Become a Freelance Writer: It is easy, Right?
Is it possible to become a freelance writer overnight? Let me dive into this question a bit further. As of late I have been reading more and more about how easy it is to become a freelance writer. And while there are always low paying content jobs out there, you need to determine what it means to become a freelance writer. Some people think that if they get paid to write that they are in turn a freelance writer. Others feel that there is a certain level that they have to reach before they can join the industry. How do you feel about this?
I am not one to say that you are only a freelance writer when you make so much money or get published in a certain type of publication. But with that in mind, it is difficult to read that some people think becoming a freelance writer overnight is possible. As noted earlier, you can secure a job to write some online content no matter who you are. All you have to do is head for a message board, such as Digital Point, and search for buyers. You are sure to find somebody who will pay, especially if you are offering a low rate.
In my opinion, you cannot become a freelance writer overnight. Yes, you can start a career as a freelance writer in one day, but you must build your career day in and day out if you are going to turn this into a long term gig. There is a big difference between writing articles for the web from time to time and earning a steady, full-time income as a freelance writer. There is nothing wrong with picking up some extra money by taking on small content writing jobs, but this is not the best way to move your career to the next level.
This post is a bit of a rant. I have heard many times how easy it is to become a freelance writer, and that anybody can do it. It is true that the opportunity exists, but if you ask any quality freelance writer they are sure to tell you that there is a lot that goes into starting and sustaining a successful career.Â
October 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Good ‘rant’ Chris.
I’m facing some of these issues currently. I’m just starting out and it’s easy to fall in the low paying category. Of course, I keep thinking since I don’t have a lot of experience, that must mean I should take on these dead end jobs. I think that’s the logic of many beginning freelance writers.
For instance, I just landed some assignments with the community newspaper. They aren’t high paying. On the other hand, they will provide lucrative clips for my portfolio, as well as networking and experience. I see a positive trade off in this case. However, I was also offered a low paying blogging position for an up-and-coming game services company. This wouldn’t be publication in print, the company isn’t well known by any means, and they are offering me very low rates for both writing for and marketing their site.
I have been trying to determine whether or not it’s worth the time and effort to me, and the only reason I’m even considering it is beause I’m new to the industry and am trying to get what experience I can. Yet I really don’t want to fall into the trap of selling myself short right from the beginning just because I’m new to the industry. I agree with you that being a freelance writer doesn’t mean pounding out 500 articles for pennies, although many stumble backwards into this situation. I’m trying to find a way to negotiate a happy medium and only take on those low paying ‘entry’ or ‘get experience’ jobs if I can see some long-term benefits and advancements coming from them.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Chris – I always enjoy your posts and this one is no exception.
Your comment that “you can secure a job to write some online content no matter who you are” struck a chord with me. I am starting a part-time copywriting business while holding down a full-time job. I have absolutely no desire to spend hours perusing Guru and Elance to find low-paying projects. I would rather use my professional network (I’m an engineer by trade), make cold calls, and send out letters and e-mails to potential clients. I do realize that it might take longer for me to build a client base this way.
Most of the freelance writing bloggers that I read just harp on their Guru rankings or tell you how to increase traffic to your blog. What’s your opinion? Do you think that a talented writer can still be successful in today’s world without taking the “easier” route of just writing web content?
October 11th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
So, now when someone Googles “become a freelance writer overnight,” you’ll have warned them off. Was that the idea or just an added bonus?
I think freelance writing is probably one of the easier businesses to start, but I like to tell myself that our success has come from the fact that we worked hard, learned a lot, and are actually pretty good writers.
(Now I have to obsess over whether or not there is a typo in this comment.
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