Writing Coach Podcast 220: Don’t pay your dues

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.

Subscribe to The Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Audible | Android | RSS

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

⭐ Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Let other writers know why you listen: Do you have a favorite episode? A favorite takeaway?

❤️ Share the Writing Coach Podcast

Share with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. Or tag Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp 

🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app

✏️ 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 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 today for the next session and get early access to a minicourse on mindset: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com

🔥 Work with me 1:1

Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. 

Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach

🎤 Listen to more episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast here.

What should you include in a pitch to an editor?  

Check out my blueprint for writing queries that editors find irresistible. Click here to download a copy of the free eguide, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.”