When I submitted my application to WriterAccess in February, I was just looking for another outlet where I could write and make money. Coming from a series of content mills, I was less focused on perfecting my craft and more concerned with padding my wallet. However, working with WriterAccess helped me to not only make some extra cash, but I’ve also become a much better writer over the past year.
No Two Clients Are Created Equal
One of my favorite things about WriterAccess is that, while everything takes place in the WA bubble, writers and clients frequently interact and work together to create the best content possible. Dealing directly with the client has made me a better writer because every client has their own preferences, and what works for one client might not work for another. Even in a fairly straightforward field such as SEO blog writing, it was important to understand my audience, both in terms of the client and the customers of that person or organization.
Clients Are People, Too
Another revelation that came about in dealing directly with clients is that I really got to understand how my work fit into their plans. In other freelancing gigs, I wrote pieces for clients and never knew where they ended up. At WriterAccess, though, you get to see the big picture, and that’s important for both writers and clients. Whereas writing copy for a company website might just be another job in some circumstances, you really understand how important that piece is when you work directly with that client.
Dedication to Writing
Every time I tell someone about the work I do at WriterAccess, that person invariably responds with something along the lines of, “That’s great! Hey, I could probably do that.” In reality, though, most people couldn’t do it — not because they’re not good writers, but because they lack the discipline and motivation that all talented freelancers have.
Many people who freelance also juggle families, children, other revenue sources and even full-time jobs. And yet, any time an assignment is posted to the general pool at WriterAccess, it’s gone within seconds. It was a valuable lesson in work ethic, and also in time management. If everyone else can juggle multiple assignments and responsibilities, I thought, I’d better learn to do the same.
Ebbs and Flows
Anyone can keep their head held high when things are going well. But in the freelance world, there are always times when things just don’t go right. Sometimes, nothing comes out correctly, and it seems like every article gets sent back for revisions. Admittedly, there were times this year when I was afraid to check my email out of fear that another rejection was coming.
In the end, though, it’s just part of the gig. Even the best writer doesn’t knock it out of the park every time. It’s tough to get your mojo going if you’re in a dry spell, as I learned on a number of occasions in 2012, but clients expect – and deserve – great content every time. Eventually I learned how to stop worrying about what the client thought and just trusted my ability to deliver the goods. After all, the client chose me for a reason, so I should just suck it up and get the job done.
Looking Ahead
I submitted 170 pieces of content for WriterAccess in 2012 — not a bad total for someone who does this part-time. It’s not the quantity of the pieces I submitted that resonates with me, but the quality. This wasn’t just fodder for the search engines; instead, it was top-notch material that served a purpose. And every client I worked with helped me to become a better writer. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and the feedback given by my clients, and I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring.
Bryan B is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
