So you want to be a writer. Excellent. Writing for pay is an ideal lifestyle for many. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to know if writing for pay is right for you.
#1 Do you enjoy writing?
You need to answer that question with a resounding YES, otherwise this may not be the career choice for you. When you write for pay you’re going to be writing a lot. All day, every day.
If you want to write for pay and embrace it as your career, daily writing needs to be a passion for you. You need to enjoy the process of writing, and rewriting. Yes, sometimes lots of rewriting.
#2 Are you self motivated?
Your clients will have deadlines and expectations. If you’re not able to get up each morning, sit down at your computer and write, it’s not going to work. However, if you’re able to tackle your writing projects, write well and deliver them on time then you’re ready to write for pay. Take a look at your habits right now. Are you motivated? Do you approach projects with energy? Or do you procrastinate?
You may want to start with some free writing to make sure you can hold yourself accountable and write daily. The Yahoo Contributor Network is a great place to start. It offers really low pay, so it’s better than free, but it’s a good way to find out if you can stick with writing.
#3 Can you manage your time well?
Here’s something many people don’t think about. If you get a $1000 project and it takes you fifty hours to complete it, that’s $20/hour. However, if it takes you ten hours to complete it, that’s $100/hour. How can the same project take 10 or 50 hours? Focus. Time management and also knowing the content beforehand.
If you’re checking email, surfing the web and chatting on Facebook in between pages, it very well could take you 50 hours to finish that project. However, if you’re completely focused on writing it’ll take you much less time.
#4 How are your cash management skills?
Writing for pay is interesting. Sometimes you have a ton of work and everyone pays on time. Other times it can get slow. People may pay slowly. If you spend money as quickly as you make it, those slow times can be really stressful.
On the other hand, if you manage your money well then those slow times can be enjoyed. You can use them to build your business. To network. To work on personal projects. And you won’t have to worry about your next paycheck or the bills stacking up on your desk.
#5 Are you a good communicator?
One of the most important elements of writing for pay is to be able to hear what your client wants. This means good listening skills. It also means knowing what questions to ask. Good communication is essential for success. The good news is that you can set up your business to support your communication skills. If you communicate better in writing than on the phone consider an email system for communicating with clients.
So how did you do? Were you able to navigate these five questions with confidence? If you were, great! You’ll do well as a writer. If you hesitated with some of these questions don’t give up. Simply take some time to assess why and create a plan to overcome these challenges. You can do it!
Be sure to find out why you need an online presence too.
To Your Success!
Patti
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Twitter: captainallencox
says:
Hi Patti, For me, number 3 is the big challenge. I do love to write, but I tend to spend too much time distracted when I am doing my research, and often end up giving in to curiosity about side subjects that keep appearing. I am working on it. Thanks for your article.