20

Apr

10 Annoying Things People Tell Freelance Writers

The life of freelance writers can be tough. You are usually looking for work, worrying about paying the bills and hoping your clients are happy with your work. On top of this stress you will often have those that will say annoying and insulting things to you.

At least you don’t have to get up and go to work everyday

Of course I have to go to work daily, I am the only one that supports me! There is no office staff and I have no paid holidays or time off, if I am not working, I don’t get paid.

What do you do all day?

Working, of course. People genuinely do not understand that it takes time and effort for a freelance writer to write a piece. It’s not just sitting around surfing the net for fun.

Writing must be really easy for you.

Writer’s block, anyone? Writing is tough, as a freelance writer, you have to make sure it flows and it makes sense, and sometimes it is very difficult to come up with something, especially if you are up against a deadline.

So you just work in pajamas all day?

Please. No, I don’t, I am working. I sometimes have to Skype with clients, or run out and get things. Also, sitting around in my pajamas all day is the equivalent to you going to work in yours.

What have you written that I’ve read?

I’m not sure, you tell me. A better question is to ask where you might find my work if you are interested.

If you get paid by the word, you can just write it really long, right?

Nope and no. It doesn’t work like this; it depends on what you are writing. But most Internet pieces need to be short as most readers won’t read much more than 500 words.

You should write about (random person or topic).

Thanks for the suggestion, followed by sarcastic face. Enough said.

Will you read this thing I wrote?

Generally, no, if you want feedback, there are many forums that will read your work and offer suggestions and edits.

I wish I could afford to do that.

It’s called hustle. As a freelance writer, this part of the job is never-ending. It’s only affordable because I work at it and get paid for my work.

But it’s not like you have a real job.

By far and away, the most insulting of them all. My job is as real as my payments.

If you think or have said any of these things to a freelance writer, just know, they probably are biting their tongues, and trying hard not to return the insult.