Can anybody be a Freelance Writer?
In today’s day and age, it seems as if anybody and everybody thinks that they can be a freelance writer. You would not believe how many times I have heard the saying, “I have been writing since I was five years old.” When it comes down to it, freelance writing is about much more than words that you put down on paper. Anybody who thinks that this is a simple career path is totally off base.
I spend a few minutes everyday reading forums such as Digital Point. This is one of my favorite hangouts because not only are there many topics on freelance writing, but I can also talk about other areas of business as well.
Almost every time I visit Digital Point, there is another thread about how easy it is to earn money and achieve success through freelance writing. While I am glad that others are having success, it is disconcerting to read what these people mean by the words “earn money” and “achieve success.” Most of these threads are full of typos, grammar mistakes, and other errors that are obvious even if you are not a writer. While I do not put a lot of time into my forum posts, at the very least, it is obvious that English is my first language. It is amazing to think that so many people with no comprehension of the English language are making money as freelance writers.
In my opinion, you need more than a computer to become a freelance writer. In theory, that is all you need, but in the long run this is not the case. In addition to the basics, successful freelance writers have a good grasp on all aspects of the English language, as well as a wide range of business skills.
Have any of you guys or gals ever been told that anybody can be a freelance writer?
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Well, not directly, but when I announced that I am going to try moving my career from an IT professional into freelance writing (gradually, as I do know it’s really hard to break into the field) my friend’s comments were “pfft… that’s just wanting to bludge. That’s not a career! How hard can it be?”
Little do they know!
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
[...] Can anybody be a Freelance Writer? [...]
March 4th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
[...] Can anybody be a Freelance Writer? [...]
March 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I’ve had several careers in the last 25 years (Mechanical engineer/IT Consultant/Education/Sales/Marketing consulting & Copywriting (current))
When I was in sales (supplemental education for students K-12) my old friends in IT had comments like “…oh yeah, so you tell them what you do and that’s about it, right? What’s the big deal? I can do it in my sleep” .
That’s what “sales” IS to them. It’s what it means in their world.
From my experience, anyone who says (especially in forums) it’s easy to make money in freelance writing is trying to peddle something or has never done it but “believes” that he can do it in his sleep. After all, freelance writing is sitting at home and stringing together a bunch of words. How hard can that be?
It’s hard work to get good and build a business around ANYTHING. But once you have done it and reached the tipping point, it’s all easy afterwards.
Nadin
March 8th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Amen! A lot of people don’t understand what it is I do and think because I don’t have books on the shelves at the local bookstore or a column in the local newspaper that I am probably not really a writer. Someone in my life recently tried writing an article for me just to give it a whirl and I commanded a whole new level of respect after they realized just what my job entails.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:07 am
[...] Can anybody be a Freelance Writer? [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I can empathise about some of the posts that you see on Digital Point, when you see those it is clearly obvious that some people really aren’t cut out to be freelance writers. If they were really interested in writing for a living then they would put in the work that it takes to learn to write grammatically - at the very least.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Not everyone is meant to write. I can’t stand visiting a blog and seeing posts full of typographical and grammatical errors - especially from those who are native English speakers. The excuse I hear is, “Well, I’m trying to make money online, not be a perfect writer.” Well, even if you’re not a freelance writer you have to act like you can speak properly or no one will take you seriously. I’ve also, very recently had “freelance writers” return terrible work to me - and one project was from a woman who claimed to have her MASTERS in English. *eye roll*
March 18th, 2008 at 10:38 am
You guys and gals are totally right! You need special skills and the desire to succeed to be a quality freelance writer.
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 am
[...] Can anybody be a Freelance Writer? [...]