Bhawna: Acing her craft with research, structure & creativity

An independent content writer, Bhawna works as a ghostwriter who likes the work diversity that freelancing allows. She believes that the exposure gained through working with different clients helps boost her creativity. She says that co-working spaces are one of the best ways of dealing with isolation and loneliness as a freelancer. According to her, Integrity and loyalty is really crucial for any professional. Through her well researched and structured articles, she is winning the hearts of all her clients. With adding a spark of creativity in her work, we are sure success is going to be her companion for long.

Read Bhawna’s journey of freelancing here: 

Introduce yourself to us? 

I am An independent writer helping architects, innovators, and sustainable designers in providing well-articulated and researched content. I have finished my MA in writing this year from Royal College of Art London and right now, I am working as a ghost writer.

Why did you choose to freelance? If given the option, would you carry on doing freelancing or work as a full-time writer?

I started writing in my engineering days and freelancing was a viable option at that time. I always had this craving for some practical experience so I decided to take on some internships during my semester break. But after doing an internship with a sports company, I realized writing articles in bulk and that too with a single concept is not my forte. I like to have considerable diversity and that is the best thing about freelancing. With different clients, I get different execution tips and it boosts up my creativity. 

What are the negative sides of being a freelancer? How do you cope up with it? 

No matter how much you put in to make some virtual connections, you always feel socially isolated. Even after getting paid well and experimenting with your creativity, you feel something is missing. There is nothing physically visible except your laptop and diary. I prefer joining some co-working space and you will find so many people like you working endlessly and looking for some connections.

What is your USP? As a freelancer, speak about having integrity as an essential characteristic? 

Not as a freelancer only, I would say in any profession, integrity is must. Deliver your work on time, follow up for any edits, be punctual, and loyal. Also, as a writer, we have this duty to deliver a logical piece. With voice, we have got the right words to use to put out our opinions backed up with research. In this world where legitimacy is a task, it is becoming more important than ever to separate fake from real with proper research from credible sources. I think my clients appreciate the way I structure my research work to form a piece.  

Throw some light on the importance of choosing niches and working on personal branding for freelancers. 

Personal branding is important. It happens differently for every person. For me, I just focus on my work, make it best and it all happens with references. When I need to find work, I go back to my previous clients with an updated portfolio and it works. About choosing niches, always go for what makes you feel excited, and not what is trending. You not only need to have the knowledge of the topic, you also have to connect yourself to the cause, possibilities, and solutions.

How to negotiate your deal with clients? What are the important points and techniques to keep in mind?

I don’t have a specific answer to that. It is subjective. I would say just keep your worth in mind, if you think you deserve this price then accept the project, otherwise your wish. Sometimes I take less paid projects also because I find it more interesting to be a part of that project instead of getting a good pay. There is no technique to it, this is not science, it is business and people choose the way which is accepted to their skillset. 

What according to you are the most essential skills that anyone interested in this area of work should develop? Mention, if any recommended tools or resources for new freelancers/content writers to use.

It is a difficult question and there is no specific answer to this. For me, I feel like a person should be sound in networking, loyal to his/her work, and daring enough to get up after a huge fall. And for tools, novices can always go for Grammarly, just so that they can have a grip over their grammar. Read. Read a lot. Either blogs, books, journals, anything. 

What is the one thing about clients that you dislike? What can they do to improve your work life?

My clients have always been helpful, flexible in the work schedule, and they all have been a good mentor. I have hardly had any grudges with my clients. But I don’t like the editing process. I assume in most cases you will find differences between writers and editors. This is a common problem. You feel ghosted and discarded when the editor removes or edits your favorite lines. Sometimes it hurts you when they scan your content and make it a new piece. But know that, editing is important and a tedious task, it requires a different level of determination. 

What changes do you see in your writing after completing your MA? Do you think it is necessary to have a proper education in writing to be a writer?

I have always been good with research and structure; I was more into academic writing. I lacked the creativity; you know the art of storytelling. During my MA, I started focusing and giving things an artistic perspective. I am still not perfect, just experimenting and trying different forms. 

Do you feel content with yourself as you look back or do you think you have missed something?

I am proud of myself for everything.

For delivering quality work on time, having a good brief is necessary. To know more, read our blog on what an ideal brief should be like.