A freelance writer is their own boss. They control their work hours, how they do it, and when to take vacation time. They work on projects at home or on the go and can even get paid for editing or proofreading. This might sound like a dream come true, but freelance writers also have to deal with drawbacks that full-time employees don’t have. Here, we’ll go over the five most common freelance writer myths people often have and how they’re wrong.
Myth #1: Freelance writers can write in just minutes
While it’s true that freelance writers have a flair for words and can write faster than the average person, it doesn’t mean they’re wizards who can whip up articles on the fly. Writing, like any creative process, takes time and effort. Before you start writing, you must know your client’s goals and readers’ needs. You have to research and draft an outline. You must refine, edit, and proofread your text even with an artificial intelligence-powered writing tool like Jarvis or WriteSonic.
Myth #2: Freelance writers must do everything themselves
Although freelancers often do their marketing, they don’t have to do everything themselves. Just like anyone else who’s going to work for a company, freelance writers are usually assigned specific tasks to accomplish within a set timeframe. They’re then responsible for following through and completing them. If you need help with bookkeeping or graphic design, consider working with a fellow freelancer or independent professional to save on your most vital resources: time and energy.
Myth #3: Freelance writers write anything and everything
True, freelance writers like myself can choose to be generalists rather than specialists. However, writing in several formats and about different niche topics has its cons. Professionals specialize in a field or industry, and businesses narrow down their clientele, so why shouldn’t you specialize in certain types of writing and particular topics?
Myth #4: Freelance writers can’t find work elsewhere
Many freelance writers I’ve met started their careers in media, public relations, or marketing communications before they shifted to freelancing. Freelancing was a significant decision they made for various reasons, including more flexibility and better work-life balance. Their years of experience are certainly far from the misconception that freelance writers couldn’t find full-time employment.
Myth #5: Freelance writers don’t have to pay taxes
Many new freelancers are under the mistaken assumption that they aren’t obliged to pay taxes or that their taxes are deducted from their project fees. Because of this, they don’t pay taxes on their freelance earnings. Freelancing is like running your own business: it always pays to register with tax authorities and file your tax returns regularly. Not only will you land more prominent clients as a registered freelancer with receipts and books of accounts, but you are also doing your part as a good citizen.
Conclusion
Freelance writers are some of the most talented, hardworking people you’ll ever meet. They take all the negatives and turn them into positives. They can have unlimited ideas, work on all kinds of projects, and even start their own business. To get the most out of freelance writing, you have to start by realizing that it’s much more than these freelance writer myths.