Last June, I really started to think seriously about making a career out of freelance writing. It wasn’t until a week or so ago I noticed more and more people saying that hardly anyone makes it as a freelance writer. If I’d seen those posts then, I think my journey might have been very different.
Because I didn’t know it was “impossible” it wasn’t impossible. And it’s really not impossible for you either.
By October, I had quit my day job to make freelance writing a full time career. That’s how not impossible it is.
Here are
some of my top tips for anyone looking to start freelance writing for money:
Freelance Writing Tips: Know Your Worth but Be Willing To Compromise in the Beginning
Unless you are already an established journalist or author with a good network of professional contacts, it’s unlikely you are going to land a column in the New York Times as your first job.
Knowing your worth is important – don’t work for the peanuts some jobs offer. But you have to be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up, just like any other job.
I started by joining Upwork, an agency which connects freelance writers with people who need freelance writing done. I have also heard good things about Freelancer and Fiverr but I have never actually tried those sites.
Working Through a Freelance Writing Agency Is NOT Selling Your Soul
I see this so much – people berate these sites. Now if it’s not for you then that’s ok, but there are some good opportunities on these sites.
Of course, there are scores of bad opportunities too where people want the earth and want to pay you $5. No one makes you take these jobs. You can pick and choose your assignments and only accept the ones you like.
You do however need to accept that until you have some decent feedback from clients, it’s unlikely you will get the higher paying jobs unless you have some kick ass samples (more on samples in a minute).
When I first started out, I looked for jobs that would be pretty quick so I could build up my feedback.
In the beginning, I was writing short stories for $60 which about £49. These stories took me around two hours to fully write and edit. I don’t think £24.50 an hour is that bad a rate to be honest.
It’s about choosing your jobs wisely.
I have also found that it’s just not true that people won’t come to you rather than you having to go to them. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had to go and search for work because once my profile became top rated, clients now pitch to me to work for them.
Get Some Fantastic Freelance Writing Samples and Build Your Portfolio
As you apply for jobs through your freelance writing agency, or pitch to outside clients, chances are those people will want to see some of your past work to make sure you are a good writer.
You should decide what genres you will be writing in for the fiction side if you plan on writing fiction and have an idea what sort of topics you will cover on the non-fiction side of things. You then need to produce a high quality piece of writing on each one to send to prospective clients. Remember that work you do for clients is confidential so you won’t be able to use those pieces as samples.
I tend to use short stories from my own books – there’s no reason why you can’t publish your samples as long as you retain the rights to them. For non-fiction, I often just refer people to my blog, but obviously if it’s something I don’t cover here, a sample comes in handy.
Set Yourself Up With a Freelance Writing Website and Social Media Accounts
I actually use my blog’s social media accounts as people already know me that way, but if you don’t have social media accounts, get them. Tweet about your services – if you don’t promote you, no one else will.
Having your own website is a good idea for when you are ready to move away from the freelance writing agencies or to run alongside that work you do. Tell people what you offer.
You can also advertise your services on your blog’s work with me page too.
Freelance writing really is possible as a career choice. I quit my full time job last October and I haven’t had a week yet where I didn’t make more money than I did working for someone else.
Is freelance writing something you would consider? Something you already do? Any tips you would like to share with anyone just starting out? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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thank you for sharing! love your determination and success!!!
Thank you 🙂
Wow, that’s phenomenal that you were able to build a full-time career so quickly, Debbie. Bravo!
I was a full-time freelancer for years, but I started as a journalist, so my journey is a bit different. I’m thrilled you shared your tips because if the full-time novelist thing doesn’t work out (though I really hope it does!) I’d like to get away from writing for newspapers all the time. Upwork sounds like a good site. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
I imagine freelance journalism would be very different but equally challenging! Good luck with the full time novelist thing, I really hope you make it (and I’m sure you will!)
I’m hoping to go freelance later this year as I return to work after having my son. The info on the websites to use is ever so helpful, thank you. Nice to hear that it is possible!
Good luck! It really is possible 🙂
congrats on your success Deb. This is awesome. Definitely something I would like to look into at some point in the future
Thank you 🙂 Good luck when you do!
You’ve got some really good tips here for anyone aspiring to go freelance. I’m really pleased for you.
I didn’t really know much about the freelance writing industry and found this really interesting. It sounds as if you started with a really positive ‘make it work’ attitude and I’m so pleased that it’s paid off. Thank you for sharing this Debbie. Alison x #AnythingGoes
You have done so well! I tried Freelancer but didn’t really devote enough time to it to reap any benefits.
