Are you passionate about writing and looking for a flexible job that allows you to work from anywhere in the world? Consider becoming a freelance writer. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your projects, set your own schedule, and be your own boss. With the rise of remote work opportunities, the demand for talented writers is higher than ever before.
Their articles are 8,000 to 30,000 words long, so they’re almost like novelettes or novellas, and they offer a baseline payment of $6,000 per story. Are you open to having an editorial job while you write on the side? You can always find employment opportunities directly at publishing houses’ websites. Big 5 publishers are obvious options, but there are also a lot of independent publishers to check out. Below are a handful of companies that offer part-time or short-term opportunities for those who prefer a freelance-esque working experience. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it out, see if there are any promising writing jobs, and cancel if you don’t like what you see.
Because these freelance marketplaces are more well known, they tend to attract a wider variety of employers that are looking for all sorts of freelance support. As the name suggests, JournalismJobs.com is a job board for journalists on the search for their next gig. The site hosts a wide variety of journalism opportunities, including both editing and writing/reporting jobs. But consider signing up anyway if you want email updates regarding new vacancies in your preferred niches. So, when you first start writing, you’ll need to be proactive.
However, there may be instances where the freelance writer owns the copyright. There are multiple career paths related to freelance writing. First, research the company and the project you’re applying for. Most of these websites require you to create a profile and submit a proposal for the project you’re interested in. However, it’s not always easy to break into freelance writing. Freelance writers need to have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Benefits of Being a Freelance Writer
And if you’re a fast writer who can churn out a lot of words, you can actually earn a pretty decent living. You can also use hashtags like #callforpitches or #pitchparty to see what editors are looking for and use that to guide your pitch strategy. General job boards have a huge variety of job types, from full-time to freelance, contract to creative—and just about everything in between. Depending on what kind of work you’re looking for, there are plenty of other freelance job boards to explore. Whether you have a reading list or a unique story to share, Longreads is happy to hear about it. The editors are looking for short listicles and extensive features — you can pitch to them according to these guidelines.
If you excel at explaining complex ideas in a clear, simple manner, technical writing may be for you. You’ll create instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other technical documents. There’s one company in Thailand called Iglu, who will help you get setup as a legally working freelancer in Thailand. So when someone asked me to write parenting articles for Bangkok Mothers and Babies International (more famously known as Bambi in Thailand), I didn’t hesitate to turn it down. So if you pitch a Thai editor, you may never hear back from that person.
One of the biggest advantages of working as a freelance writer is the flexibility it offers. You can work on multiple projects for different clients, allowing you to diversify your portfolio and expand your skill set. Additionally, you have the freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection, whether it’s a coffee shop, co-working space, or the comfort of your own home.
How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a freelance writer, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, build a strong portfolio showcasing your writing samples and expertise in different niches. Next, create profiles on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to start connecting with potential clients. Networking within the writing community and reaching out to businesses directly can also help you land new projects and establish yourself as a reputable writer.
