Chapter 1: Understanding the Landscape of Online Writing

Navigating the world of online writing today is akin to plunging into an ocean while wearing a fishbowl on your head and floaties on your arms.

On one side, writers today have access to a plethora of opportunities like never before. There are alternatives to nearly every traditional media format, freeing you from the constraints of editorial oversight from magazines or publishing companies. Starting a blog or an entire publication on established platforms is now easier than ever, with numerous individuals already contributing.

You can also pen your novel one chapter at a time while building an audience. Yes, the legends say you can even monetize these efforts.

But this brings us to the flip side: the temptation to clutch tightly to easy cash.

Set your own fees, work flexible hours, and enjoy the comfort of your home—it's an appealing dream for many aspiring writers. Yet, with the vastness of the online writing world, how do you even begin? If your goal is to become a successful blogger, what steps should you take?

This was my starting point, much like many others who were utterly lost. Thankfully, a wealth of free online resources—guides, tips, and hacks—are available for budding bloggers, each offering unique insights into writing. Many authors of these resources have achieved their own success, lending credibility to their advice.

So, we diligently follow their guidance, attempting to implement their strategies, sending words into the digital void, much like launching a message in a bottle, hoping someone will find it.

In the meantime, we search for paid gigs and side hustles, considering the allure of passive income. We remove our floaties and dive in, often resurfacing with nothing but slimy, underwhelming opportunities that offer less than we deserve.

Understanding Underpaid Gigs

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can be effective platforms for finding freelance work, boasting millions of daily visitors. They seem like a promising starting point for writers looking to monetize their craft.

However, these platforms often present a challenging landscape for newcomers. Many job listings tend to favor the lowest bids, and unless you're already well-established, it can feel like a race to the bottom. Occasionally, if you have impressive samples or strong marketing skills, a client might choose you for your merits—but that’s not the norm.

As a novice writer with only a few pieces under my belt, I found the allure of paid work irresistible. I told myself that even low-paying gigs could bolster my portfolio and help me garner positive reviews.

For instance, one of my early writing jobs involved crafting lengthy articles for a mere $15 each on Upwork. At that time, I was working as a bartender to make ends meet. The articles consumed hours of my free time, yielding only pennies.

What was disheartening was that I felt no pride in those pieces. The topics didn't resonate with me, and the platform had little recognition. They didn't showcase my true capabilities.

But hey, at least I earned $15.

Around the same period, I submitted a deeply personal essay about my mental health to the IDONTMIND Journal. They accepted my piece without any feedback, stating it was "pretty much perfect." The thrill of being published there was unmatched, and it eventually led to my first well-paying client.

This experience taught me that creating valuable content for reputable platforms, even without compensation, was far more rewarding than cranking out subpar work for a quick buck.

Recognizing Writing Pyramid Schemes: Content Mills

Much like Ponzi schemes, low-paying clients often lure writers in with promises of positive reviews or "exposure." They claim to promote your work across social media, presenting it as a return on investment.

In reality, their social media presence may be minimal, and the reviews may only consist of superficial praise. Their primary goal is to flood their sites with cheap content to attract traffic and generate revenue, irrespective of quality.

This model can also manifest as content mills, which promise steady work without the need for cold pitching. Instead of hiring freelancers directly, clients may turn to content mills for quick, inexpensive writing. Writers often start at a pay rate of 3 to 5 cents per word, with vague promises of potential increases later.

While the idea of never needing to pitch sounds appealing, unless you're prepared to churn out vast quantities of uninspiring content, it won't suffice to sustain a living.

These empty promises disguise themselves as attractive benefits and starkly contrast the successful narratives you read in writing advice pieces.

The Dangers of Influencer Courses

As some writers achieve a degree of success, they may choose to capitalize on it. While much writing advice is genuine, some individuals use it as a marketing tactic for their more lucrative ventures.

The telltale sign of such schemes is often the author's call to action. After sharing their income figures, they may entice you with a free course or workshop, promising to unlock the secrets of their success.

However, this introductory offer is merely the beginning. Once you’re on their email list, you’ll receive constant updates about more advanced, and often costly, courses. The pitch usually goes something like, "Invest $1,000 for the in-depth knowledge that will lead to a $80,000 income!"

What you’ll never hear in these influencer courses is the reality: "I enrolled in a thousand-dollar course to reach my current success."

Achieving success in writing requires skill, determination, and a hefty dose of luck. I assure you, the information in overpriced courses won’t guarantee your success. Save that money for essential expenses instead.

Many excellent, free resources exist on platforms like YouTube, or if you must invest, consider accessible courses on SkillShare. Renowned authors have penned valuable books on writing, such as Stephen King’s On Writing or Zachary Petit’s The Essential Guide to Freelance Writing, both of which are affordable.

Remember Your Passion for Writing

Ultimately, we write because we are passionate about it—not as an easy route to financial gain. More often than not, it isn't straightforward to earn money through writing. It can be incredibly challenging.

Yet, we persevere.

We write because we have stories to tell, and for us, that holds more significance than money. While financial compensation is valuable, many alternative avenues exist to earn a living.

I hope that the ultimate goal of freelance writing does not become "selling a course." Such a shift is disingenuous and misleading. These courses often resemble snake oil, making grand promises and enticing you to invest in a lifestyle that may not be attainable.

Let’s commit to valuing ourselves appropriately while also recognizing the worth of others in this industry.