essay on freelancers

• INNOVATION FESTIVAL
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08-23-2024 LEADERSHIP NOW

How to help freelancers make the transition to being full-time employees

Freelancers who return to full-time work have some adjustments to make. Here’s how to help them thrive.

[Source Photo: Andrea Piacquadio /Pexels]

BY  Gwen Moran 4 minute read

Kelly K. James had been a successful freelance writer for more than two decades. But, as a single mom with two teenage children, a growing health insurance bill, and looming college tuition, the pressures of freelancing’s ebb-and-flow income patterns were stressful. James, on a whim, decided to apply for a full-time job.

James landed the job and has remained part of the W2-form-receiving crowd ever since, even writing a memoir about the experience, entitled The Book that (Almost) Got Me Fired: How I (Barely) Survived a Year in Corporate America . But it hasn’t been without its adjustments. “One of the hardest parts was having to sit at a desk all day. When I was working at home, I’d also get out a lot to walk the dog or run an errand,” she recalls.

The strength of freelancers

The number of U.S. workers employed as independent contractors has grown. Jobs platform Upwork estimates freelancers comprise 38% of the U.S. workforce . However, like James, the lure of a steady paycheck, paid time off, and benefits such as health insurance and an employer-sponsored retirement plan can be strong motivators to rejoin the 9-to-5 crowd.

For employers and managers, freelancers bring some distinct skills and advantages that may not be as well-honed in people who haven’t worked for themselves—but you also have to know how to manage them, says workplace expert and career coach Diane Rosen, founder of DR Squared Consultants, a workplace and HR consultancy.

“The employee is used to working on their own schedule and with contractual parameters for the assignment . . . ” Rosen says. “[Becoming a full-time worker] may alter the nature and dynamic of the relationship for the employee who will now be on a different schedule, must follow company HR protocols, may have less autonomy or flexibility, and may have to deal with hierarchies that were avoided as a freelancer.”

However, some best practices can help you ease the transition for freelancers returning to full-time employment and help you reap the rewards of self-starters who were able to make it on their own—at least for a while.

Don’t forego onboarding and training

Three years ago, Rachel Sklar was hired as a vice president at membership club SaksWorks. She says there was no formal onboarding in the rush to get her up and running. And while she was a skilled and experienced executive and entrepreneur, shared calendars were a new experience. “I was completely confused by meetings just popping up on my calendar out of nowhere without any actual invitation,” and she missed a few because she didn’t understand the tool.

“This extreme basic of corporate America was so foreign to me, a person who had founded, built, run, and sold a company built on Google Groups ,” she says. She says the upshot is to make sure your team has used the tools you rely on and to onboard them as you would other employees.

Assess their skill sets

Similarly, Rosen says that former freelancers may have high-level experience in doing the work, but may not have experience managing a team or large budget, for example. “It’s very different to be the expert in something versus being the boss,” she says. So, you’ll need to understand where they need upskilling or additional support and development and be prepared to provide that.

Understand their work style

When you freelance full time, you often have more control over your time and how you structure your work than if you work as an employee in the office. And freelancers may learn to be efficient with their time, as they not only have to do their work, but they have to find clients and run the administrative needs of their business, including invoicing, marketing, administrative work, etc., says Wendy Hanson, cofounder and chief of culture and community at coaching and training platform New Level Work.

Hanson says it’s important to get to know the individual’s work style. How do they like to communicate? How much autonomy and flexibility do they need? What is their process for approaching the work? “Freelancers work differently, and you need to know their style,” she says. Doing so will help you create the structure they need to thrive.

James agrees. “The number-one thing you need to know about most freelancers is that they have the ability to get work done without needing to be micromanaged. Freelancers can only succeed in their businesses if they are able to multitask, manage their time well, figure out ways to solve problems on their own, and work with a variety of different types of people in different organizational settings and with different kinds of content and subject areas,” James says. Get to know what they need to deliver those strengths to benefit your business.

Agree on ground rules and a feedback process

Hanson says it’s important to find the balance between checking in regularly—necessary to help manage the transition from freelance to full-time—and not make the individual feel micromanaged. Share clear expectations about work hours, communication-response times, and other business-culture norms at your company. Find out how they prefer to receive feedback and set some ground rules for delivering that feedback regularly.

Hanson suggests one-on-one meetings weekly, at first, just to check in. After the first couple of months, the meetings may be less frequent. She also suggests pairing your new employee with a mentor to help show them the ropes.

Listen to their contributions

By nature, freelancers are problem-solvers with more insight into the big picture of running a business. Take time during your meetings to encourage suggestions and feedback, Hanson says. Your new team member may have ideas about how to do things better or more efficiently.

Help them get comfortable sharing ideas in meetings and provide professional development programs or coaching to help them continue to grow. “Be patient as they adjust and celebrate their freelance learnings and experience,” she says.

The transition from freelance to full-time may hold some challenges. However, trying to understand and overcome them can help you develop a valuable team member.  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gwen Moran is a writer and author specializing in business and finance . Her work has appeared in many leading business publications and websites, including Entrepreneur, Kiplinger.com, Newsweek.com, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, and others   More

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Academic Essay Rewrite on Music

$250-750 USD

Paid on delivery

I need a skilled writer to help me rewrite my research paper focused on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Length Requirement: 750 words

Instructions

A common thread throughout this course has been the way that music and other folk traditions unite and empower oppressed and marginalized populations. Think of the way music functions as a connection both to the past and to one another for the Shona (mbira), contemporary Native Americans (intertribal music), or, if you’ve read ahead, the Chilean revolutionaries (nueva canción).

Review the various types of Ethnomusicology discussed in Chapter 11. Then find a music-cultural practice strongly identified with a traditionally oppressed or marginalized population. This can be a population closely associated with your surroundings or experience, or one you find through research. But either way, it must be accessible to you in a way that allows you personal experience and interaction with the practice or the participants, either in person or online.

Aim to be present (online/recorded or in-person) at a performance or event of at least 45 minutes' length, and write a report about the event using the guidelines in Chapter 11. (Be sure to take notes while you’re watching). Find someone involved in the practice to interview, or, if you are a first-hand source, share the information you have, personally, about the practice.

Then write a 750-word paper introducing us to the practice and performers. Tell us:

What the genre or general type of music is.

What the cultural context for the event was.

Who the artist or performers are.

How the practice relates to the social experiences and contexts of the artists.

What the artistic expression means or symbolizes for those involved in it.

What instruments were used and what songs were played (if you don't know titles, just describe them).

How the audience responded (YouTube comments are fine)

What the practice means to you, personally, and what you took away from it.

Then make three specific connections to concepts learned in class so far.

You must include a screenshot and/or other visual elements.

You must cite all sources used for the content you submit in MLA citation format.

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What Successful Freelancers Do Differently

• Benjamin Laker,
• Lebene Soga,
• Yemisi Bolade-Ogunfodun,
• Ashish Malik

Four research-backed tips to help you thrive in a freelance career.

Hiring managers are increasingly using freelancers to augment their workforce. But what does it take to succeed in this sector? How can new workers take advantage of the many benefits this path offers, including better work-life balance, flexibility, and more time with family?

• Know your worth : When freelancing, you can decide when to work, where to work, and your rates — or, essentially, how much you’re worth. One way to do this is to find your niche, become an expert in it, and then communicate your value, clearly and concisely.
• Build loyalty : While you might have to do extra work to get the client, you also have to work to keep them coming back. Repeat work is often considered a goldmine for freelancers because it leads to both consistency and referrals.
• Be adventurous : You can shape the job around your passions and your lifestyle, but staying too comfortable can also limit your ultimate potential. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to promote yourself and what you have to offer using social media.
• Hunt in packs : Be bold about approaching other freelancers with a proposal to take on projects together. Research shows that freelancers who teamed up got repeat jobs from the same client.

More than a quarter  of the global workforce does some freelance work— from writers and designers to coaches and delivery drivers. Though the majority of freelancers are based in Europe (35%) and Asia (28%) , the gig economy has an exciting and attractive future in the U.S. as well.

• Benjamin Laker is a professor of leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Follow him on Twitter .
• LS Lebene Soga is a lecturer in entrepreneurship and leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading.
• YB Yemisi Bolade-Ogunfodun is a lecturer in organisational behaviour at Henley Business School, University of Reading.
• Ashish Malik  is an associate professor of strategic human resources management at Newcastle Business School at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

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20 Best Freelance Writing Sites for Serious Writers

• 16 min read

Tips to Land Writing Gigs on Freelance Websites

• best freelance writing sites in 2023

As a freelance writer, finding the right platform to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to know which sites are worth your time and effort.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your client base, we’ve rounded up the 20 best freelance writing sites for serious writers. From job boards to content marketplaces, these platforms offer a range of opportunities for writers to find high-quality, paying gigs. So, grab your laptop and get ready to take your writing career to the next level!

Certain platforms will be easier than others to jump into and begin making money, as some are more competitive than others or have a more rigorous vetting process for freelancers. Here are some tips to help you land writing gigs as you get started:

• Create a strong profile. Your profile is often the first thing potential clients will see, so make sure it showcases your skills and experience. Include a clear and concise bio, relevant writing samples, and any relevant certifications or education.
• Be selective with the freelance jobs you apply for. It’s important to apply for gigs that align with your skills and interests. Don’t waste your time on low-paying or irrelevant jobs. Instead, focus on applying for gigs that you're qualified for and genuinely interested in.
• Customize your proposals. Don't send the same generic proposal to every job. Take the time to read the job description and tailor your proposal to the specific project and client. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what the client needs.
• Highlight your unique selling points. What sets you apart from other writers? Maybe you specialize in a specific niche, have extensive experience in a certain industry, or have won writing awards. Whatever it is, make sure to highlight it in your proposals and on your profile.
• Follow up. Don't be afraid to follow up on proposals or applications. A polite email or message can show that you’re serious about the job and can help you stand out from other candidates.
• Deliver quality work. Once you land a gig, make sure to deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. This can lead to repeat business and positive reviews, which can help you land more gigs in the future.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing high-quality writing gigs on the best freelance writing sites. Remember to stay patient and persistent, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there!

20 best freelance writing sites in 2023

It’s possible to create a full-time income with freelance writing if you’re dedicated to creating high-quality work and willing to put in some upfront work. Our advice is to get started with one or two platforms to feel out which ones will work best for you, and don’t get discouraged if any particular platform or project doesn’t work out.

Here are our picks for the best freelance writing sites in 2023:

Upwork is a marketplace that connects freelancers with companies and individuals looking for freelance talent. From writing and translation to design and creative, there are many types of jobs available for hire. You simply bid on the jobs you’re interested in working on, complete with a proposal where you describe why you’re the best person for the job and set your desired rate. If you’re selected, you then complete the work according to the client’s specifications and get paid through the platform.

