Picture this:
You're sitting on your deck, sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee, the sun is shining, and you're tapping away on your laptop, crafting beautiful prose that will be read by thousands of people across the globe. This is the dream of freelance writing, isn't it?
However, before you quit your day job and dive headfirst into this seemingly idyllic world, let's take a moment to reflect on some hard truths about freelance writing. Here are 10 things I wish I knew before I became a freelance writer...
It's Not as Hard as You Think
Let's start by debunking a common myth: Freelance writing is not as difficult as you think it is. Yes, it requires time, effort, persistence, and consistency. But the actual work? Not that hard. If you can string together a coherent sentence and have a basic understanding of the English language, you're already halfway there.
The real challenge is overcoming the mental hurdle that it's some insurmountable task. It's like climbing a mountain. The actual climbing isn't the hard part; it's convincing yourself to take the first step. So, stop fretting over the technicalities of creating a portfolio website or crafting the perfect pitch. All that stuff's easy. The hard part is realizing that it's not as hard as you think it is.
Most Freelance Writers Suck
Now, before you get all riled up, let me clarify. I'm not trying to be mean or belittle anyone's efforts. But the truth is, most freelance writers aren't Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. In fact, many of them don't even know how to properly get work, build relationships, or pitch.
So, if you learn how to put just a little bit of effort into these areas, you'll be miles ahead of the competition. It's like being in a race where most of the other runners don't know the route. All you need to do is follow the map, and you're already ahead.
You Don't Have to Niche Down Right Away
When you start freelance writing, everyone tells you to find a niche. But guess what? You don't have to. You can start out as a generalist. I mean, I wrote about everything from modern cat furniture to portable bars when I started. Did I know anything about these topics? Nope. But I learned.
And that's the secret. If you can quickly learn and digest information, you'll be invaluable to anyone looking for a freelance writer. It's like being a chameleon, able to adapt to any environment. So, don't stress about finding your niche right away. Explore, learn, and grow.
But You Do Need a "Why"
Why do you want to be a freelance writer? This is a crucial question. You need a strong "why" to keep you going when the going gets tough. For me, it was the desire to escape my day job and live a life of freedom and flexibility.
So, what's your "why"? Is it the freedom to work from anywhere? The flexibility to set your own hours? The desire to be your own boss? Whatever it is, hold onto it. It's your guiding star, your beacon in the storm. It's what will keep you going when you're staring at a blank screen at 2 am, trying to meet a deadline.
It's a Numbers Game
Freelance writing is anumbers game. The more pitches you send, the more likely you are to get a job. It's like fishing. The more lines you have in the water, the more likely you are to catch a fish.
So, don't get disheartened if you don't get a response from your first 10 or even 20 pitches. Keep going. And remember, with every pitch you send, you're getting better at pitching. It's like practicing free throws in basketball. The more you practice, the better you get.
Track Your Pitches
If you're not tracking your pitches, you're leaving a lot on the table. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. It's like going on a treasure hunt without a map. You're just wandering around aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon a chest of gold.
So, use a tool like Streak for Gmail or even a simple spreadsheet to track your pitches. And don't forget to follow up! It's like planting a seed and then forgetting to water it. You can't expect it to grow if you don't give it the care it needs.
Charge What You're Worth
This one's a biggie. It's okay to charge what you're worth. Don't underbid just to get the job. You'll be much happier if you agree on a price upfront that you're happy to work for.
Remember, you're providing a valuable service. It's like going to a fancy restaurant. You wouldn't expect to pay fast food prices for a gourmet meal, would you? So, don't sell yourself short. Know your worth and charge accordingly.
You're a Brand
As a freelance writer, you're not just a writer. You're a brand. So, think about how you present yourself to the world. What's your unique selling proposition? What makes you different from all the other freelance writers out there?
It's like being a superhero. You need to have a unique identity that sets you apart from the rest. So, whether it's your unique writing style, your expertise in a particular niche, or your exceptional customer service, make sure you're showcasing what makes you unique.
You're a Business Owner
This one can be a bit of a shocker. As a freelance writer, you're not just a writer. You're a business owner. That means you have to think about things like taxes, contracts, and invoices.
But don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. In fact, it can be quite empowering! It's like being the captain of your own ship. You're in control. You get to decide where to go and how to get there. So, embrace your new role as a business owner and steer your ship towards success.
It's All Worth It
Despite all the challenges, freelance writing is worth it. The freedom, flexibility, and the ability to do what you love is priceless. So, if you're thinking about diving into the world of freelance writing, I say go for it!
A Few Final thoughts...
So, there you have it. The 10 things I wish I knew before I started freelance writing. Now, I won't say that knowing these things would have made my journey any easier. But it would have certainly made it a lot more interesting.
So, as you embark on your freelance writing journey, remember to take these lessons to heart. And most importantly, remember to have fun. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about.
As the famous writer Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." So, what are you waiting for? Get started on yourfreelance writing journey today. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll be the one sharing your own list of things you wish you knew before you started.
Now, go forth and conquer the freelance writing world, my friend. And remember, in the wise words of Dory from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming." Or in this case, just keep writing.
Epilogue: The Freelance Writer's Survival Kit
Now that you know everything I wish I knew before I started this career, let's take a moment to pack a survival kit for your journey into the wild and wonderful world of freelance writing.
1. A thick skin
Rejection is a part of the freelance writing game. You're going to get rejected. A lot. It's like trying to find a date for prom. You're going to get turned down, probably more times than you'd like. But don't take it personally. Just dust yourself off, adjust your bow tie or corsage, and ask the next person.
2. A reliable laptop
Your computer is your lifeline. It's your tool of the trade. It's like a carpenter's hammer or a surgeon's scalpel. So, make sure you have a reliable one. And please, for the love of all that is holy, back up your work. There's nothing worse than losing a day's (or a week's) worth of work because your computer took an unsolicited vacation.
3. A sense of humor
Freelance writing can be stressful. Deadlines, difficult clients, writer's block - it's enough to make anyone pull their hair out. But remember to keep your sense of humor. It's like your own personal life raft in the stormy seas of freelance writing. It'll keep you afloat when the waves get rough.
4. A love for learning
As a freelance writer, you'll be writing about a wide range of topics. One day, you might be writing about the latest trends in cat furniture, and the next, you might be writing about the intricacies of blockchain technology. So, you need to have a love for learning. It's like being a perpetual student, but without the exams and student loans.
5. A healthy dose of persistence
Freelance writing is not for the faint of heart. It requires persistence. You're going to face obstacles. You're going to face challenges. But you need to keep going. It's like running a marathon. You don't stop when you're tired. You stop when you're done.
So, there you have it. Your very own freelance writer's survival kit. Pack these items, and you'll be well-equipped to tackle the exciting world of freelance writing.
In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." So, steer yourself towards the world of freelance writing. It's a journey worth taking.
And remember, in the grand scheme of things, we're all just storytellers, trying to make sense of the world one word at a time. So, go forth, tell your stories, and make your mark on the world. Happy writing!