1. You often, technically, do not own your work, even when your name is on it.
2. But working for a large company with a website can get you the exposure you need to branch out.
3. Not all writing opportunities will give you the chance to work closely one-on-one with an editor.
4. But the ones that do will change your life.
5. You don’t always get to write about what you want to write about.
6. But when you do, it’s the best reminder that you’re heading in the right direction.
7. Getting paid isn’t always the most important thing, but you do need a paycheck and you do deserve it.
8. In time, you can find and develop a unique voice even when you’re not writing for your own personal blog.
9. The more you publish online, the greater your chances of success — as long as you’re accepting feedback, learning as you go, and always looking for ways to grow.
10. You may not always have all the freedom you want. But everyone has to start somewhere.
11. You will work for many people, websites, clients, and companies as a writer. Not all your experiences will be positive. But there’s always a lesson to be learned.
12. If you keep going, in one way or another, you. Will. Succeed.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is an editor and writer, and a 12-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food, and Star Wars.
Meg Dowell Writes 
Yes, always a lesson to learn. I love this. (And I can’t stand it when creative writers won’t write anything non-creative; writing is writing, even if it’s not for yourself.) I write direct (“junk”) mail for my day-job, and other more “creative” development and fundraising materials. It’s not short stories or a novel, but these writing exercises teach me lessons everyday: voice, organization, persuasion, clarity–and especially the importance of brevity. And, yes, this work pays for my groceries, while I continue to pursue my artistic goals. Thanks for this helpful reminder!
Oh yeah, #5 is so true, in that I’ve reached my quota for property- and business-articles. Sure, it paid the bills, but yeah I think I’ll be fine doing any other type of writing but that.
I do find it strange to see something I’ve written online without my name on it and looking as if someone else is the writer. A paycheck is nice, though:)
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this helpful post from the Novelty Revisions blog with The 12 Things No One Ever Tells You About Writing for Other People
This is random but has anyone ever come across something they wrote and thought Hey that person makes perfect sense! and with delight realized it was you?