To get started on Upwork, create a profile where you highlight your skills, your portfolio of work, and your ideal pay rate. Search for jobs in the Talent Marketplace, submit proposals, get a contract on winning bids, and check off the steps to complete the work. Clients may choose to pay you for reaching certain milestones during the course of the project, or they pay you when the job is done. They can also submit feedback, which helps you secure future jobs and build lasting relationships with new clients. A word of advice as you get started: Get your feet wet with a few simple jobs where you earn positive feedback before demanding higher rates, as Upwork is a highly competitive platform with thousands of skilled writers and other professionals.

• Pricing: It’s free to join Upwork, build a profile, search for work, and post your own projects. Upwork charges a service fee based on your earnings, with a sliding scale that rewards long-term client relationships. The Freelancer Plus upgrade gives you more advanced tools to market your services and submit attention-grabbing proposals.

2. Best Writing

A relatively new platform, Best Writing got its start in 2020 when two friends decided writers needed a better way to find great work. Subscribe to the Best Writing newsletter, and you’ll receive weekly emails packed with hand-picked writing opportunities. The site aggregates writing jobs from online job portals, social media, newsletters, and selected partners, serving up everything from remote freelance gigs to full-time positions.

Best Writing is also a talent marketplace; for a small fee, you can gain access to a daily newsletter with the latest writing jobs and create a public writer profile. If you’re looking to be more proactive and make sure you don’t miss out on an opportunity, the Writer Membership might be the way to go. Because Best Writing is a newer platform, there may be less competition, although that could change as the platform grows — so get in while the getting’s good.

• Pricing: Free to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, browse jobs, and apply on external sites; Writer Membership is $9 per month or $90 annually.

3. Superpath Jobs

Another larger platform with thousands of writers, Superpath Jobs is an online jobs aggregator that caters to content strategists, creators, editors, and freelance writers. Browse jobs by category, location, company, and more — and apply externally to any positions of interest.

While Superpath may look like just another job site, there’s more to it: Not only are you only seeing jobs in your desired field, but the platform also has a Slack community to which writers can apply to join. Once approved, you can connect with other like-minded creators, share tips and tricks, and support one another on your writing journeys. Additional tools like a blog, a podcast, and a regularly updated salary report keep you in the know.

• Pricing: Free to create a profile and post your resume. You decide whether to make your profile visible to employers.

Draft offers clients quality content writers on demand; for you as a freelancer, it offers you unlimited work that matches your interests, availability, and skills. Once you’re approved to write for Draft, you can view available projects on your dashboard, claim anything you want to work on, complete the work, and upload it onto the project portal. Clients can then submit feedback or request revisions, as well as set people as preferred writers if they like their work (this is what you want, so you can get first dibs on projects).

To get started as a writer, you’ll need to apply on the Draft site and complete a test writing project. If you pass, you’ll have access to the project dashboard, where you can not only claim projects but also track any projects you’ve claimed and completed. Writers get paid weekly via direct deposit and can track their payments through the platform.

• Pricing: Free to join as a writer once you’re approved; Draft charges a small payment processing fee that gets subtracted from your weekly payment.

5. ProBlogger

Over 300,000 bloggers rely on ProBlogger as their go-to resource for blogging education and resources, from blog posts and podcasts to courses in blog creation and growth. Blogger Darren Rowse launched the site after turning his blogging hobby into a paying profession, and now he’s paying it forward in an effort to help other bloggers make money doing what they love.

If you’re serious about starting a blog and turning it into a money maker, ProBlogger is the place to go for blogging advice, trends, and in-depth tutorials. There’s also a Facebook community where you can connect with fellow bloggers. To get started with ProBlogger, add your email to their subscriber list to receive blogging hacks right in your inbox.

• Pricing: Free to join; only pay for additional courses and other resources you want.

6. Textbroker

Like Draft, Textbroker provides quality, SEO-driven content of all kinds, including blog articles, product descriptions, advertising copy, translation services, and more. Clients include small businesses, e-commerce websites, publishing houses, publicly traded companies, and more. As a writer, you’ll be part of an established community connecting authors and clients where you can showcase your talents and expertise in your niche. You choose when and how much to write based on your interests and needs.

It’s free to register as an author on Textbroker, and you can earn more on projects based on the quality of your work, and the helpful Textbroker team provides feedback to help you hone your skills. Weekly payouts make it easy to access your earnings. To get started, complete your author registration and activate your account; you will then need to submit a short writing sample and connect your payment method.

• Pricing: Free to register

Contena is an invite-only online program and a suite of job-search tools aimed at helping budding writers land freelance writing and remote work. The site says that its self-paced program has helped its members earn millions from remote writing. Yes, it’s a membership, so the program isn’t free; pricing isn’t readily available on the site, but this review — based on the writer’s experience in trying out the onboarding process — states that membership costs $497 for one year or $997 for two years.

While there are many positive reviews of Contena, the same writer above states these reviews are driven by affiliate income. However, the site offers a 30-day guarantee that should put your mind at ease, and the online course could be worthwhile if you’re just getting started with freelance writing. Our best advice? Do some thorough vetting before shelling out any money, but don’t be afraid to invest in your education if the material is worthwhile.

• Pricing: Reportedly $497 per year

8. LinkedIn

You may be familiar with LinkedIn as a place to create a professional profile and connect with colleagues in your industry. However, it’s also a job marketplace where you can upload your resume and browse job listings. As you apply to roles of interest, LinkedIn may recommend adding certain skills to your profile, such as search engine optimization or WordPress. You can also take quizzes to have skills badges added to your profile, helping you stand out from the crowd.

Having your resume ready to send can be helpful when you’re applying to multiple jobs at once; jobs marked as “EasyApply” let you apply directly on the platform. Be sure to build out your LinkedIn profile to highlight your achievements, request recommendations from people you know, and showcase your best professional self.

• Pricing: Free; Premium membership starts at $29.99 per month, with access to more advanced career tools.

9. Writer Access

More than 40,000 brands use Writer Access to connect with freelancers and scale their content marketing. That means as a writer, you have access to a vast array of companies looking for quality content of all kinds, from technical writing to presentations and white papers.

When you apply to write for Writer Access, expect a thorough vetting, as the site hand-reviews your work and experience and only invites the best freelancers to move through the screening process. Once you’re approved, you’ll go through an onboarding program in which you’ll develop your CV and profile alongside the Writer Access team. From there, you can start taking advantage of cool perks like free stock images, portfolio promotion, content marketing tools, and a ticket to their annual content marketing conference.

• Pricing: Free to apply

10. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a jobs marketplace aimed at helping people find flexible work that aligns with their lives. If you’re seeking a work-from-home role, flexible working hours, or the ability to dictate your own schedule, this site can help you find such jobs and apply. You can also utilize skills tests, expert content, checklists, and courses to uplevel your search.

While there are many job sites out there, FlexJobs appears to be one of the most helpful as far as weeding out any scams. The site offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and helpful customer support reps, ensuring you’ll have a great user experience. Be sure to check out the career coaching services, webinars, and other resources to put your best foot forward with potential employers.

• Pricing: $9.95 for a week; $59.95 for a year.

11. Compose.ly

Compose.ly touts itself as being one of the highest-paying platforms in the market, with writers averaging 10 to 14 cents per word. With no membership fees, a sleek user interface, consistent payments, and a supportive writer community at your fingertips, Compose.ly can be a great source of regular income. Work as much or as little as you like, and only choose projects that sound like a great fit.

Compose.ly’s rigorous selection process could mean you will have less competition for jobs. However, you’ll need to pass the application process, which includes a brief assessment, to begin accepting jobs on the platform. Compose.ly pays bimonthly, so while not as regular as some of the other platforms on our list, it’s still a great source of income. To get started, create an account and apply to be a writer.

• Pricing: Free

12. Scribly

Founded by ex-copywriters, Scribly is a content marketing agency whose team knows what it’s like to work as freelancers. That’s why they’ve created a platform designed to empower freelancers to do the work they love while getting paid fairly and on time. Clients pay a monthly fee to tap into content creation, content strategy, and social media management services from a pool of quality, native-English writers.

To get started as a writer, you’ll need to send a message to the Scribly team telling them a little about yourself. Once you take that step, you’ll get a message letting you know they’ve received your message — so you may not have the instant gratification of knowing where you stand with Scribly. However, should you make it through the initial hiring steps, you’ll have access to flexible, scalable income you can earn whenever and wherever you want.

• Pricing: No pricing information is listed but appears to be free for freelancers.

13. Blogging Pro

Blogging Pro features a job board that’s updated daily with new blogging jobs, freelance writing jobs, and other writing positions. You can also subscribe to the newsletter to get jobs delivered to your inbox weekly. In a nutshell, Blogging Pro does the heavy lifting to locate hand-picked writing opportunities that let you work how and where you want. Search for remote, freelance, part-time, full-time, and contract opportunities, and apply externally to any jobs of interest.

If you’re looking for aggregated job opportunities with a side of blogging tips and advice, Blogging Pro could be a useful resource. The site has been around since 2006, making it one of the longest-standing resources for bloggers. The site also has an array of educational articles to help you get up and running as a blogger and hone your craft.

14. The Urban Writers

The Urban Writers platform connects authors with high-quality writers and editors capable of working on a variety of writing projects, including e-books, fiction and nonfiction books, SEO articles, content translation, and more. There’s something for every kind of writer, editor, illustrator, and designer on the platform, making it one of the most versatile freelance opportunities on our list.

You can apply to be a writer or editor on the platform, and should you make it through the selection process, you will then complete an assessment to determine if you’re a good fit. The Urban Writers then allows approved creatives to submit proposals on posted jobs. If you’re new to the platform, it could be more challenging to get assignments; however, the platform is supportive and includes a Slack community where you can pick up tips and advice from seasoned writers.

15. Crowd Content

If you’re a native English speaker from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can create an account on Crowd Content and seek out a variety of writing and editing roles. Clients seek content marketing at all skill levels, so whether you’re a full-time freelancer looking for more work or a novice getting started, you’re likely to find roles that are a good fit. You choose the jobs you want and work at your own pace on a variety of assignments.

As you work with clients, you have a chance to earn feedback and get added to their list of favorite writers, leading to more future assignments. Easy access to the Crowd Content staff and a user forum ensures you always can get answers to your questions and tap into additional resources like coaching and exposure to managed services clients. To get started, create a Crowd Content account, pass the writing assessment, start applying for jobs, and do great work to access higher-paying projects. Payments go out twice a week.

16. iWriter

Clients pay iWriter for quality content at different tiers, from AI-driven to expert-level content with native-English writers. Once approved as a writer, you can earn up to $40 per 500 words as you produce high-quality work and promote up the ranks. You can write as much or as little as you want, build a client base, and choose the topics that best fit your background and interests.

To get started on iWriter, complete the writer application, which includes writing prompts that ask you to write a brief writing assignment. If you pass the assessment, you’ll get an email with next steps within five to seven business days. As with any similar platforms, patience, persistence, and attention to detail will get you far.

