5 Things I Didn’t Know About Being a Freelance Writer

Behind the scenes of a freelance writer’s life

I started to write out of sheer passion. I was still working in my day job at the office when I started my own blog. I then dreamed of being a full-time writer.

I wished I could spend each day deep in my thoughts, gathering my emotions and inspiring people through my writings.

I imagined myself visiting my favorite coffee shops, and enjoying my favorite cup of coffee as I work using my laptop while watching the people around me.

I also imagined working near the beach as I listened to the soothing sound of waves.

What a wonderful lifestyle that would be! Being paid for your dream job and your dream life.

Perhaps I was being too idealistic, but I guess all dreams start from a pure place of inspiration where everything is possible.

Of course, later on, we must also face reality. In real life, there are ups and downs. In real life, there are things you may need to compromise to achieve what’s most important to you.

Here are the 5 things I didn’t know about being a freelance writer:

1. That I would spend more time promoting my book than writing it!

I used to think that writing would be the hardest part of the work. After all, it isn’t easy to be inspired and to put down into words what you’ve only imagined in your mind. It isn’t easy to do your research and support the articles you’re going to publish on your blog or website. And it certainly isn’t easy to finish writing a novel!

But you know what the hardest part is? It’s not writing or editing your work. It’s promoting that book you have written!

Promoting your book means that you would spend time every day writing more content, either for your blog or for your social media accounts. It means getting in touch and engaging with people. It means researching the best means to advertise and market your book.

2. That I would have to write about topics I never thought I’d write

My dream of being a writer started because I wanted to share something that has inspired me. I wanted other people to read my work and perhaps feel what I have felt or see some things from a new perspective.

But freelance writing means you may also accept projects not on the same topic you envisioned before. You may even get to do more technical work.

3. That there are so many types of writing and writing platforms

Writing is not just about poetry or novels or inspirational articles. Writing includes lists, well-researched posts, reviews, and other stuff that other people would like to read.

And there are so many writing platforms out there. There is Medium, Substack, Vocal, Simily, and Newsbreak. You can also set up your own website.

Plus, other people can hire you to do work for their Newsletters or social media accounts.

4. That I have to learn so many things aside from writing

To be able to stay in this field, I had to learn so many other skills aside from writing.

I learned how to create content for social media channels. I learned about audio and video editing. I also do graphic designs through Canva, GIMP and other applications. I had to update myself about SEO. And now, there is even that skill we need to adapt to AI technologies.

5. That you may need other sources of income

Those writers who only need to focus on writing are very fortunate indeed. They can concentrate on the job they want to do with no fear about their financial stability.

But for many freelance writers, the opposite is true. Even if writing books is your passion, you may need to have other sources of income.

You may have to accept that book review or beta reading assignment. Or like me, you may also work as a social media manager. You may also accept work writing video scripts for YouTube.

Final thoughts

There is a difference between the ideal writing life and the real life of a freelance writer. It is not a bed of roses every day.

Would I have plunged into this work had I known all these things? Maybe. Or maybe not.

What I know is that even if I did not choose to work full-time as a writer, I would always be a writer by heart. I will continue to write whenever I have time to do so.

Writing is work. A LOT of hard work. But it is also a passion. My passion. And despite all the difficulties, it is a source of happiness and fulfillment that I will always be grateful for.