Freelance Writing

Something to Think About

Since freelance writing is a highly competitive market, it can be hard to find jobs that offer rates you can actually live on. If you're just starting out as a freelance writer and think you can make 100,000 dollars your first year ABANDON that notion. Right now. Seriously, leave it at the door when you walk in. Oh, and don't forget to wipe your feet.

It's true you can make a very lucrative living as a freelance writer. However, you have to understand that it's a process, just like anything -- you must take baby steps at first. Beginning writers generally work for very little money or even *gasp*... for free. "Hold the phone," you think. "Isn't the reason I got into this business to make money?"

Of course! But money isn't everything. Writing is hard! You have to love what you're doing, without expecting to get rich quick because let me tell you, it's not an overnight thing. If you're not writing because it fulfills you in some sense, you may be in the wrong profession. It takes drive, dedication, determination and not a bit of talent to make it as a freelance writer. Without those key traits, you have nothing but a blank sheet of paper and a leaky pen. Or a busted monitor and a keyboard missing the "a." Well, you get the point.

The bottom line? Write because you love to write. Write because it fulfills a deep seated need in you to see your words in print or on a computer screen. Write to show Mr. Brown, your 10th grade English teacher, that you do have a modicum of talent. Write because the world needs more talented writers and hey, you actually think you could make a living at it.

Guess what? You can. See you at the top.

posted by Denise @ 9:13 PM