014 be the year where I get that 25% to at least 40%. I would like to say that writing is the majority of my income within the next 5 years.

So how do I do it? I’m taking on new clients, including Masthead Media and Skyword, which are companies that take on clients and hire writers to create content. I’ve recently published a post for Eagle Creek’s blog about packing for Australia. I hope to continue to take on regular work from them about packing and travel advice. This year I would like to pitch at least four new clients, including one magazine. Ideally, I would pitch one idea per month minimum.

Continuing Work for Existing Clients

If I’ve learned one thing this year, it’s that if you crank out good work, people will notice and will come back for more. My first assignment for AFAR earlier this year has led to three (!!!) more since then. This is a big deal. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and that it’s allowed me to be recommended for more.

I’m staying loyal to the outlets that have treated me well, namely AFAR.com and Her Packing List. I look forward to seeing my Atlanta City Guide on AFAR and updating it regularly to point out the best spots in my city. My content on Her Packing List has increased and become much more varied to include posts about travel hacks and the like.

Getting Rid of Nonsense

Last year I had nine clients that I worked with throughout the year, but two will not be continuing into 2014. I’ve decided I will no longer be writing for free unless it is under very specific circumstances that I feel will better promote my brand.

I had to leave an unpaid writing gig that had a week per post deadline and an unusual way of sourcing images. Another randomly stopped answering my emails after my first piece of what was supposed to be a year-long contract.

This is the kind of nonsense I don’t have time for. I only need to be doing work that will pay me in a timely manner and at a level that is indicative of the time and effort I’ve put forward. So to all those fellow writers out there, don’t put up with these types of clients anymore. Take a stand.

Diversifying Income

What you’ll notice that does not have a place on the pie charts is advertisements. I made the decision this year to start phasing out sponsored posts and text links. I think it will be more beneficial for me in the long run to let my writing work shine rather than to take the quick and dirty payments from advertisers.

I have, however, continued to be a part of affiliate programs with companies I believe in, like those of BusAbout, World Nomads, Urban Adventures, ExOfficio, Indie Media and Amazon. You will see these in sidebars, relevant posts and my newsletter.

This year I’m excited to release an e-book that I’ve been working on for months. I also want to release more, specifically short city guides for This Is My South. I’d also like to take on paid speaking events about working holidays, freelance writing and travel blogging. If you’d like to hire me, let me know!

So what are your career goals for 2014?