Why Some Writers Thrive While Others Struggle: The Realities to Success in 2025

In a world where demand for quality writing is booming, why are so many writers losing clients and leaving the field? Hint: It’s not just about talent.

2024 has been one of my busiest writing years to date.

Articles, blogs, marketing material, books—you name it, I’ve likely written it.

So why is it, when I see an increasing demand for quality writers, that I keep encountering posts and conversations about writers struggling? They’re losing clients, losing business, and even leaving the field altogether.

Is my writing just that much better? Spoiler alert: No, it’s not.

So what’s going on?

Let me pop on my editor’s cap and take a closer look.

From my perspective as both a writer and someone who hires writers, I’ve noticed a few key factors that separate those thriving in this industry from those barely hanging on. And no, it’s not about some secret “X factor” or an MBA from a prestigious school. Let’s break it down.

1. Affordability Matters (Yes, Even for Great Writers)

I’ll just say it: the days of $3-per-word assignments are rarer than a typo-free first draft. Many clients simply don’t have the budget, and as an editor or marketing manager, I can’t give one writer more than another. Everyone is on the same playing field.

If your rates are high, you’d better have the portfolio and niche expertise to back it up. But even then, flexibility helps. Great writers who adjust their fees to fit the client’s reality often win out over equally talented peers who won’t budge. It’s not personal; it’s economics.

2. Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable

Raise your hand if you’ve never missed a deadline. (Raises hand while balancing coffee and a laptop). In all seriousness, this is a biggie. Deadlines are sacred in publishing, marketing, and almost every form of professional writing. Miss one, and you’re not just late—you’re potentially derailing a whole chain of events.

Yes, life happens. But successful writers find a way to deliver, even during life’s curveballs. If the writers I’ve seen falter had a motto, it might be: “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” But, tomorrow’s too late. One missed deadline and it may well be your last assignment.

3. Grit Beats Glamour

Let’s be real: chasing sources, securing interviews, and getting those elusive quotes is not the glamorous life we envisioned when we started writing. People are busy. Responding to a writer often falls to the bottom of their to-do list—if it’s on there at all.

The writers who succeed? They’re the ones who chase without shame. 10 emails? Sure. Follow-up voicemails? Absolutely. Showing up at someone’s office (with permission)? Why not? The key is persistence—and not taking the inevitable rejections personally.

4. People Skills: The Unsung Hero

Writers spend hours behind a keyboard, but success hinges on what happens when we step away from it. Knowing how to handle people—sources, clients, editors—is an invaluable skill. Can you build rapport? Handle tough conversations? Diffuse tense situations? These are as essential as knowing where to put an em dash.

If you can make people feel heard, valued, and respected, you’re already miles ahead. And no, this doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. It’s about balancing professionalism with personality.

5. Check Your Ego at the Door

Let me be blunt: the client’s always right… even when they’re not. (I expect to get some haters for this one.) Sure, you may have the expertise, and yes, their requested change might make the piece weaker (or worse, wrong). But how you handle that defines your career longevity.

Successful writers approach these moments with curiosity, not confrontation. Start a discussion if you feel strongly, but always remain professional. And if it’s not a hill worth dying on? Let it go.

6. Edit and Fact-Check Your Work

The writers I know who are most successful often have one thing in common: they were, or are, editors. Why does this matter? Because clean, polished copy wins every time. No one has the time—or patience—to fix work riddled with typos, inaccuracies, or structural issues.

Before you hit send, comb through your work. Fact-check every detail, ensure names and dates are correct, and polish your grammar. Suggest headlines and decks that match the client’s style and tone. The easier you make an editor’s/client's life, the more likely they are to hire you again. Sloppy work? That’s a one-way ticket to a dwindling client list.

7. Be Selective About Your Clients

Successful writers don’t just take on any writing gig—they’re picky, and they can afford to be. They set up conversations with potential clients to discuss needs, expectations, and whether the project aligns with their strengths. This initial step isn’t just about the work; it’s also about gauging if personalities and working styles are a match.

By carefully vetting opportunities, they avoid getting bogged down in jobs where they can’t bring their A-game. They assess whether they have the expertise and skills required, and they take a good look at their calendar to ensure they can dedicate the time needed to exceed expectations. Being selective isn’t about arrogance—it’s about ensuring they can deliver exceptional results without burning out.

8. Reliability Breeds Trust

If I had to sum up the ultimate quality of successful writers, it’s reliability. Clients and editors want to know they can count on you—to meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and communicate effectively. Reliability builds trust, and trust turns into repeat business.

Over the years, my own pool of freelance writers has dwindled. Not because they weren’t talented, but because they weren’t dependable. Writing isn’t just about words on a page; it’s about consistently delivering value to the people who hire you.

Final Thoughts

Being a successful writer in 2025 won’t be about being the best wordsmith (though being good is non-negotiable). It’s about adaptability, persistence, and professionalism. Talent is only part of the equation; the rest comes down to how you manage the business of writing.

So if you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I reliable? Am I approachable? Am I adapting to the current market? If the answer is yes, then keep at it. Success in this field is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you’re still chasing that $3-per-word gig? Good luck. I’ll be here with my editor’s cap and a cup of coffee, ready to cheer you on.

Natalie Bruckner is author of A Guide To Surviving As A Freelance Writer...In Today’s Crazy World - Secrets to writing success: valuable lessons from three decades as a seasoned hack-turned-marketer, available on Amazon and at most major bookstores.