7 Screaming Red Flags That You’re Not Cut Out for Freelance Writing
Have you been wondering if you could be a freelance writer?
Well, despite all the rah-rah you hear on many freelance sites about just going for it, and all the excitement about the pluses of the freelance life — no boss, set your own hours, a variety of work — the plain fact is that not everybody can hack this lifestyle.
How do you know if it’s not for you? I’ve mentored a lot of writers, and at this point I have a pretty clear sense of who is going to make it and who will end up throwing in the towel and finding a day job again.
Here are my seven warning signs that you’re not cut out to be a freelance writer, and suggestions on how to overcome each of these obstacles:
- You’re insecure. Deep down, you need to have confidence that you possess writing talent and will be able to find gigs. If you don’t really think you’ve got something to offer, neither will anyone else. If needed, work to build up your confidence. Look over past writing you’ve done and see what you’ve accomplished. Surround yourself with people who are bullish on your writing efforts. Look in the mirror every morning and say, “Damn, I’m good.” Repeat until you mean it.
- You’re not self-disciplined. If you were home all day with no one looking over your shoulder, would you do your writing assignments and market your business — or would you stuff most of the contents of your fridge down your gullet, yack on Facebook IM, and watch reruns of Dancing with the Stars? When you’re a freelancer, you need the inner resolve to haul yourself into the chair, turn on the computer, and write. So meditate, do yoga…whatever it takes to develop some discipline, get some inner calm, and start to focus on what matters.
- You get writer’s block. If you tend to sigh about the house saying, “I don’t know, it’s just not flowing today,” feel free to write a novel on spec. When you’re writing to feed your family, writer’s block just can’t happen. Beat the block by doing a writing prompt, creating an outline for your piece, or taking a walk. Make a commitment to be disciplined about your writing, banish writer’s block, and crank out the work on deadline.
- You hate marketing. Does the idea of picking up the phone and asking strangers for writing gigs terrify you? How about going to an in-person networking event to talk about your writing talents? These are routine activities for freelance writers who want to earn well. If you’re marketing-phobic, experiment with different types of marketing until you find one you can do without having to breathe into a paper bag. Maybe sending prospects InMail on LinkedIn will be your style, or going to a coffee klatsch every Tuesday. Realize marketing will be a regular, weekly activity in your freelance life. Embrace it.
- You’re disorganized. You have to be part secretary and accountant to make freelance writing your full-time, bill-paying occupation. If you’re losing your interview notes and can’t remember when your article is due, you’re doomed. If need be, take a ‘get organized’ course.
- You’re too nice. Do you have trouble saying “no“? If so, freelancing poses a challenge, because the woods just bristle with boundary-pushing clients who’d like you to rewrite their 35-page website for $100. If you say yes to them, you will be very busy, but also very hungry. Once friends and neighbors know you’re freelancing, they’ll want you to watch their cat and sign for their packages, too. You’ll need to put your foot down with all these users. Practice turning down requests with a friend or writing buddy to develop your resolve.
- You don’t like being told what to do. You may think freelancing means freedom from being bossed around. But really, it doesn’t. Instead, you’ll end up with a half-dozen or more bosses you’ll have to juggle. And they’ll all want the writing done the way they want it. Then, they’ll want it rewritten another way. And you’ll have to smile and be nice to each of them if you want to get paid. You can work on this one by practicing being obedient. Watch Ella Enchanted for a tutorial.
What are your biggest obstacles to becoming a freelance writer? Leave a comment and tell us about it.
Photo credit: Some rights reserved by jeancliclac.
Leave a Comment
Thanks for telling the ugly truth about this, Carol – some really do jump into freelance writing not realizing the full scope of the job.
Two things I might add (that possibly fall under #2 or #7) are “You’re not good at making deadlines” and “You always exceed the word count”. These two will keep any writer hungry.
Great article, as usual. It’s great to see you’ve made a second home on FreelanceSwitch. =)
Thanks Mellissa!
And yeah, I do know some writers who no matter what you tell them — it’s 300 words, it’s 500 — will turn in 2000. That’s not going to take you very far.
One that I would add: “You don’t like working alone.” I work from home as a freelance writer and am actively looking to switch careers. One of my main reasons for this is that having my cats to keep me company all day has essentially driven me insane. I miss having coworkers so much that I beg my husband for stories of office politics where he works.
Well, these days freelancing doesn’t have to mean working alone — coworking offices have sprung up everywhere. I think they’re designed for people just like you. Also, in-person networking is another great antidote for the loneliness. Work in a coffee shop. Do in-person interviews. There are many solutions to the isolation.
