WCP220 Archives: Don’t pay your dues

Some freelancers say they’re writing for low paying, low circulating, low quality, or otherwise low satisfaction publications because they need to pay their dues. If working this way was a sure route to high paying, high circulating, high quality, highly meaningful work, I’d be all for it. But it’s not. Those publications aren’t suddenly going to become lucrative and prestigious. And editors at their dream pubs aren’t going to make assignments because they’ve taken low paying gigs somewhere else. The freelancer thinks: “I’ve got to do these stories somewhere that doesn’t pay much because I won’t get the assignment otherwise.” Unfortunately, this kind of thinking leads to more of the same after the articles are published. Instead of being proud of the new clips, the freelancer thinks: “I only got the assignment because I did it for free.” We all have limited time and energy. Don’t spend yours on pitching places you don’t really want to write for because of some imaginary dues that nobody is collecting. Look out for where you’re holding yourself back instead of growing forward. Don’t argue for why you should play small or for why you can’t do the things you really want to do. In this episode we look at the reality that you do know your potential. Recognize it, remind yourself of it, argue for it. Develop and pitch stories that matter to you and to the publications you want to write for. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter.  Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Freelance writer Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more.  Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.”   www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast220