If you’re looking to become a freelancer, you’re not alone. Around 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019, a number that has increased by 4 million since 2014. As more people understand freelancing perks, like being your own boss, that number will continue to rise in years to come. Learning how to be a freelance writer takes some preliminary preparation before diving into work. Take a look at this helpful guide about how to become a freelance writer to start your new career on the right foot. How To Become a Freelance Writer: The Initial Steps Before you start applying for freelance writing opportunities, you should prepare yourself and figure out whether or not this industry is right for you. Take the following tips into account before diving into a gig. Build a Portfolio A writing portfolio gives people an idea of your expertise and writing style. You’ll likely have to provide some writing samples when looking for freelance gigs, so having a portfolio ready will make you more appealing. Ideally, your portfolio is digital and easy-to-access with a link. A great way to create a shareable portfolio is to create your own website and use it as your resume. Adding links to your work and a snippet about yourself helps set you apart from other writers. Set Your Rate Setting a freelance writer salary is confusing for first-timers since rates differ widely depending on experience, location, and budgets. But figuring out your worth is important and ensures you get paid what you deserve. New writers make anywhere between three cents per word to twenty cents per word. To discover your ideal rate, discover the factors you need to consider. Once you understand the base wage you’re willing to work for, you’ll better understand how to negotiate your rates. Your rate shouldn’t slip under this rate, but you should also aim high and negotiate when possible. How To Become a Freelance Writer: Finding a Gig As soon as you’ve properly prepared yourself for freelance writing, it’s time to find a gig. There are various ways to search for writing jobs, and the more gigs you apply to, the more likely you’ll quickly find work. Market Yourself Begin job seeking by advertising your skills on freelance platforms like Upwork or on social media platforms like LinkedIn. If you created an online portfolio, be sure to include that in your self-promotion strategy. Look at Job Postings Looking for a freelance writing gig works similarly to looking for a normal gig. Look through some job boards and apply for jobs that appeal to you. Most job boards offer search functions that help you filter and organize your search. With these functions, filter jobs that are freelance or on a contract basis. Fast-Track Your Freelance Writing Career While the initial steps of becoming a freelance writer may seem daunting, your efforts will feel worth your time once you start your first gig. By understanding the rates you deserve and letting the offers come to […]
