We are independent contractors. Freelance writers. We are hired, presumably, for our ability to create quality writing to meet our client’s needs. Right?
I have noticed an increase in the requirements for a lot of freelance positions. You need a Bachelor’s degree, at minimum. You need several years of experience. You need references.
Wait— What? Why?
I can understand wanting to hire the most qualified person for the job. Really. I get that. However, I wish these clients would remember that they are hiring someone for their writing skills. Yes? Not everyone with an advanced degree is a good writer, and some of the best writers are typing along without a degree. Maybe life got in the way, or they chose not to attend school. And the writer who will do the best work for you will not always have the years of experience some places require.
I was shocked when I saw my first request for references a couple weeks ago. References. Really? To prove what– that I follow through? That I turn everything in on time? I’m not going let someone pester my current clients to find out if I am a safe bet to take a chance on. Because I’m pretty certain that I’m taking a chance every time I accept a new client. Will he pay? On time? Will he be a pain in the rear to work with? Does she have insane demands? Can I call references for you? No? Well, then you’re not getting mine.
The thing that surprises me, though, is that the pay rate is very seldom better for the positions that require a degree and experience, or whatever else they are asking for that goes beyond the norm. I’m sorry, but if I had a bachelor’s degree in marketing, or whatever else you are asking for, plus 4-5 years of experience, I am not writing your blog posts for $20 a piece.
If you’re hiring a dentist, look for his education and previous experience. If you are hiring a writer– look at our writing. Look at our resume, if you must. Consider our cover letter. Email us, and ask for more information.
I’ll admit to being biased a bit on this. I have only been writing for just under a year. I don’t have a degree. Came close, but it just never happened. I would love to go back some day, for business and marketing, perhaps. But I don’t think that a piece of paper affects my ability to write. I learn fast, and I am willing to research whatever I need to in order to write a piece that fits my client’s needs. And I think that is reasonable. I have several books on SEO, marketing, social media, copywriting, editing, and what ever else I need to know. I’m always learning, not happy to sit back on previous experience.
That should be what clients are looking for. Someone who can write and who is willing to learn what they have to for their clients. Judge a writer by their writing. Give us a chance, and remember that we’re taking a chance on you, too.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think references shouldn’t be out of the question from client or freelancer, really. It would help a lot of us in the long run to weed out the non-payers. As the freelance market is becoming increasingly flooded with ESL and with highly skilled workers who’re looking for extra income (because some obnoxious news outlet told them to freelance write), our most valuable asset is our ability to write well and to follow guidelines and deadlines.
As for a degree, I don’t think it should be required for your standard content mill, but if a client wants to boast the credibility of the work, then a writer with a degree is more useful. I took five years to get a degree and worked my ass off for it. I’m proud of it and I do believe that all of that work and learning makes me more qualified for certain work than someone who has not taken the time and effort to learn the things I have. However, as we start to see things like: $2 for 500 words about wedding planning. Non-ESL. Minimum BA required. Must provide experience and references — I just want to scream at those people.
Are you ever tempted to plaster your site with a huge banner saying, “You get what you pay for!”
Diana´s last blog ..Masters Degree
I agree. If you have put the work into a degree, it should definitely count. And I think having references would help in some cases. But, like you pointed out, there are times when people want way more than they are willing to pay for. I don’t have a degree, but I’ve studied a lot of different areas, many of them in college. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.
But I’ve seen so many people who are smart, and know a lot about a topic without attending college for it. And I know people with advanced degrees that can’t write to save their lives. And if a degree made you a better writer, we’d be out of high-paying clients.
I think our writing should stand for itself. I don’t mind sending in a resume, but either someone can provide the quality of writing you want, or they can’t. A piece of paper doesn’t change that. And I don’t have anything against people with degrees (does it sound that way?Ugh.) or writers using that degree to get a better gig. If you’ve got it, use it. But I don’t want to be automatically disqualified, either. And references weed out the dead-beats, but you can still get someone with great references that can’t give a client what they want.
I think it depends on the client, and what they are offering. If it was something in my niche, and I felt comfortable enough to send reference information to them, I would. And I understand that looking for someone with a degree cuts down on the responses someone would get when they are looking for a writer. It’s still annoying to see, though, when it is listed as a requirement on a low-paying gig.
You really do get what you pay for. We offer something that most people can’t, with or without a degree.