Pros and Cons to Specializing as a Writer

Feb 14, 2011
Cherie Burbach

Specializing as a Writer Can Be Positive or Negative - cohdra

Specializing as a writer can create several benefits, but it can also hold you back.

The great thing about freelancing is that there are numerous ways you can make money. Some writers have a broad range of topic knowledge, while others decide to specialize. Here are some pros and cons to specializing in a certain niche.

Pros:

Specialize and Become the Go-To Expert

By far the biggest advantage in specializing as a writer is that you will become the go-to person if a client needs your specific area of expertise. Once you establish a name for yourself in a certain area, you will be the first person clients will think of and refer others to. This helps get steady work without having to prospect for jobs as often as other writers do.

High Income Level With Specialized Knowledge

Depending on your topic area, you may be able to charge higher rates for your work simply because you're an expert. If you have deep knowledge on a rare subject, clients will be willing to pay more because finding someone with both the comprehension and writing ability to do reports or white papers will be more difficult.

Cons:

Last Minute Projects

Sometimes writers who are experts in a certain area may also take less time for research, and are expected to turn things around very quickly. This could mean several projects dumped on your lap at the last minute, which will require some juggling of existing work. Quick turnaround projects can be hard to schedule in your life at times, but the pay is usually higher.

Difficulty Finding Work

Depending on your area of expertise, you may have difficulty finding work. If your topic is an uncommon one, you'd be better off adding some other areas to your repertoire to balance out the times when your expert knowledge is not required. Generally, having the ability to write on a few topics will serve you well as a freelancer.

More Sensitive to Market Conditions

Some topics can be hot during certain times, and fall out of popularity other years. If you specialize this means that your work may come all at once or not at all. You'll be more sensitive to market conditions if you rely on one area of expertise.

It's always a good idea to round out your freelance life with diverse clients and opportunities. This helps you maintain a somewhat steady income level. Specializing on a certain topic is not a bad thing at all, and can earn you more on specific projects. Backing up your specialty with the ability to write in other areas is probably your best bet.