Why Asking for Help is Essential for Your Writing Career

When it comes to writing, silence isn't golden, it's a barrier.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—and continue to rely on—in my writing career is the importance of voicing out when I need help.

Remaining silent allows problems to stick to you like glue, no matter who you are or how talented you might be

Pride is one of the most popular reasons most writers don't ask for help, they believe they know it all. I won't be dwelling on that for now.

The other reason writers don't ask for help is FEAR

Yes, fear!

Many writers hesitate to ask for help due to fear of judgment or appearing less competent.

Don't be deceived, every writer, professional or beginner faces one challenge or the other.

Here are some tips to overcome this fear:

1. Acknowledge Your Needs

Accepting that you need help is the first step.

Be honest with yourself about your challenges and areas where you need support.

2. Find the Right People

Seek out individuals who have the expertise to assist you.

This could be a writing mentor, a colleague with more experience, or even an online community of writers.

Open your eyes, there are lot of fake teachers and mentors out there.

3. Be Specific

When asking for help, be clear about what you need.

Specific questions or requests for feedback are more likely to yield useful responses.

Don't ask irrelevant questions.

4. Be Open to Feedback

Accepting help also means being open to constructive criticism.

I love criticism a lot, infact I embrace them with my "Full Chest".

Ensure you use the feedback to improve your skills and enhance your work.

Early in my career, I was feeling isolated in my writing process, I was struggling with structuring my stories.

At first, I joined a joined a local writing group.

The support and feedback I received from fellow writers were instrumental in improving my skills. It also provided a sense of community, making the solitary nature of writing more enjoyable.

But I still wasn't satisfied. I was looking for more, a mentor to be specific.

I reached out to a seasoned writer I admired and asked for guidance. Her insights were invaluable and helped me refine my approach to storytelling.

This mentorship became a cornerstone of my growth as a writer.

I remembered when I was preparing my first pitch, she was there for me. Her detailed critique and suggestions were vital (I landed the gig).

This is my personal experience. Having a mentor made things easier for me when I was in need of help.

WHY ASKING FOR HELP IS IMPORTANT

?? It helps in breaking down barriers

When you ask for help, you open the door to overcoming obstacles that would otherwise hinder your progress.

Whether you’re dealing with writer’s block, struggling with a particular writing technique, or unsure about how to approach a client, seeking assistance can provide the clarity you need.

?? It helps in building a support network

Nobody achieves success alone.

When you reach out, you start to build a network of support, including mentors, peers, and industry professionals who can offer guidance, feedback, and opportunities.

?? It enhances learning and growth

You’re taking a step toward learning something new every time you ask for help, you might not observe, but this continuous learning process is essential for growth in any field, especially in writing where trends, techniques, and standards are always evolving.

HERE ARE THE PRACTICAL TIPS YOU NEED WHEN ASKING FOR HELP

1. Identify your needs

One mistake many people make when asking for help is not being specific about what they want you to do for them.

I get daily DM's like "Hello, I'm a writer, how can I make money as a writer". I usually ignore messages like this because it lacks purpose.

Clearly define what you need help with.

Something like this;

"Hello, my name is Daniel, I've been writing for months now, and the problem I'm having is how to find the perfect audience for my content"

Or

"Hello Stephen, I'm a fiction writer. I always have issues when it comes to plot development, character creation, and finding the right publishing avenue. Can you help me solve these?"

These are reply-worthy messages.

2. Research Potential Helpers:

I've said this earlier, look for individuals or resources that can address your specific needs.

This could be a mentor, an online course, or a writing guide. Ebooks are good helpers --I READ THEM A LOT.

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3 Be Respectful of Their Time

Be considerate of the other person’s time when asking for help.

Don't just flood your helper's DM with unending requests.

Make your request concise and ensure you go straight to the point.

4. Follow Up

If someone provides assistance for you, the logical thing to do is to follow up with a thank-you note.

Let them know how their advice or feedback helped you.

This not only shows appreciation but also strengthens the relationship.

5. Pay It Forward

As you progress in your career, remember to help others.

Sharing your knowledge and experiences can make a difference in someone else’s journey.

Your voice is your most powerful tool—not just in your work but in your professional growth.

"ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOU"

By voicing out when you need help, you break down barriers, build a support network, and enhance your learning and growth.

So, don't let fear or pride keep you silent.

If you want to know more about freelance writing you can check me out on X for more information.