But at the same time if someone is a decent writer, can meet deadlines, is serious about applying themselves and their desire to write coincides with their need to make money…freelance writing can be a good option.

Sometimes it takes a financial crisis to get someone to take a leap of faith and start freelancing. I know it was that way for me.

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Allenas last blog post..So, What Makes You a "Real" Freelance Writer?

Thanks for venting. And letting me vent along with you.

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No, not anyone can do this job, but when I read some of the appallingly bad writing out there, I wonder if anyone cares that writing requires skill and the willingness to re-write!

I’ve also spoken to some who say they’re interesetd in freelancing but seem unwilling to put in the work required. I tell them that you can do well as a freelance writer, but this is no get rich quick scheme.

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Those who want to “just freelance” to ride out the rough times won’t last. They will burn out. They won’t make it. Those who are in it for the long haul, to make a career out of it, will.

Freelancing is serious business. This is how many of us pay the bills. We are trained professionals, and this is our livelihood. I wouldn’t slap on a stethoscope and call myself a doctor, would I? Nope! And like Elizabeth, I mused over calling myself a writer on my own blog recently (http://jenniferlarsonwrites.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/im-a-writer-no-really-i-am/).

But lots of people want to annoint themselves “freelance writers” (or editors) without doing any of the related work, from training or learning or preparing, to getting out there to actively look for work, to actually DOING the work–and doing it well. You don’t have to be a seasoned professional with two or three decades in the biz to be a serious professional freelancer. But you do have to have the right attitude and dedication. That’s all that I’d ask for.

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Okay, had to get that off my chest:-) Your post will actually help many diamond in the rough freelancers who have the potential but just haven’t made the connection – so yes, I believe that while you’re frustrated, you do love new freelancers.

I recently posted on how to lose that writing gig because I’ve had so many sloppy applications from people who claim to be interested in working for us but don’t know how to properly format a letter let alone how to spell check their work or submit error free samples.

That being said, on some level I’m also grateful for the hacks because I know that when my customers do find me, they appreciate me and they stick around because it’s scary out there! I suspect many of your clients come to you with horror stories and feel blessed when they find you and are able to build a lasting business relationship.

And, honest, I’m trying hard to get a sail up to trap some of that hot air for myself!

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Freelancing is not easy. Nor is writing. Nor is being a professional. All of it takes a lot of work, yet often shortcuts–and not skills or hard work–seem to be encouraged.
I feel your passion about this subject. Earlier this month I wrote a post about being able to call myself a writer and the struggle I feel in doing that (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/2009/02/and-you-are.html).
In many ways, it extends to my calling myself a freelancer, as well. I wish titles weren’t so important in our world!

@Allena – No fair making me feel guilty for being annoyed. As I said, freelancing is a viable alternative, but it’s not something you “just” do. Blogs like this one and your About page are a great resource to get started the right way. BUT, not everyone is cut out for freelancing, and just because you want to work from home doesn’t mean you should be a writer.

@Jenn – Good for you. If you work hard and have the skills, there’s defintely room for you in the business. Best of luck!

@Lain – The “Oh, I could do that” thing gets to me, too. What I’ve been realizing lately, though, is a lot of those people weed themselves out fairly early on. I am surprise, though, at the number of clients who don’t care if the writing is any good and just hire the cheapest so-called “freelance writer.”

Because it’s rather easy to put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard, people often think it’s very simple to, you know, write. And, of course, it’s not.

I get really tired of people telling me they have considered writing a novel when they’ve never attempted any kind of writing before in their lives.

I also get tired when I tell people I’m a copywriter and they a) ask what that means and then b) when I explain, say something like, ‘Oh, I reckon I could do that.’

People, eh? Unbelievable.

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You train new freelancers through this blog, as do I through About.com and my classes. We hold that education responsibility, of which this post should be required reading.

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