#anythinggoes
Thanks for the tips. I have done a little freelance writing here and there, but nothing major.
#anythinggoes
You’re really inspiring and have such drive. You deserve every success #anythinggoes
Have been thinking about getting Instagram account and part of me is like oh i can’t be bothered. However, reading this it may be the kick up the bum i need. Glad you’re doing so well – i always find that inspiring to hear of others making it in their chosen field. jo x #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 And should definitely go for it! x
I wouldn’t mind dabbling in some freelance writing. Maybe I’ll give it a try. Why not, right?
Thanks for these tips. I’ll need them I’m sure!
Freelance writing is something I would love to do. I just don’t know if I’m good enough. Or even where to start! Now I know where to come if it’s something I start thinking seriously about. #anythinggoes
You are good enough!! If you do decide to give it a go, give me a yell if you need any help 🙂
A lovely encouraging post- it’s so easy online to find people saying everything is impossible but they’re probably just the disillusioned and the rest are out their actually DOING it. #bloggersclubuk
Thank you 🙂 Exactly – perhaps they mean it’s impossible without putting any effort in!
This is SO helpful thank you – I’ve been toying with the idea of going freelance for a while and this post has given me a little boost. Thank you so much xx #bloggerclubuk
Glad to have helped! Good luck x
I’d love to be a freelance writer but I’m really not sure I’m creative enough. It’s why I started blogging. The urge to write but only the confidence to write about what I know. Thanks for the tips. I will keep this for the future.
#bloggerclubuk
Perhaps you could start out by only writing articles etc. in your own niche
It’s so great that you have built your writing up to this level! Freelancing is something I have been considering for years and have just never really had the confidence. Thanks to this, I’m going to re-visit the idea. #BloggerClubUK
Go for it!
I think I’m becoming your biggest fan! Just yesterday I was telling a friend that I’m missing a trick. I want more work as a freelance writer (I only work for one client on an ongoing basis), but I don’t tell anyone via my blog. I’ve also started to worry about the fact that I should probably have a separate website (separate to my blog) with my own name as the domain name, but I’m struggling as it is to keep up with the content creating, promotion and social media for my blog, that I know I wouldn’t have the time to maintain that too. My question is, can I really promote myself through my blog? And if so, what’s the best way to do it? Blog about it? In the About Me page? I had actually been meaning to contact you directly on this! 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
I think it’s entirely possible to promote yourself through your blog and existing social media channels – after all, what better advert for your writing skills than a blog filled with your writing! I’ve added a section into my work with me page – I would definitely recommend adding a work with me page, or at least a work with me section to your about me page.
And yes, there’s no reason why blog posts can’t be used too, but I would try to find an angle other than just a “hire me” angle so your regular readers can enjoy the post too if that makes sense.
Do feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions 🙂
This is really helpful. I’m hoping to write my own e-book this year full of recipes but I’m looking for other writing work too. I’m going to take on board some of these! Thank you.
#BloggerClubUK
No problem 🙂 Good luck with the book!
This is a really interesting read, well done you for making it work! #BloggerClubUk
These are some really helpful tips, thanks for sharing! definately something im interested in getting into! #bloggerclubUK & #anythinggoes
Well done – I’ve always imagined it would be really difficult to carve out a career in writing, but you’ve done really well in a short space of time! It’s not a career for me, but I know lots of other people who are looking to start doing freelance writing, so I’ll share this with them! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 I hope it helps out your friends!
A very useful post, thank you. Yes, having been on both sides of the line – a journalist with a national newspaper as well as a freelancer – I agree with you that while it might be difficult to start as a freelancer, and build your profile and credentials, it is certainly not impossible. It just requires perseverance and hard work!
#BloggerClubUK
I’m just glad no one told me it was impossible before I started – I think going into it thinking that sets you up to fail!
popping back in at #bloggerclubuk
I could sure use your advice about now on ebooks as I release (or try to release) my first one.
I’m so excited for you!
First, breathe lol! Seriously, I could go on about this for hours! Feel free to email me debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk with any questions and I’d be happy to help you out 🙂
Trying to start out as a freelance writer myself. Great advice, will definitely try your tips. #BloggerClubUK
Good luck 🙂
Wow those rates are impressive – good for you! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂
Fab tips, I could do with your motivation! #BloggerClubUK
I have recently decided to go down this path as well. I have only applied for a handful of jobs so far and haven’t had any success yet but I did just get started. I’m always on the lookout for good freelance job boards and websites so I found this post very helpful. #BloggerClubUK
I’m glad it’s helped. Good luck with the jobs!
