freelance journalism assignments

What Is Freelance Journalism? Explained

Discover what is freelance journalism in our guide and how to get into this profession.

Freelance journalism is the profession of self-employed writers who complete ad-hoc or scheduled, contracted assignments for news organizations.

Depending on the agreement with the media outlet, a freelance journalist can be paid by the hour, the word, or the assignment itself. Freelancers are working in every area of journalism, including sports journalism, current affairs, and entertainment.

Freelance journalism is required to meet the same standards as all other types of reporting, with those working in this area expected to carry out the same checks as fully employed members of the media. The best journalism tools can help, but it’s important to understand the role’s requirements too.

What Does a Freelance Reporter Do?

Working as a freelancer reporter, advantages and disadvantages of working as a freelance reporter, what are the qualities of a freelance journalist, is the job of reporting the same for a freelancer, how does freelance journalists get paid.

A freelance reporter is a self-employed journalist who provides stories to a news organization with which they are not permanently employed. The reporter may have to pitch stories to a commissioning editor in this case. From there, they agree on a rate and the reporter proceeds to complete the story.

Alternatively, a freelance reporter can complete the story and pitch the existing story to editors of several news outlets. In that instance, the writer would often only give an overview of their story, as the outlet they are pitching to hasn’t yet agreed to pay them.

In some rare cases, there may even be competing bids for an exclusive story, with freelancers free to choose which media outlet they sell their work to.

Freelance reporters are self-employed people who take on writing assignments for news organizations and get paid directly for those assignments. You can think of a freelance reporter as a service provider who gets paid for providing that service in the same way a plumber or electrician would.

However, instead of the news organization paying for their faucet to be fixed, or their wiring to be adjusted, they are paying the reporter to complete stories or written assignments. There are many types of freelance reporters, including news journalists, researchers, editors, and more. Basically, you can pick an area or skillset and specalize once you have a steady stream of work and credibility in the space.

Getting your first few by-lines is critical if you want to become a freelance reporter . This is where your name is at the top of the story to show you are the author. Once you have a few bylines, you will be able to create a portfolio, or website, to demonstrate your previous work to potential employers. They build credibility.

Freelancers can be just as successful as those in full-time employment with a news organization. In fact, there are plenty of freelance journalists whose work is in high demand. 

Illustrating this fact, there are several freelance reporters who have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. For instance, Canadian writer, Nadja Drost, won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for her story on migrants from around the world who traverse the Darien Gap. The story featured in The California Sunday Magazine and at the time Drost was working as a freelance journalist.

Other freelance journalists who have won the Pulitzer Prize include Mitchell S. Jackson , Emily Green , and Rachel Kaadzi . This is proof that working as a freelancer shouldn’t decrease your journalistic ambition or the scope of the stories you follow up on. 

Working in this way, you can choose who you write for, what you write about and how often you work. Providing you can find interesting and engaging stories that the news organization is interested in, freelancing is a role you can do from anywhere. However, there are some disadvantages. For instance, being a permanent member of staff offers you more employment rights than the average freelancer.

Your paycheque is also directly linked to your performance. Thus, commissioning editors will decide whether or not they are interested in the stories you are sending, and if they are not, then you don’t get paid.

There can also be an added cost, as it can be difficult to get an organization to pay for expenses associated with a story when you are working as a freelancer. However, for example, if you have to travel for a story as an employee, it is likely that your organization will pay for this expense. However, it’s not all bad news when it comes to your costs. That’s because freelancers do benefit from many of their costs being tax-deductible.

First and foremost, a good freelance journalist is self-motivated. This quality is essential simply because if a freelancer is unwilling to do the work, they don’t get paid. Every other skill is linked to a motivation to work hard and put the hours in.

For instance, a freelance reporter is also an excellent communicator. However, they have to be motivated to network and use this skill. They also have to be organized. It’s easy to see why; freelancers have to deal with a number of different shareholders when conducting business.

They may have first to contact the commissioning editor, then work with their sources to write the article, and also ensure that the managing editor is happy with their copy. And that’s when things are running smoothly.

In a more difficult scenario, a freelance reporter will have first to pitch the idea, then demonstrate their previous work, then agree on a fee, then conduct the story, and ensure the copy is a stylistic fit. Motivation, communication, and organization are interlapping skills that are needed throughout each element of that process. If you need help with pitches, check out our Writers Work review .

It also goes without saying, but to get yourself noticed as a freelance journalist, you need to have excellent writing skills. You are fighting a losing battle without the ability to stand out from the crowd with your writing.

Obviously, a good freelance journalist shares the qualities of a good reporter who is not self-employed too. They are brilliant investigators, and have a strong sense of truth, along with that intangible skill of having a ‘good nose for a story. This means they know how to find and pursue ‘journalism scoops’.

To be a good freelance journalist, you also have to be persistent. You’ll likely face some rejection early on and even when you do become established, the ability to persevere through tough times is a skill that all freelancers need.

A freelance journalist puts the same level of work into a story as a full-time employed reporter. This is because they still have to go through the same processes as their peers, fact-checking stories and ensuring that their sources are reliable.

They also have to adhere to the style of the publication whom they are writing for and take notes from the editor where appropriate. Both freelance writers and journalists may have to seek out organizations and publications to gain work. Websites that are useful for finding freelance writing work include UpWork , Freelancer.com , and Fiverr.

However, they are less useful for freelance journalism jobs. In this case, a freelancer is often better off contacting the publication directly with their story ideas and samples of their work.

If the publication in question has a commissioning editor, then they are a good first port of call. If not, then contacting the managing editor directly may work. In this instance, it is wise to demonstrate that you have at least very basic investigative skills; address them by their name, rather than ‘Dear editor’.

A freelance journalist agrees on a fee with the organization that will publish their work. This fee is usually agreed upon before the work is written, but on occasion, a freelancer can sell a story they have already completed, but not yet published.

After this, similar to other service providers, it is up to the freelance journalist to send an invoice to the publication’s account department for the work that was commissioned. The media organization will then pay this invoice via an agreed method on an agreed date. Check out our list of freelance templates for writers .

The invoice may be based on a price per word, assignment, or working time. Some freelancers have exclusive agreements with media outlets, while others work for several organizations at one time.

A freelancer has some tax benefits. However, it is worth familiarizing yourself with tax situation in your area. If you are starting your career as a freelance journalist and have no relevant experience, it is unlikely you can charge a large fee for your first few articles. However, as you gain more experience and improve your journalistic reputation, the amount you charge will increase accordingly. 

If you found this article interesting but are unsure about journalism, check out our guide to becoming a freelance writer .

36 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Find Freelance Writing Jobs (2024)

by Kevin J. Duncan

on Jun 13, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned freelance writer or a new writer with no experience, freelance writing jobs that pay are still plentiful in 2024, and beyond — if:

You know where to look…

You know how to promote yourself…

And you know how to differentiate yourself from your fellow writers.

That’s where we come in.

If you’re a copywriter, blogger, or any type of freelance writer who wants to earn a full-time or part-time income doing what you love, this definitive, A-to-Z guide will help you do just that.

Let’s dive in.

Chapter One: 6 Steps to Help You Prepare (& Land More Freelance Writing Gigs)

The philosopher Seneca (allegedly) said, “luck is what happens when practice meets opportunity.”

The book of Galatians in the Bible tells us we reap what we sow.

Stephen King put it this way:

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”

The common theme? Success tends to find those who are prepared for it.

As a writer, here are six things you should do to prepare for freelancing glory:

1. Create a Writing Portfolio That Kicks Butt

“Do you have writing samples?” “Can I see some of your freelance writing work?” “What are some high-quality articles you’ve written?”

As a freelance writer , you’ll hear questions like these often.

And your answer?

At least, that should  be your answer. But unfortunately, many freelancers skip the whole “prove you actually know how to write” thing.

As Scott Weiland once sang, “let the proof be in the pudding, sugar.”

Don’t simply tell prospective clients that you’re a talented freelance writer. And don’t assume  they already know you’re the cat’s meow and the bee’s knees.

2. Supercharge Your Writing Skills

Unless you want to spend your freelance writing career slumming through content mill after content, and getting paid peanuts, you need to level up your content creation skills.

Because those high-paying freelance content jobs you lay awake dreaming about? Companies don’t hand them to just anyone.

They give them to the best writers — content creators who:

• Realize the importance of SEO (search engine optimization) and can create SEO content with both readers and Google in mind;
• Understand the importance of proofreading  and submitting error-free work;
• Write fast , meet deadlines for their writing projects, and are seemingly immune to writer’s block;
• Craft amazing headlines , write with clarity, and support their points with examples;
• Have top-notch communication skills;
• Can connect with readers on an emotional level.

The good news?

With hard work, anyone can improve their writing skills. And for the few who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do it, the payoff can be huge.

This site is filled with helpful how-to articles on copywriting , content writing , writing contests , content marketing , article writing, and SEO writing . And if you need training , we have that too.

3. Ask for Testimonials

Have you already landed a writing job or two? Awesome.

Did you ask the client to give you a testimonial? A few words declaring their undying love and/or satisfaction with your work (that you can use to help you land more writing clients)?

No? Well, you’re not alone.

Most writers who do freelance work, either due to ignorance or fear, don’t ask for testimonials. Our own Jon Morrow says he’s only had a small handful of writers over the years ask him for a testimonial — even though he would’ve been perfectly happy to give one to them.

So how should you ask for one? Keep it simple.

Here’s how Karen MacKenzie  asked for a testimonial after we published her first post on Smart Blogger:

“Would it be possible to get a testimonial for my website? I know you are really busy, but I’d really appreciate it.”

And because Karen did such a good job on her post, I was happy to give her the following testimonial:

Want a great testimonial like Karen’s?

Create testimonial-worthy content for your clients and then — this is key — ask them for a freakin’ testimonial .

4. Learn How to Craft a Killer Author Bio

Picture it:

A wealthy business owner sitting in a Herman Miller chair on top of a rug made out of recycled Herman Miller chairs is reading an article you’ve written.

She’s impressed. She calls to her butler, Jeeves, and asks him to bring one of her suitcases filled with money.

Your article is so good, she wants to hire you.

But then she gets to your byline — the one you threw together at the last minute. The one that lists your hobbies and has no clear call to action .

“Throw the suitcase in the fire, Jeeves,” she says. “I shan’t be hiring a writer today.”

If you don’t want this totally realistic scenario to happen to you, you need to get really good at writing author bios.

Because someone who’s made it to your author bio is primed. They’ve read your work and want to learn about the attractive, intelligent individual who wrote it.

Maybe they want to check out your website content. Maybe they want to find you on social media so they can follow you.

Or maybe they want your contact info so they can hire you.

A byline should shout to the world your expertise. It should say to prospective clients, “if you thought this article was great, you should hire me and see what I can do for you.”

Taking the time to craft a great one is time well spent.

5. Know How to Write a Pitch

Few people enjoy cold pitching to prospective clients.

But you know what?

The job seekers who are willing to do it have an edge. And the ones who are good at it — and I mean really freakin’ good at it — are never more than an email or two away from snagging a new writing job.

So how do you get really freakin’ good at cold pitches? For starters, don’t make these rookie mistakes:

• Don’t write long emails. Editors and clients are busy. Respect their time.
• Don’t send the exact same pitch to different people. Every freelance editor and every client has unique needs, audiences, and styles.
• Don’t ignore their guidelines. Want a sure-fire way to have your email deleted? Pitch to a website that has clearly stated submission guidelines, but ignore said guidelines.

But just as importantly, do these things:

• Research. Do your homework.
• Find the name of the person you’re pitching to. Address the person by name in your email.
• Get to the point. Don’t beat around the bush. Tell them what you want and why.
• Sell them on you. Popular websites receive pitches all the time. Why should they hire you? Explain it to them.

These pointers and more (as well as email templates ) can be found in our post, How to Write a Pitch That’ll Wow Editors & Clients .

Read it, bookmark it, and reference it often.

6. Learn the Legal Side of Freelancing

One of the big, scary unknowns when you’re working online is how to handle the “legal side” of things.

Should you have contracts with your freelance clients? How do you send invoices? What about taxes?

The legalities can seem so scary and daunting that many freelance writers choose to stick their heads in the sand and ignore them — or, worse, give up on their freelancing dreams rather than have to deal with any of it.

That’s why we put together this resource:

The Definitive Guide to Freelance Contracts, Invoices, & Taxes

If you’re a freelance writer or any kind of self-employed contractor, it’s a resource you’ll want to bookmark.

Chapter Two: 16 Hacks for Finding Under-the-Radar Writing Opportunities

Anyone can find a freelance writing job board and search for a remote job.

But that’s both a good and bad thing — anyone can do it.

That awesome writing job you found online? The one you’d be perfect for? Fifty other “perfect” people found it too.

We’ll go over some great job board options in a moment (because they do have lots to offer new freelance writers), but first, we’ll take a trip down the road less traveled.

By knowing how to identify hidden freelance opportunities many of your fellow writers don’t know about (or do know about, but are too lazy to pursue), you can find freelance writer jobs from well-paying clients who fly under the radar.

For example, did you know you could…

1. Use Twitter to Reverse-Engineer Online Writing Jobs

Want an outside-the-box way to find writing job opportunities?

Try Twitter’s advanced search engine .

In the example below, I searched for tweets that included the phrase “writer wanted”:

I kept the search simple, but I could’ve also searched by language (native English, Spanish, etc.), hashtags, date range, and more. The more options you choose, the more refined your search results.

Click “Search” and you’ll see a list of tweets with various job postings for writers:

Scroll through the list and tweak your job search, as needed.

Some of the results will be scams, but most will be legitimate.

Many will be for remote writing jobs, but some will be location-specific (usually New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Miami, Washington D.C., Dallas, Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Portland, Oklahoma City, Greenville, Atlanta, and other major cities in the United States).

Just skip over the ones that don’t apply to you.

If you look at “Top” tweets, as shown in the screenshot above, you’ll find brand-new freelance jobs mixed with older ones. Click “Latest” if you want to see recent tweets first.

The nice thing about Twitter’s advanced search feature is it’s only limited by your imagination.

Want to find guest blogging opportunities (since many websites these days pay for guest posts)?

Enter “guest post” into the “this exact phrase” option, and you’ll see every tweet written by someone looking to promote their latest guest blogging masterpiece.

That’ll give you a list of websites that accept guest posts, which you can later whittle down (after you’ve done a little more research) into a list of sites that pay guest writers.

Wash, rinse, and repeat.

2. Follow Leads on Social Media

When you use Twitter’s advanced search feature for finding freelance writing jobs online, you’ll discover certain Twitter handles pop up fairly frequently.

One example is @write_jobs :

When you find a good lead, follow them. That way you can cut through the noise of Twitter and go straight to your best sources.

Even better?

