I apologize in advance for my pessimism. The truth is, I think the way we think about writing is broken. I remember, when I finished school what terrified me the most, was the fact that I was another statistic, another person with a piece of paper in my hands that hundreds of other people probably have. I also was one of those freelancers who choose to freelance because it was the only opportunity that actually knocked, and ever since, the mobile work movement has helped me find a sense of purpose.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a writer, but it took me a while to figure out how I could possibly be a writer, in a capitalist society. Then I got an education, and during the time that happened major newspapers started laying off writers and editors, and all the good writing jobs were occupied by an older generation that had been there for decades. That scared me, at first, until I realized that what was left behind was the in-demand world of web and blog content writing.

I know my age is showing via this argument, but I felt it was important to shamelessly show it so that I could give you, the reader a better sense of why I’m saying something as out there as “the way that we think about writing is broken.” Why? Because the words “writer” and “editor” have a changing definition.  No longer is it as simple as being a tortured, starving artist that has piles, and piles of rejection letters, until a major magazine or two decides that your story, poem, play, etc. is the best thing since sliced bread.

Writing is evolving into something that people need badly, for something besides entertainment, and the enjoyment of a work of art. Businesses need writers, now more than ever. They’re feeling the pressure to set up websites, and blogs that engage with readers on a deeper level. Suddenly the dreamer that wants to write the next great novel of their time can actually pay bills via a type of writing that there is tons of demand for.

Unfortunately, the world of editing and writing is stuck in a purgatory-like state, where it can’t decide if it wants to live in the here and now, or the good ol’ days. We need to stop worrying about the death of the book and focus on supporting our fellow writers. We also need to embrace change and learn the skills that are proving to be such an important part of being a writer in the modern age, such as blogging, social media marketing, and web copy 101.

Writing isn’t what it probably was in the Victorian Era, or even in the era of Confessional poetry. It’s a business like anything else. We need to stop treating content mills and Upwork as the new norm, so that the writers of today can be taken seriously by a larger population.