Freelance writing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. You
need determination and the right skills to achieve your goals.
As an emerging profession, freelance content writing has been impressive so far. However, certain myths surrounding freelance writing jobs are holding many people back from pursuing this career.
Perhaps the biggest myth about a freelance writing career is that it is almost impossible to make a living out of it. Well, this is not true. And, you will know why I said that. So, read on.
“You won’t get wealthy for your writing.”
This is what ignorant people believe about freelance writing as a career. Many freelance writers earn over $100,000 and some of them even earn more than $500,000 in a year.
So, you think the numbers are exaggerated? In that case, you can head over to websites such as Upwork. There you can find the earnings of freelance writers.
However, if you are bored with cheap writing projects or feel that you have been devalued as a writer, try something different.
Looking for the perfect clients and increasing your freelance pay rates can help you make more money than you have ever imagined.
“You need to have a strong grip on your grammar and vocabulary.”
Having good vocabulary and grammar helps you attract more readers. That’s because you get more creative and improve your acceptability quotient through your writing.
So, the myth that you should have command over grammar and vocabulary is true in the area of freelance writing.
A wide array of freelance writing jobs are in great demand for the right person who has these skillsets.
Keeping a journal consisting of new phrases and words that you have learned throughout your freelance writing journey is a good habit.
“You should have a degree in English or journalism.”
Lots of people think that if they had a Master's in English or journalism degree, they could have made a living out of freelance writing. To become a successful freelance writer, you don’t need such degrees.
I am living proof and I can say that it is not true. Moreover, I am making a living from writing. Also, you don’t need to become an expert writer.
When it comes to writing, no one cares whether you learned your craft at an elite college or an overpass. What matters most is that how well you can write for your client’s needs.
“If you are poor in editing, freelance writing is not for you.”
A freelance writer can’t rule out the benefits of editing and proofreading. No one likes a copy full of common errors.
So, if you wish to progress in your writing career, editing is an important aspect. With proper editing, you can produce more and more error-free copies and impress your clients.
Moreover, there are plenty of editing services available online that helps you check your sentence pattern with ease.
You can run your copy multiple times through those services. As such, you can identify and make necessary corrections related to the structure and style of the content.
“You have to begin at the bottom and make your way up slowly.”
Another myth that holds many talented freelance writers from achieving their goals. It is not a necessity that you should start at the lowest level and struggle your way upward in the freelance writing industry.
However, there are certain aspects to what I am trying to say. The first and most obvious one is that you should have the requisite skill needed for a good writer.
Second, if you have a vast knowledge about the industry related to your work history, there are strong possibilities that you can have great clients.
“You need to reside in a big American city to taste success.”
In today’s world, if someone believes in this myth, they are wrong. It is not necessary to live in a big city to make the best out of your freelance writing career.
Freelancing is a global business and with tools such as Skype and other video conferencing apps you can connect with clients worldwide without hurdles.
Even if you aren’t a native English speaker, you don’t have to worry. Some local publications require articles all the time. And, businesses hire freelancers to help them out with marketing strategies.
“You have to write 5000 words a day.”
Many people assume that to make a living out of freelance writing, one should write a lot more. However, this is not true. There is no need to write 5000 words a day to make a living.
On average, I can write between 1000 and 2000 words per day. These are mainly short-form articles that my clients want me to do.
However, I do get long-form articles to write that can go up to 5000 words. But it doesn’t mean I have to deliver the work within a day.
Long-from articles may take about a week to complete. Well, I can’t tell you how to write 5000 words a day. But if you can type fast, you can complete about 2000 to 2500 words per day.
“Having a profound knowledge about SEO is a must.”
It is partly true. There is no denying that learning the basics of SEO has its benefits in this digital era of marketing.
Learning SEO basics increase your chances on online platforms. And, clients are always looking for writers who can make their content rank on search results.
Crafting meta descriptions and catchy titles for your copy is not a big deal nowadays. And, injecting the right keywords within the copy is very easy.
Moreover, learning SEO basics makes you stand out from the other freelance writers who don’t do SEO.
“You need to stay motivated all the time.”
This myth holds well when you are a full-time freelance writer. You have to work according to a fixed schedule and need to manage time. Sometimes you may get burned out. And, it is normal.
While humans are prone to intense inner feelings, it is equally important to stay motivated. That way, you can take on everyday tasks without issues.
Try to give yourself some quality time, especially during the weekends. Explore different ways to motivate yourself such as finding activities or events, reading books, listening to music, or spend time with your loved ones.
Conclusion
Some myths explained above keeps you away from experiencing a whole new world. Whereas, others help you improve your career as a freelance writer.
In a nutshell, freelance writing is about freelance writers who are motivated to stay in their course regardless of the obstacles. It’s not a superfast, easy-money scheme.
If you believe in yourself, avoid the nay-sayers and move ahead with what you are doing. Never get trapped in what others think.
So, what are the freelance writing myths that you encountered and overcome? Share your experience in the comments.