Freelance writing is a rewarding career path that can take writers to places they never dreamed possible. It’s a path that leads to unparalleled flexibility, the chance to learn about new subjects and writing styles, and to monetize a passion or skill.
That all sounds great, but the glass ceiling that many struggle to break through is figuring out how to get started in freelance writing. No matter your background, it’s possible to find writing opportunities that can increase your income. Here’s a closer look at some helpful tips to get started on the right track.
Write and read
Writing is like playing an instrument or a sport. Those who practice daily are more likely to sharpen their skills and expertise. Writing is an excellent way to improve sentence structure and grammar, but reading may have the most profound effect.
Reading your favorite authors is an excellent way to identify what works and what doesn’t. You should also get into the habit of reading productions you aspire to write for. You’ll have a much better idea of what they look for in a writer, allowing you to tailor your voice to match theirs.
Identify your niche
Finding a niche you can write about is an immense feather in your cap as a freelance writer. That subject matter expertise can help a freelance writer move forward with confidence and share knowledge that readers find helpful and valuable. Some clients will seek writers with different degrees of experience to be able to expertly cover various topics.
The ideal approach is to find a niche that is flexible. You don’t need to commit to that niche for life. You can overlap what you already know with the information that potential clients want to share with their audience. Your goal as a freelance writer should be to find a niche that helps you build traction before branching out into other styles of writing and new subjects.
Publish your own writing samples
When new writers start looking for freelance writing opportunities, they’re bound to run into a significant obstacle: writing samples. If you do not have previous writing experience, now is an excellent time to begin writing for fun and to get practical experience under your belt. A portfolio is an excellent space to keep these writing samples.
Writers can pair their writing samples with Substack to make them more accessible for potential clients to find and read. LinkedIn is another fantastic resource where new freelance writers can share their work for a large audience to enjoy. It is one of the most proven ways to begin gaining new clients.
Pitch to potential clients
Pitching writing skills to businesses and potential clients is intimidating, but it’s a necessary step when getting started as a freelance writer. It’s best to pitch your skills and experience before you feel ready, as many aspiring writers take too long.
You can do so by contacting an editor for an outlet or magazine you wish to write for. Startups are another option when looking to build a client base as a freelance writer. The ultimate purpose is to highlight the unique knowledge and skill set you can offer to add value for the client.
Apply for real freelance opportunities
Knowing what to apply for is a significant step toward getting started in freelance writing. It’s important to acknowledge that not every opportunity will be a great fit or a winning project. Do your due diligence to find well-paying freelance writing projects and clients. Be intentional about where you apply, and focus on opportunities that are transparent about the projects and pay. You can apply to be a writer with your first client today.
Few career paths offer the freedom, fulfillment, and opportunity to continue learning and growing like freelance writing. With these tips, you can make headway on your journey to get started as a successful freelance writer today.