Let’s be honest: Not everyone is cut out to be a writer.
That one phrase alone may ruffle a few feathers. If I said that not everyone is cut out to be a professional football player or astronaut, I doubt anyone would batter an eyelid.
But writing is different. Writing is something that the vast majority of people can at least do to some level.
So when you tell someone that they cannot write very well, they get a lot more upset than if you tell them they cannot run a marathon very well.
But this article is not really about the act of writing at all, of which most of us are lucky enough to be able to perform to a reasonable standard.
Instead, it’s about all the other things you have to deal with that make writing for a living such a challenge (you didn’t think that making a living as a writer was all about the actual writing, did you?).
I wanted to write this article because there seems to be a common notion on many freelance writing websites that anyone can do this for a living.
- “Anyone can be a writer! Even YOU!”
- “Ever wanted to be a writer? Now you can!”
- “It’s so easy! If you can write to sixth-grade level, you can make a living this way!”
Yes, with the increasing need for web content, it is easier than ever. And you don’t even have to be a brilliant writer to make your living (and a good living at that) online.
But some people will simply never be able to make a living as a freelance writer, and here are a few reasons I can think of off the top of my head as to why this is true.
1. They Are Too Lazy
Freelance writing is not a job for lazy people. It really isn’t. Don’t think that you’ll be able to type a few carefully chosen words onto the screen as you put your feet up and plan your next siesta.
Oh no indeed: Freelance writing for the web is a busy old job. Of course, the amount of work that you do is completely up to you. But if you want to make a living from this then you are going to have to put in the blood, sweat, and tears.
The truth is, nothing that has such great rewards as writing for a living is ever going to be easy.
Lazy people who are not able to get up and start writing each morning even when they feel awful and are about as inspired as a wet sock are not going to be able to make this into a good source of income.
2. They are Not Organized
Organization is another of the key skills that you are going to need to make a real go of it as a freelance content writer.
You will need to make a list of daily tasks which you have to stick to, reply to client emails quickly and efficiently, juggle up to 10 jobs at any one time, switch from brainstorming mode to proofreading mode at the drop of a hat, and never, EVER forget to hand in work on deadline.
Sound too much like hard work? Then find another career.
3. They Lack Commitment
Even if you’ve got what it takes in terms of writing ability, organization, and the drive to succeed, if you lack the commitment to keep going at it even when it’s boring, even when it’s hard work, even when something else catches your eye and you decide to put your writing off for another day, then writing is not your path.
4. They Think it Will Be Easy
Anyone who thinks writing for a living is going to be a piece of cake is immediately putting themselves at a massive disadvantage.
If you go into it with this expectation then you are honestly going to be fighting an uphill struggle the whole time that you strain to make money as a freelance writer.
As mentioned earlier, becoming a full-time writer is easier than it was in the past. There are ways to make money from your writing which did not exist even a few years ago, and the bar to entry is actually quite low.
But there is making a few extra bucks to save up for the weekend, and then there is making a living. And making a living is no walk in the park.
Don’t go into it thinking that it is going to be a breeze. Those who do so really don’t stand much chance, at least not until they’ve come crashing down to earth after an unpleasant meeting with reality.
5. Marketing is Not for Them
OK, you don’t exactly need to market to make money from writing. In fact, there are websites around where you can literally stick your articles up and make money from AdSense clicks without ever having to worry about marketing at all.
But if you want to make real money then marketing is an absolute necessity. Seriously.
Don’t want to pick up the phone and call up prospects to sell your services? Well, you don’t actually have to do this (although it won’t hurt at all if you do).
But you’ll certainly have to get used to getting your name out there by sending emails, sending letters, writing articles online, and investing in many other marketing techniques.
If that makes you feel queasy, then be warned: You will find it very, very hard to make a good living from your writing.
The good news is that marketing is a walk in the park. If you’re new then you may simply be avoiding the issue because it scares you so much. But find out about a good technique that suits your style (I love sending emails myself) and it really doesn’t have to be too difficult.
If you cannot accept that you’re going to need to spend a good amount of your time marketing your services, then you’re going to need all the luck you can get.
Harsh But True
Writing involves so much more than the actual skill of writing itself. As I mentioned earlier, the actual writing is just about the easiest part of my job.
Some people will never be able to make it as writers, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot do it yourself. Just be realistic. Know what’s involved before you get into it. Know that it is going to be hard work, that you will have to be organized, that you will have to market your services consistently, and that there is no room for idleness.
Understand all that, and there is nothing stopping you from making a fantastic living as a writer.
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