Add them to a private Twitter list so that tweets from all your leads can be found in one handy repository.

Here’s how you do it:

Here are a few more handles to get your Twitter list started:

• @FreelanceWJ
• @WhoPaysWriters
• @jjobs_tweets

3. Check Out Agency Job Postings

Everyone likes to talk about job boards (which, again, we’ll discuss in a moment). But you know what resource most freelance writers ignore?

So how can you get work from agencies? Well, you could contact them directly and ask if they have any freelance work (Jon calls this a “gutsy but effective approach”).

The other way is to keep checking their “career” page:

The Content Marketing Institute maintains a detailed database of agencies. Click here  to check it out.

4. Find (and Woo) Clients on Their Turf

Most articles that tout social media platforms as a good place to find leads will point you to Facebook Groups .

And it makes sense. After all, search Facebook for “writing jobs”, click the “Groups” tab, and you’ll see dozens and dozens of options that are open to the public:

If you’re looking for a safe space where like-minded individuals offer tips, advice, and writing inspiration ; such groups are great.

But if you’re looking to find paying gigs, you’ll likely be left wanting.

Most members of these groups are looking to be hired, not looking to hire writers. And when someone wanting to hire a writer does come along, the person who raises their hand first is usually the one who gets the job.

That’s not to say Facebook Groups can’t lead to freelance writer jobs that pay. The trick is you need to find groups where the buyers , not the sellers , hang out.

Think “masterminds”, “think tanks”, etc.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Such groups are usually private. So, what’s a writer to do?

Skip the Facebook Groups. Go Straight to the Sources.

One of the amazing things about technology is the way it allows us to connect and interact with people with whom we’d otherwise never have the opportunity.

In 2014, I didn’t know Adam Connell of Blogging Wizard . But I joined his mailing list and, lo and behold, a “welcome” email with his address arrived in my inbox. I responded, he wrote me back, and a friendship was born.

After reading one of her posts and admiring her writing style, I connected with Henneke Duistermaat of Enchanting Marketing  through a humble blog comment. The same was true with Syed Balkhi . I connected with Pamela Wilson  via Twitter. For Jon Morrow, the man who would one day hire me at Smart Blogger, I got on his radar by becoming a student in one of his online courses.

Want to write for a mover and shaker in your industry? Want to befriend an influencer who can open doors for you (the kind of doors that lead to paying jobs)?

Make a connection. Be generous. Give  without asking or expecting anything in return.

That means following them on Twitter, sharing their content, and interacting with them. It means subscribing to their email list.

And, yes, it may mean buying one of their products. Because here’s the thing:

When you’re their student, an influencer is invested in your future. Your success is their success. You’re a walking, talking testimonial. So many — not all, but many — will do everything they can to help you succeed.

And that includes pointing leads in your direction.

5. Pitch to Software Company Blogs

More from Jon:

e-Commerce companies with blogs tend to publish a lot  of content. After all, every article they publish tends to pay for itself (and then some) thanks to the traffic it brings to the website — traffic that often leads to sales of their product.

As with agencies, you can either cold pitch the software companies (which sometimes works), or you can keep an eye out for open freelance positions:

6. Don’t Be Scared of Ghostwriting

A lot of writers don’t like the idea of ghostwriting .

I get it. You’re letting someone else  put their name on and take credit for your hard work.

Yes, that’s ghostwriting in a nutshell (minus the theatrics). But here’s the thing:

• Ghostwriting pays better than regular freelance writing.  When you ghostwrite, it’s not unheard of to increase your fee by 15%-20% (or more).
• The opportunities in ghostwriting are virtually endless. You could ghostwrite blog posts, articles, scripts used on YouTube channels, or even books sold on Amazon.
• You can make great freelance writing business relationships by ghostwriting. People who pay for ghostwriters tend to have money (and connections). Oftentimes, these clients can refer you to others.

If your primary goal is to build up a strong list of writing samples, ghostwriting isn’t for you.

But if your goal is to make money writing and build potentially profitable business relationships, it’s something to consider.

And here’s the best part:

Because so many freelance writers loathe ghostwriting, there isn’t as much competition.

7. Find Clients Who are Already Hiring Successful Freelance Writers in Your Niche

Want to write for great clients in your niche who pay top dollar?

Well, you can either wait until they post job ads, then compete against everyone else who applies…

Or you can take initiative and proactively seek out these ideal clients.

One of the best places to find ideal clients is in the portfolios of successful freelance writers in your niche.

By studying other writers’ sample content, you can identify clients they’ve worked with in the past.

These clients are ideal targets because:

• You already know they hire freelance writers;
• You know they have years of experience working with freelancers, so they’ll be easier to work with;
• And you know they pay decent wages, otherwise the successful freelance writer wouldn’t work with them.

Start by finding freelance writers in your niche . You can find them by Googling “[YOUR NICHE] + freelance writer” like so:

Scroll through the search results until you see a freelance writer’s website. These writing sites don’t always rank highly, so you may have to go through several pages of search results to find them.

Click on a writer’s website and check out their portfolio. There you’ll find links to articles the freelance writer wrote for various companies in your niche.

Click on a writing sample and visit the client’s website to make sure you’d be interested in writing for them. If everything looks good, add them to your list of potential targets.

Do this over and over again for every freelance writer you find in your search. When you’re done, you should have a big list of ideal clients to target.

Pick one client to target and visit their website.

Study their content to get an idea of what they publish. Pay close attention to their most popular content, as well as the article the freelance writer wrote for them. These will give you a good idea of what type of content to pitch.

Check their website for submission guidelines, which will give you a better sense of what they’re looking for from freelance writers and tell you who to send your pitch to.

Use all of this reconnaissance to brainstorm ideas for good articles to pitch them. Pick your best idea, develop it into a pitch, and send it in.

8. Apprentice With a Successful Writer in Your Niche

Another way to get work from established freelance writers is to build a mutually-beneficial partnership with them.

Many successful freelance writers need help with certain aspects of their business. They could use someone to do their research, proofreading, copy editing jobs, etc.

Of course, they could pay a professional writer or do these tasks themselves. But most would prefer to have someone do it for free.

That’s where you come in.

By offering free assistance to a successful freelancer in your niche, you can save them time and help them make more money in exchange for steady work and writing experience.

Often, successful freelance writers have to turn down work because the client can’t afford to pay their rate. Instead, they can pass this work off to you and split the earnings (again, more money in their pocket).

They can also help you by critiquing your work, giving you tips on how to succeed in the industry, and endorsing you to editors.

Once they trust you and you’ve proven yourself as a writer, they may also let you do some assignments for them.

Successful digital marketing entrepreneur Dan Lok got his start in the copywriting industry this way — by apprenticing with his copywriting mentor Alan Jacques:

“Why did this work out so well? It wasn’t worth Alan’s time for that price, but it was worth my time, because I wanted the experience. I needed clients to gain experience and get better. I got my clients with his endorsement and supervision.” — Dan Lok

So how do you start such an arrangement?

It’s not easy, and there’s no direct path. But your best bet is to buy one of their courses or products. As mentioned earlier, when you become their student, they become invested in your success.

You can also try:

• Getting an introduction from someone who knows them;
• Connecting with them on social and building a relationship;
• Creating a piece of content (perhaps copy for a landing page ?) they could use and giving it to them for free.

9. Reverse-Engineer Writing Samples From Job Ads

Ultimately, most clients don’t care about your experience or credentials. They just want a freelance writer who can complete their assignment and get results.

Your job is to convince them YOU are that freelance writer.

And the best way to convince them you can do the assignment is… to do the assignment.

Most job ads ask for relevant writing samples. When applying to these ads, most freelancers provide similar writing samples.

In other words, they provide articles they wrote for another client that sort of match what the ad is looking for, but not really. Unless they’ve written for an identical client before, their writing samples will be a bit off.

You can immediately differentiate yourself from other applicants and increase your odds of getting hired by creating a writing sample tailor-made for each client.

Start by finding job ads on job sites like Upwork.

Don’t just look for any old job. Get specific with your search criteria to find ideal jobs — jobs that are in your niche, about subjects that interest you, and offer to pay premium prices.

When you come across an ideal job description, study it from top to bottom. Make note of everything the client is looking for in a writer and the assignment.

Then brainstorm ideas for articles that perfectly match what the client wants. If necessary, research tactics and techniques for creating such content.

For example, in the screenshot above, the client is seeking someone who can “write about boring, dry, technical topics.” You could Google, “how to write about boring topics”, then apply what you find to your sample article.

Select your strongest idea and write it. Try to pick a short, simple idea that won’t take too much time to write. Otherwise, the client may hire someone else before you finish.

Finally, apply to the job and submit your tailor-made content as a writing sample. You can either publish the article on a free site like Medium or submit it with your application as a Microsoft Word or Google Doc.

The best part of this strategy?

Even if the client doesn’t hire you, you’ll still walk away with a strong writing sample to add to your portfolio.

And if you repeat this process, you’ll quickly build a portfolio of writing samples that are super-relevant to your ideal clients.

10. Pitch Every Service You’ve Used in the Last Year

If you’re a beginner freelance writer, one of the best places to find writing gigs is with the companies/products you already use.

They make great potential clients because:

• You’re already familiar with the product/service;
• You’re in their target market, so writing for their audience is easier;
• You already have a relationship with these large and small businesses.

In fact, you should include these points in your pitch.

Start by making a list of every product/service you’ve used in the last year. This can include gyms, hair salons, landscapers, etc.

Visit their websites and perform a content audit:

Are there problems with their web copy you could offer to improve?

Do they have a regularly-updated blog? Could you contribute to it in an impactful way? Could you help them target certain keywords with their content?

Basically, you’re trying to match the services you offer with the content they need.

While you may be able to convince these companies to start a blog , the best targets are companies that understand the importance of content marketing and invest in it accordingly.

Once you’ve identified your targets and how you can help them, send an email to someone on their marketing team offering your services.

Your pitch should mention you’ve used their product/service and love it, as well as the fact you’re a member of their target market and will be able to effectively influence their audience.

Offer to work for a price you think they can afford, based on your research. You may not get paid top-dollar initially, but the real goal is to establish a working relationship, get steady work, and contribute to your portfolio.

By sending out 30 such emails, Julie Wilson was able to generate over $1,000 in her first month employing this strategy.

11. Write Tutorials for Products You’ve Used

This tip is similar to the previous one in that you’ll be soliciting a business you’re familiar with.

However, this technique differs because it involves writing articles on spec — creating articles for free before you pitch them.

Make a list of products you’ve used that fall into your freelance writing niche. For example, if you want to become a SaaS writer, make a list of software you use or have used in the past.

Visit the websites of these companies to determine if they’re good prospects. Look for companies with well-established, regularly-updated blogs.

Check to see if they have submission guidelines, which will give you information on the type of content they’re looking for and let you know if they hire freelance writers and/or accept guest posts.

Then write a tutorial (that includes a thorough product description) on how to use their product to achieve a desired result. If possible, create a case study describing the results you achieved with the product and how you did so.

Contact someone in the company via email or LinkedIn. Tell them you’re about to publish the article on Medium (or some other blog) and were wondering if:

• They want to publish it on their blog instead;
• They’d be willing to share and/or link to the article once you’ve published it.

Even if they don’t buy the article, you’ll add another writing sample to your portfolio while establishing a relationship with a potential client who may keep you in mind for future work.

12. Find and Fix Weak/Old Content

By now, we’ve established the benefit of demonstrating your value to potential clients in advance.

Another way to demonstrate value is by improving their weak, flawed, or outdated content.

You’d be surprised by how many influential, well-established organizations have flawed web content.

Often, these organizations are so preoccupied with creating new content they overlook small errors or forget to update their content to meet new developments.

By identifying weak spots and fixing them for free, you can establish a relationship with a potential client that gets your foot in the door.

Of course, you shouldn’t just visit hundreds of random websites hoping to find bad copy or content. Think of how time-consuming and unbearably boring that would be.

Instead, make a list of 10 to 20 blogs, companies, or influencers you’d most like to write for.

Visit their websites, analyze their content, and make note of areas you can improve.

Look for older content that could use an update. For example, a headline like “How to be a freelance writer in 2016” is a great candidate for modernization.

(On the other hand, something like “Google Authorship: The Complete Handbook for Getting Respect, Readers, and Rankings” wouldn’t work because its main topic, “Google authorship”, is no longer relevant.)

Dan Lok used a similar tactic to get work from guerrilla marketing guru Jay Conrad Levinson. Dan rewrote Jay’s entire sales pitch on spec and sent it to him. Not only did Jay use the updated sales copy and pay Dan for his spec work, but the new copy tripled Jay’s conversions!

Maybe you’re not a copywriting expert like Dan. But if you find a website with weak or unremarkable sales copy, you could try researching the subject and giving it a shot. At the very least, this makes for good practice.

Once you’ve identified and updated your content, send an email to your target explaining what you did.

Tell them you came across their website or blog article, noticed some flaws, and thought you could help them out by improving it.

While they may offer to pay you for your work like Jay did, I don’t recommend trying to sell it to them.

The true power of this tactic is you’re establishing a relationship by being helpful and demonstrating value upfront. And it works best when done for free.

Trying to sell them your work can come off as opportunistic, arrogant, and reduce the chances they’ll bite.

But if you help them for free and they like your work, they may decide to pay you (like Jay did) and/or keep you in mind for future assignments.

13. Dominate Quora

Quora is a social media platform where users can post questions and get answers from other users.

Whether or not you get clients from Quora, it’s an insanely useful marketing platform for writers that allows you to:

• Connect with people in your niche in a helpful way and demonstrate your expertise;
• Show potential clients you can write for their target audience ;
• Generate long-term traffic from each answer you post (popular Quora questions and answers often get ranked in Google);
• Establish yourself as an authority in your niche and build an audience, both of which make you more attractive to potential clients.

Networking on Quora can be an effective, albeit indirect, method for getting freelance writing jobs online.

The essence of a Quora marketing strategy is this:

Find questions that are relevant to your niche; provide helpful, in-depth answers that demonstrate your writing skill; and advertise your writing services in your profile.

Start by creating a stellar Quora profile .

Treat your Quora profile like your freelance business website. You should include your position as a freelance writer, a high-quality profile picture, a description of the benefits of your services, and links to your writing samples and website.

In the “Credentials & Highlights” section, list all of the credentials and experiences that reinforce your position as an authority in your niche.

In the “Knows About” section, be sure to include topics related to your writing niche as well as your role as a freelance writer (SEO writer, content marketing, blogging, and so on).

Next, find and follow trending topics related to your writing niche as well as the type of content you create (articles, content marketing, email copy , web copy, etc.).

When your profile is all set up and ready to go, start searching for questions relevant to your writing niche. “Relevant questions” include questions that are of interest to potential clients and/or their audience.

