Sarah Townsend - Marketing Copywriter & Author
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This Freelance Insights interview features marketing copywriter and author Sarah Townsend.
I got to know Sarah recently when we were both on a panel together at the ITI conference. She is full of information and shares so many hints and tips that are pure gold for small business owners. Sarah is in fact the author of Survival Skills for Freelancers, where she busts some common myths about freelance life.
Sarah is kindly sharing a link to a free sample of her book that readers can get access to by clicking the button further down this page.
How do you describe what you do for work?
For the past 22 years, I’ve been a marketing copywriter and editor, helping business owners and marketing managers communicate what makes their business stand out. But then last year, I self-published Survival Skills for Freelancers, which is all about helping small business owners get more enjoyment from self-employment. It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me that I didn’t expect!
What's your favourite thing about working freelance?
I have multiple favourite things. One of the things I absolutely love is the people I get to meet through being freelance. We have so much to offer one another. I also enjoy the sheer variety of the work I do and the clients I have. I consider myself lucky to have such fulfilling work, although I must stress that I do say no a lot. I only work with people whose core values inspire me and give me goosebumps!
Where do you usually work from?
I’m very fortunate to have a dedicated, lovely yellow office in my home! I did face a few challenges while my partner was living with me during lockdown and my son was at home… But outside lockdown, I’ll also work from the lounge bar at my gym. I’ll take my swimsuit and do a couple of hours’ work before having a swim, getting my productivity back up, and then I find I work more efficiently.
What does a normal working day look like for you?
At the start of the year, I adopted a new habit. I realised I wasn’t reading as much as I’d like to, so I decided to start reading for half an hour at the beginning and end of the day. So, after getting up, I’ll read, have breakfast, and usually head straight to the gym. I’ll do some exercise in the morning as well as lots of work, but I try not to check emails all the time! I only do client work four days a week now.
What one tip would you give other freelancers about running a freelance business?
I’m going to say this partly tongue in cheek, but start by reading my book! In the book I bust what I consider to be the eight myths of freelance life, so it’s hard to pick one over the others. But I would say it’s really important to recognise the early signs of overwhelm and burnout, and to do something about it. Set boundaries and identify the steps you need to take to create a better work-life balance.
Free resource
Sarah has kindly offered to share a sizeable sample of her book with readers of this interview. If you don’t already have a Kindle, all you have to do is download the free app. Click on the button below to access your sample of Survival Skills for Freelancers.
Connect with Sarah
Instagram: @thecopywritersday
Email: hello@sarahtownsendeditorial.co.uk
Website: www.sarahtownsendeditorial.co.uk
