There was a fairly seismic shift in my world a week ago.
It only dawned on me in its full entirety once the dust had settled, but my personal landscape had changed – and arguably for the better.
“So what?” you say. “You were paid to write. Big deal.” Well you see, it was a big deal – and for several reasons.
First of all, it was a pronounced tilt towards doing something I’ve long wanted to do in a less amateur way.
Writing has been a dominant force in my life since childhood. From coursework to career, time spent in the private sector and in government, scribbles jotted down as a precocious kid to lengthier pieces written in later life, writing has been my constant.
Photo credit: Ohmega1982 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Over the past year, followers of this blog will have noted a steadily increasing stream of articles and guest posts away from my regular home here on In Search of a Life Less Ordinary. Last week’s achievement was, in some small part, the culmination of this effort, combined with a repackaging of my business and government experience.
I now feel half-way there. I’m writing professionally in a part-time capacity – and getting paid for it. It may eventually become full-time, be it for business, writing fiction, or in any other realm of the written word. For now, I’m happy to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully keep doing it right. I set up this website late last year which outlines a little bit of what I’ve done and will continue to do – http://www.russellvjward.com/.
Last week’s outcome was also significant for another reason.
Not only did I write professionally for a client but I was fairly paid to do it. The lack of any meaningful financial reward for fledgling and often established writers out there has been my personal bone of contention since I dived into the online blogging world in late 2010.
A friend and former BBC journalist recently remarked that if she had a dollar for every time someone asked her to write for free, she’d be very rich indeed. “Pay people their worth” was her view and it’s a view I wholeheartedly share. Last week proved to me that it can, and should, happen.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been contacted by organisations seeking content for magazine articles, websites, expat columns, exciting new initiatives and so on and so forth, only to be told that “Unfortunately, we can’t pay you; however, we can link to your blog!”
Such a wondrous offer that at first seems both appealing and laden with potential can all too suddenly seem less attractive and peppered with doubt. Will writing a monthly column lead to more prominent visibility in that particular community? Will I then become inundated with further writing opportunities that will pay handsomely and regularly? Will this be the start of that successful freelance writing career I’m so close to realising?
Of course not. The reality, harsh as it may be, is that this won’t be the case.
There are vast numbers of organisations out there looking for varied, insightful content to build their sites and grow their communities. Unfortunately, most of them will want it for free (but not all!). Offers of ‘profile building’ in return for a guaranteed flow of your hard worked and time-constrained monthly content probably won’t deliver the outcome you’re looking for. I dare you to analyse just how many extra website page views and Twitter ‘follows’ you get as a result of churning out more than 1,000 words of content every month multiplied by however many requests – and all for free. I’m guessing it won’t be many.
This may sound like an extremely pessimistic and simplistic lens through which I’m looking. Of course writers need to establish themselves, gain credibility, and prove their worth before seeking financial reward. On the flip side, there are hordes of bloggers-come-wannabe freelance writers putting pen to electronic paper and demanding something in return when these requests are neither justified nor deserved.
Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons matryosha |
My point is that established, credible writers should always be paid for their efforts. The mindset in certain quarters of the online world that such folks should write for free must change. At some point, you have to say “Enough is enough. I’m worth more than this” and start asking – no, demanding – your real worth and true value. You may lose people along the way but, hey, life’s too short.
If you’re a capable, skilled writer – and you know deep down if you are and if you can prove it – you need to be rewarded for the hard slog and commitment put into creating high quality copy. Profile building is never a fair exchange for the delivery of outstanding writing.
Tell me what you’ve experienced and whether I’m being fair in my criticisms or far too naive? Are there good writers out there working for free? Are you happy to write for free for now?
Jackscottbodrum says
You’re so right. Are all these freebies worth the hours
of work? Probably not. I tend to think that the growth in my fans, followers,
likes, friends, subscribers, etc is mostly down to my hard graft and the help
of a few others (like you). Congratulations on your paid commission. Crossing
the palm with silver just seems to make all the difference.
