So you've decided to become a freelance writer. Congratulations. Exciting, isn't it, and more than a little daunting? But I'm assuming you've done your homework; maybe you've taken a journalism or creative writing class, or read books you've either bought or checked out from the library about what it takes to be successful.
You've probably been all over the internet, reading articles, collecting links to helpful websites, information on rights and contracts, tips on writing query letters. You probably belong to an online forum or a local writer's group where you share ideas and hobnob with fellow writers. I bet you even have a file of market databases that are updated constantly. If you're like me, you have an idea file of things you either have experience in or subjects that interest you, ones you'd like to research and write about. You've found a niche.
Good deal. You are on your way. But what I want to talk to you about is the emotional minefield the job of freelancing can be. I am not trying to discourage you, far from it. If anything I am offering you encouragement with a big dose of reality. Besides knowledge-which is critical and I don't believe you can succeed without it--you will need in your arsenal the following things that can't be bought, borrowed or stolen. You already possess them; you just have to bring them to the forefront and make sure they don't get lost.
1. A THICK SKIN--You WILL receive rejections. Don't let them get to you. They are part and parcel of the writing life. I don't save mine--except the one I got last week from The Atlantic Monthly--I might want to frame that one someday.
2. PERSERVANCE--Don't give up; every time you receive a rejection, send that article or story right back out. You should already have another market in mind.
3. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE--Your biggest enemy will be your own self-doubt. At first, you will be on fire, filled with hope and big plans. Don't let fear rob you of that. Remind yourself everyday that you will succeed.
4. PATIENCE--I probably should have put this one first. The waiting is the worst part, for especially when you submit to the big boys, the response time seems like an eternity. I like to say, "Write, submit, forget," just send that article or story off and write something else.
5. CONFIDENCE--You probably didn't decide to be a writer without someone, somewhere, telling you that your writing was good. You know it, or you wouldn't be taking on this job.
6. PROFESSIONALISM--I can't say enough about how important this is. Your first step to being taken seriously is to make sure even your cover letters are professional, error free, business-like, that your work follows the guidelines of the publication you are submitting to, and to the letter. Pretend you are already a pro.
I honestly believe you can be anything you want if you want it bad enough and you set your mind to it. Still, this is not an easy profession. It's not for the faint of heart. But one thing it won't be is boring. There will always be something new to learn. Freelancing will be a constant experience of growth and improvement.
I would wish you luck, but you'll notice I didn't include luck in your emotional toolkit. I believe you make your own luck. So instead, let me wish you a long and successful career!
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About the Author
Denise Kincy's articles, essays, fiction and poetry have appeared in over 30 online or print publications. To learn more about Denise, go to A Writer's Journey
