Member-only story
Don’t Be a Sucker to Writing Gurus
Take it from me
It’s an uncomfortable truth and none of us want to admit it: I want to be a successful writer,but there is quite the barrier to entry. I want to do fulfilling work. I want to be paid a fair salary. I don’t want to do soul-crushing Fiverr jobs. I want to quit my other jobs. I want (ew) the approval of other writers.
I’m not a moron. I’ve been around for awhile. I’ve almost fallen prey to phishing scams on Upwork. So how in the world have I walked right into the writing guru trap? More than once?
Well, for starters, I want it really bad. Intellectually I know that nobody can make me a better writer but myself and father time. Shit-tons of practice and a thick enough skin to take criticism. And yet. I still voluntarily paid people for BS courses and access to “exclusive job boards.” I basically knew that it was bull from the start.
I allowed that ever-present craving for approval draw me in. “Take a writing test, get our feedback! We’ll email you hand-selected jobs that you’re qualified for!” I allowed my debit card to be charged for six months in a row for this “opportunity.” What the hell is wrong with me?!
You probably aren’t the idiot that I am. You probably aren’t willing to pay real money for a shortcut. But just in case you are, please take it from me…
