Meet a Freelance Writer
We caught up with Amy Birchall, who is a freelance content writer and Founder of Mint Content. She has worked in the industry since 2011 and is a former journalist. Amy’s speciality is in writing articles about business and technology. She has worked on publications such as The West Australian, Management Today, Intel, HP, Singtel and the Northern Territory Government.
What courses did you study to become a Writer? And tell us a bit about your current role?
I completed a Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Arts at the University of Canberra, with majors in creative writing and literary studies. I’ve also completed short courses in copywriting and now to run a successful freelance business.
After graduation, I worked in print journalism, software marketing and website editing roles while moonlighting as a freelance writer in my spare time. These experiences gave me the skills I needed to start Mint Content, which is a specialist content writing agency for IT companies. I’ve worked full-time as Mint Content’s founder and lead content writer since September 2015.
What does a writer do on a day-to day basis?
A typical day is filled with writing, editing, briefing writers, making revisions to submitted work, sending proposals and invoicing clients. I like to start my working day early, around 6am. I live in Thailand, which is three hours behind my clients in Sydney and Canberra. It’s good to be online when they’re in the office.
I tackle my most challenging projects in the morning while my brain is fresh. I save the afternoons for administrative work. By 3pm I’m ready for the gym and a stretch, followed by a few hours working on personal projects before dinner.
What do you think are the skills a freelance writer should have?
You need to be a skilled, confident writer with business smarts. The most successful freelancers aren’t always the best writers, but they do take the business side of things seriously.
Freelance writers also need to be adaptable. While there will always be demand for good writers, industries change and income sources can dry up fast. You need to be able to adjust your offerings to match what the market wants
What are the three things you absolutely love about your job?
- The freedom to work from anywhere
My partner and I relocated from Canberra to Thailand in January. It’s something we could never have done while working for somebody else. - Doing something different every day
Last week I wrote about mobile payment infrastructure in Indonesia, earthquake rebuilding efforts in Nepal, glass splashbacks and how to reduce operational costs with IT. I love working as a freelance writer because I never get bored. - Being my own boss
It’s great to have the freedom to choose my clients and projects. I also enjoy being 100% accountable for every project completed.
What advice would you give students aspiring to work in the freelance writing industry?
My advice is to gain as much writing experience as possible before you graduate, whether that’s through internships, starting a blog or paid work. Be proactive about developing the skills and connections you need to succeed.
It can take a few years to build up a thriving freelance business. Be prepared to supplement your income with full-time work until you gain momentum.
What is next on your career horizon?
I’d like Mint Content to eventually become the content writing agency of choice for IT and technology companies in Australia. I’m also working on a couple of side projects, including a book about how to succeed as a freelance writer.
Thank You, Amy, for sharing your story with training.com.au