17. Freelancer

Freelancer aggregates a wide range of writing jobs, including content writing, brand development, copywriting, and script writing. The platform allows writers to bid on jobs that clients post and set their rates, giving them control over how much they earn. It also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create a writer profile and navigate and find jobs that match your skills and interests.

Freelancer.com offers a secure payment system that ensures writers get paid for their work, providing peace of mind and financial security. Overall, Freelancer.com is a great option for freelance writers looking for a flexible and reliable platform to find writing jobs at the rates you want. To get started, create a freelancer account, set up your profile, and start bidding away. As with Upwork, keep in mind that you may find a hefty amount of competition; stick with it and try to get those first few jobs under your belt.

18. People Per Hour

Over 1 million businesses worldwide use People Per Hour to access freelancers in a variety of categories, including content writing, SEO, website development, and more. Clients can build relationships with trusted, expert-level freelancers who deliver quality work on demand. As a freelancer, you can create a profile and set your rates and areas of expertise, then work with the clients that best match your requirements.

Once you create an account, you can browse jobs and submit proposals. Take your time as you create proposals to make yourself stand out and start accessing the work you want to do, whenever you want. People Per Hour handles the logistics like payment processing and managing communications, so you can focus on doing what you do best: creating great content.

Similar to People Per Hour and some of the other platforms on our list, Fiverr connects clients with freelancers in all different disciplines. You can create a writer profile, set your rates, and start selling your services and bidding on writing jobs. With work ranging from blog posts to product descriptions, you’re able to find work that best matches your skills and interests. The platform is easy to use and allows writers to set their own rates, work on their own terms, and get paid as soon as you complete a job.

Fiverr.com provides a secure payment system that ensures writers get paid for their work. It’s a large and active community, providing opportunities for writers to network, collaborate, and develop their skills. The more projects you complete and great feedback you earn, the easier it is to get new jobs.

20. Writers Work

Writers Work connects writers with the companies that need them the most, with thousands of writing jobs available on the platform. You can also access training, tools, and support to help you land the writing jobs you want, set your own hours, and work remotely on your schedule. From general content such as website content to copywriting and blog writing, there’s something for everyone on the platform.

The Writers Work platform is designed to help freelancers succeed, with built-in writing tools that check your documents for grammar and spelling. Even writers with no experience can join, as Writers Work will train you via live support, video training, and course. Earn $20 to $65 per hour, and continue building your skills to earn money as a writer. To get started, create an account and get up and running within 30 minutes.

• Pricing: Free to create an account

As you can see, there are numerous freelance writing websites available for serious writers to find high-quality and lucrative gigs — and we think the 20 freelance writing sites above are an excellent place to get started. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your client base, these platforms offer a range of opportunities for writers to showcase their skills and connect with potential clients. Remember to create a strong profile, be selective with the jobs you apply for, customize your proposals, highlight your unique selling points, follow up, and deliver quality work.

With these tips in mind, you can maximize your chances of landing great writing gigs and building a successful freelance writing career. As you get up and running, be sure to create a Copilot account to access all the tools you need to run your business like a pro, complete with a professional-looking client portal to manage tickets, messages, payment processing, and more. It’s free for 14 days, with paid plans starting at just $29 per month. The platform grows with you, so as you scale, you can access even more advanced tools and dedicated expertise.

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What Is Freelancing And How Does It Work

Published: Jul 14, 2023, 8:54pm

Reviewed By

A freelancer is a self-employed individual who earns money based on a particular task or job, and isn’t employed with a firm or an organization. They have the liberty to choose and work on multiple projects at the same time unless contractually the freelancer has committed to work exclusively on a particular project till the time of completion of the initially-undertaken one. 

Table of Contents

What is freelancing, how does freelancing work, types of freelancers, 9 popular freelance jobs in india, advantages of freelancing , disadvantages of freelancing, frequently asked questions.

Freelancing is working independently as a company, having no long-term commitments, no boss to control and flexibly working on gigs at your convenience. Freelancers are popularly known to be independent contractors and all the freelance types fall under the self-employment category. 

Freelancing is working for yourself and being paid for per project, task or hourly basis depending on the contract. As a freelancer, you can take up short-term as well as long-term gigs as per your schedule. 

To officially start working as a freelancer you need to set up your own business. There are certain things you need to follow to make your business official:

• Type of Legal Entity: You need to work under a type of legal entity for that you need to register your business with the local government. Be aware that the legal entity you choose (limited liability company or sole proprietorship) will impact the amount you pay as tax, the amount of paperwork and your liability. All this is not something that you brush off irresponsibly. 
• Taxes: Paying taxes can be on expenses, tax returns, invoicing, etc. Once you register your own business, you will be legally responsible to pay taxes and file returns. To avoid chaos at the end of every financial year, put a robust expense tracking system and robust invoicing in place from day one. 
• Insurance Policy: Even if it is a freelance business you should have a security of business or income insurance, a special health insurance for freelancers to secure yourself from the unpredicted circumstances. 
• Business Account: Open a business account as it is essential to separate your personal and business finances. It becomes easy to claim expenses and calculate profits at the end of the financial year.
• Clients: Building a client list is the most important thing even before going freelance. The best way to market yourself is through client referrals, so it is essential to build a client list and maintain a healthy relationship with them.
• Freelance Contract: You must have your contract in place. A legal document of a freelance contract should be signed by both parties, you and the client before starting any new project. This will protect you against liability, legal troubles or nonpayment issues. 

Freelancers provide their services as independent contractors worldwide across various niches. Several freelancer types in different companies and industries perform several outsourced gigs. Let us have a look at the types of freelancers:

Moonlighter

Moonlighter is a type of freelancer that qualifies for a traditional full-time career. They have a steady full-time source of income but they also take up freelance gigs as an additional source of income. 

You can be a full-time employee at an organization and take up small gigs on holidays or weekends. Moonlighters are the most usual type of freelance work as they work a regular job the entire day and earn double as freelancers at night.

Independent Contractor

The independent contractor takes up work on a project basis. They do not have regular jobs, they take long-term freelance gigs like a year’s project. They do not take many gigs all at once but rather move from one gig to another. 

Independent contractors are generally highly skilled professionals and are more prevalent in the finance, health, IT, construction, etc sectors. 

Temporary Worker

Temporary worker freelancers might have a full-time job but with temporary employment status. They mostly work on short-term projects and could be expanded indefinitely at times. 

Hiring temporary workers generally happens with large corporations when they undertake massive projects and then hire temporary workers to supplement their company’s existing team. 

Freelance Business Owner

Freelance business owner is a freelancer type and is particularly the entrepreneur of the freelance industry. It is very different from any other freelancer type as it combines freelancing with entrepreneurial skills. 

They establish a small independent business on their own. Freelance business owners follow a small business model where they hire several other freelancers to carry out their work.

Freelancer Consultant

A freelance consultant is an individual who works independently as a consultant and provides services to people, organizations or companies and gets paid for it. They provide expert advice in a desired niche. Being a freelance consultant is a tough job to crack as it is an exciting and well-paid profession. They have to manage their busy schedule and find their clients. 

The two most important qualities that a freelance consultant should possess are high personal responsibility and networking. To become a freelance consultant you have to be highly qualified and be an expert in a specific niche.

Diversified Worker

Diversified workers are a large number of freelancers that are known for making the most of mixed means of work. They shuffle between part-time work and freelance gigs as well. They uniquely fit into several roles when required.  

Some diversified workers enjoy multitasking and some make ends meet or just simply add to one’s portfolio. They are moonlighters on weekends and during weekdays they are independent contractors and independent contract workers during the weekdays. Diversified workers smartly plan their freelancing schedule as per income and availability of time. 

Experiential Freelancer 

Experiential itself means an individual who constantly keeps experimenting. An experiential freelancer always keeps trying new things and does not wish to stick to one particular job profile. They provide their services in various niches: for instance, freelance writers can also provide editing and proofreading services. 

They might also double up as copywriting specialists or social media marketers. They have the hunger to learn more and earn more. An experiential freelancer values new opportunities and takes short gigs from time to time to acquire new skills. 

Organizations and companies hire freelancers to outsource a variety of tasks and projects. Let us see the nine popular freelance jobs in India:

Web Designer or Web Developer

It has become increasingly important to have an internet presence for a company and for that, they need expert individuals to design their websites, software or programs. Web designers develop a website for a client by using their expertise in graphic design and computer programming.

On the other hand, web developers tend to focus more on coding, they write code to create software, websites and tools and ensure the client that the content is secure. 

Home Design and Renovation Services 

The housing market offers freelancers a wide range of opportunities and work. Freelancer.com has seen an increase in job postings related to architecture, interior and home design. The best part of being a home design and renovation services freelancer is that you do not need to have an architecture degree. If you have organizational skills you may be able to secure a freelance gig to help homeowners with decluttering and downsizing. 

If you have an interest in design elements and can fix an assortment of things around the house, you can surely get a gig on JiffyonDemand.com .

Content Producer

There are endless opportunities for content producers in freelancing. It is one of the top freelance jobs on platforms like WriterAccess . The technical, medical and press release writing jobs tend to pay more to freelancers. Apart from this, there are plenty of other options available too like website content, social media content and blogs. 

You need to be reliable and quick to produce quality and unique content for your client. If you have experience and expertise in a particular niche you’ll add more value to clients. You can get more gigs and have a busy schedule. As long as you have a great hold on the English language, access to the internet and writing software you’ll be able to be a freelance content producer. 

Virtual Assistant 

Virtual Assistants are in demand due to many organizations outsourcing some of their daily tasks. A virtual assistant helps the client to get free time to focus more on projects and production. 

Virtual assistant individuals remotely offer a wide range of administrative services. They can schedule appointments, take calls, arrange meetings, manage emails and so much more. Being a virtual assistant is a limited experience task. You just have to be quick, responsible and clever in using computers.

Graphic Designer

Every organization needs a graphic designer at some point in their business to design a website, logo or advertisement. They pertain to various aspects of work, including marketing, advertising, outdoor signage, business cards, and more. 

To become a graphic designer freelancer you need to be an expert in designing software like Adobe Creative Suite. For a client to find you reliable you need to show them an Adobe certification and a diverse portfolio. 

App Developer

To grasp the attention of the customer businesses need to make themselves available on all trending platforms, application being one of them. Every individual nowadays has a smartphone and most of them spend a great deal of time on them. 

If you have amazing skills to develop a very good application, you can easily earn six figures a year. App developers are currently one of the highest-paid freelancers. The more skills you add to developing an app leads to earning more money. Have an amazing portfolio, come up with interesting and unique ideas and showcase your creativity to impress your client for them to hire you to develop their app. 

Social Media Specialist

In order to be successful, all businesses need to have a social media presence and a brand following to attract consumers. If you have solid social media knowledge of how it works and can create an engaging post then you can secure a gig as a social media specialist. 

