Where do you draw the line?

When you’re a freelance writer, especially if you become popular or well-known for your writing abilities, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to write on a wide variety of topics. While being able to cover a multitude of different topics will help you to land more jobs, there should be lines that you do not cross. And, it’s not just about stepping into an unknown territory where you’re under-qualified to write – it’s that ethical line that, if crossed, may change the way that others look at you and/or the services that you provide.

Last week I received an email from Tiffany Dow; the email covered this very topic – knowing your boundaries as a freelance writer. And, I thought it had a lot of pertinent things to say for writers, especially those who have a reputation to consider and protect.

Here are some excerpts from the email, some things that I think are important for freelance writers today – and this really can be applied to internet marketing as well. In any case, I received permission to publish this as it’s not ok to publish somebody else’s written work without permission!

Content by Tiffany Dow

“Recently, I grappled with the decision of what niches to target.
Not for my own personal pursuits, but when it comes to providing Private Label Rights for my customers.

Sometimes, there are issues like me being unqualified to write about a topic … But that’s different. I know my limitations and there’s nothing I can [do] about it.

This time, I began to get many requests for dating and seduction PLR packs. This opened up a can of worms I’m sure some of you have encountered – what to put your name on. And more important, what topics and niches you feel comfortable with….

…But now, I have a reputation to think of – branding – how I want to be looked at from my customers. Do I want to be the kind of marketer who will do anything to turn a buck? (Like promoting something just because all of the gurus are?)

For your own business, you have to decide how you want to be known before you ever begin producing products…

What do you want to be known for? What are you comfortable with? …”

I didn’t want to copy her letter verbatim, so here’s a few blurbs from the letter. I’ve indicated gaps with the “…” (ellipses).

Tiffany’s letter really brings up a good point, not only about knowing your personal limitations as a writer, but where you draw the line in terms of topics that you will write about (or products that you will promote as internet marketers).

In this business, your name is pretty much everything; if you tarnish or sully that – you’re going to have a hard time repairing the damage that’s been done.