Six of the best: Myths about freelance writing

WHAT would you include in this list? Here's mine:

1. It will make you rich – and quickly

Excuse me while I stop laughing. Newsflash: You’re not going to get paid on time, every time. Get used to this prospect but determine to do all you can to stop it happening.

2. Writing an article in full before sending it to an editor is always a good idea

No. This isn’t right. The pitch is the thing.

3. Editors are all ogres

They’re not.

4. Your writing talent is the single, most important factor in your success

It isn’t. The ability to find stuff to write about, to elicit the right information and to chase for payment, should all be jostling for position at the top of that list too.

5. It has to be an isolated pursuit

Oh no. You can embrace all sorts of opportunities online to make new contacts and friends. Don’t think you have to be lonely.

6. It's easy

It's not. If that were the case, everyone would be doing it. Oh hang on...[Linda]

Comments

[Linda]

Catherine has pointed out marketing should be on the list too - how could I forget that? :)

[Neil]

Here's one to add: you have to be a relentless, hard-nosed hack who takes no prisoners: nope, it pays to be nice to people

[Linda]

Hi Neil - I couldn't agree more :)

http://www.freelancewritingtips.com/2007/05/its_nice_to_be_.html