Comments on: Writerly Misinformation

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:26:37 +0000

Paula, to add to that, magazines are moving online, so the need for content is still there.

Amen, Anne. I have this BS meter and when it goes off, I have to say something. I hate that there are so many people out there stating "THIS is the way it is" when it's merely their own experiences. It's not that way if you refuse to accept it.

Dava, I couldn't agree more. You've stated it beautifully! That old "You MUST do it this way" guidance is just nonsense. Everyone here operates a different way. Like you said, there are many paths.

By: Dava Stewart

Dava Stewart — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 01:14:24 +0000

This is a great post. One myth that bothers me is that there is a right way to be a successful freelance writer. There are many paths to success, but meekly accepting a lower rate doesn't seem like a very direct one. I hope that new writer reads this post and is encouraged.

By: anne wayman

anne wayman — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:31:57 +0000

Love Devon's idea of charging for phone calls like an attorney ;)

And yes, there are a ton of discouraging myths out there... I've quite forums and linkedin groups that promote that nonsense.

And in the 5 Buck Forum at AboutWritingSquared.com Lori and I are quick to jump on any negative myth making. So are most of the members. That's one reason I suspect it's the most supportive writing forum out there.

By: Paula

Paula — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:21:10 +0000

I wish I could remember where I saw it, but the other day I read some statistics on how more print magazines were launched in 2012 than in recent years, and fewer print editions have folded. So much for magazine writing being dead. (I do wish magazine pay rates rose along with their ad rates, but that's another story.)

Like Devon, I like to diversify. It's not so much that I get bored easily, but because I have a wide range of interests and enjoy learning about new subjects and industries.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:08:25 +0000

Amen to that, Kim! Here's to better years each year. 🙂

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:56:19 +0000

Thanks for posting this, Lori. Emerging writers need to see more than freelance writing "doom and gloom."

Last year was my best year so far, but this year is not looking too bad either.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:27:02 +0000

Love your new picture, Sharon. Lovely you are! I agree -- until this year, my best year was in the height of the recession. It's about marketing and knowing enough to switch from one client base to another as the times call for it.

Devon, I agree. I "specialize" but my specialty is one that translates into several different areas, so I don't lack for possibilities. We have to be adaptable, and getting too specialized doesn't allow for it.

True on the phone. If I could have, I'd have tossed that thing out the window yesterday.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:48:26 +0000

For me, the biggest myth is that you have to have a "niche". Hey, if you like to specialize, great, go for it. But I don't, I like variety. When the economy tanked, plenty of niche writers crashed and burned. I didn't, because I can write about anything.

Regarding the phone interruptions -- you know me. Phone is off, and if someone wants to talk, they have to set a phone date. I've also started charging for phone calls, above the cost of the project, in 15 minute increments. Makes a huge difference. They think twice before wasting my time, because they're charged -- weekly -- for it.

90% of client calls, in my experience, are time wasters. You want a quick response? Email me. Or cough up the dough.

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:36:02 +0000

Thanks for exploding these myths, Lori. I had my best year when the recession was at its worst. The 'trick' is to keep marketing and keep delivering great service. Freelancing has ups and downs, but that's no reason to reduce rates. All that does is lower your perceived value for potential clients – and who wants to do that?