You can find relevant questions either by clicking on a Topic and scanning for them, or by typing relevant keywords into the search bar.

When you come across a relevant question, bookmark it in the “Answer Later” section for easy access.

Finally, write phenomenal answers to your saved questions .

Your answers should be helpful. They should answer all parts of the question in the best way possible. And you should include links to additional resources if and when necessary.

Your answers should tell stories. Stories are not only a great way to engage readers and increase views, they also help readers learn and retain information better.

Your answers should incorporate visuals. Visuals break up your text and make your answers more visually appealing and easier to read.

Be sure to link to your writing samples when possible. In fact, whenever you publish a new article, you should spend some time finding and answering Quora questions related to it as a way to drive traffic.

Regularly answer questions to build your Quora audience and views. You’ll increase your position as an authority in your niche, increase your value to clients by building an audience, and potentially get freelance work from employers who come across your answers.

14. Offer Referral Deals

If they like your work, most clients will happily refer you to others .

But some clients may be reticent to refer you to others because they want to keep you to themselves.

Other clients simply require a bit of motivation.

A simple way to provide this motivation is to sweeten the pot with a referral deal.

Tell clients that for every referral they send your way that turns into a job, you’ll create one free piece of content for them.

Even though you’ll waste some work hours on free work, you’ll more than make up for it with the steady stream of new clients you get.

Short. Sweet. And simple.

Just remember:

It’s important you honor your word.

If a client finds out they referred you to someone, you got the job, and you reneged on your end of the deal, your relationship with the client will end and your reputation as a writer will be tarnished.

15. Monitor Companies That are Hiring for Content Marketing Roles

When you see an ad for a content marketing role, a “job opportunity flag” should be raised in your head.

A new content marketing hire is a sign a company is either investing more in content marketing or changing its content marketing strategy.

It can also simply mean they’re filling a vacant position.

Either way, a new hire still signifies a change in strategy. And it’s likely they’ll need more content and more help creating that content.

Rather than waiting for the company to post an ad for freelance writers (like those other lazy freelancers), take the initiative and demonstrate value upfront.

Reach out to the company (or even their new hire) and offer your help executing their new strategy.

First, use LinkedIn to monitor job ads seeking content producers and marketers.

With LinkedIn, you can use filters to narrow your search by job role, job type, and industry.

You’ll want to filter out any companies that aren’t in your writing niche using the “Industry” filter. If you write for software companies, limit your search to software companies.

It’s also best to limit your search to top-level content marketing roles. Top-level hires are the best indication a company is investing in a new content marketing strategy and increasing content production.

To filter for top-level roles, use keywords like “Content Marketing Strategist”, “ Content Marketing Manager “, “Content Marketing Specialist”, “Head of Content Marketing”, etc. You can also use LinkedIn’s “Experience” and “Title” filters to narrow your search to top-level positions.

The best part about using LinkedIn for this strategy is you can set a job alert and have new job ads emailed to you. No need to waste time running new job searches over and over again in order to find job openings. Just set it and forget it.

Next, read the job ads to get a sense of the opportunity potential.

If the job ad indicates the company will be producing lots of new content, you know they’ll be a good source of potential work. Often the ad will say something like, “we’re looking to ramp up our content marketing efforts.”

Keep an eye out for any information on the new direction of their content strategy. If the ad says they’re looking to use written content to build authority in their niche, then make note of it. You’ll use it later in your pitch.

Once you’ve identified a few good prospects, it’s time to start crafting your pitch.

A great pitch should include:

1. An introduction that aligns you with their goals.

You might say something like, “I understand you’re looking to build authority with your blog and I think I can help.” This shows you’ve read their ad and understand what they want to achieve.

2. An article written on spec that you’ll let them publish for free.

This demonstrates your value and writing abilities upfront. It’s also a great way to start a positive relationship by giving them something of value for free.

3. A list of 5 to 10 article ideas you think they’ll like.

This demonstrates your ability to regularly produce great content ideas and will be a valuable asset to their new strategy.

Finally, send them your pitch.

It’s best to send your idea to the newbie hire once they’ve filled the role — the new hire will be most receptive because they’re new to the company, eager to make a good impression, and stand to benefit most from bringing a talented freelancer on board.

While this tactic takes a bit of effort, the potential for steady, long-term work makes it worthwhile.

16. Use an Ad Fishing Strategy

Ad Fishing is a technique that involves using Facebook or LinkedIn ads to target warm leads.

For simplicity, we’ll describe how to employ this strategy on Facebook, but the process for LinkedIn is identical.

To perform this strategy, you’ll need:

• A Facebook Page;
• Your own website/blog with the Facebook Pixel installed;
• A case study describing how you helped a client achieve a certain result with your content marketing.

First, you’ll need a case study that demonstrates the value of your freelance writing.

Your case study should describe a positive result you helped a client achieve and the process you used for doing so. The positive result could be as simple as helping them boost monthly web traffic with a blog post.

Make sure your case study has a killer, benefit-oriented headline. For example:

“How I Got 10k New Monthly Visitors for a Client With One Blog Post”

The case study should also include a CTA (call to action) at the end inviting readers to contact you if they want similar results.

Next, create a “Bait Article” — an article your target clients will want to read.

For example, if you want to work with health care companies, you could create an article titled “7 Ways Health Care Companies Can Generate More Web Traffic”.

Promote the article wherever your target clients hang out. Post it in relevant Facebook Groups. Link to it in answers to relevant Quora questions. Or, simply promote it to your targets using Facebook Ads.

Finally, create a Retargeting Ad sharing your case study with anyone who reads the “Bait Article”.

The essence of this strategy is to use the “Bait Article” to find and qualify warm leads — people in your target market who want the results you can help them achieve.

Then you hook those warm leads with a case study that clearly demonstrates how you can help them achieve the desired result.

Because the ad only targets a small number of qualified leads, ad spend will be low and ROI (return on investment) will be high.

Chapter Three: 14 Writing Job Boards That are Packed with Writing Opportunities

Next up, let’s look at some popular (and some under-the-radar) job boards used by freelance writers all over the world.

If you’re new to freelancing, job boards will likely be your easiest entry point. You’ll be able to find writing jobs of all shapes and sizes.

Once you have some writing samples under your belt and you begin getting good referrals from clients, more opportunities will become available to you.

Let’s start with my favorite one:

1. Smart Blogger Jobs Board

We’ll start with our own Smart Blogger Jobs Board .

With top-notch jobs that have been vetted by a member of the company’s editorial team…

A slick searcher and filter option that helps you find the perfect job…

And a deep catalog of free training material that’ll help you land that perfect job…

The Smart Blogger Jobs Board is the one-stop shop for writers, bloggers, content marketers, copywriters , and more looking for part-time, full-time, and freelance jobs.

Call me biased, but I think it’s pretty great.

2. LinkedIn Jobs

If you’re a professional, there’s a good chance you already have a LinkedIn profile (even if, like me, you tend to forget about it for months at a time).

Its job board, as you would expect from a site that specializes in professional networking, is huge.

Well, at the time of this writing, there are over 35,000 job postings for “copywriter” alone:

Thankfully, LinkedIn offers lots of filters. Search by date, the job’s industry, the job type (full-time jobs, part-time writing jobs, etc.), experience level, and more.

If you’re already on LinkedIn, it’s a good place to start.

Depending on who you talk to, Upwork (formerly Elance-oDesk) is either awful or amazing. And the funny thing is, the reasons for its awfulness and amazingness are one and the same: low rates.

Employers love Upwork because you can typically find qualified applicants who live in areas with lower cost of living. As a result, they can get great work at reduced costs.

Those who hate Upwork do so because they’re competing with the aforementioned applicants who can comfortably live on less money.

So what does this mean for freelance writers?

Unless you’re content with low-paying freelance writing rates (because you need the practice, you want to build up your portfolio, you need all the work you can get, etc.), you’re better off with one of the other job boards mentioned.

4. ProBlogger

As its name would suggest, the ProBlogger Job Board is a popular one among bloggers in search of freelance writing work and blogger jobs.

With a $70 starting price for posting a job, you tend to find smaller companies on ProBlogger. There are exceptions, of course.

One neat feature offered by ProBlogger is a Candidate Database  employers can search to find writers. It’s free for writers to join, and you can use it as an online resume and sales page. Here’s an example from Smart Blogger student Mark Tong:

5. BloggingPro

BloggingPro  requires clients to publish job ads that pay a minimum of $15 an hour (or have at least 500 words).

Job categories are blogging, content writing jobs, copywriting , and journalism. And types of work include contract, freelance, full-time, part-time, internship, and temporary.

As job boards not named LinkedIn or Indeed go, it’s pretty detailed.

6. FlexJobs

FlexJobs  specializes in all types of online jobs and remote work, including remote jobs for writers. It isn’t free, but you get a lot for your money.

For starters, you’re safe from scams — each job posting is vetted by an actual human. You also don’t have to hunt for work from home jobs that’ll allow you to write in your pajamas — all online writing job ads (from blog posts to white papers to press releases to academic writing) are for remote positions. It’s kind of their thing.

Plans start at $14.95 per month. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it out, see if there are any promising writing jobs, and cancel if you don’t like what you see.

7. Freelance Writers Den

Founded by Carol Tice, the Freelance Writers Den  is a paid membership site with a long track record.

Unlike most job boards, you also get bonuses. There are over 300 hours of training material, pitch examples, templates, and monthly live events.

Membership is $25 per month with no contract. You can cancel anytime and not pay the next month’s dues. There’s also a 7-day money-back guarantee when you first join.

8. Who Pays Writers?

According to its website, Who Pays Writers?  is “an anonymous, crowd-sourced list of which publications pay freelance writers — and how much.”

Translation: Once you’re ready to write for a high-profile publication that’ll look amazing on your portfolio, Who Pays Writers?  will be a helpful resource you can use to discover which publications accept applications (and how much they tend to pay per word).

It’s definitely one you should bookmark.

9. FreelanceWriting.com

Curating the best freelance and remote writing jobs that Indeed, Craigslist, BloggingPro, and others have to offer (as well as their own, exclusive writing opportunities); freelancewriting.com  is a one-step resource for freelancers.

Not all job listings are for remote writing jobs, but you can filter the ads to fit your needs. Categories include:

• Blogging and marketing jobs (WordPress, SEO writer, content manager, content strategist for startups, etc.)
• Writing ( freelance copywriter , staff writer, short stories, article writer, non-fiction writer, creative writer, grant writer, medical writer , healthcare report writer, real estate writer, personal finance writer, creative content writer , scriptwriter for podcasts , etc.)
• Proofreading (writer/editor, copy editor, content editor, proofreader, etc.)
• Non-profit gigs
• Copywriting jobs
• Social media (marketing manager, social media manager , etc.)
• Technical writing (technical writer, proposal writer, cover letters, service writer, or even freelance resume writer, etc.).

If you’d like to keep your list of remote job boards short, freelancewriting.com is a good one to keep on it.

10. Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance Writing Jobs curates blogging jobs from Craigslist, Indeed, Journalism Jobs, MediaBistro, and others.

Every week day, Monday through Friday, they publish a short list of hand-picked job ads. So, if you prefer quality content over quantity, it’s worth a bookmark.

11. Be a Freelance Blogger

Owned and operated by a Smart Blogger student, Sophie Lizard’s freelance writing job board keeps things pretty simple: if you want to publish a job ad on Be a Freelance Blogger , it has to pay at least $0.10 per word or $50 per post.

If you’re just starting out, it’s definitely worth looking into.

12. Behance Creative Writing Jobs

Though it’s primarily known for its portfolio features, Adobe’s Behance has a job board for creatives of all shapes and sizes.

Job listings for everything from advertising to public relations to freelance writing can be found, making it a solid resource for all kinds of freelancers.

13. Constant Content

Constant Content is a freelance writing platform that facilitates connections between brands and writers. You register for an account, complete a quiz, provide a short writing sample, and — once you’ve been accepted — start applying for writing jobs.

The brands they work with include Uber, Zulily, The Home Depot, Walgreens, Hayneedle, CVS, and eBay; and they claim their top writers earn up to $90,000 per year.

14. Journalism Jobs

If you want to target magazines and newspapers, Journalism Jobs  is a great resource. With close to 3 million page views each month, it’s the largest resource for news writers and journalism jobs on the web.

So, if publications are your focus, it should be on your short list.

Chapter Four: Common Freelance Writing Questions (& Answers)

Still have questions? Don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal.

We’ll wrap things up with a quick FAQ.

Here are the common questions we receive from freelance writers. (If you have a question not discussed here, be sure to leave a comment below!)

You should also check out our Freelance Writing Hub . From elevating your writing skills to getting paid to write, it’s a go-to resource for everything you need to know about freelancing.

Now on to the Q&A…

What is freelance content writing?

Freelance writers are self-employed contractors who are hired by clients to create content for them. The type of content ranges from production descriptions to email copy to full-fledged eBooks — and everything in between.

What do you do as a freelance writer?

Well, hopefully, you write. A lot. 🙂

But you also:

• Proofread and edit
• Market and network
• Hone your craft
• Send invoices, do taxes, and other administrative tasks
• Find paying gigs

And speaking of looking for work:

How do freelance writers find work?

How freelance writers land gigs tend to vary based on their experience writing. When you have a good body of work, you’ll get many of your blog writer jobs through referrals and repeat customers. As a result, if you’re an experienced writer, you typically make more money.

So, when you first start writing, you’ll need to be proactive. The job boards we discussed earlier will likely be where you have the most success initially. And don’t forget about the outside-the-box, under-the-radar strategies we discussed. You can find success with those too.

How much do freelance writers make?

When you’re just starting out, you’ll likely be in the $0.10 to $0.15 per word range. But, as you grow, you can command $500, $1,000, and more per article.

Once you have a body of work and you can prove you get results for clients, your pay increases.

How do freelance writers get paid?

Every client will have their own methods for paying writers, but typically you’ll submit an invoice via a service like PayPal, Stripe, or TransferWise.

Make sure you understand the payment terms before you begin work. If you’re unsure, ask the client.

How much do you charge for a 500 word article? How much should I charge for a 1000 word article?

Using the $0.10 to $0.15 per word range we just discussed, as a new freelance writer you can expect to earn between $50 and $75 for a 500-word article.

For a 1,000-word article, a new freelancer could expect to earn between $100 and $150.

But again, as time goes on, your rate should be higher.

How much does a freelance writer make per hour?

It depends.

Most clients will pay freelance writers by word count or individual project. For such clients, your hourly rate will depend on how fast you work.

But there is some data available to give you a broad (probably too broad) idea:

• According to PayScale , the hourly range for freelance writers is $11.50 to $63.02. On average, the hourly rate is $24.07.
• ZipRecruiter’s numbers are even broader. It says the hourly range is between $5.29 and $76.68 for freelance writers, with $30 being the national average in the United States.

