One of the questions we’ve been getting a lot lately is this: How do you maintain focus as a freelance writer?

This can be a tough one, especially if you have ADHD or some other attention issue. Both Miranda and Kat experience ADHD/ADD, so they know how tough it can be to focus sometimes. 

Here are their top three tips for staying focused as a freelance writer:

Plan out the week in advance

Both Kat and Miranda use Sundays to map out the next two weeks. Take a look at what articles are due, which need interviews/sources, and when you have scheduled interviews.

Because the schedule changes week-to-week, this also provides a chance to make tweaks. Perhaps you build in a re-set day or set your personal due dates ahead of client due dates. Dedicating time to planning in advance and setting a schedule can help you stay on track.

Create a routine

Find a routine that works for you. Miranda likes to batch writing on certain days and blocks out time in the morning to get that...

We’ve all been there. Writer’s block is a real scourge for just about every writer at some point in time. As a freelance writer, though, it can be especially frustrating because, my goodness, deadlines.

If you ever suffer from writer’s block, there are some things you can do to get beyond it. Before you try any of this, though, a good rule of thumb is to plan your freelance writing schedule so that you’re working on assignments at least a couple of days before they’re due.

You might need time to work through the writer’s block and trying to force it half an hour from when you’re expected to turn in the assignment can be a problem.

• Go for a walk: This is one of the top ideas for beating writer’s block. A little physical activity and fresh air can help you get out of your funk and energize you to move forward.

• Write something else: Take a break from the current assignment and write something else. It doesn’t even have to...

As a freelance writer, one of the most important things you can do is build a good relationship with your editors. And it’s not just because it makes for a more pleasant professional situation. 

Editors move publications — and there are even freelance editors who work with multiple publications. Miranda has worked with one particular editor on three different projects, at his request. She is currently freelancing for Forbes because another editor brought her along when he started working there.

So, how do you wow your editors? You might be surprised at how simple it can be.

Meet your deadlines

When you can be counted on to turn your work on time, that goes a long way with most editors. If you know you’re going to miss a deadline, let your editor know ASAP. Good communication combined with turning in most of your stuff on deadline (or even a little early) can make a huge difference and move you to the top of the list.

Turn in clean copy

Do a little proofreading...