Successful Freelance Writers are Surrounded by Terrible Freelance Writers
It’s true—successful freelance writers often find themselves surrounded by writers who are, frankly, not very good. You might be surprised at how many sub-par freelancers manage to make a living. Some of these writers make glaring, easy-to-correct mistakes, like sending proposals on scented paper, misspelling the editor’s name, or submitting their work long after the deadline. Some are sloppy, some don’t know how to market themselves, and others are simply not skilled writers.
Many freelance writers who make these mistakes will struggle and, eventually, either improve or give up. Yet some continue to find clients or publishers and earn money despite their shortcomings. Often, it’s because they happen to be in the right place at the right time, or they just persist long enough to land jobs. Sometimes, being a successful freelance writer is as simple as showing up and trying.
The key takeaway? It’s not as difficult to succeed as you might think. By following basic principles—marketing yourself well, adhering to guidelines, meeting deadlines, and building relationships with clients—you have a strong chance of standing out. Why? Because your competition may make those basic mistakes that can be easily avoided.
The truth is, it’s not hard to rise above the competition if you do your job well. Good writers continue to thrive, even in an increasingly competitive market with lower-cost competitors. As an editor, publisher, and employer, I’ve often had to accept low-quality work simply because I couldn’t find anyone better. The number of competitors doesn’t matter as much as the quality of those competitors. And let me tell you, their quality is often low.
If you’re good at what you do, you will find work. Even if you’re not as good yet, there’s still a chance you might succeed. The important thing is to try and continue improving.
5 Helpful Hints for Freelance Writers
Master the Basics: Be reliable, meet deadlines, follow submission guidelines, and maintain professional communication. These basics alone can set you apart from many freelancers.
Market Yourself Effectively: Build a strong online presence, develop a portfolio, and use platforms like LinkedIn and freelance websites (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr) to connect with clients.
Be Persistent: Freelancing often requires perseverance. Keep pitching, applying for jobs, and reaching out to potential clients. Success often comes to those who stick with it.
Focus on Quality: Always strive to deliver your best work. Quality writing and attention to detail will help you retain clients and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Build Relationships: Maintain strong relationships with editors and clients. A good reputation and positive word-of-mouth can lead to repeat business and referrals.