Here’s your sign to leave your 9 to 5: you can make up to $55 an hour as a freelance writer.
But, even if you’re not in it for the money, making the switch from a traditional job setting into one where you can set your own hours and work at your own pace can truly transform your life.
With more and more work opportunities going remote, there has never been an easier time to start a career in writing.
Here’s what you need to know to begin the work you’ve always wanted to do!
Read Everyday
A versatile reader can distinguish quality books and pieces. For this reason, it is important to read all types of topics. From real-life narratives that will make you question your values on sites like The Doe, to fantasy stories that will make your imagination fly. Over time, you’ll become skilled at distinguishing quality books and pieces from those that aren’t as great.
Learning how to judge writing then translates into your own skillset. You’ll become better at crafting sentences and editing your work.
Not only this, but you’ll also gain so many ideas the more you read. You’ll be surprised that something that may initially not strike your interest could inspire your next big idea.
Write Everyday
Apply all of the ideas and exposure you’ve gained from reading by writing every day.
You’ll hardly find a writer anywhere who doesn’t recommend writing as much as possible. There’s no better way to improve your skills.
In the beginning, writing consistently will seem challenging, if not impossible. You may find yourself wondering what you even have to say.
But over time, words will start to flow from your mind onto your keyboard. You’ll discover that you can craft sentences faster and more eloquently than before.
And the better you get, the more you’ll start to enjoy it. (Who doesn’t have fun doing things they’re good at?)
Commit yourself to writing every day by shooting for a certain number of words. For instance, you could decide to write a 500-word blog post each morning.
Start Your Blog
Now that you’ve been writing, you likely have some works that you’d like to publish. Here’s where starting your blog becomes crucial.
If you want to work as a freelancer, starting your blog can be the perfect gateway into your new career.
Starting a blog works wonders, regardless of your industry. It’s why 84% of companies have a content marketing strategy and blogging is the third most common method within this strategy.
First, having a blog transforms you from wanting to become a writer to simply being a writer. When you write content and publish it on a public platform, you have accomplished the hardest part of starting your writing career: putting your work out there.
Second, creating a blog gives you the chance to connect with people that will give you further inspiration and feedback. You’ll get input from like-minded writers and industry leaders alike.
And most importantly, writing on a blog will help you develop your niche. It’s hard to start working as a freelance writer when you don’t know your target audience or your strengths.
Frequently writing pieces for your blog and publishing them will give you insight into your skillset and the people you want to reach. You can then leverage this information into pitches and targeted content for potential clients!
Create Your Online Portfolio
Starting your blog is just the beginning of establishing your presence as a writer. If you want to gain credibility within the industry, you’ll want to create your online portfolio.
Your portfolio website should include links to your blog and socials, as well as samples of your work. On one page, you can describe your experience, niche, and work style.
Creating an online repository for your work may seem daunting when you have little to show. But, by creating this portfolio at the beginning of your writing career, you’re setting yourself up for future success later.
You’ll already have a place to display your work as you take on more clients and jobs. And when people search your name, they’ll see that you’re serious about what you do.
Use the Tools at Your Disposal
The more you write, the more you’ll realize just how many tools have been created for people like you. From grammar editors to spelling checkers, you can save quite a bit of your time and effort by leveraging the writing aids at your disposal.
Successful freelance writers know that time is money. Often, you’ll be paid for your output, not for your time. The faster you can complete your work while maintaining a high standard of writing, the better.
Take some time to find writing apps that will help you create the best writing possible. For instance, say you have a weakness for capitalizing headers properly. Use a tool that will check your headers so you don’t have to worry about it.
Stay Positive & Respect the Process
One of the most comforting facts you can keep in mind as your start your journey as a freelance writer is that you’re not alone. More than 50% of the workforce in the US alone is predicted to be freelancers by the end of 2027.
This means that millions of people will undergo the same transition as you, and millions have done it before you. If they can do it, so can you!
Beginning your work as a freelancer almost always comes with rejection. Most people aren’t accepted to the first job they apply to. They’ll publish blog posts every day for months before one goes viral.
Go into your new career of freelance content creation with the expectation that you may not succeed right away. Brace yourself for weeks or even months of hard work before you see results.
Soon, your work will get noticed. You’ll receive a “yes” to the writing job you applied for. Your goals will become your reality.
Jumpstart Your Career in Writing
That career in writing that you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t have to be an aspiration that you never reach. Simply by making the commitment to become a writer, you can start the process of transforming your career.
Learn more from other interesting tutorials by visiting our other blog posts!