Personally, I’m thrilled to not stand around the watercooler talking about what they did on Gray’s Anatomy last night — with people who I know well will never speak to me again once I leave this gig — when I really need to file a story…
I think some weaknesses aren’t dealbreakers. I’m disorganized, but the judicious use of the search function will locate any electronic file I displace.
A key skill I’d add is the ability to write content from a blank page. Sure, we all have our research, our memorized boilerplate, etc., but the only way to succeed as a writer is to write fresh, original content.
I have to disagree, after watching a series of interviews with some of Britians top TV writers you’ll be amazed at how “lazy” they really are. It’s all about the impending doom of that deadline which get’s them going.
I’d argue that that ability to pull it together and meet the deadline involves self-discipline. Sure, we’re all procrastinators…but the pro writer knows when to get it together and spit it out.
Thanks Melissa,
I am guilty of #6 Too Nice and #7 I don’t like being told what to do. I’ve been struggling with a life change for 5 years — I have a 5 year old. I went from being employed by an agency or company on a project to picking up freelance work.
Moment of enlightenment: I am not what I used to be
Fortuneteller’s answer: Still working on that
I’ve been quite successful working with past colleagues and past clients. Not so successful in changing myself into anything too different from what I was before – a content writer with an IT background. My real struggle is making a lot of little jobs as financially rewarding as they are emotionally satisfying!
At the risk of stating the obvious…why not go after bigger or more ongoing jobs? That’s a great background…you ought to be able to hook up with a big tech firm or two and get a steady stream of work from one client. Really stabilizes the income vs doing a bunch of small one-off jobs.
Another great post, thanks Carol. I feel this all boils down to one thing – knowing your worth.
Once you have confidence in your abilities and the minimum hourly rate you’ll accept, you are no longer the insecure, overly nice, undisciplined, stuck writer. You open yourself up to opportunities, better pay and can find your focus.
Confidence is key!
The points seem a little harsh. I have been a work from home freelance designer for 10 years now and we all have our good and bad days. Yes, discipline is important but then so is the flexibility to take recharge days and if you manage your day and work well, you can stuff yourself silly, watch tv, check Facebook and sign for the occasional package.
Moderation is the golden word, I feel.
This article just pushed me to bill someone..
Excellent! I once did a post on the 7 most important activities for freelance writers, and the first one is…Send a bill. Immediately. The minute you finish a project. Delays in billing often translate into delays in payment, and cash flow is such a big issue for so many freelance writers.
Despite the negative tone of the article, I look at the list as points to evaluate, work on and improve in myself rather than just ticking them off and throwing in the towel. It takes all kinds to make a world.
These are excellent points. I would add that another freelance writer obstacle is comparing you to another freelance writer. I used to do this when I first started out. I don’t anymore. I know what I bring to the table, and I own it.
Starting out as a freelance writer
How do you know what a ‘successful’ freelance writer went through to get to where they are? You don’t know their story. Stop putting other freelance writers on a pedestal!
In general, I think it would behoove freelance writers to focus on ‘their’ writing business instead of focusing on what others are doing. Too many freelancers read ‘social media’ posts about what this or that freelancer is doing and then get discouraged. How do you know if people are telling the truth? You don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors; unless, of course, you’re a psychic. And … spending a lot of time reading Facebook or Twitter posts won’t help you grow your writing business.
Gaining self confidence as a freelance writer
1) Figure out ‘who’ you want to write for. Who is your ideal client? What is your ideal rate?
2) Own your self-worth. I like what Marianne Williamson says, ““Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Who will you be if you become a successful freelance writer? Will your family/friends support you? Or, will they be jealous of you and walk away from you? If they walk away, you could always write about “success and how it affects the people in your life.”
3) Writing ideas are all around you. Personally, my family has provided me with many writing ideas that I’ve filled a notebook. I also created a ‘writing ideas’ file. I research markets and send a pitch/query. If my idea is accepted that’s great. If not, I move on to the next. I also send out letters of introduction. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to have 20+ clients. You could have 2-10 great paying clients. It’s up to you.
4) Network with other writers. If you need interviews for articles, find them through HARO, Reporter Connection, or some other outlet. I’ve made wonderful contacts through Reporter Connection which have led me to book collaborations.
Also, here’s a link to one of my favorite pictures http://tiny.cc/gzsaew how you see yourself matters. Here’s to your success!