Chapter 1: The Path to Becoming a Freelance Writer

How can you thrive as a freelance writer? The straightforward answer lies in securing enough high-paying clients to cover your living expenses and possibly more.

Reducing your living costs can benefit anyone pursuing a flexible lifestyle. However, simply cutting expenses has its limits; you will ultimately need a steady income from freelance writing to support your financial needs. For many, achieving a six-figure income in this field might seem intimidating for newcomers, but it is definitely attainable.

Having started my freelance writing career less than a year ago, I transitioned from writing for myself to working with clients. Freelance writing not only allows you to explore various topics but also enhances your existing knowledge base. On a daily basis, you might write thousands of words for different clients, while still enjoying time off as needed.

In one week, you may choose to work intensively to earn extra income, whereas in another, you might prefer to take a break and enjoy a vacation. While not every freelancer has sufficient work to adopt this strategy, it is certainly possible. Below, I will share some effective strategies that helped me establish my freelance career quickly.

Section 1.1: Create Your Own Writing Samples

Every prospective client will want to see samples of your work before considering hiring you. These samples are crucial for showcasing your abilities. Since all applicants will submit similar samples, having your own is essential to even be considered.

As you continue writing, your skills will improve. You can update your samples over time, ensuring you present your best work.

Wondering how to gather these samples? Simply start by writing articles like this one. Platforms such as Medium or your personal blog are great places to build a portfolio. Despite having written for years, I produced new content specifically to compile fresh work samples. Older articles reflect your past self, while new writing showcases your current abilities. If you've honed your skills, presenting new content allows you to put your best foot forward.

Writing across various industries can also help you tailor your samples. For instance, if a marketing client approaches me, I can provide them with relevant marketing samples, and switch to real estate or investment samples if needed.

You don’t need an extensive collection of samples to get started. Most clients typically request only 2–3 samples to assess your writing style. They won't read every piece you've ever written.

Section 1.2: Start Applying for Jobs

My go-to platforms for finding freelance writing clients are UpWork, LinkedIn, and Google. These sites connect you with companies actively seeking writers.

You won't need to persuade them of the need for your services; they already recognize it. Your task is to convince these companies that you are the right fit for their needs.

Applying is essentially a numbers game. By submitting multiple applications daily, you're likely to receive responses from some. Continuously refine your applications and develop your skills in the meantime.

There's no shortcut here—just persistently apply to various opportunities. Entry-level gigs are a good starting point to build your resume and achieve quick wins. While entry-level work may not lead to a six-figure income, it can pave the way for higher-paying jobs.

A significant advantage of applying on these platforms is that you gain insights into the market rates. Some companies might offer as low as $0.01 per word—these should be avoided, as the pay falls below minimum wage.

Experienced freelance writers typically avoid gigs paying $0.05 per word. However, as you establish yourself and keep applying, you may find better opportunities. Some seasoned freelancers who actively market their services can earn more than $0.10 per word.

To achieve better rates, consider reaching out to content marketing agencies, which require writers to create content for their clients. Additionally, you can conduct email outreach to individual businesses that might benefit from your writing skills. I always review a potential client's website before contacting them, allowing me to provide tailored advice on how I can assist.

Section 1.3: Understand Your Rates

Every freelance writer should be aware of their average rate per word. I utilize spreadsheets to monitor my weekly output and corresponding payments.

Initially, you may want to take on as many writing jobs as possible. New freelancers sometimes settle for gigs that pay as little as $0.02 per word. While this won't yield a six-figure income, it can help you reach five figures.

For instance, if you write 3,000 words daily at $0.02 per word, you would earn approximately $21,900 annually. Producing 3,000 words daily is achievable for a freelance writer. However, this amount is slightly below the poverty line for a family of three, assuming no additional income.

If you were to increase your output to 4,000 words daily, your income would rise to $29,200 per year. While this is an improvement of nearly $8,000, you're also increasing your workload by 33%.

Doubling your daily output to 8,000 words would yield an annual income of $58,400, which is above the median U.S. income. However, this requires consistent work without days off.

It's challenging to thrive in a system that pays $0.02 per word. While these gigs may offer quick wins, they won't sustain a full-time income.

On the other hand, if you manage to secure gigs at $0.08 per word, the financial landscape changes significantly. By quadrupling your rate, you also increase your income substantially.

For example, producing 3,000 words daily at $0.02 per word results in $21,900 annually. However, if you maintain that same output at $0.08 per word, your earnings would soar to $87,600 per year. This provides you with approximately $7,300 each month to allocate towards living expenses, personal desires, and investments.

As a freelance writer, you might also consider relocating to a lower-cost rural area, a trend that many remote workers are embracing to save money.

Section 1.4: Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Some writing opportunities that lie outside your expertise can offer enticing rates. Beginner writers may feel discouraged when considering these positions. Nevertheless, many of these jobs are worth applying for.

Clients prioritize the quality of the final product over your level of expertise. They want to know whether the content effectively conveys information and expertise to readers.

You don’t need to be a specialist to write about a topic; what you need is strong research skills. If you can seek out relevant articles, extract key points, and articulate them in your own words, you are capable of writing on various subjects.

Freelancing allows you to broaden your knowledge base. Personally, I've taken on articles about topics I wasn't familiar with, simply to learn. For example, I became interested in cybersecurity and sought out freelance gigs in that field. Now, I have a better understanding of how to protect myself from hackers and insight into their mindset when seeking vulnerabilities. While I may not pursue a career in cybersecurity, my freelance writing experience has enriched my knowledge.

In the early stages, it’s wise to accept any reasonably paying freelance writing job available. While this may not lead to a full-time income, it serves as an income stream and positions you for higher-paying opportunities later on. Every successful freelance writer prioritizes self-promotion and seeks better-paying gigs.

Freelance writing can evolve into a viable full-time career, with some individuals achieving this in just 1-2 years. Though it won’t happen overnight, it stands as one of the most flexible career paths available.

The first video titled "What Is Freelance Writing? A 5 Minute Guide for Beginners" provides a succinct overview of the freelance writing landscape, ideal for those just starting their journey.

The second video, "FREELANCE WRITING: HOW TO START as a BEGINNER WITH NO EXPERIENCE (step by step monthly guide!!)" offers a comprehensive monthly roadmap for beginners looking to break into freelance writing, even without prior experience.