Writers make mistakes. I am the first to admit that. Like I mentioned in a previous post, creative writers often enter the business world in a roundabout way.
Unlike engineers, doctors, and lawyers, we don’t necessarily spend years in school or training. Most of us study language, but less so the ins and outs of business. Being something of an autodidact (not to mention an aspiring polymath), I’ve never minded this.
For that, we learn in the field, on the job, and if we’re lucky, under the watchful eye of a mentor or two. Still, we err.
Keeping a handy list of your most commonly-made mistakes can serve as a mnemonic that helps you avoid them in the future.
In compiling my own list, I realized that my top 3 “writer” mistakes will be useful to everyone – not just writers. Bookmark it!
- Letting the details fall by the wayside. I used to think that I was a talented writer, not a skilled writer. I didn’t spend enough time honing my grammar or learning AP or CMS styles. I followed instinct. This resulted in some stupid mistakes that I really regret– in print! No matter how talented you are, you are also a craftsman. So act like it. Be humble. Learn from your mistakes. Practice. Improve!
- Agreeing to devalue your own work. Rookie mistake!! While it’s true that you can’t command the salary you think you deserve when you’re just starting out (in any profession) never perform billable work for free. In doing so, you’re agreeing that it has no worth. In which case, it’s time to change careers! Understand your own worth, and commit to delivering on that dollar figure.
- Resisting technology. I waited for a really, really long time before I even started taking email seriously. There’s a stereotype about writers resisting technology, which I think most writers today have proven untrue– we’re some of its most vocal ambassadors– but there’s a grain of truth in it for creatives, I think. Today, I’m an evangelist for social media and web; this has increased my skill set, my marketability, and my level of interaction with my own industry. Own technology – it’s meant for you, too.
What mistakes have you made more than once in your career – whether you’re employed as a writer, plumber, electrician, accountant, designer, or sandwich slinger?
Each of these points hit home for me.
My grasp of grammar and syntax is intuitive and gleaned from extensive reading, rather than manuals. I’ve long promised myself I’d revisit The Elements of Style–your post gives me the kick in the pants I need.
I’m also, at heart, a Luddite who only recently–and with mixed feelings–embraced technology. I dislike the way digital media distracts, removes us from nature and from face-to-face relationships. On the other hand, it helped me find your blog!
Related to #2: I believe as a freelancer I’ve often compliantly produced copy to meet client demands, rather than pushing for content that really serves readers and customers. (And possibly losing the job.)
I need to walk away from more prospects when it’s clear the client and I are not like-minded.
Thanks for this post.
Lorraine, I am the same way about grammar. Being an avid reader has always helped me to intuitively apply and correct grammar. But when I worked at a newspaper, I made some small – but embarrassing – errors that I simply didn’t “catch,” having no rule book (literally) to fall back on. I wonder how many of us are like that!
You’re welcome, by the way. I struggle with #2 myself but am actively trying to advocate for my services. At the end of the day, I need to balance money needs with life needs; I can’t work for free or sign on for my own devaluation any more. Because that has not earned me money, either; so the original motive for being in a bad situation was not even fruitful, in the end. Funny how life works out that way, isn’t it?
@Melissa – Thanks for that recommendation. Both at my editing job and in my independent company, we’ve been searching for the “right” grammar manual that wouldn’t lose us. (By us, I mean me.) I will check out that title today!
@Lorraine – if you want something that’s a little more fun than the Elements of Style, but will still give you the refresher you need, check out Woe Is I by Patricia O’Conner – it’s a fantastic book, a great grammar reference and funny to boot.
[...] Three Mistakes You Should Avoid Making – Even writers aren’t perfect. But Lindsey’s tip for getting one step closer is to realize where you commonly fail, and actively work to correct those flaws. A great read for freelancers everywhere – know that even creative jobs require equal parts inspiration and skill. Also, check out the book I recommended in my comment on the piece – Woe Is I by Patricia O’Conner – it’s a great read for refreshing your grammar! [...]
One mistake that I made at least once (and possibly no more than thrice) was not having a signed contract before lifting a finger. I’m not a professional finger lifter, however, more of a graphic designer. Another mistake that I have to fight is underquoting, especially when I’m short of work.
Now I’m extremely busy, I don’t worry about either, but correct quotes and signed contracts should be habitual even when you are desperate.
That’s a great point. When I first started doing freelance work in earnest, I made it a point to behave as if I were very busy: proposal, concepting, contract, deposit. It’s important to believe in the integrity of your own work – and the idea that you have a right to dictate the process, if you are providing a service.
[...] writers stay on top– of everything. I have already talked about this before, but amazingly, I just met a writer recently who (a) disdained all social media (even [...]