Learn how to sift through overwhelming online writing advice

Many moons ago, I began my writing career and I had no clue how to go about it. All I knew was I loved writing and I wanted to make money from it. So, like many others, I searched the internet for answers…and got confused.

The internet is chock-full of advice on pretty much everything about writing. Different calibers of writers give their two cents on what it takes to be successful. While they mean well and often give helpful tips, several opposing views can be confusing. And, let’s face it, people are unique. What works for Juan doesn’t always work for Carlos.

Some writers say that writing will leave you broke and discontent with life, but that it’s the way of the true craftsman. Others say you can make as much as $80k within your first year. Now the question is, “who do you listen to?” These opinions are from writers with years of experience, and many of them made something of themselves.

Now, I’ve been a writer for a little over a year, and one thing I know for sure is that the people I listen to influence my decisions. After the first few months, I knew I had to be careful with my approach to advice. So here’s what helps me stay on track.

Never copy-paste others’ success stories

You may have heard about successful freelance writers who made $100k within their first year and others who struggled for years before making the same amount. Although they both eventually get to the same destination, we oftentimes don’t see it that way. We prefer inspiring stories. The “started from the bottom, made it in a year” stories. We try to replicate those because we believe that if we do exactly what they did, our careers will turn out like theirs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

I once met a writer five years into his career who shared his story of how he started with freelance sites and then moved on to local clients, and that worked for him. At that point, I remembered that I had tried freelance sites for years before officially starting my freelance career; I never got clients (perhaps I was doing it wrong). I got my first job through the connections of a writer’s community.

Consider skill and experience

If you pay close attention, you’ll find that many freelance writers who start earning top dollar within their first year already had industry experience. A good number of them worked as journalists with publications and ventured out with experience, skill, and connections under their belt.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to start from scratch and earn well within your first year. But it’s wise to first consider the level of skill and experience you need to get there. Take stock of where you are, what you need to do to level up, and how long it’ll take.

This also sparks an awareness of the skill and experience the writers you admire possess. You can then guide your development to their level and beyond.

Follow writers and purpose, not salaries

Don’t chase money, chase purpose and money will follow

Kerwin Rae

Entrepreneur and international speaker Kerwin Rae teaches that success is the pursuit and expression of purpose.

If you’re pursuing money, your temperament, your mood, your feelings, will be governed by how much money people will give you at any moment. And when you’re an entrepreneur, especially when you start out, people don’t want to give you money

Kerwin Rae

As much as we love writing, we need to pay bills, and we need clients willing to pay us enough to make a living. When we read about writers that make $10k a month, we want to listen to them. Sometimes, we don’t listen because of their knowledge, we listen because of the size of their paychecks.

True mentorship involves learning from people’s lifestyles and experiences regardless of their income. If you learn under a mentor, and I suggest you do, choose one whose writing style, work ethic, and experience inspire you. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting top earners as mentors, it shouldn’t be the focus.

In conclusion

I’ve learned is that there’s more than one way to be a successful writer. All successful writers share similar attributes and characters, but they travel on different roads. Each one’s journey is custom made. Advice helps. It shows the reality of being a serious writer, but each writer must take responsibility for his path. No matter how much good advice you get, you must still figure it out for yourself.

Whatever you do, remember that:

1. People are different — don’t copy-paste other success stories. Instead, learn the underlying principles and apply those.
2. Be realistic about the level of skill you need to get to where you want.
3. When it comes to mentors, believe in more than paychecks.

Good luck on your journey.