I've been thinking about this quote lately:
“A long apprenticeship is the most logical way to success. The only alternative is overnight stardom, but I can't give you a formula for that.” -Chet Atkins
Did you know that the apprenticeship model extends all the way back to the Middle Ages? It’s true: A master craftsman would employ young people as an inexpensive form of labor in exchange for providing food, lodging, and formal training in a craft.
Apprenticeships are still used today, but in the freelance world, I don't see people talking about it.
That’s a shame, because I think it's one of the few REAL shortcuts to becoming a pro freelancer.
I mean...think about it: Working with an experienced partner, beginner-novice freelance writers get insight into what needs to be done in order to charge pro-level rates. They get guidance on how to improve their skills. They get steady work that they don’t have to hustle down and/or apply for on their own.
And I know that it’s helpful because I started as someone’s apprentice.
Little baby me, when I was just getting started freelance writing
When I started freelancing on the side, my first writing assignment came from an established freelance writer. I reached out to her to ask some questions about freelance writing. Being the kind soul she is, she eventually took me under her wing. (Or maybe she was like: If you’re going to ask me all these questions, I’m gonna put you to work!)
Either way: I became her subcontractor, but also her student. As a newbie in this world, this was an ideal situation: She handled the business side of things and the client interactions while I just got paid to write.
But it wasn’t just the money that I liked.
It was also helpful because it gave me an inside look at a pro writer’s writing process (as in: I saw what she included in a writing brief, reviewed her direction/tone notes, etc.) and got to be part of her editing process, where I learned through her example how to improve a piece and make it stronger.
We had regular calls so she could make sure I understood the assignments she sent me, she could offer some general guidance, and answer my questions.
It was sort of like having training wheels: I got to dip my toes into the world of freelance writing without having to close my eyes, plug my nose, and cannonball all the way in.
Eventually, I took what I learned from her and started landing my own freelance gigs.
I was able to do that because from this partnership, I knew what to ask for from clients, had insight on going rates for projects, and always had someone I could count on as a mentor if ever I got stuck or needed to troubleshoot.
Why should freelance writers apprentice?
Here’s what I think the major benefits of apprenticeships are for both parties.
Perks for apprentices
Mentorship: gives new writers a go-to person for guidance
Provides an inside look at processes of an established professional
Exposure to trainer’s network and subject matter expertise
No prospecting client work, onboarding, or managing the business side of a freelance relationship
Regular assignments and feedback from a sole point of contact (rather than working with various clients)
Allows writer to get hands-on so he/she can spend more time building writing skills rather than playing marketer all day
Perks for apprentice trainers
Speeds up assignment execution as the apprentice helps with researching, outlining, and writing
Allows writers to scale up their workloads and work more efficiently by having supplementary writing support
Opportunity to give back to early-stage writers trying to find their footing in the freelance world
Allows the trainer to fine-tune teaching and training skills, which can then be leveraged for paid coaching or training sessions
Provides coverage and an outlet for overflow work for days when life happens, you’re too sick to work, or you’re overloaded with projects
Things to keep in mind
A few things worth noting if you’re considering apprenticing or training:
This is an iterative process that has to be fine-tuned along the way.
For trainers: If you don’t have time (or interest) to do some initial hands-on training and mentoring, this engagement may not work for you. For apprentices: If you’re not open to constructive criticism and learning as you go, you may resent this type of working relationship. Both parties need to be on board with learning and collaborating along the way.
Documentation is important as well. Trainers: this template bundle can help you hit the ground running with an apprentice.
Use software to your advantage.
With grammar checkers, plagiarism checkers, and so many helpful writing tools available today, both parties can get objective feedback on the writing work delivered (and ensure a consistent level of quality is maintained.) Put that software to work to automate time-consuming tasks related to editing and polishing drafts.
This isn’t an unpaid partnership.
Apprentices don’t work for free. Period. Will they get paid the same rates the pro writer is charging? No, but they should be paid fairly for the work completed while factoring in the time the trainer is devoting to mentorship, education, and the business management they’re handling on their side of the equation.
This isn’t a short-term engagement.
To get the most out of this working relationship, both parties should plan on working together for at least six months. It’s fine to start with an initial assignment to be sure it’s a good fit on both sides, but if the two of you work together well, lean into the apprenticeship model and make it an ongoing endeavor.