Linda says
I hear you little brother, and congratulations! I absolutely agree with your premise: truly talented writers need to be paid for their extraordinary content. You’ve proven yourself time and again over an extended period of time that you not only write highly articulate, compelling blog content but also fully structured, well crafted articles for a number of highly-regarded publications. It’s certainly my approach, and I periodically adjust my writing projects to reflect changing circumstances. I do certain things for pay and others gratis (e.g., helping a local monthly newspaper in the start-up phase). That’s okay. It’s my choice, and one taken with due consideration. We all have slightly different goals, hence different paths to get there. But too many people writing quality content for no pay? Yes, it’s a problem.
My candid take is that there are far too many bloggers who think that because their best friend and/or third cousin tell them they are terrific, they are all too qualified to hang out their shingle. Others think one or two book reviews or a short article saying the same old thing and they’re ready for paid gigs. The truth is that editors can pick and choose, and aren’t interested in having to correct basic grammar and vocabulary mistakes, let alone lend structure to wayward articles.
Additionally, too few aspiring paid writers are willing to search out the paying gigs and go for them, where they will be evaluated on – you guessed it – their previously published work. That they might have to expend time, effort and energy to build up their paying portfolio sounds like too much work for some.
Great post full of terrific (and free) advice to those out there with the talent and interest to listen. Glad you’re getting recognized for your strong work!
Aisha at Expatlogue says
A timely post indeed! Congratulations on your paid gig and I hope it unlocks the doors to more. Writing is a personal and solitary pursuit and it is a constant battle to hold onto belief in oneself and ones abilities. This is only made harder by the unremitting deluge of demands for free articles in return for a link back, and also by content mills who offer pathetic rates for writing ($1 for 500 words!).
The poor besieged writer must stand by their principles while fighting self-doubt and pressure to make a living. It takes skill and dedication to produce tight, accurate and engaging content – even more so under these conditions. It’s no “walk in the park” that’s for sure, and as for any romantic notions of pouring ones heart out in a garret somewhere in a Parisian setting…. hah! Get real!
Well done Russ – stick to your principles 🙂
Russell V J Ward says
You’re a good case in point. I’d hate to see you drafting pages of free material just because it’s the norm. Anyway, who am I fooling? You’re a published bloody author and in a whole different league altogether! Thanks for the congrats.
Russell V J Ward says
I hope so too, Aisha. Thanks for your support to date. I’ve scanned through the content mills and it doesn’t bode well for aspiring freelancers. And link backs simply drive me nutty. That said, it all depends whether it’s a hobby or more serious pursuit. The more serious of us just need to keep pushing until someone takes note.
I had another email this morning asking if I’d submit a blog post to a travel website in exchange for a link back. Shall I reply or let you?!!
Russell V J Ward says
Little brother says thank you! Insightful comments and always much food for thought.
I agree that writers often need to be flexible and alter their approach to reflect changing circumstances – NSEW is a classic example… by the way, isn’t it about time we were paid?!! I’ll never shy away from helping the start-up or new initiative and it’s also my choice and one I consider carefully in the context of my other work.
It’s still a shame that elements of the online world have been so quick to identify that there is a pool of available talent with someone always prepared to write for free. As a result, they seem to prefer to fish for free writing because there will always be someone prepared to do it for free, won’t there? A lack of editorial budget just doesn’t wash with me anymore as I sit and gaze at the large volumes of advertising and paying subscribers to that particular site or publication.
Jeez, I sound jaded 🙂
OzFactor says
Hi Russell, There are many companies who will pay for your writing skills. I earned a good living in the UK for 12 years doing that as a freelancer. My marketing background with Guinness helped. I since retrained as a Journalist to develop my writing, strengthen my understanding of law and the Journalism landscape which has changed dramatically since the online revolution. All your observations are spot on. I don’t think we can stop the tide of people who want something for free and the number of new swimmers who will fulfil the requests, but we can still dip in and out of the ocean if and when it suits us. I write for money, I write for fun, I write for personal development and sometimes I write for free, but that’s usually to help others. It’s a balance I enjoy. I think the profile you’ve built as a writer will make you a stand out with businesses. Good luck but i don’t think you’ll need it.
