Why take the risk of freelance writing?
Freelance writing is a lot like putting money into the stock
market. In the market you balance the risk of losing money with the possibility
of earning a return on your investments. As writers we invest hours researching
material, reading sample copies, and writing great cover letters. We risk
receiving rejections, not knowing if our investments of time and effort will
pay-off.
So, why should we take risks? Taking
risks is part of the writing game. "You never know until you try" may
be trite, but true. Some anonymous philosopher said it best: "Take risks
based on what you have to gain, rather than what you have to lose."
Taking an even bigger risk
I remember seven years ago when my husband
and I discussed having a baby. I was carefree, approaching 40 and had never
considered having children, until he said something that changed my life.
"I'm scared to start a family, but I'm more afraid I might miss out on an
important part of life." So we took a chance. Six years later our daughter
is still the greatest joy of our lives.
George Bernard Shaw expressed it
wisely: "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and
look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make
them." I had been writing poetry for three years when I entered my first
poetry contest. I paid a small entry fee
and spent hours revising my poem. I took a chance and won first prize!
Making investments in writing can be
financially painful. We invest money on
sample copies to get a feel for the market. We buy writer's magazines and
books. We spend money on stamps and envelopes. And we
invest time on researching, writing, and editing. But, to succeed as a published
writer you must invest.
What if a rejection comes your way?
You haven't lost your investment. Every piece you write is an exercise. Your
writing gets stronger, and you have learned something new from your research.
Your investments will propel you forward and give you confidence in your work.
Keep your eye on the prize
The irony is you must forget about the
risks when you write. You must focus on writing your best. You must always keep
submitting.
I'm researching for an anthology that
may be published in two years. The editor seems interested but hasn't
committed. I've spent time on the Internet, gone to the library, read and
compiled notes, written a first draft---a big investment. And a big risk. But
I hear my husband's words again. I'm afraid I might miss out on something
important. I've got to take the chance.
Originally
published in The Creativity Connection #50, January 2002