Takes these numbers with a grain of salt, though.

How do you start freelance writing? How do I become a freelance writer with no experience?

Freelance writing experience or no, if you’re willing to accept lower-than-ideal pay rates on job boards, blog content mills, or freelance marketplaces (think Fiverr and Textbroker), you can get started right away. Find freelance job postings, apply to them, and get to work.

But big picture, the answer depends on which group do you belong to:

• I’m a skilled writer, but I don’t yet have a body of work. Or,
• my writing leaves a lot to be desired.

If you’re in the former group, focus on building a good writing portfolio. If you have your own website, publish articles on there. Medium is a good option too (and it’s free).

If you’re the latter, you really should focus on improving your writing skills. You can probably find work as you are, sure, but a portfolio filled with crappy articles won’t help you find good clients.

Our writing articles here at Smart Blogger can help you. So can the excellent writing content at Enchanting Marketing, Copyblogger, and others. And if you need formal training, the free class I mentioned earlier is well worth your time.

Can you be a freelance writer without a Bachelor’s degree (or even High School Diploma)?

Absolutely. I have a Master’s in Computer Science that I paid way too much money to acquire. Know how many times I’ve been asked by a potential client if I had a degree? Zero. Know how many times the word “degree” popped up when Jon was interviewing me for Smart Blogger? Zilch.

If you can do the work, you can do the work. A degree in creative writing, or lack of one, won’t matter.

Are “guest posts” the same thing as freelance writing jobs?

Semantics aside, yes.

With a guest post, you’re writing content for a website you don’t own, you’re credited as the author, and you get an author byline (or, at least you do with good guest post opportunities). With a freelance writing job, you’re writing content for a website you don’t own, you’re credited as the author (unless it’s a ghostwriter assignment), and you get an author byline (unless, again, you’re ghostwriting).

The only difference is compensation.

All freelance writing jobs will pay you money. With guest blogging, some blogs and websites pay writers to write guest posts for them; with others, you don’t receive monetary compensation, but you get perks like having your work seen by new audiences and beefing up your writing portfolio.

Do guest bloggers get paid?

Some do. As mentioned above, some websites pay writers to write guest posts for them.

To find out if a guest blogging opportunity is a paying one, you need to check their website. Look for a page named “editorial guidelines”, “guest posting guidelines”, “write for us”, or something similar.

Then (and this is important) you need to thoroughly read said guidelines.

If it’s a paying freelance writing gig, or even if it’s just an unpaid freelance writing opportunity for a popular website, you want to get your relationship with the target website off to a good start. And nothing will get your relationship off to a bad start quite like failing to read their guidelines.

Many websites, especially large ones that receive lots of inquiries, will use their editorial guidelines to eliminate sub-par candidates.

For example, here are a few of the guidelines Smart Blogger used to have in our since-retired “Write for Us” page:

And, trust me, there was a lot more where that came from. Each paragraph, each sentence, was carefully designed to filter potential candidates.

Most blogs and websites won’t have such detailed guidelines. But they will have some guidelines (and if one doesn’t, it isn’t one you want to do business with).

Read the guidelines, follow them, and you’ll do fine.

What are the highest paying freelance writing jobs? What niche should I pursue if I want to make lots of money as a writer?

The list of profitable writing niches can change for a variety of reasons (just look at what the coronavirus did to the “travel” industry in 2020), but here’s an evergreen tip for finding high-paying gigs:

Follow the money.

If you see lots of job ads for freelance writing jobs in a particular niche, chances are the niche is profitable.

True, smart, and sophisticated businesses will continue to hire freelance writers and produce content during a recession (it pays off for them long-term), but unsophisticated clients will stop — unless they’re still making money.

This is a simple but effective hack for finding profitable niches.

To learn more, check out 17 Freelance Writing Niches That Still Pay Big Bucks .

Is freelance writing legit?

I’ll resist the urge to make an M.C. Hammer joke. Instead, I’ll simply say:

Yes, freelance writing is legit.

(You could almost say it’s too legit.)

Ready to Become a Successful Freelance Writer?

There may be lots of online writing jobs out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy out there.

Landing paid writing jobs is difficult. Getting started on your freelance career path is difficult. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t doable. It’s very doable.

With the tips and resources in this post, you’re now armed with knowledge. You know what steps you need to take in order to be prepared, you know under-the-radar places to look for opportunities, and you have a sizable list of freelance writing job boards from which to choose.

All that’s left is for you to take action.

Are you ready to get started? Ready to take a huge step towards quitting your day job and following your dream? Ready to find that first (or hundredth) paying assignment?

Then let’s do this thing.

Kevin J. Duncan

GET PAID TO WRITE

The ultimate toolkit for becoming one of the highest-paid writers online. premium training. yours for free..

Written by Kevin J. Duncan

149 thoughts on “36 beginner-friendly ways to find freelance writing jobs (2024)”.

Wow, right where I’m at, Kevin! Thanks again for this great actionable advice. And also for confirming that I was spinning my wheels in some areas to find writing jobs.

Awesome! I’m so glad you found the post helpful. 🙂

Thank you for such an insightful post, a few months ago I have up on my freelance writing but I have now seen great reasons to get back to it while managing my blog.

You’re welcome (and thank you)! I’m glad the post inspired you. Yes, do give freelance writing another go. Don’t give up. 🙂

I’ve just started to write as a freelancer and these tips would definitely help me find the best jobs. Thanks 🙂

Hey Manjula,

Welcome to the wonderful world of freelancing! I’m glad you enjoyed these tips. Let me know how things go!

Hey, that’s what it is! 21 This “Beginner-Friendly Tips for Landing Freelance Writing Jobs” is really helpful, just by sharing these amazing tips, you’re really helping people. I want to show this to my friends right now and I’m going to take action immediately. Thank you very much for that.

Hey Daniel,

Thanks, man. Appreciate that. Hopefully, this post can help a lot of people. Thank you for sharing it with your friends!

Great article! Many interesting tips 🙂

Hey Marcin,

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

Hi Kevin, Thanks for the solid tips.

I particularly liked the Twitter tip. I will try it.

Please check your inbox and help me put my freelancing house in order 🙂 I’ve reached out twice, maybe my emails were nabbed by crazy spam spiders.

Enjoy your day.

Off to share!

Hey Qhubekani,

You’re welcome, my friend! Thank you for the kind words (and the share).

So you’ve emailed me? Let me check. Sorry about that. I’ll go find them today and get back with you soon.

Thanks again for reading and sharing, Qhubekani!

Snake’s’ hips maybe haha.

Awesome post, Kevin! Wish this came earlier when I was just starting out. Bookmarked the agency directory.

Quick question: As one of the big players in the industry, I’m interested in your your opinion on the right time for a beginner or an intermediate writer to transition from content mills like Upwork to cold pitching or scavenging for direct clients in Job boards like Pro blogger?

Do you also happen to know of writers (newbies can look up to) who have made it huge without stepping foot into content mills or the ones receiving the briefcases full of cash while pitching?

Last, regarding asking for testimonials, sites like Upwork allow clients to leave one after their contract with the writers has ended. So, is it worth for beginners to utilize such sites while building their portfolio working with direct clients or should they stick with only one through the dip.

Btw, received your mail, when should we also expect any nugget of wisdom from Be A Better Blogger?

See you on Twitter!

Best, Antony

Hey Antony,

Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it.

“As one of the big players in the industry” — gosh, I don’t know about that, Antony. I appreciate the compliment, though. 🙂

To answer your question: In my opinion, you should transition ASAP. The rates for content mills are really, really low. Too low. If you’ve got the skills (even if you still have room for improvement… if you can write a decent article right here, right now), I wouldn’t hesitate to visit ProBlogger’s job boards (as well as the other job boards I listed) and compete for higher-paying jobs.

As for writers that newbies can look up to: That’s the funny thing. Most writers, when they’ve made it big, tend not to admit they ever participated in content mills when they were starting out. My guess is many avoided them, but many didn’t. They had to go where the work was, you know?

Henneke, who I mentioned in the post, is a great writer to look up to. I’ve had very good experiences working with Ali Luke (who you’ve probably seen on ProBlogger). She’s another good one. Mel Wicks and Colin Newcomer, two frequent Smart Blogger writers, are others. So is Sarah Peterson, who has written for Smart Blogger and worked for Sumo, and who commands big bucks as a freelance writer. Elna Cain is another one I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

Honestly, there are too many to list, Antony. Haha. But hopefully, that gives you a starting point! 🙂

For your last question: Upwork reviews left by clients will likely only help you land more jobs on Upwork. You could, in theory, mention your high Upwork score to non-Upwork clients, but that could backfire. Because everyone knows the writing rates on Upwork are low, your using Upwork as “proof” could cause prospective clients to undervalue you.

My take: the good assignments you had on Upwork should definitely be used in your writing portfolio. Just don’t mention you got the work via Upwork. You had a writing assignment, you did a great job on it, and that’s all that matters.

Hope all that helps, Antony. Thanks again for the kind words.

You’re welcome, Kevin. Thanks for the wonderful feedback too! It’s of great help to others who are planning to start or are part of the freelance writing journey.

Yeah, true Henneke is amazing. I’ve interacted with her. I’ve been enjoying her series of emails from Enchanting marketing too. I’ve heard of Sarah and Mel. Actually Sarah was outranking Jon.

The last time I checked Jon was ranking number one for “power words” but I’m shocked to see him at position 4. You should shove his b@tt as one of his sidekicks to reclaim the position he deserves.

I’ll make an effort to greet all of them in the course of next week and probably pass your words or greeting maybe haha.

Knock on wood, but as of this writing we’re back at #1 for “power words”, Antony! 🙂

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”

That quote alone made this post worth reading.

I love that a lot of the advice, especially at the beginning, has value for anyone looking to increase their sphere of influence.

I want to make connecting with influencers one of my top blogging priorities in 2020. Which reminds me, I think I forgot to reply to your last email!

Excellent post Mr Editor, hope the fame and fortune isn’t going to your head (although I wouldn’t blame you if it did 😉

Have a Merry Christmas Kevin!

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I love that quote too.

How are you doing with your “connecting with influencers” goal?

Thanks for these tips. For a begineer like me, This will definitely help me. Thank you again.

You’re welcome, Abhishek!

Hey Kevin J. Duncan , Great post. Thanks for being so generous. I am a beginner in freelancing and i have no idea about it. Yout blog has helped me alot in knowing about these things. Keep up the good work.

Hey, Harry! So glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks Kevin for the tips on how freelancers can earn good income from writing jobs. I have picked out two points. 1. Have a kick ass writing portfolio 🙂 2. Follow social media leads this I am working on starting now. Do you usually offer mentorship?

You’re welcome, Silvia! Not doing any mentoring or coaching at the moment. Though, I do interact with our students. 🙂

The information you provided about freelancing jobs site is insane. It helps a lot to student like me. Thanks man keep it up.

Awesome. You’re very welcome, Sagar!

I’ve just started to write as a freelancer and these tips would definitely help me find the best jobs. Thanks

Glad to hear it, Bikash! Be sure to come back and let me know how it’s going for you so far.

Hi Kevin, This right here is rock-solid advice.

It took moments of reflection to read it all and l can confidently say that the Twitter tip stole the show. It’s something l will be working on soon and l hope l can hit a home run with it.

Without further ado, let me head off to Twitter and spread this gospel.

So glad you enjoyed the post and got so much value out of it. Really appreciate the kind words (and tweet)!

The best way to search for a freelance writing job is by joining a freelancer marketplace such as odesk, freelancer, etc. But if a person do not have required skills then he can never become success as an freelancer.

Your tips are surely going to help people who want to be successful freelancer.

Thanks, Gaurav. I certainly hope the post helps people. 🙂

Hey, let’s say that i have writting skills. where i can start my business?

Hey, Saida. If you’ve got the writing skills, start working on two things: writing good pitches to prospective clients, and building a good portfolio. We’re working on a new Smart Blogger post as we speak that can help you with the former. For the latter, this post should help: https://smartblogger.com/writing-portfolio/

Glad to hear it, Alamin!

Hi, This is good to see you beginner friendly tips and having right post article to see you here. Thanks a lot for sharing with us.

I’m happy you enjoyed it, Adrina!

I’ve been hiring writers for over 10 years. Each site or niche is different and it astounds me how much some writers expect to receive per word. I’m willing to pay for good writing but writers, especially new ones need to be reasonable about their rates. If they get in with a good corporate gig I can see them making the rate they want. Anyone freelancing that is looking for work needs to keep their expectations humble. You can always ask for an increase after you develop the relationship. Great resources on this page.

Hey Richard,

Appreciate your perspective (and happy to know you enjoyed the post)! Very true that each niche (and client) is different.

Thank you for sharing this important information with us because freelance jobs are much better than full-time jobs. You can earn more money as a freelancer. So once again thank you for sharing this important information with us.

Glad you found it helpful, Vivek!

Thanks for all that valuable information!! I just want to say your article is very helpful, that’s very clear.

Happy to hear you enjoyed it, Anil!

Thanks for taking initiative and providing this information which will be beneficial for freelancers. Freelancing in these days is going to help many.

I certainly hope the post helps freelancers. Glad you enjoyed it, Shubham!

Thanks for the detailed article on finding freelance writing jobs. These days it is very difficult to freelance. As there is lot of competition. I feel Facebook is overcrowded and also ineffective. I never know the features offered by ProBlogger until this article. I will check that for sure.

Thanks & Regards Aria Mathew

You’re welcome, Aria. I’m glad you found the post helpful!

How did ProBlogger’s job board work for you?

I didn’t know it so many freelance websites to sign up with. I am only familiar with upwork and blogger. Thanks I will definitely look into some of these on your list.

You’re welcome, Marcus!

Hey Kevin, This a great article. In this post You have covered all the sides of this topic. This proved that Freelancing is not a simple process unless there is a full commitment to the work. It is the right place to learn much about freelancing and to correct the flaws. Thanks for sharing!

Appreciate the kind words, Jones. Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi Kevin, How are you doing? Your article caught my attention when it landed in my inbox, but I decided to save it for later. I like that you highlighted creating a portfolio and honing one’s writing skills at the top. A collection shows potential clients what a freelance writer can bring to the table. And when you improve your writing skills, you set yourself up for more writing work and recognition by top marketers. For example, when I started freelancing in 2017, I landed my first client month after that. So I thought I was in my A-game. So, I thought it would be ideal for getting published on top blogs like SEMrush. I wrote and submitted a few articles, but they were rejected. It was when I received their remarks that I realized my writing wasn’t good enough. So, I took the time to improved my skills. Fast-forward 2019/2020, SEMrushhs published my articles with the editor, Melissa emailing me to submit more content for publishing. Creating a portfolio, as stated earlier, is perfect, but it is wise to leverage some underused channels like LinkedIn for portfolio creation as well. For instance, LinkedIn is a top B2B2 lead generation platform, but many writers are not taking advantage of this goldmine for content writing jobs. I used the LinkedIn “Experience section” to create a mini portfolio, my page views increased dramatically, and I landed more high-paying jobs. Iikethearticle you put out, and I have already scheduled it for posting across channels. Thanks for sharing!

