How to Become a Freelance Writer (And Turn it into a Career!)

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If you’re wondering how to become a freelance writer to hopefully turn it into a career writing, know that it’s 100% possible to do. While many people may dream about making this happen, you have the ability to make it your reality. Becoming a freelance writer is absolutely in your capability. All you need is a solid plan and a few simple steps to make it happen.

What sets apart dreamers from those who are wanting to become a freelance writer is the knowledge and know-how to bring it to fruition. Luckily, there are great options online that will show how you can learn to start freelance writing. The more time that you invest in creating your writing skills and marketing them, the better jump that you’ll have over others in your freelance writing field.

There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.

How to become a freelance writer with no experience

This is the number one reason that freelance writing is so great for so many people! It’s one way that you can start a lucrative career all without having any experience. I highly recommend starting your own website right from the start so that you’ll have something to refer potential clients to when they’re inquiring about your services.

You’ll quickly realize that when you’re trying to get your name out there as a freelance writer, people will want to see your website. It’s just the way it is. And while you’re starting your own writer website, it’s also key to have some of your best writing examples on that site as well! The whole purpose of having a site to is to show off your writing abilities to your potential client.

If you do start a website, make sure you have ALL of your legal disclosures and policies in place! This is so easy to forget but SO important! This legal bundle template is an all-in-one option that makes things so easy. Plus, it is WAY cheaper than the fines you’d be slapped with if you didn’t keep everything legal!

How do I begin to write?

Honestly, this is totally up to you. Many people tend to write in a flow that works with how their mind thinks. Some people have an article already written in their mind before they get it down on paper, and that’s just fine. Whatever flow works for you, go with that because that is going to outline your writing material in a way that makes you as efficient as possible, too.

And if you feel that you already have the dreaded writer’s block before you even get started, don’t fret. That’s just some nervous jitters! When those feelings happen, just look to other freelance writers and bloggers for inspiration. There are literally thousands of online outlets that showcase some great writing skills and articles. Use those for mental inspiration to help you get a jump start.

How to become a freelance writer online

Becoming a freelance writer probably isn’t just going to fall into your lap. It’s going to take some time and effort from you on how you’re going to make it happen. Taking a course on how to start your freelance writing business from scratch is one way that you’ll learn valuable skills in online writing.

And honestly, you’re going to have to step outside of your comfort zone and promote yourself. Get used to the idea of sending emails to businesses letting them know the services that you’re offering. Plus, don’t be afraid to follow up with a phone call! When it comes to getting businesses as a freelance writer, you’re going to need to be your own biggest advocate in the beginning.

However, just know it won’t always be that way. Once you prove yourself and your awesome writing abilities, word of mouth will start helping you out. If you write well for a client, they’re happy to spread the word. This means other businesses will learn about your amazing skill sets!

How do freelance writers get paid?

Prices that freelance writers charge and earn vary. And it’s going to be up to you to set those prices. Do your research and find out what you’re comfortable working for. Your writing is a skill that will take up quite a bit of time. Don’t undercharge for your words or your services. You are providing a need for businesses that can and will help them.

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to start earning income for your freelance writing business in just a few short weeks, the answer is yes. Being a freelance writer means that you can literally do your job from anywhere in the world that you are. And what that means is that if you want to start earning money for your writing, you can get started doing so now!

Do freelance writers make good money?

Yes, they do! Being a freelance writer means that you can work as little, or as much, as you want. But this honestly isn’t something that you need to figure out right when you’re getting started.

All you really need to know is that there is money to be made! The average income for freelance writers varies from $40,000 per year to well above $60,000 per year, or more! Not too shabby for getting to work from home in your pajama’s, right? How much you earn is completely dependent upon how many clients you choose to take on and your personal rates!

Now that you know a little bit of the basics about how to become a freelance writer, let’s dive in on some more detailed ways to make it happen.

How to become a freelance writer and turn it into a career

If you’re geared up and ready to become a freelance writer, how exciting! There is ALWAYS room for other freelance writers to join in on the fun. The great thing about becoming a writer is that you have the opportunity to showcase your unique writing style and voice.

And while you might have a writer that you love and adore, their voice and writing style just isn’t going to be the same as yours. THAT’S WHAT MAKES FREELANCE WRITING SO AMAZING. What other job in the world allows you complete flexibility and creative freedom? You can write what you want, when you want! Freelance writing also opens up so many opportunities for other work at home jobs from Proofreading to making a living as a Virtual Assistant!

