Competition? I think of them as companions.
“Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me. Suggested me for something, put in a good word, and so on. The idea was always that you help others, and they help others in their turn. It’s not a win or lose game.” -Neil Gaiman, author (Coraline, American Gods)
My transition into writing full-time didn’t happen immediately. Full-on Lemony Snicket style, there was first a series of unfortunate events. My dad passed away suddenly in 2020, leaving me untethered and with a lot of things left unsaid. And so, I wrote them down, turned them into podcasts, blogs, short stories…you name it. I raged and wrote and cried. I returned to my corporate job and finished my degree. And the creative juices would flow, never quelled by the monotony of my office job.
Then summer 2023 came, and I was minding my own business, jogging home after my usual five-to-six-mile-run, when I was struck by a car while crossing the street. My injuries landed me in the trauma ICU, followed by many, many weeks of having nothing to do but think. Reflect. Make notes. Repeat.
Recovery led me to consider what really mattered to me, and what exactly I wanted to spend my precious life doing. If these two major traumatic experiences weren’t the slap in the face that I needed…I didn’t want to have to find out the hard way what was next. It was time to commit to pursuing my passion. Writing. But where to start? And why did it seem like everyone else in the field already had such a lucrative, thriving career doing this thing that we love? Why had it taken me so long to get started…oh, god, I’m already a failure and I’ve barely started my dream career. What am I doing? I don’t belong here…. look, she’s been in the industry SIX years already…that’s why that huge online publication hired her and now she gets to work from the sun deck of a cruise ship….
These were some of the obnoxious, jealous, intrusive thoughts I found myself having as I perused LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google looking for advice and other women in the industry to follow. And then it dawned on me: yes, they’re technically my competition (in that we’re all writers). However, they are also my community. And what’s stopping me from making connections, and exploring the possibility that I can reach out for help?
When I first started podcasting, I was new to my chosen topic, which was addiction and recovery (in honor of my late father). I had learned SO MUCH, and because of my constant contact with other hosts, I made new friends worldwide, and had experiences I’ll cherish forever. The podcasting community is FULL of other shows and creators who never hesitate to help a fellow host. They understand that there’s room for everyone at the top, and I never had a bad experience networking in that realm. Why would it be different with writers? It’s not.
I was really excited to find that there are loads of freelance writers who offer YouTube videos, blogs, and even online courses to help guide you through launching your own career. One in particular even created a library of templates she uses to help track clients she’s pitched, ideas she has, and workflow status. Another posted a really informative video about finding your writing “niche” (for example, the beauty industry or health food), why it’s critical and how to make it lucrative. This was something I hadn’t considered but made a world of difference for me as a newbie. We have to figure out what to focus on and how to spend our time wisely if we are going to be productive, after all.
I’ve reached out to several authors I admire, as well as publishing bloggers and podcasters in the field, and have gotten some wonderful advice and leads on who to reach out to for help with submissions, who might be a great beta reader for a piece I’m working on, etc. It’s scary -but necessary- to put yourself out there. Instagram and emails make it easier to do so a little more comfortably, since you’re separated by your screen. You’ll soon realize that building strong relationships with your competitors also helps you gain priceless industry insight, network with new contacts, and can potentially lead to exciting collaborations. And remember, just because you may be newer to an industry, doesn’t mean you have nothing to bring to the table. You’re here for a reason, and you may have skills and advantages that your colleagues can appreciate and learn from just as much as you’re gaining from their expertise. A fresh perspective and new ideas are incredibly valuable.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that the market for written content is massive and ever-evolving. If you build a solid reputation among your peers as a writer who is supportive, collaborative, and trustworthy, chances are, people will keep you in mind for projects that they may not be able to take on. You’ll need the strong recommendations of colleagues to keep expanding your business, and vice-versa. If you are not a great fit for an assignment, but know someone who would be, shout them out! The amazing karma of helping others rise up will always come back to you, so keep the cycle going.
The bottom line is this: I wouldn’t be posting on my beautiful website if it weren’t for the woman who helped me create it. I wouldn’t have met her if it weren’t for my editor at Women Who Podcast Magazine, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for two years now, because I put myself out there and asked if I could contribute to her publication. That opportunity opened doors to other creators I’ve had the joy of partnering with, and helped me build the confidence to make this my career. Anything you may need or have questions about is available to you online these days, and trust me- we’re all here, eagerly waiting to welcome you in!
Don’t view the competition as a negative element; instead think of them as companions on your journey toward your chosen destination. Everyone has something to add, but it’s your story to tell.