Maria says
Who’s a clever boy, then? That’s great news, Russell. Here’s hoping more assignments like that come your way. Writing for free was actually part of my start-up strategy. My skills were awfully rusty when I decided to take up writing again, and this newfangled Internet thing was seriously intimidating me. I wrote (for pennies — and please don’t think I’m speaking metaphorically here, it really was pennies) for a content mill. Actually, that’s not true: I wrote for ME. I wanted to shake off the cobwebs and get the kinks out, I wanted to get into the habit of writing to deadline, I wanted to learn SEO, and I wanted to get some clips to pump up my confidence. Once I’d achieved my goals, I discarded that gig like the used kleenex it was. But you know what? Those articles got me noticed by an editor, who offered me a paid job that has since turned into a regular gig. I feel pretty good about the time I spent in the (content) mills — it led to something wonderful. Now when people ask me what I do, I reply nonchalantly, “oh, I’m a writer.” Totally worth it.
Heather says
Congratulations, Russell, it sounds like you’ve turned a corner with your writing pursuits and great things await. I agree with OzFactor, there are companies that will pay for writing and lots of others who want it for free. Nowadays, I’m doing some of both, getting paid to write and doing some of my own writing. With the advent of new media, the possibilities for writing and generating content is exciting, though yes, the issue of being fairly compensated can be frustrating. Good luck!
Rhiannon says
Hi Russell,
in light of your post you’ll really like the below clip – it’s all about why we should be paid for our professional and creative work.
It’s a fantastic clip of Harlan Ellison and every time I get down because my clients attempt to abuse my work I play it and cheer myself up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE#!
YES you’re right, we should be paid what we’re worth – and don’t even get me started when it comes to copyright!
Best wishes,
Rhiannon – p.s., tweet me if you like the clip @ExpatraUK
Linda says
No, not jaded. Just passionate. BTW, I’d pay you for NSEW but then I’d have to pay Maria and Erica less 😉
Russell V J Ward says
Lol. Walked into that one.
By the way, thank you for your lovely confidence-boosting comments on my writing – always much appreciated 🙂
Russell V J Ward says
Thanks, Heather, I hope so. I like your approach of picking and choosing – balancing paid work with personal writing projects – and I’d like to continue with that same angle. New media has definitely brought with it a bounty of opportunities – and frustrations. Can I ask what your paid writing involves – is it travel or other work?
By the way, I’ve added your blog to my list of great expat blogs. I’ve just been reading through your recent posts on life in Thailand and your writing dumps me right there in the thick of it. Good stuff. I’m also living in one of your dreams (Australia) and have been to the other (Nepal). My advice: do both asap as they are wonderful places 🙂
Russell V J Ward says
Hey Rhiannon, thanks for sharing the video clip – absolutely brilliant. Loved it. And so timely.
Particularly great when he starts to really get going towards the end of the clip about the number of writers out there who don’t even realise they should be getting paid and so continue to work for free, creating a vicious cycle. Things have to change!Thanks again for sharing. Will keep this one close by 🙂
Russell V J Ward says
Well that would be me, my dear 🙂 It’s honestly no ‘huge’ deal but significant in what it signified… the start of a different path to follow. I also hope more come my way – if anyone’s listening, I’m available!
At least you had a positive experience with the content mills – and made them work for you rather than the other way around. Do you still rely on them for any of your work?
I’ve typically avoided them like the plague, once I got a sense of the remuneration involved, plus I’ve kept the day job ticking along as a sort of back-up. I hope I don’t ever have to go down that route but who knows? If I do, I’ll be sure to head over to seek your advice 😉
Russell V J Ward says
Hi, it’s always good to get feedback from freelancers who’ve been plying their trade for some time. Thanks for sharing your insights. Are you still in the UK and, if so, how is the ‘writing’ market looking over there? I can only speak largely for Australia at this time.
As with other comments to this post, I take onboard your view that it’s a choice about which gigs to take and which to ignore. To date, I’m fully ignoring the freebees unless I want to give support or see long-term mutual value. It’s not all about the money, but it is about creating a sustainable career, be it with business or new media or both.
Cheers for the good luck wishes!
Tracey Croke says
I’m in Australia for a while – at least another year while my husband works on an infrastructure project in Brisbane. As a freelancer in the UK I wrote and implemented marketing / PR strategies, wrote press releases, speeches, copy for brochures / websites, editorials and articles usually for trade publications.
Trade publications will take well written articles which are of interest to their readers. Yes, you still give it to them for free, but in this case the company has paid you to write it. The key is getting a story angle and then weaving your client’s interest into it without diluting the integrity of the story. If it sounds too pluggy editors will class it as an advertorial and ask you to buy space to print it. Sometimes business clients are prepared to do that too, either way you get paid for your writing. And here’s the really good news…. The rate is much better than even a fairly paid journo rate.
