Setting Up Your Freelance Workspace

Freelancing requires an initial investment if you don't already own a computer. The basic things you need at the very minimum to set up your business would be:

• desk
• PC or laptop which is relatively new plus broadband
• printer, scanner, fax machine and copier (you can get all in one models from HP and all major brands)
• working notebook to jot down ideas
• diary
• calendar
• current edition of Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
• phone

You probably already have most of the above. What you need to do now is organize your workspace. I suggest that you do it in a way that is conducive to your writing. Too many times a messy or disorganized workspace is the reason why many writers don't feel 'in the mood to write' It's your workspace, so make the most of it. Personalize it.

I also have a noteboard on my wall with lots of pins on it so useful numbers, names and word lists all get pinned on. Another useful item it a sticky notepad of post it notes. These are especially helpful when you have important things to do which cannot wait - I usually stick them on my desk or on my laptop.

Don't forget the comfort factor either and ensure that your chair is set to the correct level so you can work easily without craning your neck.

You may wish to get an ergonomic keyboard with a mouse if you are concerned about repetitive strain injury (RSI) to your hands. Believe you me, it is worth paying a bit more for at least a mouse rather than using the touchpad mouse that many laptops feature. I had severe RSI to the point where my elbows were swollen, and that didn't even take into account the shooting pain down my fingers and wrists.

Another consideration: should you go for a PC or a laptop? If you can, have both. Personally, I choose to have a laptop because of the portability factor. I often go and stay at my mums during school holidays and sure enough, my laptop comes with me.

One more thing which is HIGHLY recommended. In fact, I would say don't even consider setting up your business without it. Whatever you do, get a subscription to Carbonite backup drive. It is the single best investment I have ever made and it is very cheap. A one year subscription to this service costs about $55 and backs up EVERY single document and piece of work you do. Even if you go into a document and make changes, it tracks them and saves them.

At least if your computer was ever stolen, damaged or completely crashed out, you would always have a backup of every single bit of information you have ever had. I have literally hundreds if not thousands of hours worth of work on my laptop, not to mention expensive learning courses that I have downloaded. At least I am safe knowing that my work is safe. Unlike an external hard drive where you have to manually save your work including changes, Carbonite does it for you automatically.

Hopefully the advice here is enough to get you going. You may find you need other essential bits and bobs, but the above mentioned things are your barest minimum.