Freelance Writers Manifesto

In the business of freelance writing, perhaps more than any other business, it is vital to keep up-to-speed with what the most successful writers are doing. It is also critical to keep pushing yourself.

The stereotype of a writer is that of a recluse, tapping away in a back room somewhere to produce words that the world will read. For some of us, this is only too accurate. But it’s not the best way to launch a career. We all need to get out there and market ourselves. This applies more than anything to a commercial writer. After all, if you can’t market yourself, how can you hope to market someone else or their goods?

So on this dingy pre-Spring day, I’m urging you as a fellow writer to pull out all the stops. Apply for some more jobs. Do something to learn more about your craft today. This needn’t cost you money. After subscribing to many online job boards that were fee-based, I came to realize that the free ones were just as good. Two of my favorites are Craigslist and GenuineJobs.

As for learning your craft, sign up for a few newsletters with real-life writers for some of the best free tuition you’ll get anywhere.

There’s Gary Bencivenga, Clayton Makepeace and Bob Bly to give you a head start. Let’s see if you can’t all break some barriers by the time summer is in full swing. Don’t forget to let me know how you’re all getting on with your careers.

I’m intrigued to know if everyone agrees with me: I’ve noticed that the standard of freelance writing jobs to be found online is not as good as it used to be. I know there are still some good jobs out there, but for heaven’s sake: There are just so many people trying to pay ridiculous amounts like $5.00 a page.

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