When people find out I freelance, they usually want to know how I got started. If you’re a creative, hearing that someone who does what you do is making a sustainable income off of their art is not only fascinating (most of us have been told by just about everyone that it can’t be done) but encouraging. I see a lot of bloggers talk about freelance design (something Jennifer knows more about), but I rarely see the topic of freelance writing. Living in Los Angeles, I’m lucky to be surrounded by creatives just about everywhere I go. I’m also grateful to have had enough experience, and quite honestly amazing luck as a contractor, so I finally feel like I’m at a place that I can share these tips. So, this is for those who are interested in earning an income from writing but don’t know where to start. Here’s the very first 5 things you should know:
Build your portfolio
And to do this, you will probably write for free. You can be hardworking and talented, but if you don’t have the proof to back it up, start where you can–even if it’s unpaid. Getting published isn’t about years of experience, it’s about the skill. Start here: Open all the websites you read, scroll to the bottom, and see if they have a write for us link. 9 times out of 10, a website publishes but doesn’t pay. Paid or not, it’s an opportunity to connect with the people behind the sites you love, get your name out there, and get a writing sample. Plus, it’s relatively low stakes–you don’t have to quit your day job.
If you’re a blogger, don’t forget that a blog can be a wonderful writing sample! I sent samples and links to my blog when I first began and still do. Read more on why you should put your blog on your resume here.
You will not always like how your work is edited
Rarely will you get a writing gig, especially in the beginning, that doesn’t involve some sort of editorial review process. And if you want to be an editor (which I am now, though I still mostly write), you’ll see what those in your desired position do with a piece once it’s submitted. Each publication has a different process. In my first few months of freelancing, I wrote for a site that butchered my pieces. It was terrible, but I needed them to be able to apply to other jobs. The upside to just starting out is that you are just trying new things and nothing is permanent. Try not to let it get to you. You may just need to learn the voice of the publication better, or you may simply have a bad editor. It was an awesome day when I was able to take this project off my portfolio, but until I did, I was able to list myself as published.
Some of your work won’t get published
It’s easy to think about as a creative writer. Those of us who have submitted poetry and fiction know what rejection feels like. But as a freelance lifestyle writer, it feels a little different. The first time I submitted an assignment that didn’t get published, I was confused and a bit hurt. I realize now that it probably wasn’t good enough for the brand, but instead of asking me to revise it, they just cut it. In many cases, the brand or publication can use it or not use it, especially if it’s paid. Sometimes you just have to let go and think of it how you would any other service.
The scams are real
The Craigslist writing section is like 99% scams, K? That’s basically a fact. But not everything is so obvious. Sometimes, you’ll get paid for the first article, write the second, and never hear from them again. One time I wrote and got paid for about three months of articles before a company decided to stop paying me, out of the blue. Thinking back, I knew they were shady from the get-go. All you can do is make sure to have a contract, always be aware, and go with your gut.
It gets so much better!
Three years ago I went through all of the above before landing on some wonderful opportunities. Now I’ve realized that the reason these opportunities came to me is because I worked incredibly hard and made connections with the people I met that recognized that. Now I think of those first experiences as a necessary stepping stone. If you’re in any of those stages, know that freelancing has the ability to be an amazing way to succeed as a writer doing what you love.
Do you freelance or know any freelance writers? Would love to hear more!
Anna says
Hello, I am also a freelancer writing in English and Turkish languages. I read your post and I should say that I am definitely agree with you. The things inspiring me can be sometimes a smell of coffee, rain, people walking on the street and even a tree. Writing is something like that: I try to find the right words about the emotions, everyday life, the products which are marketed and so on. At the end, I try to touch people’s hearts and minds with my words, and I think there is nothing effective than this.
I just wanted to share my thoughts…
Hope you have a great day!
Best regards,
Anna Y.