Glad you enjoyed it (and appreciate your support)!

It’s fun to read about your journey so far. SEMrush is a great site, so congrats for getting published by them. That’s certainly excellent portfolio material!

Agree with you that many writers aren’t taking advantage of LinkedIn. We have a post on the topic in work, so hopefully we do something about that soon. 🙂

Thanks again for the kind comment, Moss. Have a good one.

Thank you so much for sharing such an insightful article. I do believe in these times of widespread pandemic, it is important to keep going and not sulk. Freelance work is something which will surely earn you some pocket money and at the same time help you revise your skills and knowledge. It will help you go through your area of expertise again and again which helps you improvise every time.

Thank you, Deepankshu. Glad you enjoyed it!

(And, yes, totally agree. You’ve got to keep going. Keep moving forward.)

I am really overwhelmed with this article. I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. Thanks for sharing. Great websites!! 🙂

Hey, Richa. I’m glad you were overwhelmed in a GOOD way! Thanks for commenting. 🙂

Very very complete, thank you very much for this! The resources are really awesome, very useful for me to start freelancing writing. I really love this one, and shared it to my social media. Thank you and keep posting awesome articles!

Hey, Menulis. You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

I’ve bookmarked this as a daily job search reference. This post is meaty, yet each directive is separate. Nothing bugs me more than having to fish back through content to piece the instructions together.

The number “33” in the headline got my attention. It’s such an unusual headline number I thought “Mmm, Kevin must be serious about this number of suggestions, I must read this”

I’m familiar with a few of these tactics. By using this as a reference, there’s no doubt I’ll execute my search better.

Tactics like poaching from other writers, Quora searches and many others, weren’t even on my list … so thanks!

I read this just in time for my May marketing push so about to get started on my spreadsheet to chart my progress.

You’re the best!

Good to see you here in the comments section! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

I’m glad you found the layout and sections of the post to be clear and easy to navigate. That was one of the trickiest parts about putting this post together, so I’m glad it worked.

How’d your May marketing push go?

Thanks, Kevin for all the tips. I was finding it difficult to find a freelancing job as a content writer. This article actually helped me. I followed all your sets and finally got a job which I applied at Job Vacancy Result Thanks!!!!!!

That’s awesome, Vedang. I’m glad the article helped you!

Pretty awesome article. i am already working as a freelancer but definitely this article going to help me even further more. Thank You.

Glad to hear it, Muhammad. Good luck!

The Quora part got me. I am active in quora as reader because the answers are always relevant and easy to read. The community are also very supportive there. After reading your article I just realize that Quora can be used as platform to promote our writing skill. That is amazing.

Hey, Utomo. Glad you found the Quora part to be enlightening! Best of luck leveraging the platform going forward. 🙂

Just landed here from Google and believe me, I’m stoked. So many options to choose from. Great article Kevin.

Hey, Gaurav. Glad you found the article! Did you have a favorite tip or suggestion?

The people I found in LinkedIn have always been literate and have done a good job. Also, when you want to hire a freelancer, search the forums and you will see his work and style. If you like him, he’s your man.

Thanks for the tips, Panagiotis. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!

I am looking for writers those who can come to my office and write. Its hard to find them

Hey, Yogesh. Yeah, finding local writers can be difficult. Is hiring writers who will work remotely not an option for your business?

Hi, i started blogging, i found article writing is difficult task, because it’s need to have good knowledge in English and also need to research on the topic so i decided to outsource articles for my blog

Yes, article marketing can be challenging. But in order for it to be fun and worthwhile, it has to be a labor of love to you. Do it when you don’t feel like doing it and start off with writing one or two articles per week. Then, focus on updating your blog or website with lots and lots of content. If you can manage to write 1500 words a day for 5 to 6 days a week for 2 to 3 years in addition to publishing two articles a week with links in the body of the article pointing back to your blog website, you should be good to go. 🙂

Thanks for sharing your insights, DNN. 🙂

Hey, Rishad. Makes sense. Lots of entrepreneurs outsource their writing. If it isn’t something you’re good at, or — as DNN mentioned — it’s not a labor of love, hiring talented freelance writers is a good call (if you can afford it). 🙂

Damn ! This article is really helpful thanks a lot for sharing.

Glad you enjoyed it, James!

Thank you for this super helpful post Kevin. Lots of unknown tips and insights which help us not waste time. Kudos to the great Smart Blogger team, one and all.

You’re welcome, Jeanette. Thank you for the kind words!

As a content writer, I’m always hunting for jobs. You see the thing with content writers and web developers are that our job is only one-time. There’s nothing recurrent, therefore, I ask you to please suggest some platforms for content writing jobs other than twitter and linekdin. Thanks

The hunting for jobs is a constant struggle for many writers. Look into tips 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15 in the “16 Hacks for Finding Under-the-Radar Writing Opportunities” section. They should give you quite a bit to work with.

Also, look into the other 12 job boards we mentioned (besides LinkedIn). I’ve personally heard some good things from writers about ProBlogger’s job board, so that could be a good place to start.

The money is everyone online quietly waiting to be tapped into. You just have to be willing to keep going regardless of the awesome challenges life presents. If you really want to make freelancing and the side hustle work for you, you must be willing to do the transformation business work, out of inspiration or desperation.

Great advice. What often separates the success stories from the cautionary tales is the willingness to “keep going” through the challenges, trials, and tribulations.

Appreciate you stopping by and commenting!

Good article, worth spending time…. though a bit lengthy

Glad you enjoyed it. Yep, it’s quite lengthy. Most of my posts are, I’m afraid. 🙂

When did the blogging rules change that required blog posts to be so long that a Table of Contents was required?

And, current year is not a good idea for a Captcha. In Thailand, where I live, it is year 2563.

Hey Lawrence,

I wish we didn’t have to use Captcha at all. Never been a fan of it, regardless of implementation.

Definitely the most comprehensive resource on the internet on this topic. Fantastic read and tremendously helpful.

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Umer! “Most comprehensive resource” is what I was going for. 🙂

I am so glad I came across this article today … really helpful

Glad you found it helpful, Kshitija.

This is a well-written post. One site I would recommend apart from twitter, Quora, and Fb would be Fiverr. I feel the biggest challenge writers face are from the article spinning sites

Hey, Vinod. Glad you enjoyed the post!

I was just finding a way to start a new fresh content & suddenly got this article on google. It really helped me.

Hey Kishan,

I’m glad Google led you here. Happy to hear the post helped you!

Was a great article. Freelance writing is not simple as it seems, you have to show commitment. Anyways, good job.

Yes, you definitely need to commit to freelance writing if you hope to make a career out of it. It’s certainly worth it. 🙂

Thanks for the list! I’d love to see a more in-depth course on this. Finding freelance writing jobs is the hardest thing…

I have just started to write. Even trying for some freelance writing jobs. But was a bit confused about the new things, but I think this will help me a lot to proceed further.

Writing is the king this days because contents the king, however, most writers find difficulties to do freelancing work because they are not aware of the proper platform. Thanks for this article, I love to write and I will try definitely for freelancing.

I was wondering how could i spend time in this pandemic. i came across this article, it gave me lot of strength.

Thanks a lot for this wonderful article

Thanks for this information KEVIN.

Previously, we had bad experience with freelance writer. Therefore now we have our own professional content writer team, serving exceptionally great services to all our In-House clients. We believe that fresh & good content also help us to rank better on Google SERP.

It’s a wonderful post for a starter like me. I have started a blog just a month over and I am very much confused about how I can take this further as my career, but thanks Kevin you have resolved lots of my confusion. But still, I am worried about one thing is that I am not a seasoned writer. I used to be a programmer and I just started writing. Before starting to write, the one thing that comes in my mind is that what I will write and how I will write. Can you give any guidance on how to resolve that fear?

Hi Kevin, Absolutely amazing article. I really appreciate that you put on a great effort to bring out such outstanding content. As a freelance writer I find all these tips very helpful for finding more clients for me. My favorite tip was “Twitter’s advanced search engine”. It worked like magic for me.

Hello Kevin,

It’s a valuable post especially in these days of COVID-19 when everybody is looking to work from home and looking for freelance work. Thanks for your contribution.

Regards, Ovais Mirza

The article has a bunch of useful information and resources for freelancing writers who are struggling for finding writing jobs. You have done a great job 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing this! I just started a blog recently but I’m very much new to the writing space and figuring out these sort of things. So this was very helpful thank you!

Great Post. It tells me that where is the opportunity as the freelance writing jobs in this pandemic time. Thanks for sharing this. This post helps the writing community very much because you share useful information in this blog. Thanks for sharing. and keep sharing this type of content.

Great job on this article Kevin.

It has been a crazy year on so many levels. Your tips are dead on. Especially the tips on the bio and testimonials. Love the Quora tip too.

Hope you and your family are safe and sound.

Sincerely – Bill

Hey Kevin! As a freelance writer, I’m always looking for new ways to snag the next gig, and this list is FANTASTIC. Particularly love the reverse-engineer Twitter job search. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?! Thank you so much! -Neal

Kevin, you have written such a great article! It’s just amazing! You tips are accurate for writing content. Love it absolutely!

It was an impressive article. Thanks for sharing. Perfect 🙂

Very nice posts, I have started a blog and I am very much confused about how I can take this further as my career, but thanks Kevin you have resolved lots of my confusion. But still, I am worried about one thing is that I am not a seasoned writer. thanks a lot for this article.

I came back to this article in the year 2021 to say thank you. The tactics here worked for me like magic.

I’m as of now a freelancer but definitely however certainly this article going to help me even besides. thank you very much for this! Thank you and keep posting awesome articles!

Greetings Kevin, It’s good to know that you have done a thorough and deep level of brainstorming blog topic on freelancing content writing tasks. This will make beginner-level content writers grow in this field and make it advanced level. Amazing & thank you.

Haha this is another amazing article from you Kevin! You always have amazing tips with you to give!

This is one of the most in-depth and helpful guides for freelance content writers. I am going to try and implement a lot of tips mentioned in this blog.

Thank you so much for this incredible guide

Thanks, Kevin, It’s quite informative and motivational for me, Literally, I was scared before reading this article from content writing. now it’s quite helpful for me to do so. thanks again. ‘ll proceed with my work from now.

Good job Kevin, That’s an amazing article, but most of these sites usually looking for professional writers. There is very little chance for newbies.

A nice and well descriptive article ever I seen. In this corona time many people like me are finding online works. Your article is helpful for them and me too. Thank you for these special tips.

This is another amazing article from you Kevin. It’s good to know that you have done a thorough and deep level of brainstorming blog topic on freelancing content writing tasks.

Very useful tips for freelancers. I love this post and your work. Now a days content is the king.

some of the best talented writers have a bad habit of missing deadline and it is very bad habit that we cant ignore

you are 100% right about the freelancing jobs and great tips like quora and having knowledge on SEO is a must

I have been writing for quite some time and now I am quite better but to get a job is the hardest part. 🙁

Very informative post, really liked this post… Thanks for sharing.

Hey Kevin I have been reading your blogs for quite some time and every single one gives a lot of information as compared to others. Thank u so much for that 🙂

This has been super helpful. I’m going to implement it and hope to see good results. I don’t suppose you have an article on finding topics that you can point me to? One of my fears right now isn’t pitching, it’s how do I come up with a topic that’s as good or even better than what’s already on their site?

Hey Kevin. There are a lot of people interested in doing freelance jobs compared to previous years. With the pandemic going on, some people are choosing to work from home.

I like the testimonial and Quora tip. I think it’s simple yet effective way to promote yourself. Thanks!

I like the testimonial and Quora tip. I think it’s a simple yet effective way to promote yourself. Thanks!

I just have started working as a freelancer and these are wonderful tips to become a successful writer.

I have just started as a freelance writer, i have idea about direct dealing but not a perfect, i ll surely use this tips to grow and enhance my skills.

Awesome piece. with the pandemic’s experience online freelancing has gained more popularity. Reading this will help many individuals

Thank you for the post. I feel smarter and more intelligent by going through this blog post.

Your content is Very impressive, looks like you are also blessed with sharp writing skills. I liked the fact that it was easy to understand. Guys keep visiting Here..

You are doing a great job, and up to date with technology.

Very nice blog, good to see nice content keep posting more like this.

Wow! What an in-depth post you have created Kevin. Freelance writing has evolved with time and is still one of the best freelance gigs out there. This post is super helpful for beginners as well as seasoned writers, I only wish I had seen such a post when I first got started as a writer. I like the fact that you have made emphasis on the legal side of freelancers as I have been duped by many people in the past by not paying or paying only a part of the agreed upon fees after completion of the project. I’m sure this is something freelancers would be struggling with even now. Thanks for sharing such a detailed guide, I will be sharing this with anyone who asks me advice on how to get started as a freelance writer.

I have just started as a freelance writer, i have idea about direct dealing but not a perfect, i ll surely use this tips to grow and enhance my skills. Thank you for the post.

Hello, Thank you so much for sharing this very informative article. This will help me and many others also. thanks a lot.

hello, Thank you so much for providing this really useful post. This will benefit both me and many others. Thank you very much.

Hey Kevin I have been reading your blogs for quite some time and every single one gives a lot of information as compared to others. Thank u so much for that

That reverse-engineering blogging work on Twitter is clever. I enjoyed my freelance writing days before I decided to go with passive income. Fun way to profit online. Excellent post.

Hi Kevin, I try to read most of your blogs. Your writing is very much informative and helpful. This one also goes in the same way and it would certainly help freshers who want to earn by freelancing. Yes here I agree with you that for freelancing, a strong portfolio is a must, and after that one has to show his skill to earn more through freelancing. It would be a bonus if have any testomonial.

Greetings Kevin! I loved reading your post. It was helpful for me in such a different way that I am not able to explain in words. I have been writing content for a number of years, but just for local companies. When I heard about online freelancing, I was thrilled. And, throughout my journey, Smart Blogger has really helped me from polishing my skills to connect with international websites. Thanks a Lot.

Hi, Kelvin,

This is in-depth, actionable, and provides lots of advice to help up your game as a freelancer.

Though I am not a freelance writer, I write a personal blog to help my business, there are a lot of advice I learned from reading this post that will help my writing and business.

Thanks, Kelvin.