Social media marketing can take up a lot of time, effort and understanding, which results in hiring a freelancer social media specialist. Other skills that can add up to your credibility are ad creation, analytics tracking and customer service. As a social media specialist freelancer, you are required to interact with followers, create posts and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs).

Bilingual Services

With businesses expanding globally, companies need freelancers with bilingual skills that can help them manage global clients. The remote bilingual jobs are increasing slowly on FlexJobs . 

The most popular translators are French, Spanish and German. These bilingual services freelancers can produce content, and transcribe and translate content for clients. These skills are difficult to come by, a freelancer who is fluent in multiple languages can easily expect to earn around INR 1,600 to INR 3,500, possibly more per hour. 

Financial Consultant 

Every organization or company needs a financial expert at some point in their career, which has increased the demand for accountants, financial consultants and bookkeeping professionals in the business world. Many businesses hate to deal with this side of the business leading them to outsource a financial consultant. 

Financial consultant freelancers can handle most financial tasks with software options like QuickBooks Online that help them to work with multiple clients at the same time. 

Freelancing is a trending source of income today. It allows an individual to build a client base and live as a self-employed person. Freelancing provides faster-growing opportunities than any regular job.

With freelancing comes various perks lets us see some of them:

• Flexibility – Freelancing allows you the freedom of working anytime and from anywhere. It gives you the perfect space to manage your work and personal life smoothly. 
• Choose your own client – As a freelancer, you can choose the client you want to work with. If your business is running smoothly you can choose to not work with certain clients if you face personality or attitude issues from them. 
• Profits – Since you work directly with traders or businesses, you solely enjoy the money you earn with no profit cuts on your part. 

Freelancing is exciting and profitable in many ways, but with being self-employed comes responsibilities and sometimes things do not go as planned even for a freelancer. 

Let us see some of the disadvantages of freelancing:

• Being on your own – Sometimes you face issues with a client or a payment is due, there is no legal or human resource involved for the support. You have to handle all the situations on your own and at times it can be draining. 
• It can get lonely – Working from home all the time can be exhausting with little interaction with the world. Bearing all the stress and responsibilities on your shoulders can get lonely especially while facing a business challenge on your own. The negative feelings can soon start to hit hard. 
• Irregular Payments – Freelancing is not a regular job, where you’re paid a salary every month, hence there is no security with freelancing. If you have rent and equated monthly installments to pay you need to have that security of recurring monthly revenue but with freelancing there’s always a case of irregular payments that can disrupt your expenses.

What is self-employment?

A self-employed person is an independent contractor that works directly with the trader or business to earn income. They do not specifically work for an employer who pays them a particular amount as salary or wage.

What are the highest-paying freelancing jobs in India?

The highest-paying freelancing jobs in India are web developer, app developer, digital marketing, content marketing, graphic designer and social media specialist. 

Can freelancing be a full-time career?

Yes, freelancing can be a full-time career.

What is the average salary of a graphic designer in India?

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a graphic designer is INR 3 lakh per annum.

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Nikita is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor. Her career spans writing on personal finance with expertise in the cryptocurrency market. She’s fond of venturing into the unknown and counts finance, entertainment, and fashion as her top interest areas.

Aashika is the India Editor for Forbes Advisor. Her 15-year business and finance journalism stint has led her to report, write, edit and lead teams covering public investing, private investing and personal investing both in India and overseas. She has previously worked at CNBC-TV18, Thomson Reuters, The Economic Times and Entrepreneur.

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How to Start Freelance Writing (Everything You Need to Know)

• By Pete McPherson
• November 25, 2020

On the surface, getting started in freelance writing seems so simple…

• Have writing skills.
• Find companies willing to pay you.
• Reach out to them and get gigs.
• Make millions.

Sweet! You can stop reading this post now 😉 Go get clients!

Just kidding.

As you’ve probably found out, finding new writing clients and booking paid gigs is NEVER that easy—especially when you’re brand new, have no portfolio, and don’t have a network to tap into.

It’s tough—but not  impossible.

With the tools and tactics in this guide (and a bit of hustle), you’ll be able to grab your first paying client in no time.

Let’s write. ✏️

• Create a “home base” to show off your work (to potential clients)
• How to start building a portfolio ASAP
• How to pitch for freelance writing opportunities (both free & paid!)
• Three tips for overdelivering value for your first client (and why it’s vital)
• How to appropriately ask for referrals
• How to specifically find companies who will pay you to freelance write
• Organize your “freelance system”
• BONUS: How to land your second freelance client

First, You Need to Understand What Freelance Writing Actually Looks Like

If you’re new to freelance writing, don’t skip this step.

What you’re about to read could save you hours of time (and a lot of frustration).

Producing content for money is work! It’s not always easy, and it won’t always pay thousands of dollar per post. It’ll also take a while to ramp up your clients and earnings.

It’s crucial that you manage your expectations.

Even with this guide, it’ll still take hours of hard work to land a client, and then you’ll have to, ya know,  do the work  for your clients.

That said, freelance writing  is  an amazing side hustle (or full-time career path), filled with variety, great hourly rates , and the ability to work at home while binging on Netflix.

(Don’t actually do that, by the way).

1. You Need a “Home Base” on the Internet (Where You Can Show Your Work)

Remember in 3rd grade when the teacher asked you to “show your work?”

This is kind of like that.

When you’re trying to convince a company to pay you for your writing, they’ll want to see examples of your writing.

The most common method for most freelance writers is to start a blog, or otherwise have a personal website (complete with a “work with me” page).

Holly from Club Thrifty has a fantastic portfolio page on her blog.

More specifically, this “home base” website will need three things:

• Examples of your writing
• A portfolio page with links to external articles (once you get them)
• Information on how to work with you (and contact you)

Don’t get overwhelmed yet, though.

We’ll talk more about those details in a minute, but for now, you just need to get your home base set-up!

The best course of action will be to start a very simple, minimal website.

With the right set of instructions, you can easily have something set up in an afternoon, after which you should start publishing content (that you can show to potential freelance clients)!

This illustrative guide will teach you how to start a blog, step by step!

Pro Tip: If this is your first time setting up a website, keep things as simple as humanly possible! There are a lot  of new things to learn in the beginning, so take it easy on yourself.

You don’t need a fancy theme or even a logo. You need a functioning, professional-looking site to show potential clients. Keep it minimal, and there will be fewer things to screw up.

Technical newbies should re-read that paragraph 👆

Even if you don’t want to set up a portfolio blog right now, you’ll most definitely need one eventually.

It  is possible to start freelance writing without a blog, but it sure makes things easier if you do have one!

The next point, however, is not optional.

2. You Need to Get Published on Somebody Else’s Blog ASAP

You’re not going to like this…

But you need to do whatever it takes to get published on somebody else’s platform—even if that’s doing your first article for free.

“What? No way! I don’t work for free…”

I get it. Working for free doesn’t sound very appealing, but when you’re just starting out, you need to consider it.

Every freelance client on the planet is going to want to see if you can write  for other people.

In fact, this is the most important piece of advice in this entire article: the quality of your past writing gigs either makes or breaks your opportunities for new, better freelance writing clients.

But you’re in luck!

Even if you’ve never written a piece of freelance content before, there’s a simple solution for getting started:  the guest post!

Why guest posts are awesome for new freelance writers:

• They get your feet wet for conducting outreach/pitching
• It costs you nothing and gets you valuable writing experience, as well as something to add to your portfolio
• It’s help to build your “writing for other people” muscle.

How to find blogs to guest post on:

First, you’ll want to start small.

Don’t go reaching out to huge blogs that have massive following and have been around for decades.

Compile a list of blogs in your niche (we’ll talk about niches in a minute).

Here’s my recommended process (using an aspiring freelance writer in the personal finance niche as an example) :

• Create a spreadsheet to drop the names, URLs, and contact emails in
• Go to Google and search “best personal finance blogs”
• Open the top 10 results, sort through all the blogs, and put them on your spreadsheet.
• Go to Pinterest and search “personal finance” (or other sub-topic keywords like “budgeting,” “frugality,” or “investing.”)
• Open several pins, and add those resulting blogs to your spreadsheet
• Go to  Detailed.com  and click on your niche (they only have 10 large niches)
• Open those blogs and add them to your spreadsheet (I recommend starting from the bottom of the list, as the top blogs are  huge  sites that’ll be tough to get guest posts on.

You can use the Chrome extensions  Hunter  to find bloggers’ email addresses, or just use the contact forms on their site (check their site footer for the link).

3. How to Pitch Bloggers for Guest Posts (or Your First Paid Opportunity)

Huge mega-hint:  Most of these tips apply for pitching paid freelance services as well!

Pay attention 😃

Every other “how to pitch yourself for a writing opportunity” article probably contains some form of copy/paste template.

But those are increasingly ineffective (as everybody like yourself tends to use them).

Instead, here are the essentials for a great outreach email.

These work whether you’re trying to land a guest post or connecting with your first freelance client:

• Write like a human.  No scripts, no templates, no copy/paste. Do use proper spelling, grammar, formatting, and be professional, but use natural language.
• Be brief.  No 500 word emails, please! Write out the entire email, then cut it in half. No fluff.
• Be honest and transparent . Under no circumstances should you try to hide the fact that you’re asking for an opportunity! Make your ask clear.
• Be specific . Don’t leave anything to chance. Share  exactly  what you’re looking for and  exactly what you bring to the table for them (with your content).
• Give specific suggestions.  “I noticed you have a ‘ketogenic desserts’ category on your blog, but haven’t posted anything there in over 4 months. I have 3 specific blog post ideas for you! [Post A, Post B, and Post C]”
• Always show them “WIIFM.” (“What’s in in for me?”)  That’s what your contact will be thinking when they open the email, so make the benefits of your freelance writing very clear.

Write short emails that sound like they’re coming from a friend or peer, present your ask/offer clearly, and focus on building genuine relationships and adding value to the other person.

You’ll get guest opportunities.

4. Three ways to Overdeliver Value on Your First Gig (and Why It’s Critical You Do)

Do you remember what you’re after here?

A lucrative freelance writing career?

Referrals and word of mouth are the top ways freelance writers find more work. Do whatever it takes to impress your first client and overdeliver.

This applies to initial guest post opportunities and your early paid clients.

Tip #1 – Be flexible in your writing

As a matter of fact, this should be included in your pitch as well. Reassure potential clients that they should feel free to send  back  your content with changes, improvements, or revisions.

They want any guest content to be  good,  so reassure them you’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen!

Tip #2 – Share the content once it’s live

• Share on social media.
• If you have an email list, email them about the guest post.
• Write about the experience on your own blog and link back to the post.

Tip #3 – Follow up a week after it’s live

Ask your client  “How was the response from the guest post? Is there anything I can do to help?”

It’s unlikely they’ll come back with anything, but it shows them how caring and dedicated you are just in case.

When you first start freelance writing, these are the types of interactions that’ll increase the likelihood growing your work opportunities quicker.

Overdeliver on your first few gigs, and you’ll quickly find yourself getting more opportunities (or repeat opportunities)!

