No matter what stage of your career you’re in, finding high-quality freelance writing jobs is always going to be essential to growing your business and paying the bills.
The good news is whether you’re looking for your first freelance writing gigs or you’re a seasoned writer, there are plenty more freelance writing jobs out there waiting for you. Good paying ones too! You just have to know where to look (Hint: You don’t want to look on job sites like Craigslist, Upwork, Fiverr, etc.).
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide detailing exactly how to find more freelance writing jobs that pay excellent rates with minimal competition from other writers.
Getting Started: Make A Cold Pitch
One of the most intimidating parts of hunting down freelance writing gigs is making cold pitches. A cold pitch is when you pitch an idea to a publication, blogger, or news outlet without specifically responding to a call for articles or writers. While cold pitching can be nerve-wracking, you may be surprised at how often it can lead to freelance writing jobs. Be sure to always include how you found out about the outlet you’re pitching to, who you are, and how you can help them.
Not sure how to get started making cold pitches? There are many online forums for writers where you can learn the ropes of pitching from fellow freelance writers. Talking with other freelance writers is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the industry and help you avoid making the pitfalls that so many do when starting out.
Applying For Freelance Writing Jobs Online
There are hundreds of forums and websites that host listings for remote freelance writing jobs. Be careful, though, as many of these sites take a cut of any money you might make or can host misleading or fake job listings that will take your work for free. Instead, look for sites that host jobs in the best markets for freelance writers. It’s important to find freelance writing jobs that suit your interests and strengths, not to mention ones you’ll be able to consistently stay passionate about. If you’re bored by the topic, chances are your audience will be too.
Don’t neglect resources like Twitter, too. Social media can be an incredible resource for freelance writers, and outlets often put out call for writers on social media first. Make sure to follow other freelance writers and the outlets you’d want to write for and keep your eyes out for freelance writing gigs posted to social media.
Grow Your Freelance Writing Business
Finding freelance writing jobs online is just the first step in building a successful freelance writing career. Once you’ve made a few successful pitches and gotten a few bylines, it’s important to build a network, develop skills for maintaining your presence online, and keep improving. Sites like the Freelance Writers Den offer an opportunity to meet other freelance writers, ask questions, and get feedback on your work or your pitches. Writing clean, well-informed copy isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do well as a freelance writer. Growing your online presence and your network is just as vital.
Build Your Brand
If you’re going to be a successful freelance writer, you’re going to need a website. Luckily, hosting a website to showcase your portfolio is easier than ever today. When you’re making pitches, a well-organized and easy-to-navigate website where you can show off your best work is essential. Make sure to highlight your most-read articles and don’t be afraid to showcase your personality.
Never Give Up
Honestly, this one sounds like a clichéd no-brainer, but it’s a vital piece of advice to remember. Your pitches will get denied, or they will get ignored. You’re going to get rude, hurtful comments on your pieces. Just remember that these are all stepping stones along the path to a successful freelance writing career.
When I first started, I was dredging the bottom of the barrel for any entry-level remote freelance writing jobs I could get my hands on, making well below minimum wage. The whole time I was making pitches to larger outlets about topics I had spent hours researching. It took two years before a major outlet bought one of my pitches, and now my work has been covered by the likes of Forbes, Popular Mechanics, Gizmodo, Futurism, and more. It just takes patience, dedication, and nerves of steel to keep making pitches and applying for jobs in the face of rejection.
Write Every Day, No Matter What
This last piece of advice also sounds like a cliché, but it’s something every writer should hear. Want to be a freelance writer? Then write. Every day, no matter what. You shouldn’t write just because you want a few freelance writing jobs from home. You should write because you’re a writer, and that’s what writers do.
Above all else, while you’re working on your pitches and building your brand, you should be writing. You can’t develop your voice, your style, and your skills without doing them day in, day out. Write every day, no matter what.
