But the real question is: Why has this vision become such a freelance-writing cliche of happily typing away while sipping your favorite latte?

Beyond the romanticized idea of being able to pick up your laptop and work wherever you wish, there are some major benefits of writing an article, memoir or even a simple blog at your favorite coffee shop.

Like many other freelance writers, I’ve experienced many moments or reasons it makes sense for a freelance writer to want to spend time perfecting their craft at a coffee shop.

1. The location lends itself to inspiration

What better way to inspire yourself than being surrounded by tasty coffee, eclectic interior designs (furniture I could only dream of owning) and fancy coffee cups?

The notion that sometimes “faking it until you make it” plays out well in a coffee shop.

You are sitting amongst so many things you may wish to own one day which could potentially spark the drive to pitch articles around that topic. Sometimes, even being in a spot that inspires you can break imposter syndrome moments from slipping into your mind.

2. The “I see you here often” moments

This is said in a non pick-up-line type of way, but constantly being at a coffee shop tends to spark conversations among others who may have also chosen this particular coffee shop as their remote working spot.

It’s not rare for others to gravitate towards familiar faces and wonder what exactly they are doing, working on and what industry they work in.

I was approached at my coffee shop of choice and later left with someone who would be able to teach me how to write for SEO.

This individual had seen me day in and day out typing away and figured the opportunity to network was upon us. He needed a writer and I needed SEO help. Voila, a partnership made over coffee!

3. Self care

Freelance writers are one group of workers that tends to deal with isolation, exhaustion and depression at a higher rate than others due to the autonomy of the industry.

Leaving the house or apartment and finding a place to work, relax and also be among people and inspiration seems like an ideal escape from the compounds of your home — no matter how cozy it is and a great way practice self care.

It only makes sense that a person freelancing decided that a coffee shop, with all the comforting amenities of home, would be the ideal spot to work and the freelance culture accepted the coffee shop as a “home base” away from home.

4. A chance to network and connect

Beyond nabbing a client at a coffee shop, I’ve also had experiences where two people networking becomes a web of networks once others jump into the conversation.

Two freelance photographers were chatting and another guy at the table next to them leans in and offers them an internship at a photography studio he owns.

A Starbucks barista, who pours my latte every Monday, is actually a photographer and videographer who needed some marketing to give his business an extra push. Had he not made a passing comment while making my Matcha latte, I wouldn’t have known. Business cards were exchanged and instead of simply being my barista, we now help each other with our freelance business ventures.

Being out in the open and chatting about your work can also bring others into the conversation who would not have been there had this conversation been over the phone while both individuals were in their respective homes.

The coffee shop puts you out there, gives you the figurative microphone to put your writing portfolio, aspirations and pitches out in an environment that invites conversation in a relaxed environment. Sometimes, it can really work in your favor — and, you are filled with caffeine so that’s a plus too.

The downside of writing from a coffee shop

Of course, working from a coffee shop isn’t going to be perfect. There are some downsides, mostly in the form of distractions.

Unfortunately, as much as freelance writers may be a big part of the coffee shop population, we are not the only ones who frequent there, so you may be stuck next to a gossiping teenager, loud man on the phone, or someone with a cold who probably shouldn’t have left the house.

Beyond distractions, the only other downside is the “payment” for using a coffee shop.

Obviously, while you may be able to pop in and sit at some shops, it’s definitely frowned upon, and buying a product is the typical “payment” for your time. It does add up if you try to go every day, so it may be best to budget your week out and use coffee shops for those days when you need the inspiration and caffeine the most.

Whether you are a seasoned coffee shop freelancer or figuring out that mixing caffeine and conversation can do wonders for your career, there is no denying that coffee shops offer the perfect combination to jumpstart your energy, networking and writing.

Seasoned freelancers know their niche, how and who to pitch, but beginners may feel a bit lost and not know where to get started.

While putting yourself out there is great, there are also security risks involved when handing a complere stranger your bio, email address, and creating a payment portal between you and a company.

Here are ways to ensure your freelance safety and pitch with ease like a pro.

1. Do business via websites meant for freelancers

While writing gigs can be found almost anywhere, even social media sites like Facebook and Pinterest, sometimes the best approach is to keep your job search to secure freelancing websites.

Upwork tends to be the go-to freelancing portal for both employers and freelancers.

You can easily set up your own freelancer page including your niche, past work experience and rate of pay. This then allows you to search for work.

Upwork allows you, as the freelancer, to also see how many other freelancers made a proposal on a client’s project, the rate of pay, and if their payment method is verified. To ebb on the side of caution, it’s a best practice to work with employers who are verified and have high ratings and a few reviews from other freelancers who have worked with them.

Beyond Upwork, Guru is the other site in which freelancers can visit for work. Just like Upwork, Guru has a checks and balances system for both employers and freelancers to see their reviews and past work.

2. Use a virtual private network

Freelance writing makes it so you always have a bio floating around the internet for anyone who reads your posts to click on and see.

Beyond giving away a little two-sentence bit about yourself, it seems like a very vague way to express who you are. Who can find you based on the fact that you like lattes and love to travel?

Well, they may not be able to find you from that, but someone digitally savvy enough could track the IP address your work comes from. This is where a little cyber security on your end can let you pitch in peace.

A virtual private network, otherwise known as a VPN, has the ability to encrypt your internet traffic or go into Incognito Mode like on Chrome’s browser.

This allows writers to feel a bit safer about putting their work out there because no one can hack your work and gather your IP address.

3. Keep your information safe

Backtracking to the former statement about using an online freelancing platform, you should also keep your information safe.

Upwork files your bank information through them, as do other platforms so that the employer does not see any private details on their end.

Employers should never ask you to simply send personal information such as bank routing numbers or your social security information via an email or phone call to properly pay you for your work.

If this does occur, then following your gut may be the best practice and cutting ties with this employer is worth more than the pay in which they were offering. There will always be other writing opportunities without the fear of identity theft.

4. Use plagiarism technology to your advantage

You wrote an article and you have rights to it — unless you just wrote something someone else said.

Now, many people are given the same information so it is possible to have multiple variations of the same story, but that is far different that blatant plagiarism.

Luckily, technology steps in and saves the day. There are now many different types of plagiarism software out there like Grammarly that can ensure you are not re-writing an article too closely to something already published.

Just like you wouldn’t want someone to take your work, you don’t want to do the same for someone else. It’s important to protect your reputation.

Freelance writing can be a very rewarding career, but it is best to impose these safety best practices early on to keep your information, identity and reputations safe for a successful future in writing.

Have other tips for keeping your freelance writing career safe? Leave them in the comments below.

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