Do You Really Need A Byline?
Of course you don’t. All around the world, freelance writers of all backgrounds and experiences ghost write for clients every single day. I do it and if you are a writer then most likely you do it too.
While seeing our name in print or digital print makes us feel all warm and fuzzy, it is nothing more than an ego boost if you are totally honest with yourself. Interestingly enough, I have come across writers online who absolutely refuse to write for a byline.
To be honest, it beats me why, but I understand that we are all different individuals with various needs. Those writers refusal to write for a byline is my win, since it leaves me with more opportunities to choose from.
Let’s face it, we write because we get paid. It’s a job. The only difference between those of you who work for an employer and those that don’t is the freedom of choice with which we can accept jobs at our disposal.
However, while that freedom is awesome and not something I would ever want to miss again, it also has its price.
The price is the cost of sanity and health if you do what I did and work yourself to the bones.
But as you all know (at least my long term readers know this), I am a fighter and refuse to give up.
So to me writing for a byline is a job I choose to take because it pays me money. If I was to work for an offline employer I wouldn’t have those choices. I would have to do as I’m told – byline or not.
I also believe that those writers who are strict about bylines leave themselves short of ample and good paying opportunities. While I have been blogging for a vast range of well known blogs and the not so well known ones, my main work has always been with ghost writing.
On another note, I also find that ghost writing pays better than jobs with bylines. This of course depends on the industry you write for as well.
How do you feel about bylines? Are they important to you?
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Australia News | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
I’ve wondered about this myself – I see people really worried about bylines -but to be honest if you pay me for the words – the words are yours surely? I have started using me name of my more visible blogs but I see no reason to want a byline on freelance work – though some offer it. Lissie
Tumblemoose | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
A byline is nice if I can get it – I am a writer and by definition that means I’m kinda needy. But do I have to have it? No. Those who approach things with a rigid mindset close themselves off to opportunity.
Welcome back.
Cheers,
George
Writer Dad | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
You said it well, so I’ll just say – word.
Brett Legree | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
I’m with you (and as WD says, word). Being as flexible as possible only opens us up to many more opportunities. I know how much I *don’t* like the restrictions of my current employment, so I certainly won’t choose to restrict myself as I move to self-employment.
Hope you’re feeling a bit better these days! Here’s a nice virtual flat white, just because
-Brett
Business Writing | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
If I write for myself, I like having a guideline, but when I write for a client, my words belong to the client. However, I have had clients who don’t mind my name on what is written.
Of course, this does depend on where the writing appears.
Alex
Monika | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
@ Lissie: I’m with you on that one. In the end we sell a service and if our clients want their own name on the material, then they should.
@ George: Don’t get me wrong. I’m NOT opposed to a byline, I also think they are nice when we get them, but I certainly don’t feel the need to only accept work with bylines. Thanks for the welcome too.
@ WD: Thank you Sean, it is good to see you guys thinking along the same lines I do.
@ Brett: Thanks buddy, I welcome the virtual coffee. I do feel better, much better in fact but still playing catch ups with many things. Anyway, back to work.
@BW: Exactly, I’m certainly with you on that Alex. In the end the control lies with the client and that is perfectly fine. Most of my blogging clients do give me a byline, however some don’t and I’m cool with that too.
Friar | Nov 23, 2008 | Reply
@Monika
You’re one of the few honest bloggers that have discussed the price one pays for working for yourself. But I’ve also read enough other bloggers who say the same thing: freelancing is not always as glamorous as it seems, there’s stress and LOTS of LONG hours.
To be honest, it somewhat scares me away from writing for a living. Maybe that’s a good thing, because maybe that’s just not for me.
Yes, I have a 9-to-5 boring job that I barely tolerate.
But on a positive note, it’s a very decent wage for one person. I’m done work at 4:30 and that still leaves me 4-5 hours every night, to do whatever I want. (Including writing and working on my book projects). Which still might make money one day.
I think I’m starting to realize…maybe I’d be happier as a part-time author, rather than a full-time writer.
(But if I ever did make enough money on my books, that would be GREAT…you can be sure I quite the Widget Factory in a Heartbeat!)
Anyway, I’m glad to see you’re better and posting again.