5. You Need to Ask for Referrals

And not just reaching out to past clients—because you might not have any of those yet.

The truth is, you already have a network of some sort, even if you don’t know it.

• Search your LinkedIn contacts for people who like you
• Email that college professor you were close with
• Text your mom

If this sounds silly, it is, and that’s why 95% of people would never think to actually implement this 😃

Say something like this:

“Hey cousin Ed! Long time no see! I’ve recently gotten into freelance writing as a career path (I write about [topic] for [type of company you serve]), and I’m looking for a bit more work. Do you know of anybody who might want articles for their website/blog? Anybody who works at [type of company you serve]? Etc? I just thought I’d ask!”

Here’s why asking your personal network for referrals is awesome…

Two reasons:

• There’s a small chance you’ll actually get a direct lead
• There’s a very high chance you will now be “top of mind” if and when your friends  do encounter somebody at [type of company you serve].

If you write for e-commerce platforms, you’ll want your friends to think of  you  when they meet an e-commerce CMO at a networking event.

Pro Tip : You should absolutely double-back with past clients or bloggers who you wrote a guest post for—asking them for referrals as well. Just be more professional in your language than if you were talking to Cousin Ed.

6. How to Specifically Find Companies Who Will Pay You to Freelance Write

So you have a few articles published and you’re ready to level up into paid freelance writing.

This is the stage where you are absolutely not allowed to give up! You should expect to receive several “no’s” before you get a “yes.” Your first paid gig will always be the hardest.

Freelance writing gets easy the more you do it (since you have more work to show for yourself and more client wins to report).

Introducing the “Upside Down” Method of finding paying clients.

This hack comes from a guest post that James Johnson wrote on Nick Loper’s site, Side Hustle Nation .

It’s a fantastic post, and you should read the whole thing!

Here’s how James laid it out:

Rather than looking for companies to pitch to, you’ll be looking for other freelancers with other paid writing gigs under their belt. From there, you’ll reverse-engineer your search to discover companies with a track record of paying freelancers.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Go to Google and search for freelance writers in your niche. Use a query like  [niche] “guest post” + “is a freelance writer”
• Find your way to those writers’ websites, and find their portfolio. Try searching for their “about” page “work with me” page.
• Once you find their portfolio, browse through and note any companies that would be a good fit for you as well!

This method works well for finding companies that are proven to pay freelance writers.

Pro Tip: In this process, you should be organizing your search in some sort of spreadsheet tracker or checklist. Keep a living document of companies you’d like to reach out to, noting when you’ve pitched them, when you should follow-up, etc.

For more info, go back to that Side Hustle Nation link at the top of this section. James breaks it down in far more detail.

7. Here’s Another Pro Tip That’ll Help You Stand out From Other New Freelance Writers

Warning: This section suggests hustle moves that most new freelancers aren’t willing to do.

Put yourself in the shoes of an editor who is receiving 20 emails a day from freelance writers.

They see a lot of pitches like…

“Hey I’m Jerry, a freelancer from [blog], and I’d love to contribute to the Business Insider blog. Here’s my portfolio: [link]. What do you think?”

Or slightly better…

“Hey I’m Jerry, a freelancer from [blog], and I’d love to contribute to your platform. I had three article ideas in mind. [Idea one. Idea two. Idea three.]. What do you think?”

Editors receive a ton of these pitches!

How can you stand out?

Simple. Prove to them up front that you’re a hard worker.

How to prove you’ll be a great writer and add value to your client’s brand.

Do some form of work upfront—before they’ve actually said “yes.”

This could take several forms:

• Include 60-second video in your pitch explaining your article idea in greater detail.
• Write the article beforehand, and tease it in your pitch email with a screenshot. Ask them if they’d like to read the entire thing.
• Prepare three different article ideas, and include a one-paragraph summary of each idea, as well as five different headline alternatives for each.
• Explain how you  will promote the article to  your  audience once it’s live. Social media, email list, paid promotion?

If you do something a little extra like this, make sure to tailor your idea or pitch to their brand! It shouldn’t be a generic “Hey, I already have a random piece written and I thought you might want it.”

It should be more like “Hey, I did all this work already specifically for your brand.”

Pro Tip: I once got a guest post opportunity by submitting three articles ideas, summary, and alternative headlines—inside a Google Doc that I customized to their brand colors, logo, etc.

8. Organize Your “Freelance System” (and Showcase It to Potential Clients)

Here’s another thing that all companies want from their freelance writers:  They want you to be hyper-organized, timely, and professional in your services.

And not just the actual writing…

• You’ll need to send proposals
• You’ll need contracts
• You might need to track your hours
• You’ll need to send invoices and collect payments.

These don’t really sound challenging until it’s actually time to  do  such administrative tasks.

In case you haven’t noticed, this is the entire purpose of AND CO—to make your life 10x easier as a new freelance writer, giving you the tools to find and close new clients, and save time, energy, and money in your freelancing.

Example : Here’s an entire guide to invoicing , and here’s a free invoice generator!

Pro Tip: You might even share your tools & “admin system” with your prospective clients. They’ll like to know that you’re a professional, and will make it easy for them to pay you, etc.

Don’t neglect the administrative side of freelancing. The amount of “backend” work often surprises new freelance writers!

Be prepared, make things easier on yourself, and show your clients you’re a professional 👍

BONUS: How to Land Your 2nd Freelance Writing Client

Too many new freelancers overlook this important step.

Make sure to double-back with any clients you’ve worked for (or bloggers you’ve guest posted for) and collect any wins they received!

What you’re doing is here is gathering testimonials and social proof that you can use to showcase your skills to new clients.

Here’s an example from freelancer Cat Alford’s blog:

• Revenues or leads . Did that post generate any sales for you?
• Traffic . How was traffic to our article?
• Shares . How did your audience respond to the article? Did it get many shares?

The more wins you can collect, the better. You can even create a living Google Doc with client testimonials and specific results from past writing gigs.

Are You Ready to Start Freelance Writing?

Before you head off to browse the internet and forget what you’ve learned, let’s recap:

• Set up a blog or website to showcase your content and act as a portfolio (and contact method).
• You’ll need to have published content of some sort. Guest posting is low-hanging fruit for getting published.
• Use the “upside down” method for finding companies that are known to pay freelance writers.
• Don’t forget the outreach principles outlined in this article. They’ll help you stand out from the crowds and land your first gig.
• Do everything humanly possible to get that first gig  and overdeliver value in any way you can. This will help with word of mouth referrals.
• You’re not allowed to give up easily 😃

The path to making income through your writing is not an easy one, but it  is  doable with a bit of hustle!

So what are you waiting for?

Go execute!

Pete McPherson is one heck of a podcaster and blogger at Do You Even Blog , and also the founder of Online Impact : a premium membership community for bloggers, podcasters, and online entrepreneurs wanting to make more money.

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15 Popular Reasons to Become a Freelancer or Entrepreneur

You can pick from literally hundreds of reasons to become a freelancer or entrepreneur, but some crop up more than others. This section provides an overview of 15 of the most popular reasons that people choose to go out on their own and start a business rather than staying in the safe, secure and sometimes more limiting field of employment. If you can identify with several of the reasons, chances are that you’ll love starting your own business as a freelancer or entrepreneur.

People can choose from so many reasons to start their own business that it would be impossible to list them all. Here, you’ll get an overview of the most popular reasons which will help you reflect upon and decide whether freelancing or entrepreneurship is for you.

Be Your Own Boss

The most common reason for starting out as a freelancer or entrepreneur is the ability to be your own boss. No more working with control-freak management, no more being clocked in and out of the office, no more getting told off for being late—you are the master of your own ship, and that’s a great way to feel.

Author/Copyright holder: Todd Ehlers. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY 2.0

Being your own boss is the top reason to start your own business. It can mean becoming a self-contained, one-person company. Happily, the work that you do under this new system will take a skill that’s so close to your nature that you’ll see work and being a boss in an entirely new way.

The End of Office Politics

Office politics have a horrible habit of making people miserable. Many employees say that it’s the worst bit of their job, having to play for favour between competing managers or competing teams. Fortunately, from the day you start working for yourself, you can say goodbye to office politics forever .

You Are in Control

Freelancers and entrepreneurs make their own decisions. There’s no debating which version of a website to use or what the office dress code should be; it’s all up to you. If you want to work naked in your living room or if you want to wear a suit and sit in the suavest of cafes with your laptop, you can.

As the folk singer and influential artist Bob Dylan said, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” (In a self-published interview for his Biograph album set).

Your Time is Your Own

There’s no 9 to 5 unless you want there to be. If you feel most productive between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., you can work then. If your clients want you to be there 9 to 5, you can always excuse periods of absence as a “client meeting”—who’s going to know?

You’re Free to Work Anywhere – Freedom

The author has worked in hotel rooms, apartments, coffee shops, by the pool, and in some really strange places. You’re a business owner —you dictate where you work as long as the job gets done. Your clients pay for your work, and it’s not their decision where you work.

In fact, from a legal perspective—one of the key tests between “freelancer and entrepreneur” and “employee” is that a freelancer and entrepreneur can choose the times and places in which to work.

Today, many entrepreneurs and freelancers become location-independent workers or “ digital nomads ”. They choose to work wherever they like and change location on a regular or semi-regular basis.

Author/Copyright holder: Wet and Messy Photography. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-NC 2.0

You can work anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to – the bath is, perhaps, not the most practical place to work from, not least because of the safety issues involved.

Here, you see parts of the Interaction Design Foundation team working from a beautiful island in Thailand. It’s a lot of fun; it gives an amazing sense of freedom, but it also takes a lot of self-discipline to get the hard work done before going snorkelling after 8–14 hours of intense (but interesting) work.

You Choose the Projects You Want to Work On

If you’re a web designer and you hate working on tobacco company websites, you don’t have to. If you’re a writer and never want to write a single sales letter, you don’t have to. Employees have to work on projects their boss assigns them. Freelancers and entrepreneurs choose their own projects based on their expertise and passion. You might want to bear in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll ever find a “perfect” freelance or entrepreneur job which is 100% interesting and motivating all the time. There’s still boring, repetitive work to be done (such as accounting, admin, etc.), but the majority of your time should involve doing the things you love.

You Choose the Clients You Work With

Back when the author started freelancing, one of her first clients was insanely pernickety. The client had sent a document to ask her to change the position of a comma. The fact that moving the comma herself would take less time… completely escaped the client. So, what did the author do? She fired the client.

She’s happy to edit her work based on client feedback, but she’s not happy to waste 15 minutes reading an e-mail, changing a comma, and writing an e-mail to send that comma back.

Freelancers and entrepreneurs don’t have to work with people who annoy them. They’re free to choose the people with whom they work.

You Never Have to Do Unpaid Overtime Again

You remember that nonsense that companies like to tell you about how salaried employees are expected to hand over their free time for no compensation because they’re salaried? That’s not part of the freelancing life. If you’re working, you’re earning. You charge clients for work, and you don’t work unless you’re getting paid.

