A creative writing job is something that comes with flexible hours, which lets you set your own schedule. You get to choose what kind of work you want to do, and there are plenty of possibilities. Whether you want to write for a publication or website, consider looking for jobs that can help you get your work out there.
The 6 Step Process To Become A Freelance Writer
There are plenty of opportunities for freelance writers to make money online. If you want to be able to write for cash, consider going the traditional route and trying to become a full-time employee of a newspaper or magazine. However, if you’re looking for flexible writing opportunities, becoming a freelancer is the way to go.
Here’s a quick step-by-step process to get you started:
- Decide which kind of freelance writing you want to do. There are plenty of opportunities for freelance writers, so you have many choices. Consider online freelancing if you are looking to make extra money.
- Create a professional-looking profile on sites like LinkedIn, which can help you get connected to potential clients.
- Set up your website with a professional-looking header and footer. Include a contact form with a submit button and tell potential clients that you’re available to take on assignments.
- Find out how to get articles into print publications and online directories. Consider some of the bigger publications’ freelance writers’ units for guidance.
- Join a writing group to get tips, feedback, and professional connections. Consider online writing groups where you can connect with other freelancers.
- After you’ve gotten your feet wet writing for different publications, try pitching to agencies and companies for business. Some of these contracts can be very lucrative, so be sure to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve gotten the contract, you can move into full-time freelance writing. Be sure to research the different types of licensing and compensation that the agency may offer.
Where Will You Publish Your Work?
Once you’ve gotten some experience under your belt, you can take advantage of platforms like Medium and LinkedIn to publish your work. These are places where you can build a following and find potential clients. However, make sure that you build a following that is relevant to your potential clients. For example, if you are trying to pitch to real estate agents, make sure that your work is relevant to their industry. This will increase the chances of them actually reading your work. Relevance is key, especially if you want to make money off your work. Consider creating mini-case studies or using testimonials from satisfied customers to establish your expertise.
The Differences In Pricing
An important tip to consider if you’re looking to freelance is to research the pricing structures of different publications. This will help you determine how much you should be charging. For example, a magazine may charge 5000 words for an op-ed article, and a business newspaper may charge between $15 and $20 per article. Always ask your potential clients about the pricing structure before you begin working. This will give you some leverage in negotiations and prevent you from getting scammed.
The Biggest Differences In Pay
There are some major differences in pay that you need to be aware of if you’re looking to freelance. The most notable one is that business publications often pay better than news publications. This is mainly because businesses are interested in promoting their view point and don’t necessarily need high-quality, in-depth reporting. Another important factor to consider is the quantity of words you’re expected to write. If you’re pitching an article to a magazine, make sure that you give them an idea of how many words you can churn out per day. They will usually cut you a deal if you can prove that you can produce content on a regular basis.
Other Considerations
There are other considerations that you need to make before you begin your freelance writing career. For example, are you going to charge a flat rate or by the hour? What types of articles do you want to write? Are you going to focus on a specific niche or will you write on a general topic? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself before you begin your freelance writing journey.
Keep in mind that being a freelance writer is a very demanding job, and you need to be prepared to put in the hours. It can be very rewarding, but you also need to remember that it’s a hard job that doesn’t always pay well. However, as you get more experienced, the pay will more than likely start to improve.