4 Credentials You Need to Be a Successful Freelance Writer

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If there is one thing I have learned from talking to other freelance writers, almost all of us are concerned about qualifications.

If I had a pound for every writer who has discussed this with me, I'd have made a pretty penny!

Don't get me wrong; I was the same when I started my freelance writing journey. Worrying about my qualifications was a large part of my stress in the early years and learning how to do my taxes.

But that is a story for another day!

Maybe you have always thought about being a freelance writer, but you are worried about not having the proper credentials to succeed?

I was just the same. I even have a degree in Journalism, and I still felt I didn't have the credentials to be a successful freelance writer!

So what did I do about it?

I took the leap and started writing anyway.

Are you worried about your lack of credentials stopping you from being a successful freelance writer?

Are you considering going back to school, talking yourself out of pitching for jobs, or considering an online course, because you feel your portfolio is not impressive?

I'm all for people learning and broadening their knowledge, but I am here to tell you that you do not need any specific qualifications to begin gaining freelance writing gigs.

Here are the four credentials you need to be a successful freelance writer.

Desire

Here's a little secret. Almost all freelance writers feel like they are frauds. We have a severe case of impostor syndrome. 

What is the difference between those that make it and those that don't? 

Successful writers get started anyway.

Risk-taker

When I started pursuing a career as a full-time writer, giving up a lot of work experience I had gained previously in marketing and sales, it was undoubtedly a risk. I had a solid job with a good salary that easily covered my bills, savings and left me a nice amount left over.

I'm not saying this to brag, but to highlight the risk I took to start freelance writing.

But my desire to go for it anyway opened so many doors to new experiences for me and made me work ten times harder.

Curiosity

Courage

This credential is a must. You will not be successful as a freelance writer if you don't have the courage to face rejection now and then. You must be prepared to hear no, or not hear anything at all, and it does not stop you in your tracks.

You must keep working and pushing for new jobs, despite the high levels of competition in your field. Be confident in your abilities and brave in your pitches. 

Remember, you have something unique that no one else has to offer that client. You!

Hard work and Success Go Hand in Hand

In a field like freelance writing, there are so many other people to compete with for jobs. Ultimately, hard work is the best way to see success as a freelance writer. 

Combine that with these four credentials, and you will be well on your way to an illustrious and exciting career.

If you liked this blog, check out 10 Tips on Setting Your Prices as a Freelancer, and make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter, for more great content, delivered straight to your inbox!