Freelance writers’ value: what’s your value as a writer?

How valuable are you as a writer? If you’ve never thought about this, think about it now. All writers, whether beginning or established, have valuable skills which are worth money to publications and businesses, and therefore to themselves.

When I’m teaching writers, I spend a lot of time boosting writers’ confidence. Many writers are shy, retiring souls – this is why they’re writers, because their personality shines on the page, or on the computer screen, rather than in person. They deprecate themselves and their talents. So when it comes to situations where they need to negotiate, they’re very much behind the eight-ball.

We’ve discussed your freelance writers’ business plan. To put your plan into action, you need confidence. That confidence will come from knowing your value as a writer.

Here are some ways in which you’re a valuable asset – they’re meant as a jumping off point to start you thinking about your value. Create your own list, and add to it over time.

You’re a valuable asset because:

* You have an audience/ platform

If you’re a new writer, you don’t have an audience. Aim to build your audience/ platform asap. Whatever you’re writing, whether it’s a book, magazine article, or a Web site, your audience gives you clout. I like to think of this as “business goodwill”. Your audience knows and trusts you and your work.

When you’ve built up publication credits, others’ will hire you because of those credits, but your audience/ platform is even more vital. I encourage you NOW, if you haven’t done so already, to create a Web site and blog, to build your audience.

* You’re a hungry, new writer

New writers cringe. “Who will hire me? I don’t have any experience… etc.” They don’t know how lucky they are. When you’re new, you’re hungry. Established writers lose that fire in the belly: this is not a good thing, so when they realize this, they work hard to get that motivation back.

So if you’re a new writer, just being a beginner is valuable.

* You have long experience in a topic

Life experience is an asset. For example, if you’re a teacher, you know how teaching works: you can write about it with authority. That authority is an asset. If you’re a good cook, that’s an asset. If you’ve traveled – it’s an asset.

Whatever your knowledge or experience, it’s a valuable asset.

* You have contacts in a topic, so you know the latest news, and can get great interviews

Contacts are assets. Cultivate them, they will come in useful.

* You’re a fast writer

The ability to GET IT DONE is an asset. It’s one you should cultivate. If you gain a reputation as the person who’ll just do it, editors and clients will love you.

* You’re a dependable writer

See above, because it’s a corollary. If you can match fast with dependable, you’re gold as a freelance writer, because these are rare attributes. If you’re fast and dependable, you’re more valuable than someone who’s a “good” writer but who won’t work unless the wind is in the right direction, and who needs to be cajoled to get it done.

So there you have some ideas on how to assess your value as a writer. Make a list of your value today, and read over the list whenever you’re in a slump. The ability to write is huge: if you have this ability, never deprecate it. Realize just how valuable you are.

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