Unleash Your Professional Writer Persona: Skills and the Pursuit of Success

No matter how hard you are struggling as a writer, you can unleash your professional writer persona and make a significant living. In this ever-changing industry, it’s fascinating that a multitude of exceptional writers have triumphed without setting foot inside a college, let alone acquiring a degree.

It goes to show that the quality of work in our industry is not contingent upon formal education. It hinges on an amalgamation of skills, a relentless work ethic, a knack for delving deep, and the ability to communicate. And to listen. Oh, and let’s not forget the paramount significance of crafting an excellent portfolio and cultivating a stellar reputation.

“I’d like to have money and I’d like to be a good writer. These two can come together, and I hope they will. But if that’s too adorable, I’d rather have the money.” — Dorothy Parker

Does it work to work on the cheap?

Let’s get one thing straight: scribbling SEO articles for a penny per word does not produce clips to propel your career forward. Wasting time with dubious advertisements on Craigslist or sucking up to a content mill won’t lead you to the career you’re dreaming of. It bewilders me how so many writers get entangled in downward bidding on so-called “entrepreneurial” websites. Seriously, have you ever lost a high-quality gig with a legitimate publication to someone asking a mere five bucks?

Allow me to share a recent experience. Just the other day, I took on a new client from Craigslist. They needed a comprehensive 50-page business booklet, and I submitted my professional marketing package and an irresistible pitch. To my delight, the client was thrilled to find someone who comprehended the essence of their project. They recognized that I was wholeheartedly committed to delivering exceptional results. Can you believe they received a staggering 125 bids? The bid just below mine was $200, while mine exceeded that figure by tenfold. It’s worth mentioning that not long ago, I attracted another client who gladly elevated my proposed rate. They were captivated by the “unparalleled quality and meticulous research” showcased in my writing. (Ok, I’m blushing…) Yes, those were their words, not mine.

Don’t make your professional writing persona shrivel on the vine

If you explore any writing or editing group on social media, you’ll come across this same discussion recurrently. An avalanche of comments from countless professionals with similar experiences often accompanies it.

Success, my dear aspiring scribe, lies in astute marketing and skillfully presenting your strengths to bona fide prospects. Desperately trawling the web and settling for low-class work pits you against those willing to write for exposure or for five bucks. And what’s so bad about that?

Suppose it takes you an hour to slap together 800 fluffy words. Do the math, and see how long you must work at $5/hour to make a living. If you have a conscience and you actually produce quality for pennies, you won’t make a living. Period. Not now. Not when you have a clip file — because those clips won’t represent you in a good light.

Writers armed with an impressive array of published articles from respected publications or even from their own blogs can actively pursue opportunities in reputable venues. There’s no need to cave to desperation. Never devalue your own worth to conform to a cyber-perception of what professional writing is. Trust me, that kind of exposure won’t do a single thing to advance your professional writing persona.

Well, if you don’t work for pennies, how do you get clips?

You can’t become a professional anything overnight. And no, not everyone can be paid well to write or create content. You have to learn the ropes and build your case. Try these ten real portfolio-building ideas:

• Created and populate your own high-quality blog
• Open an account on Medium, Substack, or Vocal and make a blog
• Write guest blog posts
• Write on spec(ulation). Study a publication, maybe a business website, to see what they need. Write it. Send it with a cover letter. See if they start a conversation with you. Save the article to your portfolio.
• Volunteer to write content for your church, a school, a very small business. Do it free, or ask a reasonable fee, or barter.
• Write suggested copy for clients in your niche and present it to them.
• Write letters to the editor — well thought out, well written.
• Write your story about how you are becoming a professional writer.
• Collect testimonials and comments from anyone you write for.
• Search for and pitch to publications or blogs willing to work with beginners.

Sabotaging your professional writer persona

While it’s tempting to settle for pennies in the beginning, doing so can sabotage your professional writer persona and the overall perception of the industry. When clients and employers perceive writing as a low-cost commodity, they are less likely to appreciate the required time, effort, and expertise of producing high-quality.

“We were all beginners once upon a time. The road seemed rough, but understand that working for pennies can erode self-esteem and confidence. You begin to believe that your skills and talents are not worth appropriate compensation.” — Maryan Pelland

Over time, you’ll feel burnout, and your passion for the craft may go right down the drain. I don’t know a writer who never confronted that feeling. It’s essential to make a determined choice to market yourself in better ways.

Part of the joy of working in a creative field is the sense of freedom and accomplishment. Boiler room low-pay gigs come with tight deadlines, no respect, and practically no creative freedom. Sweatshop writers are pressured to churn out content, sacrificing the opportunity to hone their skills. You won’t learn to conduct in-depth research and produce credible work. Professional growth is stunted; there’s no place to stretch yourself and empower your writing career.

I promise you; you don’t want to attract clients who prioritize cost over quality. These clients undervalue the importance of well-crafted content and fail to provide the support and recognition that writers deserve. You end up trapped in a cycle of subpar projects. Dedicating time and energy to a gig that won’t help you means you limit your availability for the good stuff.

My advice? These more lucrative projects with established publications or reputable companies offer better financial rewards and greater exposure, credibility, and advancement. And you can get there if you see your quest as a real business.

Exactly how do you hold the line to develop your professional writer persona?

So, what can you do as a creative to avoid the pennies trap? First, establish a minimum acceptable rate that reflects the true value of your skills and experience. Research industry standards, network with other professionals, and seek guidance from writing associations to learn what pay is typical for your niche.

Invest in self-improvement — hone those writing skills, explore new niches, and build a strong portfolio of high-quality work. And without fail, treat your business as a business. Embrace marketing strategies that target clients who appreciate the value of well-crafted content and are willing to pay accordingly. Search out publications and niches that see the value in working with newer writers. Develop your personal voice and a network of sources willing to work with you on your topics. Specialize and become an expert.

The bottom line for increasing your bottom line

Ultimately, writers hold the power to shape the perception of our profession. By rejecting low-paying gigs and advocating for fair compensation, you elevate your worth and enhance the recognition and respect professional content writing deserves.

Make time to learn and understand marketing since that makes or breaks a professional writer’s career. If you commit to walking the extra mile, you won’t have to settle for pennies. It will, for sure, take time to establish yourself as a reliable, skilled, producing writer, but that’s what day jobs are for.

Set your course, map your journey, and you’ll reach your goals in no time. And you’ll never have to feel reluctant to call yourself a professional writer.

Previously published at Medium.com Jun 15, 2023