I have an example article on my blog which works in this way.
http://oz-factor.com/2011/07/10/pizza-passion/ This isn’t a plug for my blog by the way. It’s not really a blog in the true sense, I don’t update it enough for a start, but it led offers of paid work… from businesses….. publications try it on and want content for free.
I can’t offer you a great insight into winning work in the current conditions in the UK. I’ve been out here for a couple of years mainly working with one client while I completed some research and study. I’ll be hanging myself out there a bit more soon. But what I know from experience is that there are always opportunities for good writers in business. The list is endless it really just depends on what you want to do. The work you have done on your blog and articles is gold in this respect because you are a published writer.
Did the Telegraph pay you for your articles?
My twitter handle is @traceycroke Dunno why it came up as Oz Factor, changed it a while ago. I need a bit more training in that respect I guess : )
Heather says
For pay, the business-writing end of things is where the money’s at. It’s perhaps not as fun as writing about travel, etc., but it has its own challenges. Right now, I write web content (blog posts, white papers, web site copy) for other businesses, but the work is being sub-contracted to me through one client (marketing firm). I’ve been doing freelance business writing projects off and on for years, but I’m planning to ramp up soon and get more of my own clients.
If you’re interested in pursuing more of this kind of work, check out Peter Bowerman’s site: http://www.wellfedwriter.com, if you haven’t already. He’s written a couple of books on freelance copywriting and offers lots of resources and ideas on the subject.
Thanks for the link! Your blog and the resources here have been a great help!
Russell V J Ward says
Thanks for the info and link, Heather. Will check him out. Cheers, Russell
Russell V J Ward says
Thanks for the background, Tracey, particularly on writing for trade publications. It’s always good to have it confirmed that there are plenty of businesses looking for good writers – and that’s been my brief experience so far. My sense is that business writing can pay a writer’s bills, whilst travel and other writing would be more of a personal hobby unless you were able to crack that market somehow. Either way, lots of food for thought. As for the Telegraph work, does ‘profile building’ ring a bell? Hope to see you over here again soon. Cheers, R
OzFactor says
Profile building……. ding dong.
Just have to leave you with this little ditty.
A prominent ne
ws title in the US asked a freelance journo friend to write for them. When he asked the rate they said Freelancers usually work for free for the kudos. This guy has 25 years experience in journalism. He’s written for just about every national publication in the UK bar the red tops and several books. As you would expect he knocked them back.
Enjoyed the chat, keep in touch.
Russell V J Ward says
Unbelieveable. It really is. And I bet he never heard from them again. Ditto – hope to chat again soon.
Veronique says
Excellent post and congratulations. I completly agree with you.
I LOVE the clip of Harlan Ellison – Pay the Writer posted by Rhiannon. Thank you for your blog.
Russell V J Ward says
Thanks, Veronique. That clip was a good one indeed. I’ve already been back to it today. Inspirational and a bloody good rant 🙂
Michellelmckay says
‘If you’re a capable, skilled writer… you need to be rewarded for the hard slog and commitment..’ Russell, you are my new favourite person. : ) I’m just starting out, so I have a bit of patience in me; I’m yet to prove myself over the long term. But in a year’s time, I am certainly hoping that I will have in some way evidenced that I have something worthwhile to contribute to our society. And gosh, I hope that will be appreciated on a financial level! Congratulations on getting paid!
http://www.theyeariquitmylife.com
Russell V J Ward says
Hey Michelle, happy to oblige! 🙂
Certainly put yourself out there this year and do a bit of work for free here and there but, once you start getting regular gigs including being published in some form, there’s no harm in asking for a bit of reward in return. As you’ll see from the comments above, sometimes it’s not always financial but you still shouldn’t work completely for free – it’s your time and effort so why should you waste it if you’re proven and capable!
Love your blog by the way. Very inspirational and similar to the direction that ISOALLO is heading in.
Hope to see you back here soon!
Prahalad Saini says
Tegel Outlet Great post Thanks for sharing
Russell V J Ward says
Love your blog by the way. Very inspirational and similar to the direction that ISOALLO is heading in.