How to Keep Your Sanity When Freelance Writing Work Slows Down
If you’re a freelance writer, you know the drill: one month you’re swimming in assignments, juggling deadlines, and dreaming of the sweet day you’ll finally have time to vacuum under the couch.
The next month? Crickets. Your inbox becomes a barren wasteland, and your bank account starts side-eyeing you with judgment.
Welcome to the freelance rollercoaster. Dry spells are an inevitable part of the gig, but they don’t have to drive you to the brink of madness.
Let’s cover actionable strategies to not only survive slow periods but also make them productive, fulfilling, and—dare we say it—enjoyable.
1. Don’t Panic: It’s Not Just You
First things first, take a deep breath. Slow periods happen to every freelance writer, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing this since AOL was the hottest thing online. The writing industry has natural ebbs and flows—holidays, budget cycles, and seasonal trends all play a role.
Instead of spiraling into existential dread, remind yourself that this is temporary. Keep repeating: “This is not the end of my freelance career. This is a season.” Trust us—it helps.
Freelancing is unpredictable by nature, and while it can feel deeply personal when your inbox is empty, it’s rarely a reflection of your skills, professionalism, or worth as a writer. Even the most successful freelancers experience periods of downtime, and more often than not, it has little to do with their talent or effort.
Use this time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Over the past year, have you had busy seasons? Did clients return with repeat projects? These are signs that your freelance business is healthy, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.
It can also be helpful to reframe your mindset around slow periods. Instead of viewing them as failures, think of them as opportunities for growth, reflection, and preparation. When your schedule is packed, it’s hard to step back and assess your overall goals or make strategic plans for your business. A lull in work provides space for exactly that.
If the anxiety feels overwhelming, create a small, actionable to-do list for the day. Maybe it’s as simple as sending one follow-up email, researching two new clients, or drafting an idea for a personal blog post. Small wins can help you regain a sense of control and momentum.
Lastly, don’t compare yourself to others. Social media is a highlight reel, and while it might seem like every other freelancer is swimming in lucrative gigs, remember that few people post about their slow months or empty inboxes. Comparison won’t serve you here—focus on your own journey and trust the process.
In short: take a breath, shift your perspective, and remind yourself that this dry spell is just a chapter, not the whole story. Every freelancer goes through it, and you will come out on the other side—hopefully wiser, calmer, and more prepared for the next busy season.
2. Check Your Finances (But Don’t Obsess)
One of the scariest parts of a freelance dry spell is the financial uncertainty. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to revisit your budget. Trim unnecessary expenses (looking at you, random streaming subscriptions) and focus on essentials.
If you have an emergency fund, this is exactly what it’s for. Use it strategically, and don’t beat yourself up for tapping into it—that’s what it’s there for!
Pro Tip: During busy seasons, set aside a percentage of your income for slower months. Your future self will thank you.
3. Invest in Marketing Yourself
When client work slows down, you become your biggest project. This is the perfect time to sharpen your professional image and ensure you’re top-of-mind for potential clients when opportunities arise.
Update Your Portfolio
Make sure your portfolio reflects your latest and best work. Add new samples, update descriptions, and ensure that everything is polished and professional. A strong portfolio acts as your digital business card, so make it shine.
Refresh Your LinkedIn and Social Media Profiles
LinkedIn isn’t just a job board; it’s a networking powerhouse. Update your headline, refresh your bio, and make sure your most recent projects are featured prominently. Share valuable content—writing tips, insights, or snippets of your work. This not only showcases your expertise but also keeps you visible to potential clients.
Reach Out to Past Clients
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple follow-up email to rekindle a professional relationship. Send a polite and friendly note to past clients:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [Project Name]. If you have any upcoming writing needs or projects in mind, I’d love to collaborate again!”
You’d be surprised how often this small effort leads to more work.
What about cold pitching? Use this downtime to identify potential clients and send out thoughtful, customized pitches. Tailor each pitch to the client’s needs, showing that you’ve done your research and genuinely care about their business.
