Monday, February 3, 2020

Assumptions People Make About Freelance Writers: Part II

When it comes to freelance writing, outsiders are quick to make their assumptions. In Part II of APMAFW, Robert Kurzban peels away at another common misconception about the profession.


Robert Kurzban

Welcome back to another installment of Robert Kurzban’s Assumptions People Make About Freelance Writers. (Or APMAFW, for short… maybe it will catch on. Maybe it won’t.) Before diving into this common misconception about freelance writing, be sure to check out Part I!

The assumptions are in abundance when you tell someone that you’re a freelance writer. Most are intrigued -- some are confused. But in between the ooo’s and ahh’s, misconceptions are abound. One in particular is as confusing as it is incorrect. That misconception is the idea that being a freelance writer means you’ve got all the freedom in the world. Number one, you don’t have a boss. (We already scratched that lie off last time…) Number two, you work less than the average professional.

You Work Less


If you’re a freelance writer yourself, then you might get a laugh out of this one! Some professionals outside of the freelancing realm actually believe that as a freelancer, you work less!

Now, while this can be true for some freelancers who’ve already established their expertise… this isn’t typically the case. Even for the experienced professional, there were times when there weren’t exactly days off!

As a freelance writer, completing gigs is only half of the battle. After the task itself is complete, there’s often additional pitching and other checkpoints to scratch off your list.

When you’re just starting out, your gigs often pay modestly. This translates into more work just to make ends meet. While being paid per project may make it seem like the potential of your earnings is limitless -- you’re still trapped by the limitations of time! Breaking free from an hourly wage may sound fantastic. (And once you’ve paid your dues, its benefits are endless!) But while climbing that ladder, expect to work largely on your own time.

No comments:

Post a Comment