Comments on: Not Earning Enough as a Freelance Writer? You Have Only Yourself to Blame

By: Terry

Terry — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:17:36 +0000

Great advice! I would add that too many writers sell themselves short. If you have a set rate, stick to it. Too often writers will settle for very low pay just to “get their name out there,” but it doesn’t lead to additional work, or just more low-paying work. If you are good at what you do, charge what you are worth.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:21:55 +0000

Sometimes it’s easy as freelancers to feel like we’re doing enough, when in reality we really just aren’t. I find a good way to think of it is this: if you were in an office earning your dream salary in a job with incredible perks, and perhaps a somewhat strict supervisor, would they think you’re doing enough? Or would they push you harder? While it’s easy to think of the “no boss” issue as a perk of freelancing, sometimes we can become too comfortable in what we’re doing, and even when we feel like we’re working hard we’re not quite pushing ourselves. And especially in the early phases of freelancing, you have to push, push, push. It can actually be much harder than working for someone else, but at least with freelancing it does get better rather than turn into drudgery.

By: Michelle Nguyen

Michelle Nguyen — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:34:41 +0000

This is a great article though it is a bit of a kick in the pants. I am still relatively new to freelancing and sometimes feel a bit downtrodden about the money I’m not earning. I don’t think I’ve been lazy nor have I been blaming others for the work I have not been able to get. This is all a learning process and I’m going to file this away to refer to as needed.

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:49:54 +0000

This is a GREAT article- and all too true! If you are a person that enjoys having ‘pity parties’ then a freelancing career definitely won’t work for you. I look forward to reading the rest of your articles and website.

By: Setting Freelance Writing Rates | Bleeding Espresso

Setting Freelance Writing Rates | Bleeding Espresso — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:27:55 +0000

[...] Not Earning Enough as a Freelance Writer? You Have Only Yourself to Blame by Jennifer Mattern at All Freelance Writing. Jennifer gives *excellent* advice that is sure to get you motivated to find well-paying freelance writing gigs. [...]

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:47:31 +0000

I’m glad to see so many writers agreeing about taking responsibilities for our own income levels. I honestly half-expected some flaming and blaming. Thanks for proving me wrong folks.

By: Matthew Stibbe

Matthew Stibbe — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:56:09 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. A Dutch auction where everybody races to the lowest price doesn’t help anyone. Better to figure out what you do well, do it well and charge a fair price for it. Let your competitors take the annoying, lowest bidders. Also, your concept of a ‘writing platform’ is very valid and helpful. In my experience, there’s nothing better than a handful of clients who like your work and keep calling.

By: Michelle | Bleeding Espresso

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:59:30 +0000

Excellent article; I’ll be linking to you in tomorrow’s Freelance Writing Week post about what is the “right” pay for a freelance writing assignment. And thank *you* for the linky love

By: Omar

Omar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:12:52 +0000

Your right. I’ve been stepping up my game recently. I have no other choice because I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired as the saying goes. I want a larger income and in order to do that, I have to put on my hard hat. It’s not easy but you can’t give up. Even though, its tempting to pack it in.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:25:08 +0000

Lillie – Most of the higher-earning writers I know say the same thing. It’s referrals that matter most. I suppose that’s why it drives me crazy when newer writers don’t take a hint. I mean some do, but some just really don’t. They look for easy answers. We tell them to start networking. They disappear for a little while (supposedly doing that), and then they come back complaining it didn’t work fast enough or just asking for another quick fix. *sigh* I almost feel bad for them (just almost). I know they’d be far better off a year from now if it would just sink in, and that instead they’ll be lucky to be earning even just a few dollars more per project sticking to the same old failing routine. Oh well.

Jennifer – Balancing networking, client work, and other projects can certainly be tricky at times. I try to get as much online networking out of the way as possible early in the morning – dealing with forums, blog comments, etc. when I’m going through email anyway. It’s helped to at least keep me at it a bit more. I’m very active on those forums, because I’m a moderator there, but I’d really like to start making more time for writing guest posts and commenting on some of my less regular blog haunts.

By: Jennifer L

Jennifer L — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:59:18 +0000

Such a good kick in the pants! I know that I’ve landed most of my clients in the past through networking. I need to step it up again, though, because I got sort of lax about networking over the past couple of months while I was finishing up some projects. I needed this pep talk to help get me motivated and moving again…

By: Lillie Ammann

Lillie Ammann — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:34:08 +0000

Excellent advice, Jennifer. I get almost all my business from referrals. It has taken time and effort to reach this point, but now I have all the work I can handle … and not low-paying jobs.