SiteYou Ask, We Answer: Am I too young to be taken seriously as a freelancer?
Melissa asks: “I’ve noticed that most writers’ websites include a headshot or similar photo for ‘branding.’ I haven’t put a headshot on my website yet because I am only 22 (graduated from college last spring a year early) and I worry that my obvious youth would prejudice editors against me (especially since most of my clips are from student magazines, with only a handful of professional publications). Am I silly for worrying about this? Should I have a headshot? Should I take extra special care to have a really professional headshot? Should I give up now and try again on the writing career in ten years?”
Youth is not a disadvantage in the freelance writing profession. Editors care about whether you can write great articles on deadline, not whether you’re of drinking age (or d’un certain age, for that matter). If you don’t believe that, believe this: I’m in my mid-late 30s, and I work for many editors who I would peg as at least 10 years younger than me. I don’t think they would have a problem hiring a writer in her early 20s!
You have clips and you graduated a year early…you sound like someone who knows how to work hard, write well, and act like a professional. That’s all you need. (Well, that and lots of persistence.)
If you’re still afraid that editors will hold your youth against you, you don’t have to have a headshot on your site; many writers don’t. (Or you can have a graphic designer Photoshop a few wrinkles on you. 
Have a question for the Renegade Writers? Send it to questions [at] therenegadewriter [dot] com. [lf]
8 Responses to “You Ask, We Answer: Am I too young to be taken seriously as a freelancer?”
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lori
Said this on January 1st, 2007 at 3:04pm:If the person who posted this question wants to contact me, I may have a freelance opportunity for a younger writer: lori [at] lorimortimer [dot] com
A Young Writer
Said this on January 1st, 2007 at 10:14pm:Thank you for the encouragement–that seems to be the consensus. I think I would worry about it less if it weren’t for the fact that I didn’t major in journalism or writing, or even minor. It sometimes feels like two strikes against me–but last year did go very well for my first year, given everything else that went on.
LindaFormichelli
Said this on January 1st, 2007 at 10:43pm:Young Writer, if it makes you feel any better, I started getting published in my mid 20s, and I don’t have a degree in journalism, English, writing, or anything of the sort. In fact, my master’s degree is in Slavic linguistics. So don’t let that slow you down.
Lori, thanks for your kind offer to our blog reader!
Kristen King
Said this on January 2nd, 2007 at 4:44pm:I’m with Linda on this one. I started freelancing at 22 and haven’t had any major problems with people not thinking I can handle it because of my age. Some folks have commented on it, and I just address it and move on. Depending on the context, I’m tempted to respond to “Aren’t you a little young to be doing this?” with “Aren’t you a little old to be asking rude questions like that?” but I generally refrain.
Seriously, it’s all about how you present yourself. If you’re confident, age doesn’t matter. If you’re apologetic about being young, people will notice your lack of confidence and react accordingly.
Kristen
http://www.inkthinker.blogspot.com
http://www.LivelyWomen.com
Jen A. Miller
Said this on January 2nd, 2007 at 5:01pm:Young Writer,
I started freelancing when I was 21 and went full time when I was 23 and had the same concerns (age, lack of journalism degree), but like was already said here, it’s really about the quality of your ideas, your writing, and turning stuff in on time.
I did put my picture on my website and don’t think I had a problem getting work, though I admit that when I had my second headshot done, the goal was to make me look a little bit more age neutral.
Jen
Rachel
Said this on January 2nd, 2007 at 8:03pm:I started freelancing when I was 22 and went full time at 23 (I’m now 24). Some of my editors know exactly how I am (ones I’ve worked in the same office as or met at networking events), others don’t but can probably guess that I’m in my twenties from my profile pic or simply the length of time I’ve been in the game. I did get asked if I was an intern when on assignment for a major newspaper a couple of weeks back though.
Like the others have said, it really doesn’t matter.
Your main challenge, as a young writer with mostly student clips, is to build up those professional ones (I wouldn’t mention the student clips in my pitch letters unless they’re the best you’ve got). Try to target publications that are open to new writers (eg, indie mags with cred) or publications that commission based on the quality of your work in the here and now rather than your track record. My first professional clip was from a door-opener the Australian equivalent of the New York Times, simply because I submitted the completed piece and the editor liked it.
Julia Temlyn
Said this on January 4th, 2007 at 6:07pm:The others have all said it perfectly: most editors don’t care about age– they care about your ability. I started freelancing at 24, and I’m now 28. I honestly thought for a while that I was one of the younger ones (at 24). Now, a few years later, I’m meeting dozens of younger freelancers, and their talents blow me away!
Oh, and I had my college graduation picture (taken when I was 24) on my Web site until just last night– eek! (I finally got a semi-recent one up.) So, don’t worry about “looking” too young. ;o)
Good luck!
Julia
http://www.temlynwriting.com
http://www.writersremember.com
Susan
Said this on January 22nd, 2007 at 10:59am:I am in the exact same position, so I’m glad to hear that it shouldn’t be a hindrance. Thanks for the advice - I’m definitely going to include this link on my blog!
Susan
http://theUrbanMuse.blogspot.com