Comments on: Top 10 Freelance Writing Excuses and Why They Won’t Fly

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:20:32 +0000

You have me thinking too. Just do it!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:10:37 +0000

One of the best kicks in the pants I’ve ever received has been from Jack Bickham’s book, “Writing and Selling Your Novel.” What he talks about in the very first chapter are the qualities of a professional, and one of those is that you MUST write EVERY SINGLE DAY. And not just one page, or 300 words, or something like that. You’ll write 3-5 pages every day, at the same time, and you’ll sit in front of your computer until it’s done.

I think that applies to freelancing as well. If you’re really a professional, you’ll make it a part of your routine every day, including seeking new jobs. You’ll do it when you don’t feel like it. And you’ll quit making excuses.

Thanks for the awesome post, Deb! (For the record, my biggest problems are likely 1, 4, and 8.)

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:13:20 +0000

Thanks for this kick in the pants, Deb! It motivated me to return to a job listing I had been making excuses about applying for. Even if I don’t get the job, at least I know I put forth the effort.

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:05:40 +0000

Deb, such tough love! Thanks though. I needed it. I’m doing okay, but my longstanding excuse is that I’ll have to wait until the fall when I feel my son will be old enough for daycare to really get busy freelancing. I think it’s a good idea to not overbook myself, but I probably do rely on this line of reasoning too much.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:34:47 +0000

5,6,7 – anyone who says they don’t have TIME to write isn’t a writer. My problem is I can’t get anything else done because all I want to do is write!

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:49:59 +0000

At low moments, I’ve used excuse #4 (”I don’t think I’m qualified”) before.

The thing that makes this excuse not valid is that you never know who the other writers applying for a job are. If a company lists ten qualifications they are looking for in a writer and I only have seven of them, I may talk myself into believing I’m not qualified so there is no way I’ll get the job. The truth is though that the best applicant they get other than me may only have six of those qualifications. That would make me the most qualified applicant that they get, which could lead to me getting hired.

Great post… no excuses.

By: Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:11:44 +0000

Number 1 and number 4 are me!! I’ve been trying to get out of the habit of using those as an excuse. Once I got a writing gig that was way over my head, I started out, and tried to keep up, but it just wasn’t for me… I talked to the man who hired me, and he said that was fine and paid me for the work I did do. He was really understanding, and just know that is a possibility. If you really are under experienced or under qualified the worst that can happen is you have to give up and not get paid, but at least you tried.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:57:52 +0000

@Name Withheld–I wouldn’t skip ads that request resumes, that really eliminates a lot of your opportunities. I’d include the resume and focus more on your cover letter where you can explain why you are fit for the job and include things beyond work history. The cover letter can also demonstrate your writing ability, which should be more of a sell than a pile of past jobs anyway. Then, all it takes is 1 or 2 gigs and you can start to build a writing resume. I think many freelancers don’t have a writing-specific resume when they first get started (I know I didn’t), but if you don’t apply you may never have one.

My #1 excuse is that I’m too busy and would be better off focusing on work that will bring in money rather than apply for new work. What could I possibly do with new work if I’m already busy? This works out ok up until a client or two slows down or stops having work available and suddenly I’m scrambling for new work, as I’m kind of doing this week. The moral is–even when you’re busy, it could change in an instant so you should always spend at least a little time looking for new work each day or week.

By: Veronica Shine

Veronica Shine — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:07:40 +0000

Wonderful list of excuses!!! Here is another that falls into place with # 10.

If you are intimidated to send out a query on an idea of your own that would be perfect fit for a publication, then forget writing. The worst they can say is no.

Some of the best paying gigs I received were not advertised.

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:45:32 +0000

@Name Withheld: We all have to start somewhere. As a work-at-home mom you have loads of experiences that would be perfect for a parenting essay. Some ways to handle requests for resumes without much outside “experience” include writing for your PTA newsletter, volunteering to write for a nonprofit or starting a blog and writing for an audience. Clients aren’t so much interested in your experience as the quality of your writing.

@Genesis: Don’t worry too much about lack of a Web site. The majority of writers have bare-bones sites that lack graphic flash or eye-candy. What’s important is the content: get your resume up, a gallery of your writing and your fees.

The other point you make is a frequent failing of new freelancers. It is easy to rest in the comfort and security of one dependable client, but that makes you a work-and-home writer, not a freelancer. Freelancers have multiple clients and are always seeking more, knowing there will be lean times.