Zach 
Photo by Ivan Samkov
The road to becoming a professional writer is as varied as the profession itself. One way to professional publication is through freelancing.
Someone on a company’s salary does not create all content, news, or written information. In reality, most publications pay freelances to create content for them.
Content is in constant demand. All outlets want a steady stream of blog posts or articles to provide their readers.
This is where you come in. The skilled writer offers to take on the burden of creation and solve their problem.
Publications will even pay you to take on this responsibility.
Not every writer’s goal is money. But if you have a way with words, there are plenty of opportunities to be paid for that talent.
Freelancing is also a great way to break into the industry. Early-career journalists and content creators use freelancing to build a portfolio.
Other freelancers have made it their career. They enjoy building their own business, being in charge of their hours, and the freedom of choosing what they write.
The freelancing field can seem elusive, but you can start getting published with some introductory knowledge and thick skin.
Freelancers solve problems
Editors have space to fill, and they need people to do it.
Oftentimes, staff writers already have full plates, and editors need someone to give extra assignments to.
Some outlets have even moved to completely freelance staff. Editors for these publications assign out content and edit it when completed.
Either way, a freelance writer is someone who creates content for a publication without being on its staff.
The definition is relatively straightforward. However, beginning in the field is less intuitive.
It doesn’t feel natural to send your ideas directly to a publication. Less so for the publication to approach you with an assignment.
And yet, it happens all the time. It is just a matter of getting started and building a portfolio.
Pick a niche and jump in
A niche is a subject, area, beat, or topic to specialize in. What you can have a niche in runs the gambit of topics.
From science to blogging, law to technology, and any number of areas: there is a publication and audience for it.
That being said, some niches are more popular than others. Additionally, you’ll want to pick something you have a bit of knowledge of or are willing to learn about.
Some things to keep in mind when picking a niche:
- Do you find it interesting
- Do you have some knowledge of it
- What is a popular topic
- Can you make money with this topic
- Are publications interested in the topic
This does not mean you can only pick one niche. In fact, many freelances choose a broad topic like health or take on several more specific niches.
It may take some time to find your preferred niche, and you may not have a specific one right at the beginning. But, it eventually benefits you to have a niche as publications will see you as an expert in that topic.
With expertise comes easier pitching and higher rates.
Getting the gig
Every freelancer will tell you that the first gig is always the hardest. Then from there, it becomes slightly less difficult.
This means that rejection is a large part of being a freelancer, but that is just fine! Know that every freelancer has gone through the same steps.
They have also all landed their first gig, and you will too.
There are several places to look for writing work; these include job boards, gig sites, and pitching.
This is not a comprehensive list of each category. But it will be an excellent place to start looking for gigs.
Job boards
Some websites allow publications to announce their need for freelancers. The quality of some sites can vary, but there are several tried and trustworthy sites for gaining clients.
One of the most well-known of them is ProBlogger. The site offers a list of blogs and other media outlets looking for blog writers.
As of writing this, there are job options for sports writers, marketing people, and lifestyle content. New jobs are added all the time and span the spectrum of topics.
Another common job board is Freelance Writing Jobs. Similar to ProBlogger, offering a wide range of topics and niches to pick and pitch.
Gig sites
The most infamous of gig sites is Upwork. Upwork is a freelancing site that allows businesses to post jobs and freelancers to pitch their skills.
Upwork does have a reputation for poor-paying gigs. But, some freelancers have built successful careers on the site by picking a niche and consistently producing good work.
On Upwork, you can choose a job posting and then use available connecting points to pitch yourself to that client. Some clients may want to interview you; others may send you a style guide and tell you to get to work.
One upside of Upwork is that both your rate and the client’s budget are visible. This way, you know what you are getting into for compensation before pitching the client.
One word of warning: clients get rated by their freelancers as well. It may be in your best interest to pitch a client with higher scores.
Pitching publications
Pitching is when you send an idea to a publication to write it for, and have it published by, that publication.
Pitches are often sent in the form of an email. The freelancer talks about their story idea, the details within, and how it will be accomplished.
The act of pitching stories is the bread and butter of freelancers. It is also the most elusive of freelancing skills.
Covering all that pitching involves would take a post on its own. However, there are some general rules to follow.
- Flesh out your idea- Pitch an angle, not a topic. Be specific about what you will be writing about and what it can do for their readers
- Pitch directly to an editor- Many publications have an email specifically for pitches. However, you may have more success talking to an editor in charge of that topic
- Know why you should tell this story- What makes you the best for the job. This may come down to experience in the topic you’re writing about, or special access to a source of information
Pitching will come with plenty of rejection. But if you believe in your idea, there will be a publication willing to take it on. You may have to work harder to find it a home.
Going forward
Let’s say you got your first gig from Freelance Writing Jobs. Let’s also say you killed it, and your editors loved it. What now?
Well, the process just got a little easier.
Editors like to see the experience and examples of your writing. Experienced professionals are more likely to land gigs.
Now, get a PDF copy of your piece to show future clients. As you build up clips, you will develop your niche and group of clients.
That is not to say that there isn’t more to learn. Freelancers are constantly learning and adapting to the market.
But, this will give you a good overview of what it means and what it takes to be a freelance writer.
What is it about freelance writing that interests you? What worries you about the field? Don’t forget to subscribe to continue learning about the field of freelancing!
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