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How to Succeed as a Freelance Journalist: A Guide

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a freelance journalist? A freelance journalist is a self-employed professional who writes and sells stories to various publications. They have the freedom to choose their assignments and work at their own pace. However, like any profession, freelance journalism comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges. The main purpose of this post is to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the world of freelance journalism and succeed in it.

Understanding the Journalism Industry

The journalism industry has transformed significantly with the advent of the digital age. Traditional newsrooms are no longer the only avenue for journalists to ply their trade. The digital revolution has opened up opportunities for freelance journalists, allowing them to reach a global audience right from their living rooms. However, this shift also implies an increasingly competitive landscape, where standing out requires not just talent but a unique perspective and a knack for storytelling.

Essential Skills for a Freelance Journalist

What does it take to become a successful freelance journalist? First and foremost, you need excellent research skills. Freelance journalists often work on diverse topics, requiring them to quickly understand and accurately report on complex issues.

Next, strong writing skills are essential. Your ability to convey information clearly and engagingly is what will keep your readers hooked. Interviewing skills are also crucial, as they allow you to extract valuable insights from your sources. Finally, self-discipline is perhaps the most important skill for a freelance journalist. Without a boss to hold you accountable, it’s up to you to stay on track and meet your deadlines.

So, do you think you have what it takes to succeed in the world of freelance journalism?

Building Your Freelance Journalism Career

So, you’re ready to embark on your journey as a freelance journalist? Great! This exciting venture is not without its challenges, but with the right approach, you can build a successful career. Let’s explore the steps to get you started.

Acquiring Journalism Education and Experience

First and foremost, it’s essential to have a solid grounding in journalism. This could be a degree in journalism, or you may have gained practical experience through internships or on-the-job training. Why is this important, you ask? Well, a strong foundation in journalism equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to produce high-quality work consistently.

Not to worry if you don’t have a journalism degree, though. There are numerous online courses and workshops available that can provide you with the necessary skills. Remember, the goal is to become an expert in your field, so continuous learning is key.

Creating a Portfolio

Having a portfolio is crucial in the world of freelance journalism. Think of it as your professional showcase, a way to show potential clients the quality of your work. But what should you include in your portfolio?

Well, diversity is key. Include different types of articles, such as news reports, feature articles, and opinion pieces. This not only demonstrates your versatility but also helps potential clients see the range of topics you can cover. Additionally, your portfolio should reflect your unique voice and style, as this is often what sets you apart from others.

How you present your portfolio is equally crucial. Ensure it’s professionally formatted, easy to navigate, and highlights your best work. Remember, first impressions matter!

Navigating the Freelance Market

Now that you’re equipped with the right skills and a robust portfolio, it’s time to dive into the freelance market. But where do you find freelance journalism jobs?

There are many freelancing platforms where you can find journalism gigs. These platforms can be a great way to start, especially if you’re new to freelancing. Additionally, consider pitching your ideas directly to publications. If you have a unique story idea, editors might be willing to give you a shot.

Finally, networking is crucial in the freelance world. Attend journalism events, join online communities, and connect with other journalists and editors. You never know when a connection might lead to a new opportunity. Remember, every step you take is a step closer to building your successful freelance journalism career.

Setting Your Freelance Rates

One of the most crucial aspects of freelance journalism is setting your rates. This can often be a daunting task, especially for those new to the field. So, how do you determine your worth? What factors should you consider when setting your freelance rates?

When it comes to freelance journalism, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Rates can vary significantly based on various factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.

• Experience Level: The more experience you have, the higher the rate you can command. Beginners may need to start with lower rates to attract clients and build a portfolio.
• Market Rates: It’s essential to research what other journalists with similar experience and skills are charging in the market.

Remember, setting your rates is a balance between what you believe your work is worth and what the market is willing to pay. Don’t undervalue your work, but also be realistic about what clients are willing to pay.

Managing Your Freelance Business

As a freelance journalist, you’re not just a writer; you’re also a business owner. This means you’ll need to handle aspects of the business side of freelancing, including invoicing, taxes, and setting boundaries with clients.

When it comes to invoicing, consistency is key. Develop a system that allows you to send out invoices promptly and follow up on unpaid invoices. There are many invoicing tools available online that can help streamline this process.

Understanding and managing your taxes is another crucial aspect of freelance journalism. As a freelancer, you’re responsible for paying your own taxes. Be sure to set aside a portion of your income for tax purposes and consider working with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all your tax obligations.

Setting boundaries with clients is also essential. As a freelancer, you’ll likely be working with multiple clients. It’s important to communicate your working hours, deadlines, and expectations upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

Managing a freelance business can be challenging, but with proper planning and organization, you can effectively handle these tasks and focus on what you love doing most – writing.

Enhancing Your Freelance Journalism Skills

As a freelance journalist, the onus is on you to improve your skills and stay relevant in the ever-changing journalism field. This involves continuous learning and adaptation. But how can one achieve this?

One way is through online courses . There’s a plethora of online platforms offering journalism-related courses that can help you sharpen your skills and stay updated with the latest trends and standards in the industry. Whether you want to improve your research skills, writing style, or learn about new tools and software, online courses can be a beneficial resource.

In addition, attending workshops and seminars can provide you with hands-on experience and an opportunity to network with other professionals. They can also provide you with insights into how other successful freelance journalists operate.

Lastly, reading industry-related books and articles can broaden your knowledge and provide you with different perspectives on journalism. This can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of your field, and make your work more nuanced and insightful.

Staying Motivated and Productive

Working independently can sometimes lead to lack of motivation and productivity. So, how do you maintain your drive and stay productive as a freelance journalist?

Firstly, setting clear and achievable goals can greatly boost your motivation. These goals can be related to the number of articles you want to write, the number of pitches you want to send, or the income you want to earn. Keeping track of your progress and celebrating your achievements can also boost your morale.

Secondly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance plays a crucial role in productivity. Remember to take regular breaks, engage in physical activity, and pursue hobbies outside of work. This can help prevent burnout and maintain your enthusiasm for your work.

Overcoming Challenges as a Freelance Journalist

Freelance journalism comes with its own set of challenges. However, with the right mindset and strategies, these challenges can be overcome. Here are some common challenges and their solutions:

• Unstable income: Diversify your income sources and save for lean periods.
• Isolation: Network with other freelancers or join a coworking space to combat loneliness.
• Managing all aspects of the business: Consider outsourcing certain tasks or using tools and software to streamline your work.
• Keeping up with industry changes: Regularly update your skills and knowledge through courses, workshops, and reading.

In conclusion, succeeding as a freelance journalist requires more than just journalism skills. It involves continuous learning, staying motivated and productive, and overcoming challenges. By applying the tips discussed in this guide, you can navigate the freelance journalism field with confidence and achieve success. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep succeeding!

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• How to Tell Someone Your Hourly Rate and Get the Job
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9 Steps to Become a Freelance Journalist: The Ultimate Guide

If you are reading this, you want to know how to become a freelance journalist.

If you are a digital nomad reading this, you probably want to know how to make money while traveling as a journalist.

In both cases, welcome! I am the founder of Being Digital Nomad , and I am writing this guide to help you figure this out.

Well, you have come this far. You have taken the first step — congratulations!

Do not hold back from here. Many of us don’t even know what to do in life or what to do we like. If you are sure you want to take journalism as a career, then I am happy that you have decided — it’s great! Why is freelance journalism a good profession? Well, you will find out in a while.

But if you are still unsure whether freelance journalism is right for you, then hold back. Pause for a second and take a deep breath. Here’s something that I recommend you to read. This is an essay from Paul Graham on how to do what you love . Read this essay if you are still uncertain.

If you are confident (with or without reading the essay) that freelance journalism is right for you, read on. By the way, I recommend this essay to anyone struggling to figure out what they want to do.

Now that you have decided, let’s move ahead.

Table of contents

Key takeaways, 1. you can command your rates, 2. you are your boss, 3. you get to work on exciting assignments, 4. you can build connections and grow your career, how much do freelance journalists make, 1. examine your background and skills, 2. choose a journalism beat, 3. make a journalism portfolio, 4. get a journalism internship (optional), 5. find out publications that pay freelancers, 6. write a journalism pitch that sells, 7. deliver the story, 8. get published and paid, 9. improvise and repeat, wrapping up.

• Freelance journalism offers autonomy, diverse assignments, and the ability to travel while earning.
• Income varies based on experience, pitch acceptance, and publication rates. While uncertain initially, it can provide a substantial living.
• Understanding journalism, choosing a niche, building a portfolio, and pitching stories to publications are key initial steps.
• Persistence, a structured pitching routine, and honing writing skills are vital to thriving in freelance journalism.

Why become a freelance journalist

One reason to get into freelance journalism is that you like it.

Like other digital nomad jobs , it can be a great way to make money while traveling while doing something you love.

But that’s a subjective reason. There’s more to it than that. If you are a freelance journalist, then here are some of the things that you can enjoy.

Yes, you can command your rates as a freelance journalist. You decide what you get. But it’s not always like that.

Often, publications have a sure price cap, but that can be negotiable. You can command a rate around that price or even ask for one (within reasonable limits — depending on your skills and reputation).

Everyone talks about this; everyone wants to be this.

You decide when and what to work on when you are your boss. You decide if you want to take a Sunday or a Monday off — it’s totally up to you.

As a freelance journalist and publisher, I no longer relate to those memes that say how bad Mondays are! Yes, say goodbye to the demanding schedule when you are a freelancer.

This option works for digital nomads, as they do not have to be tied to fixed schedules and can work on the go.

You will be writing about what you want, and in the process, you will be researching exciting topics, interviewing people, and even traveling to new places to work on assignments.

Exciting, right? Since you are doing what you like, you won’t have a lot of complaints.

You are pretty much free since you are not working for anybody. As a freelance journalist, you will contact new editors and publishers every other day, which means that new assignments (even higher-paying) will await you.

You can even land a full-time job to get in-office experience. Or, you can work full-time as a freelancer for an organization.

Can you make a living as a freelance journalist?

This is an important question and a rather scary one.

Many people stray away from freelancing because it does not provide certainty, so it is natural to wonder if you can earn enough as a freelance journalist.

There’s a short and sweet answer to this — yes!

But again, that depends. Earning a full-time income as a freelance journalist depends on factors such as your experience, perseverance, and other things, such as how many pitches you make and how many of them are accepted.

Errr….pitches, what? Hold on; we will get to that part shortly.

It can get easier for digital nomads as they can niche down to travel journalism, which can pay.

Many freelance journalists earn as much as $100k per year and more. That might not be a lot for many people, but this depends.

Again, this depends, but you can make anything more than $20K per year to put things into perspective — and that’s not working full time; just enough to engage you a bit.

The amount is valid if you write for publications that pay in USD or Euros. If you are writing for your country’s media houses, expect to earn enough full-time to pay your bills and save it up.

However, writing for both local and international publications is the right balance. If you are looking at big money, then international publications are where you should be eyeing it.

However, many freelance journalists keep it balanced since international publications may not always publish stories you want to write about.

For example, The Guardian or The New York Times may not publish a story about the soaring prices in your local market, but your local or national publication would. So it’s a mix of your niche, your interests, and your target audience.

If you are curious about how much these publications pay, you can check out the free online database Who Pays Writers , a crowdsourced catalog of publications with rates.

What are the steps to becoming a freelance journalist?

Let’s look at the steps you should take to successfully break into freelance journalism — the juiciest part of this article.

It’s hard to do something unless you know how to do it. It’s not impossible; you can almost certainly figure it out.

Having a background in a field helps, and so does knowing about your skills.

How much do you know about journalism? Have you been to a journalism college? Are you trying to become a journalist without a college degree? If you are a digital nomad traveling, do you have enough time on your hands?

If you have been to a journalism college, you will have a good set of skills that can help you become a journalist — you will at least know how to write a news story or even tackle a feature piece. If you have not been to college and are just breaking into the field, then do not be disappointed.

I believe in self-learning, and a good start would be educating yourself about journalism — read a newspaper every day, see how reports are written, and learn how to write reports yourself.

Once these basics are cleared, you are all set to move ahead.

You get the idea that a journalism beat is your area of expertise — it could be society, environment, arts and culture, politics, tech., sports, entertainment, music, or cannabis.

It’s something you have extensive knowledge of — it could be related to your college major or an area in which you have accumulated vast knowledge through reading and researching.

Choosing a journalism beat helps you establish authority — clients, editors, and publications will know that you are an expert in your beat, and the money they invest in you or your story won’t go to waste.

Once you have a better idea of your background and skills or have at least nurtured them and have decided on a beat, it’s time to make a journalism portfolio.

But what is a journalism portfolio?

Well, it’s just a collection of your works that you can show clients or organizations to show you have what it takes to be a freelance journalist.

So how do you make a journalism portfolio? Start by writing various samples in different categories. You can have a few news reports, a few feature stories, some profiles, interviews, and maybe some investigative journalism.

Different samples help editors know that you can easily tackle different stories and not be a hassle in editing and production.

Once you have written some stories, create a free blog, and upload the articles there. You can use platforms such as Medium and WordPress to create a free portfolio.

If you want to take it to the next level, you can even create a custom site by your name — it just adds a bit more authority to things and lets people know that you are seriously into the business.

However, having a custom site is not mandatory. It’s your writing that speaks and resonates.

It is pretty hard to break into a field without knowing the trade of it. Freelance journalism can look like an underpaid career if you start, but fret not! You are here to go a long way. Once you are out of college and have skills, you can approach media organizations for an internship.

You can still approach them for internships if you have never been to a journalism college. However, you will be at a disadvantage here since it might be easier for media organizations to prioritize people who have a journalism background.

But that’s not all too disappointing. Why? Because you have a solid portfolio. You can write to editors and organizations asking for an internship opportunity and present your portfolio to them. If you meet them in person, you can print your stories and show them to them.

So how do you find a journalism internship?

Start by hitting your local media offices and reaching out to them to find out if they have a position available. Considering the college schedules, some organizations have a specific period when they hire interns, so you might have to prepare things beforehand and apply before that period to (maybe) be on their priority list.

You can also get testimonials and recommendation letters from your college’s journalism or writing department to further strengthen your application.

Have a favorite organization you would like to join as a journalism intern? Write to them, share your portfolio, and wait for a response. Follow up after a week, maybe follow up again — don’t bug them, though. If they are interested, then they will get back to you. You can also send your portfolio to multiple organizations at once and wait for a response.

Remember to have a healthy conversation with them if you get selected at multiple places.

If you think it is hard to find an internship and the process is only tiring you out, you can gladly skip this step. A journalism internship only gets you into the rush of things — it gets you to look at what a real or a virtual newsroom is like. But since our focus here is on becoming a freelance journalist, it is not all too mandatory.

This step is straightforward; you will want to move on to the next part, which is figuring out who to write for and how to find publications that pay freelance journalists.