You Can Earn More than You Did Before

Sure, in the early days of your career as a business owner—you’ll take the work you can get. Over time, however, you’ll have more offers of work than you can handle. Then you can pick and choose, and, better still, you can raise your rates. Traditionally, freelancers get paid much higher rates than their employed equivalents. Why? Freelancers meet all their own expenses. They buy their equipment; they pay for their health insurance; they pay for their own vacations, etc., and so do entrepreneurs. That stuff doesn’t come free.

More importantly, business owners aren’t given contractual security and they charge a premium for that insecurity, too. As your businesses progresses – your earnings potential is unlimited.

Your Efforts Reward You

An employee is paid a set salary, and while they may get the occasional bonus, much of that usually depends on how other people work, too. If you’re a regular employee of a company which makes no money, you still get paid. On the other hand, you often don’t get a bonus if your work brings in lots of money for your company. On the contrary, freelancers and owners of design businesses get paid for the work that they put in and the results they create. The more they work, the more they get paid. The better results they create, the better they get paid. Every bit of work you do benefits you and only you—no more subsidizing the lazy guy/girl who spends all day talking about work without doing any. The money’s yours.

Author/Copyright holder: A dazed memory. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-SA 3.0

Sit back and relax with all that money you’ve earned. Freelancers get paid for their efforts and not the efforts of other people.

You Have 100% Job Security

No one can fire you when you’re the boss. Sure, freelancing and entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, but—as long as you keep at it—in the long run you’ll have complete control over your future and your earnings. That’s far better than working for someone who can, at any moment, tell you that the company—the same one you’d given so much to—suddenly doesn’t need you anymore.

You’ll Learn More than You Ever Thought Possible

Every day in freelance and entrepreneurial life brings new challenges, and you’ll learn from each of them. You’ll be more than a designer or a writer or a developer; you’ll be a businessperson, and you’ll learn to solve business problems every single day.

You’ll Gain Confidence

The world’s different when you’re the boss. People see you differently and treat you differently. Plus, you’ll handle client relations, sales, meetings, etc. by yourself without the company of colleagues, managers, etc. Your confidence increases in leaps and bounds when you’re a freelancer.

You Do the Work You Love

Admittedly, not all successful freelancers or entrepreneurs follow their passions, but most do, and even those who don’t find themselves coming to love what they do. Freelancing and entrepreneurship gives you pride in a job well done. Making your customers happy is a thrill. Seeing them come back time and again for more work is incredibly fulfilling. You make things happen as a business owner, and every business owner comes to love that feeling.

The Potential for Growth

Most freelancers and design agencies start small with solo practices, but from little acorns come great oak trees. Many freelancers go on to form their own companies, to hire staff and to build a lasting legacy. That’s something that could never happen as an employee; you’re always building someone else’s legacy, not your own.

Great things come from small beginnings. Freelancers and design agencies who embrace their potential can build bigger businesses in their own image.

The Take Away

You have dozens of reasons to start your own business as a freelancer or entrepreneur, and the list above comprises only a small section. Nevertheless, it certainly contains the most popular reasons. Take your time to consider which of them appeals the most to you.

References & Where to Learn More

Hero Image: Author/Copyright holder: Rikke Friis Dam and the Interaction Design Foundation. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-NC-ND.

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What is Freelancing & What Does it Mean to Freelance? [2022]

In Business Essentials , All Posts by Jay Clouse March 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

You may be wondering, “so what is freelancing?” Freelancing means to work as an independent company rather than be employed by someone else. Freelancers are self-employed and often referred to as independent contractors.

Freelancers are hired by other companies on a part time or short-term basis, but they do not receive the same compensation as full-time employees or have the same level of commitment to any particular company.

With the rise of the gig-economy, people are talking about freelancing more than ever before. And that’s because there are more freelancers today than there have ever been in history – a 2019 study by Upwork and Freelancers Union shows that 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019.

And according to the same study, 53% of workers aged 18-22 are freelancing.

Table of Contents

Other terms for freelancing

Not everyone uses the term “freelance” or “freelancer” when it comes to work that a freelancer may do. In fact, even most freelancers refer to themselves as “self-employed.”

So other terms you may want to be aware of that relate to freelancing include:

• Contract work : Jobs where you are working to fulfill a short-term or part time contract
• Contract job : Same as above.
• Independent contractor : This is the IRS classification of a freelancer
• 1099 : Freelancers are paid using a tax form called a “1099-MISC” as opposed to your typical, full-time W2. Sometimes “1099” is used to refer to a freelancer.
• Contract consultant : This term refers to a consultant coming in under a 1099 contract for a short period of time.
• Contract-to-hire : Sometimes freelancers are interested in full-time employment. Contract-to-hire roles provide a sort of “test period” for a freelancer before they are hired full time.

Why is it called freelancing?

The term “freelance” dates back to the 1800s when a “free lance” referred to a medieval mercenary who would fight for whichever nation or person paid them the most. The term “lance” referred to the long weapon that knights on horseback used to knock opponents off of their horses (think jousting).

By Paulus Hector Mair – De arte athletica II [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15849932

I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them—I will lead them to Hull, seize on shipping, and embark for Flanders; thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment.

Over time, the term continued to mean “independent” but left the battlefield to be applied to politics and finally work of any kind.

How does freelancing work?

Freelancers accept payment in return for providing some sort of service. That agreement is generally part-time or short term.

For example, if I hired a photographer to take new headshots for me, I could pay a freelancer for that session and that would be the end of it.

Sometimes people pay freelancers to work a set number of hours per week or per month. That arrangement is often referred to as a “retainer.”

A retainer refers to when you retain the services or right to someone’s time. A lot of legal professionals work on retainer. Every month, they bill a set amount of time to the client, regardless of whether that full time is used or not.

It’s really one of the simplest and most pure forms of entrepreneurship: the freelancer provides a specific service or outcome, and the buyer pays them a fee directly.

Why are people freelancing?

Freelancing provides a lot of flexibility and control to the individual. Most freelancers choose their own hours, the work that they do, the clients they work with, and may even be able to work remotely.

Freelancing is also a form of entrepreneurship, which means the freelancer has total control of their earning potential. Freelancers aren’t locked into a salary, and so they can earn as much as they are able to bill to their clients.

And as a freelancer, you are your own boss.

Freelancing provides a lot of variety in the type of work you can do, too. If you are someone with a lot of interests and are drawn to trying new things, freelancing can help you explore all kinds of projects and industries.

Historically, freelancing isn’t something people typically do forever. They either hire other freelancers or employees to build a full agency, they build their own products to replace their freelance income, or they go back to working full time.

Freelancing provides the flexibility many people want in order to figure out their next career move.

How much can I get paid freelancing?

According to that same 2019 study , the median freelance income is $20-28 per hour. Of course with so many different freelance jobs available, that number can vary quite a bit.

Transcription services may only earn $5-10 per hour, while software engineering roles may earn $75 or even hundreds of dollars per hour.

It’s best to compare the freelance rates of your particular skill set to get a good estimate of the expected income you could earn as a freelancer.

What are the risks of freelancing?

Freelancing comes with both financial and some health risks.

In the United States, one of the biggest benefits to full time employment is access to healthcare and other financial benefits outside of your typical salary. That may include a 401K retirement plan or company-provided health insurance.

For freelancers, being hired as an independent contractor generally means companies will not provide those same financial or healthcare benefits to you.

So freelancers are on their own when it comes to planning for their financial futures and enrolling in health insurance coverage .

Not only are freelancers on their own to set these benefits up for themselves, but they are also at a bit of a disadvantage.

When a company negotiates a health insurance policy with a broker, they are often able to get more favorable rates since they are buying in bulk. But as a self-employed individual, you are buying a policy for yourself and your family only.

And, unfortunately, that means your health insurance may cost more.

It is easy to set up your own retirement savings account, but there will not be any matching contributions from your employer.

And finally, freelancers are responsible for all income coming into the business. If you are unable or unwilling to sell more projects and land more clients, your income will dry up.

These risks are all manageable, but they are worth considering before you jump into freelancing full time.

What type of work can I do by freelancing?

Companies are becoming much more open to and interested in hiring freelancers doing many different types of work. So freelancing has become much more acceptable for a wide variety of roles.

Admin Support Jobs

Freelance administrative support jobs include:

• Virtual Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Project Management
• Order Processing
• Transcription
• Online Research

Design and Creative Jobs

Freelance design and creative jobs include:

• Brand Identity and Strategy
• Presentation Design
• Motion Graphics Design
• Audio Production
• Video Production
• Voice Talent
• Physical Design
• Graphic Design
• UX/UI Design
• Art and Illustration
• Photography
• Videography

Writing Jobs

Freelancing writing jobs include:

• Copywriting
• Proofreading
• Content Writing
• Ghostwriting
• Grant Writing
• Writing Tutoring
• Career Coaching
• Creative Writing
• Technical Writing
• Business Writing

Web, Mobile, and Software Development Jobs

Freelance web, mobile, and software development jobs include:

• Ecommerce Website Development
• Mobile Development
• Product Management
• Game Development
• Desktop Software Development
• QA & Testing
• Mobile Design
• Web Development
• Other Software Development

Accounting and Consulting Jobs

Freelance accounting and consulting jobs include:

• Business Analysis
• Instructional Design
• Tax Preparation
• Bookkeeping
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Modeling
• Management Consulting
• HR Administration
• Training and Development
• Financial Management
• Virtual CFO

Freelance legal jobs include:

• Business Law
• Corporate Law
• International Law
• Securities and Finance Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• General Counsel
• Labor and Unemployment Law
• Regulatory Law
• Immigration Law

Data Science and Analytics Jobs

Freelance data science and analytics jobs include:

• Data Mining
• Data Analytics
• Data Extraction
• Deep Learning
• Machine Learning
• A/B Testing
• Data Engineering
• Data Visualization
• Data Processing
• Knowledge Representation
• Experimentation and Testing

Sales and Marketing Jobs

Freelance sales and marketing jobs include:

• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media Marketing
• Community Management
• Display Advertising
• Telemarketing
• Lead Generation
• Public Relations
• Market Research
• Email Automation
• Marketing Automation
• Search Engine Optimization
• Search Engine Marketing

Customer Service Jobs

Freelance customer service jobs include:

• Customer Service
• Technical Support

IT and Networking Jobs

Freelance IT and networking jobs include:

• Network Security
• Information Security
• Solutions Architecture
• Systems Engineering
• System Administration
• Systems Compliance
• Database Administration
• DevOps Engineering
• Systems Architecture
• Network Administration

Engineering and Architecture Jobs

Freelance engineering an Architecture jobs include:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Architecture
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Sourcing and Procurement
• 3D Modeling
• Interior Design
• Chemical Engineering
• Product Design

Translation Jobs

Freelance translation jobs include:

• Legal Translation
• Language Tutoring
• Language Localization
• Technical Translation
• Written Translation
• Medical Translation

How do I start freelancing?