These simple tips for becoming a freelance writer are ones that anyone can do and follow:

Find a few good courses to help you get your footing

While there are a lot of freelance writing courses out there, not all of them are created equal. Two courses that I highly recommend are Write you Way to your first $1K and also Writer Website in a Weekend. Both of these courses are geared towards people who are just starting out in the freelance world.

Not only will you get some amazing tips and knowledge, but you’ll get actionable steps that will work for you as well. Each course is packed full of modules that you can complete and watch at your own pace. If you’re excited and raring to get starting freelance writing, you’ll find great benefit from both of these awesome courses.

Decide what you’re going to charge before landing your first client

Be confident in what you do. If you’re wishy-washy on the prices that you’re wanting to charge for your writing, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Your words are worth money and this is why thousands of companies, businesses, and online outlets are looking for great freelance writers like you.

If you start out with a price that’s too high, you can always adjust. But, if your “high” price is landing clients then you know your work is valued at what you think it should be.

Never accept less for your hard work. This is one life lesson to remember all throughout your freelance journey. There are some people out there who are always looking for cheaper options, and that’s fine. Because, in the same breath, there are companies and businesses that understand that they’ll get what they pay for as well.

One great example that you’ll learn about in this course is that the person teaching you how to start a freelance writing career charges $1,200 per blog post, and gets it! How motivating is that?!

Understand that you don’t have to be all in from the beginning

Becoming a freelance writer is amazing, but that doesn’t mean that you have to become full-time right from the start. In fact, most people actually don’t just in with both feet right away. (however, if you want to…go for it!)

Pacing yourself and getting experience under your belt become becoming a full-time freelance writer is a great path to consider. That way, you can earn a decent part-time income while honing in on your skills and craft. Then, once you have a solid feeling for it, you can decide to transition into full-time. If you create the path to where you can live off the income full-time for the words that you write, you’re well on your way to a lot more future writing success.

Decide what type of freelance writing that you want to do

Did you know that there are literally a TON of options and ways to write? Some freelance writers prefer to write for blogs, online magazines, newspapers and the list goes on and on. Others actually go more the copywriter way and prefer to create clever and creative captions that catch the eye…the point in knowing what type of writer you want to be is to understand that there are a ton of varying options.

And if you happen to think that you like writing one way but decide later that you don’t, that’s totally fine. You can literally switch your gears and focus easily without any harm done.

Does every freelance writer have their own blog?

While it may seem that way, they don’t. Sometimes, having a blog is just a super simple way for freelance writers to get their words out there for the world to see. Plus, if their blog also happens to be a success, it’s just another avenue of money earning potential as well.

If you’re worried at the thought of starting your own blog just to have your freelance writing career take off, don’t be. You can blog if you want to, or not. There’s no unwritten rule that says you have to be a blogger to be a freelance writer.

Do freelance writers have work contracts for their clients to sign?

It’s not a bad idea to have a contract for your client to sign. That way, it ensures that you’ll get paid for your hard work and it is also an assurance to your client that you’ll keep any and all information that you’re given confidentially. Plus if anything is to happen where you need to have proof of what you and your client talked about, a contract is a great piece of paper to showcase just that.

Are freelance writers the same thing as ghostwriters?

Great question! And the answer is…maybe. Being a freelance writer means that you’re writing for a company or person, but aren’t directly employed by them. This also means that there is the possibility that your name might be attached to the article that you’re writing. (not always a given, but it does happen sometimes) However, when you’re a ghostwriter, your written word is going to be taken credit for by someone else. And that’s just the way it is.

Some writers don’t mind as long as they’re getting paid, but some writers aren’t okay with writing and then having someone else’s name on it instead of their own. Honestly, it all just comes down to your preference and how you want to earn a living.

Hopefully, now you understand a little bit more on how to start freelance writing. If you’re super serious about making this happen, then the time is now to do so! You will constantly be learning new things as you grow so you’re only going to get stronger in your knowledge and education.

One helpful tip is to always ask for some type of constructive feedback from your writing. That way, it shows your clients that you’re interested in their thoughts and opinions. It also shows that you’re dedicated to your craft. If they like what you’ve written and want to work with you again, you can take that feedback and implement it into the next writing project of theirs as well.