Create and Share Valuable Content
Start a blog, write an article on Medium, or share helpful threads on Twitter. Position yourself as an expert in your niche. Over time, this visibility can attract inbound opportunities.
Build an Email List
If you don’t already have one, consider building an email list to nurture relationships with potential clients and readers. Regular newsletters showcasing your expertise and personality can keep you top-of-mind.
Invest in Professional Branding
Consider if your website or logo needs a refresh. Sometimes, a small visual update can make a significant impact on how potential clients perceive you.
Ask for Testimonials and Referrals
Reach out to past clients and ask for testimonials if you don’t have them already. You can also gently ask if they know anyone who might need your services. Word-of-mouth referrals are gold in the freelance world.
In short, treat slow periods as a chance to build a stronger foundation for your freelance business. Marketing isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process, and consistency will pay off in the long run.
4. Diversify Your Income Streams
Freelance writing doesn’t have to be your only income stream. Consider adding related services like:
- Editing and proofreading
- Coaching new freelance writers
- Selling digital products (e.g., eBooks or templates)
- Creating a course on writing skills
- Starting a YouTube channel about your area of expertise
These extra income streams can help keep cash flowing during dry spells.
5. Learn Something New
A slow period is the perfect opportunity to expand your skill set or learn something entirely new. Consider taking an online course, reading industry-relevant books, or experimenting with new writing styles.
Learning a new skill—whether it’s SEO writing, content strategy, or even graphic design—can make you a more versatile writer and open up additional streams of income.
Explore platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare for affordable online classes. Alternatively, immerse yourself in free resources like YouTube tutorials or professional blogs.
Personal development isn’t limited to writing-related skills. Learning productivity techniques, time management strategies, or even a new language can also enrich your professional and personal life.
Remember, knowledge is an investment that pays ongoing dividends.
6. Work on Passion Projects
Every freelance writer has that project—the novel idea gathering digital dust in your Google Drive, the blog you meant to start three years ago, or the newsletter you abandoned after three issues.
Now’s the time to dust it off and give it some love. Passion projects are not only fulfilling, but they also keep your writing muscles active.
7. Network with Other Freelancers
Freelancing doesn’t mean working in isolation. In fact, your fellow freelancers can be some of your best resources during slow periods.
Join Online Communities
There are countless online groups and forums for freelance writers—on Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn, and dedicated platforms. These spaces are great for sharing experiences, job leads, and advice. Active participation not only builds connections but also increases your visibility within the community.
Attend Virtual or In-Person Events
Look for webinars, conferences, or local networking events specifically for freelancers or writers. These events are not only educational but also excellent opportunities to meet potential collaborators or clients.
Collaborate with Other Freelancers
Other freelancers may have overflow work or projects they can’t handle alone. Reach out to your network and let people know you’re available for subcontracting or collaborative opportunities.
Offer Value First
Networking isn’t just about asking for favors—it’s also about offering help. Share job leads, recommend others for gigs, or provide helpful insights in community discussions. Building goodwill within your network often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Stay Connected
Networking isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing effort. Check in with your connections regularly, comment on their posts, and celebrate their wins. Building authentic relationships takes time but pays off in the long run.
In short, freelance writing doesn’t have to be lonely. Building a strong network creates a safety net during slow seasons and a support system during busy ones.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
It’s easy to let anxiety take over during slow periods, but your mental health needs to stay a priority. Make time for activities that calm and recharge you—whether that’s exercise, meditation, or binge-watching your favorite feel-good sitcom.
Remember, you’re not just a writing machine. You’re a human being who deserves rest and care.
9. Plan for the Next Busy Season
Slow periods are the perfect time to prepare for the chaos of your next busy season. Organize your workspace, refine your systems, and create templates for proposals, invoices, and client onboarding.
When work picks up again (and it will pick up again), you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
Final Thoughts
Dry spells are tough, but they’re also opportunities in disguise. Whether you’re refining your craft, networking, or finally starting that dream project, these periods can be incredibly valuable.
Freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. So, the next time work slows down, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and remember: this season will pass. And when it does, you’ll be all the stronger—and savvier—for it.
