Is Freelancing Right for You?

If you are just in it for the money then chances are that freelance writing is not for you. Writing is something you do because you have a thirst that cannot be quenched by any other career. Also being a Freelancer has its pros and cons, some of which we will review below.

A low startup cost is probably the greatest advantage of becoming a freelance writer. Some of the tools you need to start your freelance writing career are already in your head – the ability to put words together in a creative manner, command of the language, and a willingness to learn new skills. As far as materials go, so long as you have at least one computer and internet access then you have enough to get started. There are some extras that I recommend which are discussed later but for now, just know that freelance writing is one of the lowest cost startup businesses in the world.

Another great advantage is that you are able to set your own work hours. This can be both a blessing and a curse since self-motivation is a difficult skill to master. If you follow this book through then you won’t have a problem with scheduling your time. I personally find my flexible schedule to be a huge advantage. Plus, learning to develop the discipline to set and maintain a schedule goes a long way in your career.

It’s your business. At a normal job you are at the mercy of executives in order to climb the ladder. With your business, you are in complete control. You are the one who will determine your success. I can tell you that there’s no better feeling than when you achieve success with your own business. The rewards far exceed any risks, stress, or adversity that you face along the way.

Freelance writing does have its drawbacks though; I won’t lie to you about that. You’re still going to have a boss: your clients and customers become your boss. So many people come into this business with a completely wrong mindset and are ultimately disappointed.

I feel compelled to list a few of the wrong reasons to become a freelance writer.

I top this list emphatically with unrealistic expectations. You’re not going to get rich overnight. You’re not going to be able to always write poetry, fantasy, or science fiction. However, you are able to establish yourself as an expert and build a full-time income. It takes time, patience, and smart work. This book is going to teach you how to mix in your own writing into everyday business but it’s going to take time. So if you’re thinking that you can just quit your job and become an instant millionaire, then you’re most likely going to be disappointed. This brings us to the next one, which is:

Diving in head first with no understanding of the marketplace. In the freelance writing market, non-fiction is where the bulk of paid writing lies. This includes blog posts, reports, and articles. If it were easy to pay the bills with fantasy and poetry then most creative writers would not be serving as publication editors to pay their bills. So get ready to broaden your horizons if you want to be successful.

Learn More