Nomadic Times contributor shares useful tips to help travel writers manage the business side of being freelance and nomadic.

By Indiana Lee

For those of us with both a passion for writing and for visiting new places, working as a travel writer is the perfect job. You can share your passions with a global audience, and get paid to travel — what’s not to love in that scenario?

However, there may be downsides to your dream job of freelance travel writing, whether you specialize in blog posts, long-form travel guides, or something else entirely. For starters, travel writing doesn’t always pay the bills by itself, and you may need to supplement your income to maintain the quality of life that you’re accustomed to as a frequent traveler.

Fortunately, there are myriad business opportunities for all types of digital nomads, including freelance writers. Some travel writers, for example, write for private entities on a contractual basis, which may include ghostwriting or creating product descriptions. If you’re looking for creative ways to boost your income while keeping your travel writing dreams alive, here are some valuable business and legal considerations to keep in mind.

Navigating the Financial Waters of Freelance Work

Freelancing is becoming more and more popular among workers looking for more flexibility and autonomy. But numerous trade-offs are involved as well. For starters, freelancers and independent contractors aren’t eligible for employer-based health insurance, and you’ll likely have to say goodbye to regular paydays, especially when you’re just starting out.

In addition, travel writers have more complex financial needs than traditional freelance writers. As you grow your personal freelance business, you’ll need to account for various travel expenses, ranging from flights and accommodation to daily takeout meals. While you may be able to claim some of those travel expenses as necessary business deductions when filing your taxes, there’s still the initial out-of-pocket costs to consider.

Be Your Own Boss, Consultant, and Business Manager

Where paydays are concerned, much of the process rests solely in your hands. When writing in a freelance capacity, you’ll likely be required to submit invoices to a company’s payroll department, likely without reminders or without someone there to double-check that you submitted them accurately.

The good news is that in this modern day and age, the invoicing process will likely be performed almost exclusively online, and it’s relatively easy to learn. While these types of mundane, business-related tasks may seem tedious and take away from your writing time, they’re integral to keeping your freelance writing business alive and thriving, no matter where your travels take you.

If you write travel-related blog posts and articles for a number of sites, you’ll notice that the invoicing and payment processes can vary considerably. Some companies will provide you with their preferred invoicing template; others, however, leave you on your own to write invoice letters or emails, and submit that paperwork to the appropriate department.

No matter your methodology, always be prompt in order to demonstrate your professionalism and to better ensure a timely payout. Finally, always make note of the date in which you receive payment, and remember to keep your invoice notes organized.

Intellectual Property Considerations for Freelance Writers

As a freelance travel writer, your business-related duties don’t end with invoices and payroll matters — you also need to have a strong grasp of how your writing work will be used once it’s accepted. Upon acceptance, will your work remain your own intellectual property, or have you signed your rights away? Even if you don’t have a strong opinion on the matter, it’s an important distinction from a legal standpoint.

Thus, no matter the type of writing gig, always read the fine print prior to working with a new company or website. If you wish for your written work to remain your personal intellectual property, make that fact clear from the beginning, and be prepared for some pushback.

Don’t be afraid to turn down a writing job if you’re not comfortable with its proposed terms.

Finally, make sure to ask for everything in writing, including details about a project’s duration, deadline requirements, and payment process.

Key Takeaways

From keeping up with deadlines to juggling flight logistics and ensuring that you’re getting paid for your work, travel writing is a multifaceted job. But you can easily make it work for you, if you possess the skills, drive, and business acumen needed to stay afloat in the freeing yet complex world of contract writing.

Author Bio

Indiana Lee has been a writer and journalist for almost a decade. Writing from the Pacific Northwest with a passion for covering business acumen, social justice, travel, scientific advancement, and more.

In her off time she enjoys cultivating plants, mountain biking, and exploring trails all over the world.

You can follow her work on Contently, or reach her at indianaleewrites@gmail.com.

Source of images: https://unsplash.com