3 Truths about Freelance Writing in the Philippines

At the recently-concluded Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career workshop by Writer’s Block Philippines (WBP), aspiring writers who want to make a living out of their craft were treated to a productive session of insights, stories, and realities about freelance writing in the Philippines.

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1. There are opportunities for freelance writers.

“The possibilities are endless, really,” assures Nikka Sarthou-Lainez of WBP. Budding writers can submit their works to traditional and digital media publications, as well as look for corporate writing jobs. Evan Tan of Freelancer.com also revealed that writers of feature content, creative materials, and reports are in demand in their website.

Sarthou-Lainez also shared tips on how to get published, which starts with a compelling pitch.

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Freelance writers Ana P. Santos (left) and Nikka Sarthou-Lainez of Writer’s Block Philippines shared their stories and experiences to the audience.

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2. More than just offering a service, freelancing is about having the right business mindset.

Freelancing is not just about practicing one’s craft—itis also about establishing one’s career. To thrive in the business, workshop attendees were encouraged to adapt the mindset of a creative entrepreneur. “Set your financial goals, monitor cash flow, and make opportunities for yourself,” says the other half of WBP, Ana P. Santos.

WBP dedicated parts of the workshop to topics like building a personal brand and marketing one’s servicesto guide the writers in the entrepreneurial aspect of freelancing.

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Attendees were encouraged to share their outputs in the workshop to improve their skills.

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3. Like in any other career, success in freelancing does not come overnight.

Along the way, writers will encounter challenges. “Writing is a step-by-step, iterative, and repetitive process, but you’ll get there,” according to Santos. Sarthou-Lainez further urged the attendees to complement their writing skills with multimedia knowledge to cope with the changing times.

Apart from hard work, Santos also advised the audience to welcome critics and disbelievers. “Focus all your energies in proving them wrong,” she imparts.

WBP regularly holds writing workshops for different types of writers with varying interests. For details on upcoming sessions, visit writersblockphilippines.com.

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Photos and article by Mina Loyola