You can start freelancing any time by simply accepting payment to complete a job for someone else.

Most freelancers will want to go a step further though and formally incorporate their company, open a bank account, and create an online presence for their freelance business.

There are three main paths to making money as a freelancer:

Working with clients directly

Working client direct refers to finding and communicating directly with clients through your own means. That may be networking, existing relationships, or word-of-mouth referrals.

This is one of the hardest paths, but has the highest margins since there are no middlemen in the transaction.

Freelancing client direct also creates more resilient relationships if you plan to freelance for the long-term.

Subcontracting

Some freelancers don’t like the hassle of finding and communicating with individual clients. For those freelancers, another option is acting as a subcontractor to another company or agency.

The model is pretty simple. Typically, an agency sells a large project to a client, and then they break that contract into “subcontracts” to be completed by other agencies or freelancers.

For example, a web development agency may sell a full website project, but subcontract the copywriting to a freelance copywriter outside of the agency itself.

A lot of agencies only employ a small number of people full time, and frequently will subcontract specialized parts of projects out to freelancers.

This is great for keeping your plate full, but it also removes a level of control. If the agencies you subcontract for run out of work, so do you.

Jobs websites

Another popular method for finding client work is through a freelance marketplace like Upwork , Fiverr , FlexJobs , or SolidGigs .

These marketplaces serve as the middleman by aggregating freelance jobs on one side of the marketplace and freelance talent on the other.

This can be really efficient for finding new work, but come with their own tradeoffs.

Marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr have a lot of competition, and it may be tough to build an initial profile or get paid what you’re worth. And they will keep a small percentage of each job as a transaction fee.

But over time, if you build a strong reputation, you can reliably find work without having to prospect too hard.

I really like FlexJobs and SolidGigs because they provide a smaller, more curated list of vetted freelance positions. There is less time spent with proposals and generally very high quality work. And if you’re a copywriter, here are the best freelance writing sites . You can also learn how to become a freelance writer here .

Click below to learn more about:

• The Freelancing School Talent Directory (it’s free!)

Freelancing means to be your own boss. It’s on you to find a way to fill your time with paid work, whether it’s client direct, subcontracting, or through a jobs marketplace.

There are dozens and dozens of different types of freelance jobs, and more companies are hiring freelancers than ever before.

Freelancing can be an incredible way to earn a living on your own terms, but there are tradeoffs when it comes to financial and health benefits.

It’s up to you to decide if freelancing is right for you. But if you’re going to freelance, investing in the training from Freelancing School can help you make the jump quickly.

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Posted on Sep 10, 2021

27 Sites for Landing Your Next Freelance Writing Jobs

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Linnea Gradin

The editor-in-chief of the Reedsy Freelancer blog, Linnea is a writer and marketer with a degree from the University of Cambridge. Her focus is to provide aspiring editors and book designers with the resources to further their careers.

In our media-saturated world, it’s often not hard to find writing jobs. That said, it’s not always easy to find quality opportunities that pay and let you really buff up your writing portfolio . To help you become a prolific freelance writer, here are 27 sites that can bring you good freelance writing jobs. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in publishing, media, or copywriting; and whether you’re new to the craft or not! Hint: some of these are also great as in-between jobs to give you a break from writing your novel  while making some extra money. 

For jobs in the world of publishing 

You don’t have to be an author to be writing in publishing — you can be an editor , a ghostwriter , or a  book marketer  (which involves writing things like flap copies). Here are some of the best sites for you to find those jobs. 

Reedsy is a marketplace that connects authors with publishing professionals who can help them produce stellar books. You’d most likely be interested in ghostwriting options. Authors usually help with writing a manuscript or a book proposal — and nonfiction books are quite popular! 

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2. Personal networks 

It’s a cliche tip but it’s the truth — networking can be an incredibly effective way to get work as a ghost . More experienced writers can reach out to previous clients who probably know other authors in need of writerly expertise. New freelance writers can ask family and friends; you’d be surprised how many good stories are lying underneath our everyday lives, waiting for a chance to shine. If you know someone who has a great story they might be comfortable sharing with the world — it could be a business experience, or perhaps a personal journey — pitch the idea to them and see if they’re interested! 

💡 Pro-tip: Just because it’s personal doesn’t mean that you have to have met your contacts face-to-face! You can build a personal network on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter as well.

3. Chicken Soup 

Remember those soulful short story collections that took the world by storm in the early 2000s? The original authors have been and are still self-publishing lovely compilations throughout the years. They’re always looking for fresh new stories , and though it’s not a long-term gig, the theme varies with time so you can submit different pieces every now and then. For each story (which are capped at 1,200 words), the contributor gets paid $200. 

4. Poets & Writers

Poets & Writers collects a wide range of job opportunities for US-based writers who want to enter the publishing industry. There are editorial assistant gigs , teaching jobs, advertising jobs, all of which are related to the sphere of writing one way or another. It’s constantly updated so bookmark it and come back whenever you need a new lead! 

5. Quill and Quire

For those based in Canada, Quill and Quire ’s job board is the place to go. The magazine posts full-time, part-time , freelance, and remote positions in publishing houses big and small. Writing jobs are just one of the many professions they promote, so you get options to expand beyond writing. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to get the latest updates sent to your inbox.

6. Publishers Marketplace 

If you don’t mind writing-adjacent jobs like editing, you can’t ignore Publishers Marketplace . Just from its name, you know that this is a no-nonsense site that aggregates the latest job postings in the industry. One thing to note is that they tend to list vacancies at traditional publishing houses, so qualifications such as an MFA or editing certificates are often (but not always) a requirement.

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 indie 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.

7. Graywolf Press

Graywolf Press consistently puts out dozens of titles every year, fiction and nonfiction, that amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. The company offers seasonal paid internships and an annual fellowship for those new to jobs in the creative writing space , which you can read about here . Both positions are part-time. 

8. The Coffee House Press

It started out small but The Coffee House Press has grown into a boundary-pushing company that brings out thoughtful and award-winning titles. The perks of working at this publishing house goes beyond its exciting projects — there are also remote opportunities ! 

9. Soho Press

Based in New York, Soho Press is at the heart of the publishing world. The company is recognized for its mystery-specific imprint, and it offers seasonal paid internships , both on- and offline, for those who are interested. 

10. Milkweed Editions

Milkweed Editions stands out for its experimental prose and poetry literature  — and the company offers two-year fellowships with paid salaries. If you want to be part of a diverse team and learn the ins and outs of book production, don’t forget to check Milkweed out. 

11. Tachyon Publications

If you love sci-fi and fantasy, then look no further, Tachyon Publications is where you should apply to. They’re almost always looking for freelance copy editors and proofreaders to help out with new releases, and you might even find in-house opportunities to join their staff and office pets!

For jobs in media, culture, and journalism 

Another path writers can go down, especially if you have a strong interest in pop culture, literature, and all the latest trends, is to work for magazines and newspapers. You can write columns, comment pieces, and the likes for plenty of different outlets. 

12. Catapult 

Catapult is a media company dedicated to helping emerging writers. The company offers classes, runs a magazine, and publishes both nonfiction and fiction titles, so there are several ways you can work with them. If you want to put pen to paper, you’ll be glad to know that the magazine’s always looking for new columnists — you pitch them here .

13. The Atavist Magazine

The Atavist takes creative nonfiction to another level with their monthly long-form stories. Rather than looking for popular profiles, they want you to delve into a character-driven recount of ordinary lived experiences. 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. Find out more about how to pitch them here .

 14. Narratively

Another story-based nonfiction magazine, Narratively is an alternative for those who love finding hidden stories in life but would prefer to work on something shorter than an Atavist piece. Narratively asks for unique stories with a clear arc that engages the reader, so some creative writing skills are crucial. They pay around 0.10$ per word, and most articles are within the 2,000-5,000 words range. 

15. Boulevard Magazine 

If you want to write short stories and get paid for it, consider submitting to Boulevard . They’re open to fiction, non-fiction, and poetry submissions from November 1 to May 1, and they pay up to $300 per prose piece and $250 per poem. As with most literary magazines, you will have to space out your submissions , so this won’t pay the bill by itself. Still, it’s a bit of income you can add to your pocket every now and then!  

16. Electric Literature 

You might’ve heard of Electric Literature — it publishes fiction in its two weekly magazines ( Recommended Reading and The Commuter ) along with plenty of interviews, essays, and book listicles on its website. If you succeed in submitting a piece of flash fiction, short story, poetry, an interview, or an essay, you can earn between $75 and $300. They also host an annual short story contest, with an entry fee of $25, that can earn you $1,000.

✍ Interested in writing contests? Join Reedsy’s weekly short story contest and get the chance to win $250! 

17. Longreads

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 . Their rates are competitive, and they encourage you to keep sending them pitches even if they didn’t accept you the first time around.  

18. Hyperallergic 

Looking for freelance writing jobs outside the realm of fiction and authorship but are still related to art and culture? If you’re not one to miss out on the latest exhibitions and you keep up with the art world, you can write for Hyperallergic . They appreciate well-researched magazine articles that display interesting opinions, and they pay around $100 per piece. You can also go for a 10-week paid internship for a more extensive experience with them. 

19. Vox Media

If you want to go for full-time writing and editing positions at a news outlet, check out Vox Media . With many magazines and ezines under its umbrella, from the culinary publication Eater to cultural sites like The Verge, there are plenty of vacancies to be filled. You’ll find a mix of entry and senior level positions on their board, many of which are available remotely. 

20. MediaBistro

For those eager to dive into multimedia production, there isn’t a more comprehensive job hub than MediaBistro . On this site, you can find a wide variety of jobs in magazines (including magazine editor positions , if you're ever interested), television companies, movie studios — the list goes on. While this selection does include more administrative positions, they still provide great inroads into journalist and screenwriting careers. 

21. Journalism Jobs

Another option is Journalism Jobs , where you can find pretty much all positions available in the media world. You can try your hand at op-ed and article writing, or you can start editing for newspapers. The work is fast-paced and fact-based, and there’s plenty of room to hone your writing skills! 

For marketing and PR jobs

Copywriting and content writing remains one of the most common freelance jobs for those who love words nowadays, which is why it’s a section we can’t overlook. Let’s check out some marketing and PR writing opportunities for you. 

22. Contently

As its name suggests, this job marketplace is all about content marketing. Brands and freelancers unite on the same site so that writers can be matched with projects they’re suitable for. The network of clients on Contently includes companies like American Express and GE, which means the pay can be as high as $1 per word in some niches. In exchange, the quality of work has to be top-notch. As such, new writers might find that it takes a while before they get a job via Contently. 

