All freelance writers need to know about the feast or famine cycle

Freelancing can feel like a dream career—flexibility, independence, and creative freedom. But lurking behind this appealing lifestyle is a challenge nearly every freelancer faces: the feast or famine cycle. 

This cycle describes the rollercoaster nature of freelancing, where periods of overwhelming work (“feast”) are followed by stretches of little to no projects (“famine”). For freelance writers, navigating this pattern can be emotionally draining and financially stressful.

The good news? The feast or famine cycle doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of your career. With the right strategies and mindset, you can smooth out the ups and downs and build a more stable freelancing business.

The feast or famine cycle explained

The feast or famine cycle is a predictable ebb and flow of work that many freelancers experience. During the feast phase, you may find yourself juggling multiple deadlines, earning well, and feeling on top of your game. However, these periods of high demand are often followed by famines—weeks or months with few client inquiries and dwindling income.

This cycle is typically caused by:

• Inconsistent marketing: Many freelancers neglect to promote their services during busy times, creating a work gap later.
• Over-reliance on one client: Depending too heavily on a single client can leave you stranded if they stop assigning work.
• Poor planning: Focusing only on immediate tasks without preparing for the future leaves freelancers vulnerable during slower months.

For freelance writers, the feast or famine cycle is particularly tough because creativity often takes a hit during high-stress periods. This makes it essential to address the issue holistically.

Strategies to break the feast or famine cycle

Market yourself consistently

Marketing should be a daily habit, not something you scramble to do only during famines. Implement “soft marketing” techniques to keep your name in front of potential clients:

• Maintain an online presence: Update your LinkedIn profile, post relevant content, and engage with industry communities.
• Reconnect with past clients: Send check-in emails to previous clients, letting them know you’re available for new projects.
• Track your efforts: Try gamifying your marketing by moving a small object, like a bean, from one jar to another each time you complete a marketing task.

Diversify your income streams

Relying on one type of work or client is risky. By diversifying your offerings, you can maintain steadier cash flow:

• Expand your niches: Explore new industries or types of writing (e.g., technical writing, eBooks, or ghostwriting).
• Offer recurring services: Create subscription-based content packages, such as monthly blog posts or newsletters, to secure predictable income.

Build a financial safety net

A lack of savings is one of the biggest stressors during famines. Build an emergency fund to prepare for slower periods:

• Save during feast periods: Allocate a percentage of each paycheck to your emergency fund.
• Budget for consistency: Track your expenses and plan conservatively, so you’re financially prepared even during lean months.

Practical tips for long-term sustainability

But even with all these tips in mind, keep in mind that you might still find lulls in your success as a freelance writer. The important thing is that you view your career in the long term and not in the short term. Here are some more practical tips:

1. Reframe your mindset

It’s easy to internalize famine periods as failures, but they’re a normal part of freelancing. Recognize that these slow times don’t reflect your skills or worth. Use them to your advantage by:

• Upskilling: Take courses or learn new tools that expand your expertise and earning potential.
• Creative projects: Work on personal projects or passion writing to stay productive and inspired.

2. Manage stress effectively

Periods of famine often come with anxiety and burnout. Prioritize self-care to maintain your mental health:

• Get outside: Activities like walking, running, or gardening can reduce stress and boost focus.
• Engage in hobbies: Use downtime to read, paint, or enjoy other hobbies that refresh your mind.

3. Collaborate with peers

Freelancing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Build relationships with other writers and professionals:

• Network: Attend events or join online communities to meet peers who can provide referrals or collaboration opportunities.
• Partner on projects: Collaborate with freelancers who complement your skills, such as designers or editors, to expand your offerings.

4. Automate and streamline your business

Running a freelance business involves juggling multiple roles. Automating certain tasks can free up time for meaningful work:

• Invoicing tools: Use platforms like FreshBooks or QuickBooks to simplify payment tracking.
• Project management systems: Organize your workload with tools like Trello or Asana.

You can do it!

The feast or famine cycle is one of the most common hurdles freelance writers face, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By adopting consistent marketing habits, diversifying income streams, and preparing financially for lean times, you can take control of your freelance business.

Remember, slow periods are an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and grow—not a reflection of your talent. With thoughtful planning and a proactive mindset, you can smooth out the feast-and-famine cycle and build a freelance career that’s both stable and rewarding.