Five Hard Truths of Freelance Writing
May 8, 2007 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
In response to Problogger.com’s newest group writing project… a list of five hard truths about Freelance writing:
- Writing is hard work – There’s simply no getting around it, writing is hard work. It takes time to develop your skill, time to develop an idea, real effort to get it written, and even more effort to do the necessary rewriting.
- Writing ideas are a dime a dozen – Ideas are everywhere, literally. The trick is honing an idea so it meets a market need. Keep the ideas flowing, but learn to be discerning about them.
- You must learn to market your writing – Marketing yourself and your writing is absolutely key to becoming a successful freelancer. It must be done, even if you hate it. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to market, so you’re sure to find something that fits… but find it you must.
- Publishing once doesn’t guarantee a career
- It’s hard to make a million – Heck, it’s hard to make a living at freelancing, let alone a million. But if you love to write, if you must write, keep at it. With practice and time and marketing ability, you can make a living, and even a million.
– Celebrate your first sale, but not for long. The only way to become a true success is to keep at it.
Which doesn’t mean it can’t be done!
Write well and often,
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Well said, Anne.
Resting on our laurels will only reveal a tarnished medal and an empty wallet. We need to write consistently (and well) in order to maintain our present position and expend a greater amount of effort if we are to truly excel.
I only rest on my laurals on my self-declared day’s off… like a daylong trip to my 3 year old grandaughter’s birthday.
I guess great minds think alike. My post is nearly identical to yours:)
Blogged you this afternoon; great and truthful tips.
thanks… want to give us a link? Both of you!
plugged in website, must not post under comments. its at http://360.yahoo.com/cwbybrick (my writing/general blog)
Facing the truth can be daunting but necessary. There are not many people who go into writing for the money or any other profession for that matter. Unless it is a dentist. :)
‘Publishing once doesn’t guarantee a career’
Sigh. How true.
Freelancing and Writing are both difficult things. Sometimes it is better to think that not everyone is suited for this kind of thing.
I also agree that Freelance Writing is a lot of hard work. There are also times that you’re hard work doesnt even reach readers.
Thanks for your post.
If you have time, why don’t you drop by my post:
http://mobileko.blogspot.com/2007/05/snatch-top-5-tips-on-how-to-be.html
It’s also an entry for the problogger top 5- group writing project. ^^ Goodluck to us all!
Those are good points, although hard pills to swallow! I’m glad I found you on Pro Blogger’s site. I have to bookmark you so I can come back and dig in your archives!
So true–especially number 1!
;)
Ain’t that the truth! :)
I just started freelancing and I’m discovering just how hard it is!