1. Business & Finance

Discuss in my forum

Freelance Writing Small Business Idea

The Pros and Cons of Starting a Freelance Writing Business

By , About.com Guide

The best small business ideas maximize what you're good at and what you're passionate about. If writing is your ultimate hobby, you may find that creating a business that allows you to market yourself as a freelance writer is the perfect combination of passion and business.

The Pros

Many professional writers start out with a love of the written word and don't necessarily think in terms of writing for a living. But once the idea of forming a business from writing takes hold, there are a lot of benefits you can experience:

  • You can make a living from your creativity.
  • Startup costs are minimal; the bare minimum requires only a computer and Internet connection.
  • You can establish yourself as an expert on a particular topic.
  • There are many types of writing you can explore -- online writing, print, sales copywriting, speech writing, creative writing, etc.
  • You can work from home on your own schedule.
  • Your written voice can make you sought-after and unique.
  • Your earning potential increases with your experience.

The Cons

Like most small business ideas, freelance writing has its share of challenges, including:

  • It can be difficult to differentiate yourself in a crowded market of writers.
  • Many writing assignments are short-term.
  • It can be challenging to find consistent writing work that pays well, especially when you're just starting out.
  • The quality of your writing must be exceptional.
  • You may have to deal with plagiarism and copyright issues, especially with online writing.
  • Clients may require you to sign away all rights to your work.

Recommended Resources

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.