09

Feb

Debunking 7 Myths About Freelance Writing

As a new freelance writer, you may believe a number of myths that we will debunk today, so you, as a newbie will know what to expect.

Myth #1

You have to have a journalism or writing degree. This is simply not true, with the demand for online content, provided you can write well and are knowledgeable about your niche, freelance writing can be quite lucrative for you.

Myth #2

Online writing doesn’t pay as well as print. No, this is a fallacy as well; often smaller, online companies can afford to pay higher rates because of the low overhead and sometimes an article online doesn’t need to be as well researched as an article for print, so you save time writing the article.

Myth #3

You need to know about technology to write online. This is false. If you know how to use a word program, search engines for research, and how to send emails, you have all of the basic skills you need to be a success at freelance writing.

Myth #4

Only people living in the US can be online writers. This one is still surprising. Often online publications will want to publish in another language. They will want  a person who is  well qualified to write an article, especially in the travel niche, as they will know what to write about in their own towns. As it’s all online you can write from anywhere.

Myth #5

Receiving payment is difficult. This one is a terrible myth; pretty much every merchant online pays through PayPal. It is considered safe and it is very reliable with reasonable fees. It also means you have access to your money almost immediately.

Myth #6

You have to work for years as a staff writer to make it as a freelance writer. Nope, some writers pitch to publications as soon as they start out and land lucrative assignments. It really doesn’t matter as long as your idea is well received and there is someone willing to pay for it.

Myth #7

It’s too late to make any money freelancing online. This last one is the farthest from the truth. As print publications fold, and the demand for online content grows, there is ever more demand for freelance writing. There are plenty of assignments and money to go around, and publications are willing to pay well for a good writer.