My Own 3 Reasons Why An Author Byline Isn’t Everything when Freelancing

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There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about freelancing, one being that an author byline is the ultimate measure of success. This is one of the main reasons for taking on writing assignments for some writers.

But seeing your name in a website, blog, newspaper, or magazine is not the goal. There are other ways of getting recognition and money that may not be as visible but still just as important. Here are my top three reasons why a byline is not necessarily everything when you’re freelancing.

What is an author byline?

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An author byline is the name of the writer who contributed an article. It is usually found either right below a title or at the end of the article. Your byline may include a short bio and a photo. It is a way of crediting the person who wrote the piece.

There are other ways to be recognized

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Everyone knows the feeling of seeing their author byline for the first time. The sense that you’ve made it, that your voice has been heard and will be heard again, is a fantastic accomplishment. It’s hard to put into words, but it feels like you belong, like you are a part of something bigger than just yourself.

A credit byline in a publication is indeed good for credibility and recognition. But there are other ways to get your name out there. Freelance writers can get recognition in different ways, such as serving esteemed organizations. Some writers do podcasts, others run social media campaigns for companies, and others create viral or high-ranking content for websites with large audiences. Freelancers who never see their names in print might be doing other things right.

Use your skills to get noticed

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Instead of just focusing on writing, think about the other aspects of your business. Whether it’s marketing, design, or editing (or all three!), you have other skills that can be applied and are helpful to your clients. For example, a content writer I know shares her insights and experience through her social media accounts and online writing workshops.

Network and reach out

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As a freelancer, you’ll be spending a lot of time networking. Networking is about making the right connections and building relationships with others in the industry. By networking and reaching out to others, you can expand your reach. What’s more, you never know who might have an opportunity for you among their contacts.

Conclusion

When you freelance, there are many ways to get noticed. While an author byline can be great, it’s not the only way to be recognized. You don’t want to be known as the “guy who writes this.” Instead, you want to be identified as “the guy who does this,” promoting the skills you have over the individual work you produce.

About the author

Carla Martinez-Tensuan is a freelance writer and editor. She specializes in crafting blog content, creative copy, and press releases. She enjoys listening to podcasts, reading books, and baking sweets in her spare time. She lives with her husband in Manila, Philippines.