The Dumbest Thing I Did to Earn Money Writing, I’ll Go First! Gave Away 100K in Free Writing

I was too generous with my words

Over a decade ago, the ink flowed more freely than the dollars in my bank account, I wrote to earn money.

I wrote screenplays hoping they would sell and I could live off residuals.

That didn’t happen. Thus beginning my journey to freelance writing on low-paying sites.

You know the ones.

I estimate I gave away over $100,000 in work because I wasn’t charging what the jobs were worth.

I was undercharging due to stiff competition, even for pennies.

I freelanced on one platform for years, completing nearly 800 writing projects.

I probably wrote a million words.

After building a portfolio and earning stellar ratings, I started making enough to pay bills. And later a little splurge money.

Years have passed, and recently a client reached out via an inbox message on the site. I still have a dormant account.

The client said he enjoyed the work I’d done and had a new project if I was interested.

He said he hoped he’d paid well and tipped.

I didn’t remember the client but looked him up since completed projects are still attached to my account.

This client paid $20 for a short eBook. I remember putting in well over 10 hours to research, write, and outline.

I had to laugh. He thought he paid well and tipped? I told the client that I was no longer offering writing services and sent encouraging words.

His final message was he would never forget my splendid work and friendly professionalism.

I smiled, thinking to myself, “Oh yeah, you enjoyed my slave labor.”

If you are a writer feeling undervalued, stick around. I’ll show you how I finally was able to come out on top with my writing.

THE LIGHT

If I gave away one hundred thousand dollars worth of services, I received one hundred thousand dollars in education and many additional perks.

This education didn’t come from getting a BA in English Literature, going to film school, attending writing conferences, being in writing groups, reading books, or taking courses, all of which helped.

None of those things taught me to write books in modern digital times.

When I first started on said platform, I wanted to write blogs and eBooks for clients. Those areas were saturated. I was told to niche down. I niched down offering nonfiction book outlining services.

In the beginning, I created outlines and did research. It was hard. I only knew how to outline like I was taught in school.

I created my own way of outlining and started blogging about the process. Blog articles became a $2.99 eBook. Several eBooks actually. The eBooks were put on various platforms like Gumroad, earning me more.

It was turned into bestselling courses on Skillshare, where I taught 13,000 students and earned thousands.

The online course became paid in-person workshops with local sponsors.

I estimate the book(s) (one in particular) over the decade has earned between $10–15K each year when you include the offshoots.

The quality of my outlines landed me eBook writing work.

Here are 6 Lessons I learned about working for Free

Lesson 1: Repurpose digital content

Repurpose, repackage, and keep the income flowing. In the early days, I was learning how this online thing worked. Some of my products that made me thousands now make me cringe.

The most cringy products are no longer for sale or have undergone extensive updates.

I knew my stuff, so the information was good. I just didn’t have the money for an editor or pretty packaging.

When I started making money, I didn’t think to invest back into the products. Thankfully in the world of modern publishing you get a second chance to make a first impression.

From this I have two lessons to share.

Lesson 2: You get a second chance

With digital products, you have more than one chance to make a first impression. The first version of my book was embarrassing. Not because I didn’t take pride in my work.

I didn’t have the money to take the book to the next level with editing and cover design.

In the world of modern-day publishing of eBooks, you get a second chance. Don’t take it. Pretend as if you don’t get a second chance. Make your work its best!

Lesson 3: Invest back in your writing products

When I was first starting my entrepreneurial journey, the money I made was primarily used to play catch-up with bills, with the occasional splurge.

Looking back, I should have set aside money to pay for an editor, graphic designer, and other professionals. This way, my products would have better reflected my knowledge and expertise.

Lesson 4: Know Your Worth

What comes up must come down. I’ve had successful experiences online, working for myself and creating content on platforms. I have an offline client whom I’ve been working with for over a decade. I appreciate the business and friendship.

Aside from that one client, I’ve seen a steady decline in online earnings. A company recently almost hoodwinked me by asking for free writing work. A test run, wink wink.

I’ve paid my dues and I know my worth.

5. Find the light

It’s tough investing time on a platform and seeing little results. Remember learning is progress and you’re gaining an education. I know some of you want to kick me right in the rump.

You need income now.

Ok, learning leads to earning.

6/Take Medium publications seriously for success

Countless platforms exist for writers to share their messages, stories, and creativity with the world.

Medium is among the best. The website ranks 66th in the world out of over 180 million known websites.

Medium offers a 100K education through articles and blogs in publications.

With 116 articles under my belt, I’m just beginning to understand the charm of publishing in publications. I’m happy to be accepted as a writer for almost a dozen publications.

A Medium writer confided that he avoids submitting work due to the perceived complexity of publication submission processes. While some rules appear overwhelming, most are straightforward and manageable.

This leads me to mention the Medium Pub Crawl, an event fostering connections between editors, writers, and publications.

Join the 24-hour virtual meetup starting March 19 at 7 pm EST. #MediumPubCrawl

Finally, join Medium

Best, Franki

I love coffee.