It’s Not Just About The Writing

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Of course, freelance writers are concerned about the business of writing. It pays the bills, it provides us a sense of purpose, and deep in our hearts we know it is what we are meant to do. For a freelance writing business, writing is the foundation. A good foundation is layered with supporting materials as well.

I am a freelance writer. A good deal of my time is spent tapping the keys in order to complete an assignment. In other words, I write. If I am to be successful, then my writing should be good to excellent. Forty years ago, the only folks I really needed to rub elbows with were editors and other potential clients. Ahh, yes. The easy days before the internet. Now, in addition to having excellent writing skills, in order to be the most successful freelancer I can be I must also be somewhat of a social creature.

Most of my freelance work is done through the web. I market, advertise, interact and write primarily for folks who have entered my world through the World Wide Web. My presence on the web gives me the chance to interact with other freelance writers. It also gives me the chance to meet folks who are considering entering the freelance writing world. Here is where the supporting materials for my writing foundation come into play.

I recently had the opportunity to answer some questions for someone who was thinking about freelancing. It never once occurred to me to not help this person. Any knowledge I have that is based on my experiences I am willing to give freely. There are no secrets and there is nothing to hide. After our conversations were done, this person has decided to make a go of freelancing. I’m proud that I may have played a part in his decision to move forward. Knowing what I do about this person, I suspect they will be very successful indeed.

We should all be willing to do the same. We should have integrity and the desire to help and inspire other writers. I do not see this new freelance writer as someone who will be my competition. I see them as someone who will be a colleague and someone who will remember our conversations as they grow and develop over the years.

Sometimes, these kinds of relationships blossom into writing partnerships. Other times they develop into support systems that both parties pull from when needed. The point is, in my mind it can never be a bad thing to help another writer.

So, in addition to our writing I think we need to have:

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Empathy
• A willingness to help others
• Commitment
• Patience
• Tolerance
• Enthusiasm.

By adding these supporting elements to your writing, you are ensuring a writing career worthy of the person you truly are.