Friends Ask, So I’ll Tell: How I Did It – A Guide to Starting a Career as a Freelance Writer (Part 1)

These are five tips for how to become a freelance writer. Consider the first four steps before you quit your job.

Step 1: Start with a Soul Search. Will you be a good freelance writer?

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already made your decision, but even so, you can take a deep dive into your psyche to find out if the freelance writing life is right for you. This type of self-reflection is important because some of the characteristics of a good freelance writer have nothing at all to do with writing.

My advice is to think through and answer the following questions:

• Am I resilient enough to experience failure and keep working to achieve my goals?

• Do I have the discipline it takes to stay motivated without an authority figure setting goals for me?

• Will I thrive in an environment where I have to complete (often highly varied) tasks in the course of one day?

• Can I set a schedule and stick to it?

These might seem like obvious questions and while they are certainly applicable to careers other than freelance writing, I have found that these were sticking points for me when I first started. Ok, real talk – sometimes they still are.

Step 2: Get Yourself That (Not So) Illusive Online Presence as a Freelance Writer

It’s not hard. No really, it’s not. I promise. And most likely, before you can get any substantial freelance writing work, you’ll need to establish yourself as a professional writer. With website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace, you can even do it for free. 

I’m a WordPress fan, but there are hosting fees involved and it can take some time to learn. Incidentally, during a recent interview for freelance writer with a media marketing company, knowledge of WordPress was an unexpected value added point.

Brush up the old LinkedIn profile and be sure to include keywords. What are those keywords? It depends on your knowledge base, experience, and what you hope to do. For instance, I have a knowledge base in editing and writing but far more experience writing than editing. Still, I included “editor” on my website and LinkedIn because I hope to find more freelance work as an editor.

More on keywords in Part 2!

Step 3: Do Freelance Writing Work for Friends and Family in Exchange for Testimonials

If you already have a portfolio of freelance writing work, you can skip this step. If not, this is an easy way to get started. Is someone you know job searching? Offer up your services as a cover letter writer and resume proofreader.

Likely, someone you know has a website for their business or hobby, and you could provide some fresh content.

Funny thing about being a writer, you tend to attract other writers. In my case, a friend was writing a novel and I served as editor and beta reader.

All of these services are easily provided and if your friends and family can help with a testimonial for your website and/or on LinkedIn, you’re one step closer to establishing yourself as a professional freelance writer or editor.

Step 4: Write

This one might seem obvious, but. hear me out. The joy of writing and the practice of writing are two different things ⸺ sometimes. 

For me, writing for a living doesn’t take the joy out of writing. The more I write, the more I want to write. And I want to write about all sorts of things and in different styles and for different audiences. 

First, you can write without an assignment, and you should. For instance, musicians looking for work don’t just sit around and scroll through job ads all day. They practice. They discover value in the ritual of practice. Most importantly, they improve.

Second, discover more about yourself as a freelance writer by practicing writing. For example, set writing goals but start small with as little as 15 minutes a day. Or, join a virtual writing group and share your work so you’ll be accountable.

Above all, writing every day is essential. Plus, you’ll build your portfolio this way, but more about that in Part 2!

Step 5: Quit Your Job

This is the step we’re all here for, honestly. The decision to quit a full-time job can be scary. But, it is possible with varying degrees of sacrifice and a little outside-the-box thinking. 

Before I quit, I did a lot of planning and even more saving. This step has steps within the step. So, let’s dance!

In this section, I’ll discuss four steps I took to toward a career as a freelance writer, successfully leaving my full-time job behind.

First, plan and set a time frame. How much can you save and how long will it take you? Also, consider the amount of time you need to set up a freelance writing website and blog, and get your testimonials. For me, it took about six months.

Figure out health insurance. The marketplace isn’t as complex as it sounds. I had insurance in a few weeks and it’s not bad, either. It’s actually better than the insurance I’ve had when employed at non-profits. 

Second, save save save. Now, maybe you already have some savings or a working partner who can ease the transition. Lucky! If not, a side gig could help.

How did I save? I cut back spending on everything from food to toiletries to clothes. The internet is a marvelous place for deals on essentials as well as tips and tricks to save money. Use it like I did, and tap the consumerism brakes.

Third, try to land a paid project as a freelance writer before you quit so you can be certain of at least some income. I had one project going as a side hustle before I made the leap and that did two things: assured some cash flow, and provided proof of concept. It’s like the old adage ⸺ have a job to get a job.

Last, the moment of truth. Hand in that letter, and get writing!