Another doom-and-gloom piece on the supposedly appalling state of freelance writing. This one’s by James Rainey, media columnist for the Los Angeles Times, who wrote “Freelance Writing’s Unfortunate New Model” for the January 6, 2010 edition.
Rainey’s a fine writer and makes some great points in the article.But Rainey is also a well-compensated staff writer staring out into the abyss of freelancing. With layoffs all around him, and rumors of “crumbling pay scales” crossing his desk, it’s natural for him to view the world of freelancing through a pessimistic prism.
Here’s how I responded:
“Freelance writing has always been a tough business, but hustle and ability have always paid off. That will continue to be the case. No serious writer trolls Craigslist for assignments, or types articles for content mills. I regard the current landscape as akin to a tough assignment on a tight deadline. It calls for the very skills I’ve been applying for nearly 30 years: research, creativity, and writing ability. Now I’m applying those skills to the task of carving new niches. I have no time to lament the dramatic shifts in media. I’m riding the shifts, making them work for me. I’m finding and creating more opportunities than ever. It’s an exciting time to be a freelancer. Quality writing will always find good outlets. And will always attract decent compensation.”
My friend Doug Schnitzspahn (www.dougschnitzspahn.com) weighed in on Rainey’s piece in a Facebook discussion among writers:
“Well, I had my best year ever as a freelancer last year. I think it’s a matter of scale. Livestrong may pay garbage but Livestrong and outlets like it didn’t exist 20 years ago. There’s actually more opportunity out there for freelance writers (especially those at the bottom) right now. You can still get paid top dollar and you can also rack up a lot of low word-rate pieces. Twenty years ago you were beholden to big pubs who only hired the people in their networks.”
Hear what Doug is saying? More opportunity.
Rainey makes great points about story assignments getting shorter and reporting thinner. And rightfully suggests that writing is a true profession that merits receiving a living wage. But to bolster that point, he dwells on markets that pay pathetically and assumes that their proliferation connotes a disaster for writers.
I’m here to tell you the money is out there. It takes creativity and effort and skill to rope it in, but it’s there for the roping. Don’t prostitute yourself for pennies a word. Go for good work. (Dare I say it? Write Where the Money Is.) Spread yourself around. It’s not business as usual out there. But there’s business to be had. For sure. I’ll say it again: It’s an exciting time to be a freelancer.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for this article, Bob! A good friend sent me this link because I am new to the freelance writing world and every bit of encouragement helps. I’ve been hearing A LOT of people, and not just writers, but others with their own business, say that 2009 was their best year in a while. So yay optimism! :)
Bob,
Great report. I’m with you and Doug. The market is changing, and media is shifting. One thing that hasn’t changed: The demand for the written word. As in all things, quality products will survive despite the availability of low-cost and low-quality alternatives. Rather than fearing new media channels, I’m heartened by the growth of solid, high-quality online media sources. That includes those that are solely digital, such as Grist and Catch magazine, as well as print pubs that have strong online components, such as Backpacker and High Country News.