Follow these Dont’s to Become a Writer

Like many before you, you are dreaming to forget that 9 to 5 job and get into full time freelance writing. Before you know how to achieve your dreams, it would be wise to know what you should not do – it will help you reach your goal faster.

Don’t bank too much on your income: If you are planning to sustain a family, go for vacations abroad, buy that brand new Ferrari and more all with your freelance writing income, stop day dreaming now. Statistics say that an average full time freelance writer makes about $20,000 a year. Sure, you can spend long lonely hours in front of your computer, churning out one masterpiece after the other, but it is not going to make you very rich, unless you supplement your needs through another source of income, probably from a well-earning spouse! With full time freelance writing, you can expect a steady income, but definitely not a huge income.

Small is beautiful and important too: It is extremely important that you may attention to the minutest details of your writing – including the commas and full stops at the right places. It also means that you may not depend on that spell checker completely, which sometimes can not differentiate between a ‘there’ and a ‘their’. So if your editor is rejecting every alternate piece that you are sending for publishing or your webmaster sacks you with a couple or warnings do not be surprised. These small details matter in writing.

Love thyself less: Like painters love their paintings, writers often fall in love with their own creative output. There is nothing wrong with loving your own work, but at the same time be prepared for rejections for unknown reasons as well as criticism from editors. Every writer can do with a bit of constructive criticism if they are meant for your own good. Remember every editor is a customer, and where have you heard that before, that customers are always right!

Be consistent: if you are trying to make a living out of full time freelance writing, you have to increase your opportunities to write. To do this, do not stop by sending only a couple of proposals and wait for fortune to turn to your favor. Bid for as many projects as possible, and contact as many publishers as you can and keep your contacts consistent. May be there will be a time when a whole lot jobs lands on your table. If this happens work double time to finish them. Who knows you may not get any job during the next few weeks. Whether you write features, blogs, articles, web content or forum postings – go on bidding at as many places as you can. Do as much work is possible. With freelance writing, assured income is as good as it lasts.

Following these tips may not make you the richest freelance writer but it can guarantee a steady income for a long time and reduce lean periods to a minimum.

Writing Maven recommends BodiesLanguage.com, eBookIncomes.com, and Williger.com.