Earlier in my freelance career, I used to pursue editors and publications who had a bad rep among freelance writers. Even though other writers warned me “So-and-so is a real PITA” or “Such-and-such magazine is notorious for changing editorial directions and killing stories at the last minute,” I thought I could be the exception (in terms of interpersonal communication, not late-paying pubs). I thought if I was friendly and flexible and turned in flawless copy that I could manage those kinds of editors and have things go my way.
Well, as Justin Long’s character says in He’s Just Not That Into You, “you are not the exception. You are the rule.”
Trust me on this, writers. When you’re hearing from multiple sources that some editor or client isn’t worth your time, it’s usually because it’s true. And you are not going to change them. Granted, there are a few prima donna writers out there, but most of the writers I compare notes with are not difficult or disorganized. They work hard to meet deadlines and uncover interesting sources and come up with snappy titles just like I do. And if they can’t make it work with an editor, it’s likely that I may have all or some of the same issues. (I’m not talking about one or two writers with issues. If I can find multiple threads about the same publication and their potentially shady practices, that’s more than enough for me.)
I wish I’d figured that out a whole lot earlier and saved myself the hours of frustation. There are enough editors and publications out there that you don’t need to subject yourself to writer bashing.
Your turn! What do you wish you’d learned sooner? And have you found that other writer’s warnings end up being true?
Flickr photo courtesy of WTL Photos
I wish I'd had the guts to leave "day job" world sooner. Of course, my day job was Broadway, which is a night job — but way, way, WAY before I ever made it to B'way, Arthur Miller warned me that the only way to be a full-time writer (his term was "real writer",which upsets writers with day jobs) was to have to rely on it to pay your bills. He told me stakes that high make it a whole different ball game, and he was right.
On the other hand, I'm awfully grateful for my years of experience on B'way, film, and television.
I listen to other writers when I respect their work or their work trajectory. There are too many "writers" (who, in my mind, differ from writers) who defend things like mill content sites because they need to justify for themselves undervaluing their work.
If it's someone who's actually made a mark on the field, being paid a reasonable fee for reasonable work, yes, I'll pay attention.
Aiming for top markets sooner; trusting myself; claiming authority; saying 'Why not?,' instead of, 'That will never work because…' and realizing that 'No' shuts doors that aren't worth my time, freeing me to work on that which is. (Although it sounds as though I have accomplished all of the above, this is really a daily reminder.)
@Devon: I'm so jealous that you got writing advice from Arthur Miller. The man is a genius! In fact, I once performed my one-woman musical adaptation of The Crucible as an eighth grade book report (never mind that I didnt' technically have the rights to do a musical adaptation – small detail when you're 14).
@Sara: All great lessons that I'm still struggling to learn myself. I love what you said about no's freeing you up for other projects. I probably invest too much time trying to turn a no into a yes when I could be pursuing other projects.
I wish I'd learned sooner that unless I put parameters on my clients via the contract, I was going to be walked on. Too many client situations went all wrong for me thanks to letting them steer the process or allowing their posses to rip apart my work.
Part of me wishes I'd pursued writing during college. I figured I wouldn't make a living with words, so why not study theatre instead. The experiences I've had have definitely fed my writing – I just wish I hadn't listened to the everyone saying you can't make money as a writer.
I wish I had listened to those in the know when I was first starting my career. I set my prices lower than I really wanted just to get jobs. I've been able to bring them on up to a suitable amount, but I feel obligated to a few clients that I still write for out of sheer loyalty for taking a chance on me when I was still fresh out of the box. This is definitely one of those careers in which you are always learning.
I'm so glad I found this blog! I truly appreciate the insightful and valuable content.
So, writerly wisdom I wished I'd had earlier?
I wish I had trusted my talent (not just in writing but in running a business) and had the courage to go out on my own sooner. And I wish I had the wisdom to write a better contract when I was first starting out. I once used a simple "here's what I'll provide and here's what you'll pay" format. Over the years, each time I would learn a difficult and costly lesson, my contract expanded. Today, my project agreements cover everything from missed milestones to forfeiture of rights.
Hi! Just wanted to leave a comment about how much I'm enjoying the blog; writerly wisdom is a very welcome thing in my life right now