23. The Dots

This UK-based creative network functions like LinkedIn: it’s a space for creatives to showcase their profile, mingle with fellow workers, collaborate with one another, and apply to jobs. From TATE to Conde Nast to Burberry, there are global corporations on-site, searching for the next writer to strengthen their business. If you want to connect with like-minded people and keep your eyes peeled for high-profile opportunities, consider joining The Dots’s community .

24. Problogger

Focusing on helping bloggers earn more income, Problogger shares short-form ghostwriting gigs , content writing, and even copy editing job opportunities without asking you to sign up or create an account with them. But consider signing up anyway if you want email updates regarding new vacancies in your preferred niches. 

25. Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance Writing curates a list of opportunities for writers in all industries, including marketing. It’s alway being updated, so be sure to check in every now and then or subscribe to their newsletter to be caught up! There’s really no fuss to the website — it’s just a very handy resource for those looking for freelance writing jobs. 

26. Freelancer.com

Alternatively, you can check out Freelancer.com . This page lets you bid on writing jobs, and each client will select the freelancer most suitable for them. The problem with a site like this is balancing the competitiveness of your price with the value of your work so that you don’t undercharge. Doing some research on how much freelance ghostwriters charge beforehand will be necessary if you’re new to the craft. 

27. Upwork 

Another freelancer site you probably already know of is Upwork . While it uses the same mechanism as Freelancer, Upwork is a little more selective about its freelancers. They vet all applications, which means that you will have less people to compete with. Keep in mind though that, like Freelancer.com, Upwork is known for its lower rates.

And that’s it, those are 27 places where you can find some rewarding and legitimate freelance writing jobs. Apply with your best writing samples and we’re sure you’ll be able to find something for yourself. Good luck! 

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Essay Writing Jobs

Writing essays can be an incredibly tedious task, but with an expert essay writer, it doesn’t have to be. An essay writer can take any idea and turn it into a well-written masterpiece that stands out and grabs the attention of any audience. It’s not just about writing an essay, it’s about perfecting it to the point where it sounds like a professional wrote it.

Here's some projects that our expert Essay Writers made real: Professional writers helped polish application essays so they had the best chance of being accepted; 900-word essays on English Drama were crafted that gave thorough explanations with accurate citations; communication in Kenya was clearly outlined in both English and Swahili articles; Organizational Behavior (OB) analysis of movies were created that showed a deep understanding of film theory; statement of interest help was provided for high school enrollment applications for students; Dominican racial imagery chapter reflection papers were written that discussed each chapter critically; creative content writers crafted original essays written in perfect grammar; book analysis of Drawing a Map of Heaven by an African Writer was written that summarized important themes found in the work; website content was rewritten in perfect paraphrasing that spoke loudly with the client's intended message; and finally, article summarization services were provided in Arabic language with accurate translations.

Essays are not just informative, they can be engaging, captivating and even thrilling when they’re written by the right person. Hiring an essay writer is the key to composing amazing essays with ease. Whatever your project may be, Freelancer.com has the right essay writer for you. Have a project? Post it now on Freelancer.com and hire an experienced Essay Writer to get it done today!

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• Write Personal Essays and Get Paid: 16 Markets for Freelancers

1. The Alpinist

2. brain, child , 3. the bold italic, 4. bugle magazine, 5. buzzfeed, 6. christian science monitor: home forum, 7. dame magazine, 8. the establishment, 9. extra crispy, 10. motherwell , 11. narratively, 12. new york times – modern love, 13. the penny hoarder, 15. the smart set, 16. vox first person, get paid to write personal essays: what you need to know.

It’s the romantic version of being a freelance writer.

Take a vacation, and write about your adventures. Survive your toddler’s terrible-twos and share your advice. Dabble in online dating and tell others the good, the bad, and the ugly about your experience.

Sounds pretty good, right?

If you have a unique perspective, experience, thoughts, or advice from your side of the fence, you can get paid to write personal essays…in just about any niche.

But you need to know where to look when learning how to make money writing , and how to pitch an editor when you do. Note: There are still plenty of opportunities to write personal essays, but not all are well-paying assignments.

Want to find freelance writing jobs ? Check out these 16 markets for places to get paid to write personal essays:

Are you an experienced mountain climber or new to the sport? Are you on a mission to bag as many peaks around the world as possible? Know a climbing destination every serious adventurer needs to visit? The Alpinist wants to hear from you. Pitch an idea for a personal essay to Senior Editor Katie Ives for The Climbing Life or Off Belay.

Rate: Pays $0.25/word for 250 to 500-word essays.

When writer Penne Richards lost her daughter in a car accident, she struggled to deal with the loss.  Writing about the difficult experience for Brain, Child , proved to be a powerful way to help her grieve. Not every essay in this magazine covers such heavy-hitting topics. But it is a place where you can write long-form essays on a wide range of subjects and topics. Send your pitch to editor and publisher Marcelle Soviero .

Rate: Pays $300 for 1,500 to 4,500-word essays.

Live in San Francisco, or have a connection to The City By the Bay that’s changed the way you see the world? The Bold Italic Editor-in-Chief Keith Spencer  wants to hear from you. This online magazine has published personal essays on the gig economy, online dating, mental illness, and many other topics with a San Francisco angle.

Rate: $50 per essay

If you want to write personal essays about elk hunting, land-use issues, conservation, wildlife management and exploring the Rocky Mountains, pitch an idea Bugle Magazine  Assistant Editor Kasey Rahn . Here’s the catch, the section where you’re most likely to land an assignment is for the “Women in Outdoors” column. Submit a pitch or send a personal essay on spec for review.

Rate: Pays $0.20/word for 1,000 to 3,000-word essays.

Looking to score some serious exposure? Write a personal essay for the popular site Buzzfeed, which gets an estimated 168 million unique visitors per month. Pick a topic and tell readers about what you know, what you’ve learned, or share your point of view. “Whatever that experience is, it should offer insight into an ongoing and relevant cultural conversation for readers,” says BuzzFeed Editor Rachel Sanders.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.13 to $0.27 per word.

Mark Sappenfield was promoted to editor at The   Christian Science Monitor earlier this year, after a decade of writing for this well-known publication. He says “The Home Forum” section is the best place to pitch personal essays, which can cover a wide range of topics.  Current interests for essay topics include travel, parenting, home, family, gardening, neighborhood, and community. Submit completed essays for consideration.

Rate:  Pays $75 to $150 for 400 to 800-word essays.

This edgy women’s magazine likes to push the envelope with witty, irreverent, and provocative content, which includes personal essays. “ Our objective is to move the conversation forward around trending and topical subjects most relevant to women-that is, when we’re not starting the conversation,” says Dame Magazine Editor  Kera Bolonik . Query first, before submitting a completed essay.

Rate:  Pays an estimated $0.13/word.

This online magazine run by women has a lot in common with  Dame Magazine . It’s edgy, quirky, and was created to provide a place for people to share their ideas. Need a dose of inspiration? Check out the recent essay written by Rachel McCarthy James: Can you make Donald Trump resign from your nightmares?  Have an essay idea? Reach out to The Establishment Editor Nikki Gloudeman.

Rate:  Pays $125 per 800 to 1,500-word essays.

Your mother always told you not to skip breakfast. This is why: You can get paid to write about it. Extra Crispy is all about what people eat for breakfast. Recipes are a must, along with the story that goes with them. But it has to be smart, fun, weird, or have a fresh angle on the typical breakfast, says Extra Crispy Editor Ryan Grim.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.47/word for 800 to 1,000-word essays.

Not everybody experiences parenting the same way. And not everybody has the same opinions on raising kids. And that’s why Randi Olin and Lauren Apfel created Motherwell magazine. “We’re looking for evocative first-person narratives that have a unique focus, or take a novel angle, on a slice of the parenting experience,” says Olin. Submit completed essays up to 1,200 words for consideration.

Rate:  Pays $50 for up to 1,200-word essays.

If you want to get paid to write a personal essay for Narratively, you need to have a story to tell that offers readers a glimpse into whatever makes your life different, interesting, or even abnormal. Like lawyer Amy Bond’s recent essay, “ Twitter trolls outed my porn star past. So I embraced it. ” Be sure your essay includes a “takeaway” or lesson for readers. Submit a pitch or completed essay for consideration.

Rate: Pays $200-300 for 2,000 – 2,500-word essays.

Think writing for  The New York Times is out of reach? Think again. You don’t have to be an established writer to land an assignment to write for the Modern Love column. You just need to have something fresh to say about relationships, marriage, dating, and parenthood. For more on how to break into this market, check out the advice from Modern Love editor Daniel Jones .

Rate:  Pays $300 per 1,500 to 1,700 word essays.

This frugal-living, money-saving website covers a wide range of topics meant to provide people with practice ways to earn and save money. Pitch an idea to The Penny Hoarder Editor Alexis Grant  and find an angle for an evergreen topic.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.08/word for 700 to 900 word essays. Negotiable.

Working on the next great American novel? Writing a non-fiction book? Or wondering where you can publish poetry? There aren’t a lot of markets for this type of essay writing. But Slice magazine, created by Maria Gagliano and Celia Johnson , happens to be one of them.  “We’re looking for anyone with a fresh voice and a compelling story to share-basically any work that really knocks our socks off,” says Gagliano.  “We simply look for works by writers who promise to become tomorrow’s literary legends.”

Rate: Pays $250 for essays up to 5,000 words.

Magazines were a different breed in the early 1900s when H.L. Mencken and George Nathan published the literary magazine  The Smart Set. And while the magazine folded in 1930, it’s literary focus on covering culture, arts, science, and world affairs wasn’t forgotten. The magazine was reincarnated at Drexel University in Pennsylvania and publishes personal essays on a wide range of topics.

Rate:  Pays an estimated $0.07/word for 1,000 to 3,000-word essays.

If you have a great story to tell that helps explain an important issue, Vox First Person Editor Eleanor Barkhorn wants to hear from you.  This online magazine wants  thoughtful, in-depth, provocative and personal narratives on politics, culture, science, health, and world views with a fresh perspective.

Rate: Pays an estimated $0.19 to $0.41/word for 1,200 to 3,000-word essays.

Every publication is going to have slightly different guidelines for writing personal essays.

For magazines , a nalyze your favorite pub, and you’ll likely find a personal essay among the pages. Study those. Then check Writers Market for submission guidelines (which usually requires submitting a completed essay instead of a pitch).

For blogs and other outlets , study examples of past essays, and read the guidelines, which you can usually find online. While most editors want a complete draft of a personal essay, instead of a pitch, that’s not the case for every publication.

Obviously personal essays are going to focus on something from your own life experience. But you need to find a way to bring it back to the reader, make it relevant to their own life, and give them some kind of take-away message.

Keep that in mind, and you’ll be able to land gigs and get paid to write personal essays.

Know of other markets to get paid to write personal essays?

Erica Verrillo writes about the business of freelance writing on her blog. She is also the author of the “Phoenix Rising” trilogy novels and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide.”

Note: It came to our attention after publication that some content in this post had been previously published. We have double-checked and confirmed that the information is still current.

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