If you’re passionate about writing and you want to be paid for it, then you’ve come to the right place! We’re going to teach you how to become a freelance writer and how much money you can expect to make from it.
The Need For Freelancers
It might come as a surprise to hear that companies still need people to write their marketing materials. Truth to be said, creating top-notch content is not easy and can be rather expensive. So it makes sense that businesses would rather pay someone to do it for them.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021 there are around 753,000 job openings for writers and journalists. If you’re looking to make money writing now is a great time to do it. You’re going to need to learn how to become a successful freelance writer if you want to earn enough to support your family and live the life you want.
The Rise Of The Self-Publisher
In the past, journalists and writers were primarily in charge of writing for others. However, with the rise of the self-publisher, any author can now distribute their work and earn a living simply by creating good content.
The digital nomad lifestyle has also contributed to the growth of independent writing. More and more people are doing their writing online or using content creators like Microsoft word to get their articles published. So now, anyone can edit and adapt material for publication.
How Much Can You Earn As A Freelance Writer?
There are a lot of different ways to make money as a freelance writer, but the most common types of income are:
- Fee-for-article writing (which includes copywriting, press releases, and blog content)
- Advertising & Sponsorship
- Complex Sales-related Material
- Part Time Work
- Consulting
- Speeches & Presentations
- DVD/Video Scripts
- Audio Scripts
- Course Development & Design
- Book Reviews
If you’re a fast typer, then you might be able to generate some quick cash by taking on modest assignments for some of the larger companies mentioned above. But, don’t expect to become a wealthy author solely from freelancing. Much of the time, you’ll be writing for companies that can’t afford to pay decent wages. So, the better you are, the more you’ll make.
Where Can You Publish Your Work?
One of the things that sets a professional journalist or a creative writer apart from an ordinary blogger is the fact that they can usually be relied upon to have certain standards when it comes to their articles and publications. If you want to make sure your work is going to be published, then you might want to consider a traditional venue such as a newspaper or magazine.
However, if you’re looking for something more online, then you might want to try independent and micro-publishing platforms that can offer you more flexibility. Just remember, the more traditional you stay, the more you’ll be able to rely on when seeking financial support from future employers.
The Necessary Skills For Success
To be able to succeed as a freelance writer, you’re going to need to develop and hone certain essential skills. These include being able to effectively communicate with your audience, being able to write persuasively, and being able to research effectively. If you’re looking to break into the field, then you might also want to consider learning a new language as it greatly increases your earning potential. Here are some of the more common ones:
- English
- Spanish
- Russian
- French
- German
- Swedish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Dutch
Developing and using these skills will greatly increase your earning potential as a freelance writer, and it will equip you to better negotiate rates and conditions with your clients. Ultimately, it will lead to greater productivity and higher earnings. So stay mindful of the fundamentals and you’ll soon begin to see the fruits of your labor.