Is Freelance Writing for Everybody?
Every week I receive emails asking me for advice on becoming a freelance writer. Some people want me to tell them if they are cut-out for the freelance writing game. While I do my best in giving advice and guidance, this is something that you have to decide on for yourself. There is no way of saying if you will succeed as a freelance writer. It is up to you to review your situation, and to decide whether or not you have the skills and determination to make your mark.
In my opinion, freelance writing is not for everybody. That being said, it is a career path that a lot of people should follow. If you are looking for a new career and have always been intrigued by the freelance writing world, you should definitely consider a closer look at the pros and cons.
It takes particular skills to succeed as a freelance writer. On the surface, you would think that writing skills are enough to take you from start-up to success. And while this is true to a certain extent, it is important to note that you need more on your side than the ability to write. The most successful freelance writers are also skilled at marketing their services, organizing their career, and communicating with clients. Yes, the most important skill is the ability to write, but don’t forget about everything else that will help you along the way.
The only way to decide if a career in freelance writing is a good idea is to give it a try. I am more than happy to lend my advice when possible, but in the end it is you who has to decide if freelance writing is the best career move. This is not a career for everybody, but it could be just what you are looking for.
March 31st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Nice post. For me, when someone asks if they should or could go into a freelance writing career I tell them that first there is a different question that must be answered. Are they cut out to be self-employed. Many people think of self-employment as a constant vacation where a very limited amount of work can be done while relaxing on a beach. To handle being self-employed a person must be good at motivating themselves, be able to stick to somewhat of a schedule, not mind doing the “dirty work” as they are often the only employee too, and work long hours when it is required, among many other things. Only after coming to the conclusion that someone is capable of being their own boss can they even begin to think about becoming a freelance writer.
I personally feel that during a freelance writer’s every day life there are more obstacles and difficulties that come up related to being self-employed than there are related to being a writer. The administrative tasks like purchasing materials, paying for subscription needs, updating and upgrading software and hardware, organization of the work day, marketing the business, networking, collecting from slow or non-paying clients, and even the menial tasks such as cleaning the office and emptying the garbage are sometimes hard for some people to do when all they want to do is write.
March 31st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Mark - Great comment. I think the first paragraph really sums up a lot of the problems that aspiring freelancers run into!
March 31st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I’m always surprised at the number of people who want to be freelance writers but don’t actually write well. It’s almost like that particular ability is an afterthought rather than the prerequisite that (I believe) it should be!