How I Overcame My Fear of Freelancing

My short answer is, “Girl, just write.”

But, if we lived in the perfect world, it just might be that simple for everyone. Perhaps, it is that simple (the writing portion that is), but there’s a caveat to this—pressing the send button to submit your pitch ideas.

As I’ve gained momentum by building my freelance writing career, I’m often asked: how long have you been freelancing? And, the million-dollar question is, how do you overcome your fear of sending pitches to publications?

As cliche as this may sound, I had to find my why. Audre Lorde once said, “I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.”

I decided that I wasn’t going to respect fear more than myself. My voice was going to be heard and not silenced. I had words to write, and it was time for the world to see. That was my turning point.

Here are some tips I learned that you might find helpful, too.

AFFORD YOURSELF AN OPPORTUNITY

If you don’t take a chance on yourself, your creativity and craft, how can someone else?

Believe me, I understand what it’s like to have your writing goals rooted in fear, but hiding your potential from the world will not get your pieces any closer towards being featured in magazines, literary journals, blogs, books, newspapers, etc. There are endless opportunities out there, and the writing world is looking for dynamic writers to help build their brands, be an advocate for change, a groundbreaking freelance journalist who has a unique skill to break barriers of diversity, pop culture, and inequality with an innate ability to connect with readers.

Go ahead, freelancer. The world is waiting for you!

NEVER ALLOW YOUR INNER CRITIC TO DERAIL YOUR DREAMS

Sometimes, this is easier said than done, but if you start believing in yourself and exude confidence, this will become much easier than you think.

Let me explain.

Longer than I’d like to admit, when I started freelancing, I questioned myself by saying, “Why would any editor or publisher like my work—I’m a rookie—what makes my work worthy of being published?” (I was setting myself up for failure before I even tried!)

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that every writer has to start somewhere, and it’s up to you to shoot your shot. And keep in mind, what one editor and publisher may not like, another editor and publisher will love.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIKE-MINDED FREELANCE WRITERS

I can’t stress this enough.

Surrounding yourself amongst other writers not only makes you a better writer, but you have a tribe who will rally around you, support you, critique you and, show you the ropes within the writing world. There’s nothing like mentors to help you along the way while building your freelance career.

And once you’ve established your career, continue to surround yourself with those writers. And don’t forget—pay it forward. I promise you good things will circle back around to you.

In the words of Michelle Obama, “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back and give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”

FIGHT THE FEAR OF REJECTION

Every person has a fear of rejection, and for writers, especially, we are vulnerable.

Maybe you can relate to Erykah Badu when she said, “I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about my sh*t.” We writers are sensitive, too. After all, we pour our heart and soul into our work, our words, our wit, and our whimsical sense of humor on print for someone else to evaluate. With the dreadful words—scrutiny and criticism subliminally written in an email.

Also, consider never putting your eggs in one basket. Go for it and apply for lots of different gigs on different sites. Why? Because although it could mean you get turned down more, it could also increase your chances of being accepted, too.

But if you’re going to live the freelance writing life, you have to overcome being rejected. It doesn’t mean you’re not a great writer. Remember what I said earlier in this post, another editor or publisher will love what you have to offer.

USE THE FEAR AS FUEL

Fear.

It’s a real emotion.

You’ve heard it before, use fear as fuel for motivation. Instead of treating fear like the enemy, take a different approach, and befriend it. Yes, I know. It sounds weird, but hear me out.

Let your fear drive you to improve your creativity, your writing skills. Seek out a writer’s group, a writing coach, a writer’s workshop, an editor who could be a mentor. Taking proactive steps to improve your writing and turn your fear into fire, this will elevate you to new heights in your writing career. Trust me.

Now, are you ready to take the plunge and send that pitch?