Great advice and its so nice to hear positive advise – so many people are negative – your showing if you do it, you can make it happen! #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it!
I am so glad that the freelance writing is going so well for you. I am slowly easing my way back into blogging. I have been in a bit of a fickle. To have been able to quit your day job must have been so satisfying! Do you miss it at all? Thanks so much for hostessing #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 It’s great to have you back! I don’t miss the job, but sometimes I miss the people!
Very interesting post – it’s a career I don’t know much about but am interested to find out more 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
Helen x
I think you are amazing, It would take me much longer than 2 hours to write and edit a short story. I’d be on ridiculously low hourly rates! I think I’d best stick to running holidays and leave the writing to you! #bloggerclubuk
It does help if you type pretty quick lol! I’d be lost running holidays unless it was something like 18-30s and all I need was tequila and sambucca shots haha
Wow, I am so impressed. It’s great to hear a success story.
Will bookmark this for future reference
#bloggerclubUK
Wow, well done. You have achieved so much in a short period of time. Thank you for your tips, really helpful and I think I will try some of these out. #BloggerClubUK
So true, if you don’t promote yourself, your skills then no one else will! I need to get back into these sites and try again, I did enjoy the challenge. #bloggerclubuk
It’s so much fun isn’t it!
FAB tips! I do some free lance but I could definitely do more, I just don’t have the time until the kids are all in school. Thank you for hosting! #BloggerClubUK
This is a really great post and you’ve certainly inspired me. I’d love to do some freelance writing but I’ve not really put my heart into yet. I will look into getting started now.
#BloggerblogUK
Thank you 🙂 Good luck with it!
Some great tips here. I’ve been freelancing for three years (after nearly two decades working for newspapers) and had no idea about those sites. I’ll definitely be taking a look. Thanks for sharing. #Bloggerclubuk
I am thinking more and more about this. I would like to start I think and this is another good post to push me into it.
#BloggerClubUK
Go for it!
You make it sound so appealing…thank you for making something sound so achievable 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
I couldn’t imagine any job that I would enjoy so much! And it really is achievable 🙂
Thanks for sharing, this is so useful. I have saved this to refer back to Thank you! #BloggerClubUK
Well done, that’s excellent! I’ve bookmarked this as I have recently started doing some freelance writing and am hoping it might really take off. There are some great tips here. I’m on upwork too – are you still using it, or another site?
#BloggerClubUK
I do still use Upwork but a lot of my work comes through my own website now. Good luck growing your career 🙂
Very inspiring – I’d love to be a freelancer and this gives me somewhere to start! #bloggersclubuk
Good luck 🙂
I have never actually thought about freelance writing but its a interesting idea for freelance income x #BloggerClubUK
Well done you’ve done brilliantly, and it’s so great you identified your niche. I think you have done so well, and good luck! #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂
This post is very inspiring. It sounds like you’ve found your ideal job. #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 I totally have!
This is very encouraging and motivating to read. I’d love to make a living from writing, I’m not sure if I’m good enough though. But if I don’t try I’ll never know! Thanks for such a useful post! #BloggerClubUK
Go for it – believe in yourself!
I read this with a great deal of interest and will be taking these tips on board as i embark on my freelance journey, thanks! And thanks for hosting #bloggerclubuk
You’re welcome 🙂 Good luck with the freelancing!
Really interesting. I’ve actually only heard from the outset the stories of how it’s virtually impossible to make writing a career, and it did really put me off. Your approach is so much more positive. #AnythingGoes
Your writing is awesome – you could totally nail a career in writing!
This is useful, I’ll check out those links. I’m a qualified journalist but I did broadcast (radio) and I’d love to be able to do some freelance written work for magazines but I’m scared I’m not in a good position as I did broadcast. I then moved to PR so wonder about offering freelance PR work too.. so much to think about! X #BloggerClubUK
I would definitely try the PR route! And why not think about offering some podcasts/audio books too as your broadcast experience would be fab for that sort of thing x
Thank you for sharing these tips. Freelance writing is something I’d like to consider doing once my children are in school and I have a little more time on my hands. Have pinned this and will be referring back to it! So glad that it is working out well for you. #bloggerclubuk
Thanks Louise 🙂 Good luck!
Some great tips and advice there. I’ll be sticking to blogging but a really useful post and from someone with experience. #BloggerClubUK
I’ve never done freelance writing, but this is absolutely fascinating and has really got me thinking, thank you!
Thank you, glad its given you some insight to it 🙂