Bowen therapy

I meet so many people each day who wonder how they can get started in the writing industry, notably as a freelance writer. They know I work from home, without a boss, and with no one standing over my shoulder to micromanage.

So, on the outset it all looks pretty good. And then, of course, I begin to speak - and they run like the wind. Because it's not all fun and games in my corner of the world. Writing, even when writing humor, is serious business. So to make my point, I'll cover a few of the not-so-glamorous sides one must truly consider before taking the plunge to becoming a full-time freelance writer.

1. Isolation - While it's true you won't have anybody to bother you with idle office gossip, no heavy cheap-smelling perfume, nor all the other annoyances you might have to deal with when working with others, the downside is that you likely won't have anybody. Period. As a single woman who lives alone, I've come to embrace my solitude. Maybe because I grew up with a house full of kids (I'm one of nine children). Or maybe because I had no choice but to embrace it. Either way, I enjoy working alone - most days. But there are days I wish I could bounce an idea off someone else, or call a brainstorming session - and let's face it, a brainstorming session of one is basically just me talking to myself out loud...which might explain why my neighbors think I have issues.

2. Finances - I wasn't wealthy by any means when I began freelancing full-time, but the one thing that I do have is a wonderful support system. I have four of the most beautiful sisters anywhere. I mean that sincerely. They knew my goal was to write full-time and they supported me financially until that first check came through. Whereas 30 days to repay a loan might cause a riff among family (or friends), they considered it par for the course. So bottom line, if you don't have this type of support system, and nothing saved in your coffers, you might want to rethink your strategy of freelancing full-time. Perhaps a part-time gig here and there, while you work at an actual paying job, is more of a solution until your finances are in order.

3. Procrastination - If you're one to thrive off the ideas of others before giving it all you've got (refer to #1), this is not the ideal position for you. Miss a deadline and you'll miss the chance to work with that same client again. Ever. And while your clients may not boast to their friends of the great things you've done for them, they will undoubtedly tell anyone who listens if you (1) stink at it; (2) miss a deadline. And remember: if you get no clients, you get no money.

4. Accountability - You've got to be responsible because you'll be held accountable. As a freelance writer, you'll become your own boss. In other words, "stuff" won't roll downhill; it'll start and end with you. They'll be no dog-ate-my-homework lame excuses. It's all you. So if you're the type of colleague who always finds a way to dodge the disciplinary board by blaming everyone else - don't even think of freelancing as a profession.

5. Lackluster enthusiasm - You've got to LOVE writing to become a successful freelance writer. Because as a freelancer, regardless of your particular niche, you'll eventually get the humdrum project that no one - perhaps not even the client - finds exciting. Still, your job as a writer will be to make the content exciting for the reader. If you can't muster up enthusiasm for the reader, you won't get the reader's attention. And sometimes you've got to make yourself love the product - even if you really could do without. Otherwise, how else will you persuade the reader to want what the client is selling? (Think "Bariatric Enemas - the Importance of Having One" or "Why Circumcision is a Good Idea at Any Age".) 'Nuff said.

6. Technologically Un-savvy -There's plenty of software that would make your life easier, make the work flow smoother, get the project done quicker. If you don't know what those are, you might reach a certain point of success, but you won't be able to "take it all the way." Of course, if you're doing well enough to hire a sidekick who is also a techie, you've solved the problem. Otherwise, you'll find yourself scratching and clawing at what's left of the freelance writing pool - getting the jobs no one else wants and which pays the minimal.

7. You better love research - You've got to keep your ears peeled. You've got to always be on the lookout for that next article, that next client, that next niche. You can't afford to sleep. The only way to keep up is to do the research. I generally spend one to two hours each day on research. I check writing sites frequently to find out which types of writing are in high demand, and which aren't. Exactly what are they looking for? What's the going rate? How do I get my foot in the door? Admittedly this is a daunting task, but if you want to be more than the other 40,000,000 freelance writers out there, you gotta get crackin' at the break of dawn.

8. Family/Friends (A blessing and a curse) - Once you become an accomplished writer, family and friends will drop your name and services to any Tom, Dick and Harry - often forgetting to tell you. On one occasion my sisters and I were in Philadelphia for a weekend getaway. We visited a restaurant where the service was shoddy, the food was tepid and the eatery was in the midst of renovations all around us. In fact, the painters were rolling their brushes just three away from where our food was being prepared. The place shouldn't have been open at all. After speaking with the manager, my sister points out, "I just want you to know that my sister here is a nationally published writer and she's going to write about this experience if we don't get a break on the bill." As you can guess this put me in an awkward position. In fact, I believe I sat with my mouth gaped open as I whispered, "What are you talking about?" But my point is that people, while they might mean no harm, will be more than happy to use your skills for their own personal gain. From the neighbor who needs a letter to the mayor, to the nephew who needs a resume typed, to the uncle who suddenly realizes he has a bestselling novel stuck in his head - one that only you can write. I'm not here to tell you not to help out. Just make sure you get paid for your services. Remember, while you're working for them, you're missing out on a job elsewhere. Besides this, everyone will know that you're serious about your craft.

9. Know the trends - Every industry revolves. There are always new trends on the horizon. If you want to give an editor something new and fresh, you better know the trends and they better be reliable. You've got to dig deep to keep on top of what's new. If you think you can get all the info by simply surfing the 'Net, you're nuts. Subscribe to health magazines, or auto club journals, or whatever subscription caters to your particular niche - and (here's the most important part) READ THEM! (Don't forget to keep all your receipts for tax season - you'll receive a nice break for these types of business expenses.)

10. No discount on health benefits - Because I'm my own boss, I'm 100 percent responsible for my own health benefits. I don't need to tell you what a pain that is. While there are several plans out there to choose from, it's all me. There's no employer to pay half my benefits. That alone is reason enough for anyone to seriously consider whether or not they're willing to forego a secular career to become a freelance writer.

So I've covered just ten important points to consider before diving into the writing pool. This is not to discourage anyone - but to give you a more balanced view of what awaits you should you take that step.

Writing, for me, has been a saving grace. It came at a time when I needed to spend more time with my ailing father. I will always appreciate the freedom that comes along with it. But there were sacrifices - O' the sacrifices! Maybe I'll save that story for my next article on freelance writing.

Judith Brown is a nationally published freelance writer out of Harrisburg, PA. With over 25 years in the work force, her varied background represents county and state government, non-profit organizations, corrections, and the advertising industries. She is also a contributing editor of http://www.Fancast.com, Art Nouveau Magazine, an editor for MDSI (health care publisher), and a contributor to Positively Celebrity, an online celebrity news site.