Now that you have come this far, it is time to find out how you can make money as a freelance journalist by writing for publications that pay.

There are several ways to do that. If you as some budget — as little as $10 — then you can subscribe to someone like Sonia Weiser , who can send you a weekly newsletter comprising all the calls for pitches. That way, it will be easier for you to track down publications looking for stories.

The newsletter is quite good, with all the links to calls with details on payment and what they are looking for. Writejobs is another place where sources call for pitches and writing jobs.

If you do not want to spend money subscribing to a paid newsletter, you can head over to Twitter and search for keywords such as:

• Call for pitches
• Write for us
• Looking for your beat writers

For more specific searches, you can highlight your queries in quotes.

I am mentioning Twitter because that’s where the juice is. Most of the publications are on Twitter, sending out their calls for pitches. So why look anywhere else when you can directly target the source?

Once you have a list of publications you would like to write for, it’s time to reach out to them. But before that, I would suggest that you have everything in order. A free task management platform like Trello can help you organize things neatly.

A sample Trello task board

You can still use spreadsheets if you are into the classic form of taking notes. Stickies, other task management apps, notepads, and handwritten notes also do the job.

Now that you know what publications you would like to contribute to as a freelance journalist, it is time to send your pitches.

What is a journalism pitch?

A journalism pitch is your proposal for a story you would like to write — one that you send to the editor of a publication.

So how to write a journalism pitch that does not suck and has a high chance of converting?

Most of the pitches are ignored by editors because they suck. Here, I will briefly get into how to write a compelling pitch.

Introduce yourself briefly

Introduce yourself briefly in your pitch email — a couple of lines on who you are and what you do. If you are breaking in, then you can let go of the large bit of the introduction part and skip to the next.

Talk about your idea

Talk about the idea in a way editors can envision your piece — you should paint it for the. Let them know which section would your story fits best. Introduce the topic and then discuss why it is relevant — has there been much coverage recently? Is it something worth exploring?

Once you introduce your topic and make sure it is relevant, you can further improvise on the pitch idea in the next step. You cannot look into stale angles. Find a fresh angle that hasn’t been spoken about.

Provide strong sources

It’s great to have someone talk about your story in the piece. Let the editors know that you have done your homework and that you have people to speak to. Yes, it would be great to get a few quotes from expert sources. Sources are good juice for the story and help establish authority.

Conclude the pitch

Yes, it’s that simple. Keep it short and sweet. 300-350 words is a good word count for a pitch. While concluding the pitch, talk about yourself, and link to relevant samples in your beat. Show off your portfolio.

Mention a word count if you have one in mind, or ask them what’s the count that they are looking at. However, it helps if you have an idea of the word count. After all, it’s your story, right? If unsure, look at similar stories in their publication and figure out the average word count.

It all depends on the story. News stories can be up to 600 words. Features can be 1200-1500. Long-form stories are easily more than 2,000 words. Long-form features, interviews, and profiles can even hit 3,000 or 4,000 words.

Finally, end things by saying when you can get back to them with the story. Please provide them with a timeline for your first draft, so they know when to expect it.

I suggest you submit a pitch daily (or more) to better your chances. You will want to send multiple monthly pitches to increase your acceptance rate. You might even need to recycle your existing pitches. Some publications, however, do not allow simultaneous submissions, so keep that in mind.

Now that you have a commissioned story, you will want to deliver it — of course, you have to deliver it. All this work for nothing? No way!

Give it your best shot. Write crisp sentences that speak the point. Interview your sources and write a good draft.

If you want to polish your writing further, you can use free writing tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway to improve your writing.

The rest of the work is done by the editor. Please submit your story within your timeframe; apologize and provide a valid reason if you are late — maybe let them know beforehand. Once you send the story, the editors will work with you to improve it. Maybe you will have a couple of editing rounds to improve the story.

Get paid after all the hard work.

Great, so you are published! Do not forget to ask for a byline (your name and short intro on the story) to strengthen your portfolio further. But how do you get paid? If your publication is in your country, they may consider sending you a cheque or doing a wire transfer. That’s easy. Just send them your details.

You might have to get on a platform like PayPal to make it easier to get paid. It is popular, and most clients will use it. It takes minutes to set it up. Some clients, however, might prefer a bank transfer. In that case, you’d have to provide the SWIFT code of your bank. This tool helps with it.

The next step is getting better at the process — an essential step in the process of becoming a freelance journalist. Identify the loopholes in your process and get better. The more you pitch, the better you become. Discipline is the key to it as well, and you will need a lot of it to become a freelance journalist.

Have a pitching routine that you can follow. Once you have some bylines around, getting more assignments with better rates will be even easier. You will also be building work relationships with editors to better your chances of getting your stories in. They will know that you have what it takes to write a solid story, right?

Great, you have come to this guide’s end and hopefully have not lost it. Stick to the discipline — it’s rewarding.

Until then, good luck! Share this guide so that others also get an idea of how to become a freelance journalist. Sharing helps. Ask me if you have any questions. I am here to help — at least, this article’s point.

Stick around. See you soon!

Happy pitching! 🙂

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How to Become a Freelance Journalist

By Rowan Glass

With the recent wave of layoffs hitting the journalism industry hard, many journalists are looking for a way to apply their skills outside the newsroom. In early 2024 , hundreds of journalists were laid off at major outlets across the U.S., with several papers even going under. These are hard times for the news industry, so it’s no wonder many journalists are searching for a way out.

Freelance journalism is one available backup option for both veteran journalists and newcomers to the field. Most news outlets and other media platforms accept freelance pitches on a rolling basis, providing a steady supply of work if you know where to look. Additionally, freelancing offers freedoms and flexibility that a conventional newsroom job can’t provide. In this article, I lay out a few tips and best practices for aspiring freelance journalists so that you can best leverage your skills to go freelance.

Looking for fellowships for journalists and freelancers? The ProFellow funding database contains over 2,700 fellowship opportunities in every discipline and all around the world!

What’s your beat?

While newsroom journalists may cover various topics, freelance writers usually specialize in a specific beat—a particular area of expertise they consistently cover. Establishing a beat based on one’s background and interests is vital for success as a freelancer. Most outlets prefer writers with specialized expertise and focused story ideas, so it’s essential to identify and develop your beat early in your freelance career.

Developing your beat defines what kind of journalist or writer you are. If you have a background or interest in fashion, you’ll know to brand yourself as a fashion writer and pitch to fashion outlets. If your background is in science and technology, you’re well-positioned to write for outlets specializing in science journalism. Your expertise will also show through to the editors you’ll pitch to, who want to see that you know what you’re talking about. Knowing what kind of writer you are and who to pitch to is, therefore, the first step in becoming a freelance journalist.

Just as important as defining your identity as a writer is knowing how to leverage it to write a good pitch. Freelancers typically work by developing story ideas and pitching them to relevant editors and outlets. Knowing how to develop an engaging, newsworthy, and concise pitch that will pique an editor’s interest is a crucial aspect of the field.

A good pitch is focused, interesting, and understands both what the outlet is looking for and what its audience wants to read. In 300–500 words, you must establish your idea, why it matters, why you’re the right person to write it, how long it will be, and what methods or sources you’ll use. You might also want to link one or two samples of your past work so the editor can get a feel for your style and abilities. Just remember that editors are often very busy, so keep it clear and concise—and don’t feel discouraged if they don’t respond (it happens to every freelancer!).

Because most freelancers’ success rate per pitch is fairly low, you should be ready to tweak and resubmit your pitch to various outlets and editors before getting a response. This can be a tedious and sometimes frustrating process, but it’s usually the only way for new freelancers to land their first assignments and start building lasting relationships with editors and outlets.

As in almost every career field, the old truism also applies to freelancing: it’s not what you know but who you know. Of course, what you know matters too, but the spirit of the saying is correct; when selling your ideas (as is essentially what freelancers do), it’s important to build lasting professional relationships in the field to facilitate your work.

The primary type of relationship freelancers must cultivate is with editors and outlets. Many freelancers gain consistent work by proving their worth to specific editors who know they can trust the quality and timeliness of the writer’s work. Usually, this works by successfully pitching an editor, meeting their expectations in the assignment, and then pitching them again with another great idea. Most editors remain receptive to writers of proven quality, so this approach can provide a steady stream of work for a given outlet or column.

Networking with other freelancers can also be a source of valuable advice, information, and further networking opportunities for novice freelancers. Some freelancer and media worker networking organizations also publish pitching guides and cultivate databases of open pitch calls, pay rates per outlet, editors by outlet and subject area, and other such useful information. Study Hall is one of my personal favorites, as it includes both an opportunity finder, which has helped me land valuable gigs, and an email listserv through which I can network with other freelancers. Freelancing for Journalists and Journo Resources are two Substack newsletters I would also recommend.

If you’re a fellowship alumnus, ProFellow’s International Fellows Network can also be a great place to network. At ProFellow, I’ve observed that many fellowship alumni engage in freelance writing on at least a part-time basis, and they’re often very well-connected people. Connecting with other fellowship alumni can provide great insight into freelance writing opportunities.

Diversifying your portfolio

When you’re just starting out, it’s important to focus on developing specific beats, working on your pitches, and landing your first few writing gigs. However, once you’ve established a niche and a proven track record, you might consider diversifying your portfolio to build multimedia skills or develop your expertise across multiple writing genres. Doing so will open up the number of opportunities available to you regarding both the form and content of your work.

In terms of form, the media landscape is increasingly visual and short-form . Long-form writing is still around, of course, and it pays well when you can get it—but by and large, most media consumers today are more interested in audiovisual content and pithy writing than they are in lengthy, deeply reported stories that take time to unfold and read. That’s why multimedia forms of journalism and content production can give freelancers more work opportunities. Many writers are now extending their skills into podcasting, video production, photojournalism, and other forms of media. Cultivating your abilities in these non-textual forms of production can make you a more well-rounded and employable freelancer.

In terms of content, it’s not uncommon for journalists and freelancers to develop multiple beats, helping them land steady work in various outlets across several genres or areas of expertise. Beats are often but not always related; for example, a science journalist might cover both climate science and renewable energy. A business journalist might cover both technology and microfinance. The options are nearly endless, so think about your interests and expertise and identify how you can develop new beats to monetize them.

Fellowships for freelance journalists

Whether you’re new to journalism or already have some experience, joining a fellowship program tailored for freelance journalists can significantly enhance your career. These programs offer opportunities to develop skills, access new avenues, and network with industry peers. Some programs cater specifically to freelancers, while others are open to journalists from all backgrounds, providing a diverse array of options for freelancers to explore. Be sure to check out the full range of ProFellow’s journalism fellowships listings to take full advantage of these opportunities and bolster your career as a freelancer.

Additional resources:

• 40 Journalism Fellowships for Experienced Journalists and Recent Graduates
• 23 Journalism Fellowships in Europe
• 10 Fellowships for Freelance and Digital Nomad Work
• Gilman Scholar Rowan Glass’s Leap Of Faith To Pursue Global Anthropology
• Dr. Eda Elif Tibet on Fellowships, Storytelling, and Realizing the Authentic Self
• UN Journalism Fellowships For Journalists From Developing Countries
• How to Win a Journalism Fellowship: Insider Tips from Knight Fellow Patrick Butler
• Markeshia Ricks on the Knight Fellowship in Community Journalism
• ProFellow’s International Fellows Network

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• A Break from the Newsroom to Work on Global Migration: The Knight-Wallace Fellowship

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How to Succeed in a Freelance Journalist Career

• Published: November 29, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

Freelance Journalist Career: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

The world of journalism has evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most exciting paths for aspiring journalists is a freelance career. As a freelance journalist, you have the freedom to choose the stories you want to cover, work on your own schedule, and build a diverse portfolio of work. However, like any other career, freelancing comes with its own set of challenges and requires a strategic approach to succeed. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of a freelance journalist career, covering everything from building your brand to finding clients and managing your finances. So, if you’re ready to embark on this thrilling journey, let’s dive in!

1. Understand the Role of a Freelance Journalist

Before delving into the world of freelance journalism, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what the role entails. As a freelance journalist, you will be responsible for generating your own story ideas, pitching them to editors or clients, conducting interviews, researching, writing articles, and meeting deadlines. Unlike staff journalists, freelance journalists work on a project-by-project basis and have the freedom to work with multiple publications or clients simultaneously.

2. Hone Your Journalism Skills

To excel as a freelance journalist, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in journalism skills. This includes impeccable writing skills, the ability to conduct thorough research, excellent interviewing techniques, and a keen eye for detail. If you feel the need to brush up on these skills, consider enrolling in journalism courses or workshops offered by a reputable institution like New York University (NYU).

3. Build Your Brand and Portfolio

Building a strong personal brand is crucial for freelancers, as it helps you stand out from the competition and attract potential clients. Start by creating a professional website or online portfolio where you can showcase your best work, highlight your areas of expertise, and provide contact information for potential clients or editors. Remember to include a well-written bio that highlights your unique skills and experiences.

4. Network, Network, Network

Networking plays a significant role in any freelance career, and journalism is no exception. Attend industry events, join journalism associations or organizations, and connect with fellow journalists or editors through social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to valuable connections, potential job opportunities, and collaborations.

5. Pitching and Finding Clients

Pitching is an essential skill for freelance journalists, as it’s how you sell your story ideas to editors or clients. Research publications or websites that align with your interests and target audience, and tailor your pitches accordingly. Make sure to familiarize yourself with each publication’s guidelines and editorial style before submitting your pitch. Additionally, consider joining platforms like Yellowbrick, which offer online courses specifically designed to help freelance journalists improve their pitching skills and find clients.

6. Time Management and Discipline

Working as a freelance journalist requires excellent time management and self-discipline. Without a structured office environment, it’s easy to get distracted or overwhelmed by multiple projects. Create a schedule that works for you, set deadlines for yourself, and prioritize tasks accordingly. Utilize productivity tools or apps to stay organized and focused.

7. Financial Management

Managing your finances is a crucial aspect of freelancing. As a freelance journalist, your income may vary from month to month, so it’s essential to budget accordingly. Keep track of your expenses, set aside money for taxes, and consider investing in accounting software or hiring a professional accountant to help you stay on top of your financial responsibilities.

8. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

The world of journalism is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends shaping the industry. To thrive as a freelance journalist, it’s essential to embrace continuous learning and adapt to these changes. Stay updated with the latest tools, techniques, and storytelling formats used in modern journalism. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to expand your skillset and stay ahead of the curve.

9. Cultivate Resilience and Perseverance

Freelancing can be challenging at times, with rejection and uncertainty being common occurrences. Cultivating resilience and perseverance is crucial to overcome these obstacles and keep moving forward. Learn from rejections, seek feedback, and use setbacks as opportunities for growth. Remember that success in freelance journalism is a journey, and perseverance is key.

