It surprises me how many writers don’t worry about, or even understand style. If it’s your own writing, it’s not a big deal; however, writing that is being submitted to Canadian publications may be required to follow the Canadian Style Handbook.
There are different styles to writing, which may or may not matter, depending on the preference of a publication’s publisher and the country the publication originates from. Styles differ between Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. This means some words may be spelled differently and rules regarding how dates, percentages, etc. are displayed are going to be unique to each style.
Want to know something else? This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but styles tend to change and new rules apply as time goes on. Remember when ‘e-mail’ became ‘email’? Yes, things change and we have to accept that. Writing is not easy and I cringe whenever I hear someone say it’s so easy that anyone can do it. Putting words down is easy, writing takes more. Read any number of blogs online and you will see a large percentage of them contain numerous errors.
In addition to taking style into consideration, someone who is looking to eventually turn writing into a full-time commitment should think about this:
Quality writing takes time, commitment, hard work, awareness, a drive for perfection, confidence and a humble attitude. No one’s writing is perfect as there is always room for improvement. Don’t like editing, proofreading, revising, researching or working on the same piece until it is perfect? It might not be the right career choice or hobby. This said, there is plenty of opportunity to put out ‘assembly line’ style work that will meet the low standards of those eager to pay next to nothing for it. There is nothing wrong with this, but those who are serious should not sell themselves short and focus on the continual growth and development of their writing.
Treat your skill as if it were a trade. You have a high grade skill that benefits those who are willing to pay for it, so get the compensation you deserve. Learn to turn down offers that are too low, because you have more important work to do. What work is more important? Your own projects, because those are ultimately worth more to your future as a writer. You don’t get anything free in this world, nor should they. You don’t have time for wasted effort.
Ever hear of a carpenter working for $5 an hour? No? I didn’t think so, so why would a serious writer? Work on your own pieces, create your own products and only work for someone willing to pay what you deserve. Never forget that if quality writing was as easy as others boast, they would be doing it on their own. Admitting your skill is worth something would mean they would have to pay a fair rate. Make no mistake, 0.01 cents is not appropriate for any writer worth their salt.
What is a fair rate? That depends on your education, skill and experience. The better your history, portfolio and development, the more senior you are at your trade. The link above will give you an idea of what an experienced and highly skilled writer should be asking for. Junior writers should adjust their cost within reason, but never work below minimum wage.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Sincerely,
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Have a question about writing? Ask Layla Baird and she will blog about it. Chances are that others will be wondering the same thing. To see other projects Layla Baird has been involved in, check out You’ve Got Dead On You and Our Green Year.
(C) 2012 Layla Baird. All Rights Reserved.