10. Embrace the Freedom and Enjoy the Ride

One of the most rewarding aspects of a freelance journalist career is the freedom it offers. Embrace this freedom, explore diverse topics, experiment with different writing styles, and enjoy the ride. Freelancing allows you to shape your own career path and make a meaningful impact through storytelling. So, go out there, chase your dreams, and make a mark in the world of journalism!

Key Takeaways

• Understand the responsibilities of a freelance journalist, including generating story ideas, pitching, conducting interviews, and meeting deadlines.
• Hone your journalism skills by improving writing, research, interviewing, and attention to detail.
• Build a strong personal brand and showcase your work through a professional website or online portfolio.
• Network with industry professionals through events and social media to expand your connections and opportunities.
• Master the art of pitching to sell your story ideas to editors or clients and consider utilizing platforms like Yellowbrick for additional guidance.
• Develop strong time management and discipline to stay organized and focused on multiple projects.
• Manage your finances efficiently by budgeting, tracking expenses, and seeking professional accounting assistance if needed.
• Embrace continuous learning and adaptability to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in journalism.
• Cultivate resilience and perseverance to overcome challenges and setbacks that may come with freelancing.
• Enjoy the freedom that comes with a freelance journalist career and make a meaningful impact through storytelling.

If you’re ready to kickstart your freelance journalist career, consider enhancing your skills and knowledge through the NYU | Modern Journalism online course and certificate program. This comprehensive program offers valuable insights and practical guidance to help you succeed in the ever-evolving world of journalism. So, take the leap, chase your dreams, and embark on a rewarding journey in freelance journalism!

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• Write for Magazines: 21 Publications That Pay $500+ Per Assignment

Evan Jensen

1. AARP, The Magazine

2. alaska beyond, 3. the atlantic, 4. chatelaine magazine, 5. hoof beats, 6. discover magazine, 7. early american life, 8. earth island journal, 9. eating well, 10. enroute, 11. the open notebook, 13. green entrepreneur, 14. hakai magazine, 15. hemispheres, 16. kitplanes, 17. liisbeth, 18. popular science, 20. smithsonian, 21. the sun, get paid to write for magazines.

Want to write for magazines?

It’s a great way to make a living writing if you pitch the right publications. How about $500 or more per assignment?

If you’ve been cranking out magazine stories for $50 to $150 a pop, you may be wondering if that’s really even possible. That’s often the going rate for local, regional, or small-circulation magazines.

If you want to write for magazines, and have limited experience, these are great places to get some clips, and earn some money, but it shouldn’t be your last stop.

Many consumer and trade magazines pay $500 or more per assignment. And the pitching process is pretty much the same as smaller pubs:

• Identify a magazine you want to write for
• Study the submission guidelines
• Develop a solid story idea
• Do a little research and interview a source
• Write a killer query letter, and pitch your story idea to an editor

If you can do that, you’ve got the chops to get paid well to write for any magazine on the market . But you need to know where to look for those $500-plus assignments. Check out these 21 magazines to find freelance writing jobs .

Here’s an interesting fact about the magazine published for readers over age 50. AARP has the highest circulation of any magazine in the United States, with more than 35 million subscribers.

That also means it pays well, on average $1/word or $1,500 per assignment. Publishes news, features, how-tos, and essays about money, health and fitness, food, travel, relationships, and more for over-50 readers.

AARP  may be a tough magazine to crack for newbies, but it’s not impossible. Smart networking efforts and a solid story idea helped Freelance Writers Den member Willi Morris land an assignment with AARP , one of her dream clients.

Contact: Senior Editor George Mannes or Features Editor George Blooston

Not all in-flight magazines openly publish writer’s guidelines, but  Alaska Beyond is one that does. About 75 percent of this magazine is written by freelancers. Best way to break in: Pitch a short piece for “The Feed” department. Then you’re a lot more likely to land higher paying assignments (up to $700) for travel, news, and feature stories.

Contact: Editor Paul Frichtl

If you want to write for The Atlantic , a magazine that covers news and analysis on politics, business, culture, technology, national, international and political life, read this by former Atlantic staffer Garance Franke-Ruta: “ How (not) to pitch: A guide for freelance writers .”

FYI— The Atlantic is also open to working with new freelancers. It’s where Freelance Writers Den member Douglas Fitzpatrick landed his first magazine assignment as a newbie for a piece about the career trajectory of Donald Trump.

Want to write for  The Atlantic?  Study the magazine and  pitch an idea with a query first . Pays $150 to $1,600 depending on assignment.

Contact: See department staff info here

Chatelaine is a popular monthly women’s magazine in Canada that covers health and fitness, finance, social issues, fashion, beauty, food, and home decor. It’s target audience is active women ages 25 to 54.

“The Health section covers the latest news and studies, gives fitness and workout tips and explores hot-button issues,” says Managing Editor Laura Brown. Query with a story idea first. Pays an average of $1/word or $1,500 per assignment.

Contact: Follow their pitching guidelines here

Hoof Beats is one of the world’s most popular harness racing magazines. Being 70 percent freelance written, they are always looking for new and exciting stories from high-quality writers with an interest in horses, particularly Standardbreds and harness racing. If you want to write for Hoof Beats , read their digital or print magazine and get to know their voice and their audience.

Pays up to $500 for feature stories.

Contact: Editor James Witherite . Send submissions to [email protected] .

Discover is a science-based magazine that features stories about medical research, scientific breakthroughs, technology, physics, space travel, and even paleontology. Keep in mind it’s written for a lay audience, so academic language won’t get you an assignment.

Want to write for Discover? Here’s some advice from freelancer  Susan Etchey : “The only way a new writer has a chance to get the attention of its editors is to have an explosive, compelling untold science story to tell.” Discover magazine’s rate is starting at $1/word.

Contact: Senior Editor  Gemma Tarlach  or another member of the  editorial team .

From colonization to life in the mid-1800s, Early American Life magazine features stories about history, architecture, antiques, crafts, and travel destinations for people interested in early American life.

In the most recent issue, you’ll learn about rolling pins from the Colonial era, the evolution of the bald eagle as America’s mascot, brewing in the 1700s, and more.

Know how to dig up the bones to pitch a story about early American life? It’s worth the effort. This pub pays an average of $500 to $2,000 per assignment.

Contact: Executive Editor Jenmarie Andrews

If you want to write for  Earth Island Journal , follow the first rule of writing for any magazine. Read it. Study back issues.

This non-profit magazine is published in partnership with the Earth Island Institute, an environmental group founded in 1982 by David Brower . This magazine tells stories from around the world covering issues such as climate change, environmental justice, policy, environmental protection, animal rights and conservation, scientific innovation, and more.

Pays an average of $1,000 per assignment for stories about science, technology, the environment, and people making a difference.

Contact: Editor Maureen Nandini Mitra

Get in line at the grocery story, and you might see this magazine on the news stand. But it’s not just a magazine filled with recipes, photos of tasty food, and tips for healthy eating.

There’s a lot more “meat” in the pages of Eating Well that explains the science behind the taste, textures, and flavors that make food delicious. If you can combine smart storytelling with science and food, write a query letter and pitch an idea.  Eating Well pays an average of $1/word.

Contact :  Associate Nutrition Editor Julia Westbrook  or another member of the editorial team.

Glamping, conservation efforts, fishing for a record-setting marlin, and a Canadian’s guide to the Louvre. Those are just a few of the the types of stories featured in Air Canad’s in-flight magazine enRoute .

“We engage our audience through intelligent writing, insight, humour and spot-on service journalism,” says Editor-in-chief Jean-François Légaré. Study the guidelines and back issues before pitching a story idea.

Contact: Editor Caitlin Walsh Miller

The Open Notebook is a science journalism online magazine founded in 2010. This non-profit’s goal is to provide resources and tools to help improve the skills of science journalists by publishing stories and interviews about the craft of science journalism. On their website, they share their vision of “a world in which journalists everywhere are fully empowered to tell impactful stories about science that contribute to a more informed and engaged society, combat misinformation, and enable communities to navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world.”

The Open Notebook pays competitive rates for 1,500-2,000 words at $1,500 for interviews and $2,200 for reported features.

Contact:  Founder and president Siri Carpenter

Carol Tice spend over a decade writing about business, commerce, entrepreneurship, finance, and big businesses like Amazon and Microsoft. And it was the perfect proving ground for her to land a long-term gig writing for Forbes .

This business magazine is among the most recognized for publishing stories about the people, businesses, and trends in entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and more. And it’s good for freelancers. Forbes pays an average of $1/word and up.

Contact: Senior Editor Susan Adams , another member of the editorial staff or email [email protected] .

Last year, Entrepreneur  magazine launched  GreenEntrepreneur.com , to give readers that latest news about entrepreneurship, business, technology and lifestyle aspects of the cannabis industry.

“Rarely does a new industry explode with the exponential success that the legal marijuana trade has experienced,” Entrepreneur Media President Bill Shaw, said in a press release.

If you want to write for  Green Entrepreneur , study the guidelines and pitch a story idea about the cannabis industry. Pays up to $1.50/word.

Looking for story ideas? The latest buzz in Green Entrepreneur includes stories about a new weed vaporizor that may popularize smoking marijuana, a $400 million shopping spree spent on cannabis, the latest news about legalization, and more.

Contact:  Executive Editor Jonathan Small

If you want to write about archaeology, ecology, biology, geology, and oceanography of marine coastal environments, take a closer look at Hakai magazine .

You’ve got the chops to write for this magazine that pays $1 to $1.55 CAD per word if you have solid journalism experience, research skills, and the ability to interview sources.

“We are interested in great stories and strong voices,” says Editor Jude Isabella. “We tilt toward science and environmental stories, but we’re also interested in people and communities and how they interact with coastal ecosystems.”

Pitch short news stories about coastal environmental topics (500 to 800 words), or an in-depth feature (1,000 to 5,000 words).

If you can provide video (five minutes or less) or content for an infographic, to go with your story, your chances of acceptance go up.

Contact:   Editor Jude Isabella

The United Airlines in-flight magazine,  Hemispheres , happens to be one of two in-flight magazines listed in  Writer’s Market  listed with a $$$ pay rate.

Translation: This magazine pays freelancers an average of $750 to $1,500 per assignment. Publishes stories about global culture, adventure, business, entertainment, and sports .

Inside the current issue, you’ll find stories about must-see-and-do activities in Chicago, insights on life, career and relationships from actress Kristen Bell, moon-landing anniversary celebration tips, and more.

Contact: Editor Ellen Carpenter

This is what the Wright Brothers inspired more than 100 years ago:  build a plane from a kit, and fly it.

You might not think a highly-niche magazine with a small circulation (about 72,000 readers). But Kitplanes pays well enough to be included in this list, up to $1,000 per assignment.

Pitch story ideas about building and design, flight testing, construction techniques, personal experience, and features on the people and businesses who are involved in building personal aircraft.

Contact: Editor Paul Dye

Before you pitch a story idea to LiisBeth magazine that covers entrepreneurship, innovation, social issues, and the politics and policies of business, be sure to read the LiisBeth Manifesto .

If you can pitch a story idea that jives with that about people and businesses making a difference, you’re on your way landing an assignment that pays up to $2,000 U.S. Your best bet for a well-paid assignment…pitch a story idea for a profile, how-to, or investigative feature.

Contact:  Editor Nick Seebruch or you can send queries to [email protected]

If science and technology writing for an educated lay audience is your niche, don’t waste another minute waiting to pitch Popular Science . It’s one of the oldest magazines still in existence with roots dating back to the late 1800s.

It’s got a circulation of about 1.5 million readers, and a healthy budget to pay freelancers. How about $2/word or $1,000-plus per assignment?

Need story ideas? In the current issue, you’ll read about new threats posed by the Zika virus, rapidly-evolving drone technology, a cookie-test kitchen in outer space, and more.

Contact: Senior Editor Rachel Feltman

When Sierra magazine editor Jason Mark stepped into his new role a few years ago, he had just walked through Nevada’s Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, surrounded by massive wildfires. That solo experience shaped his mission to lead this magazine dedicated to causes to protect the planet, natural spaces, and outdoor recreation.

“I keep thinking about that trip to the Sierra, which seems emblematic of the challenges facing the environmental movement today,” says Mark. “We want to celebrate and enjoy the big, open spaces we love. At the same time, we have to be always on guard to protect those places.”

This is the magazine for Sierra Club members. Pitch story ideas about outdoor adventure, environmental issues, and people on a mission to “explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.” Pays $1/word and up per assignment.

Contact: Editor Jason Mark

Did you know the Smithsonian Institute includes 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and 2.7 million square feet of indoor space? There’s a lot to know and a lot to learn about the past, present and future of science, technology, the environment, and even the universe.

And you can write about it for the  Smithsonian  magazine and get paid well. The  Smithsonian   pays freelancers $1-$3/per word, which means a $500 assignment is more than realistic. So how do you break into this magazine?

“There has to be something surprising and narratively interesting there,” says  Senior Editor Jenny Rothenberg Gritz . “If the story is about the natural world, either the person you’re writing about has to be super charismatic and interesting, or something done about the issue has to be amazing.”

Contact: Associate Editor Thomas Stackpole or another member of the editorial staff.

Here’s an interesting way to differentiate yourself as a news and literary magazine…no advertising. That’s The Sun ‘s approach to focus on great writing.

This magazine has been around for 40-plus years, and is looking for essays, interviews, and story ideas about political and cultural issues. The Sun  pays up to $2,000 per assignment.

“We’ve been described in many ways,” says Editor and Publisher Sy Safransky. “Celebratory, fierce, unflinching, thoughtful, truthful, dark, darkly funny, tender.”

Contact: Senior Editor Andrew Snee or another member of the editorial staff .

If you’re looking for magazines that pay $500 or more per assignment, this isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. Lots of magazines pay pro rates.

• Check Writer’s Market (print or online) for more. Skip over the magazines that pay low rates, and focus those that pay $1/word or more.
• Get in touch with the editors at custom pubs and trade magazines . These mags frequently work with freelance writers and pay pro rates, but aren’t as easy to find as consumer pubs in Writer’s Market .
• Keep on pitching. Then work through the process to study the magazine, develop a story idea, and write a killer query letter. If you can do this for magazines that pay lower-rates, you can do it for bigger magazines that pay top dollar.

When not on a writing deadline or catching up on emails, Evan Jensen is training to run another 100-mile ultra-marathon.

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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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Huge List of Paid Writing Gigs and Online Jobs for Writers

Author: Holly Reisem Hanna

May 25, 2024 156 Comments

If you’re looking for online writing jobs, keep reading! This massive list of paid writing gigs has you covered no matter what your writing niche or specialty is!

Freelance writing is one of the best ways to make money from home, and it’s perfect for beginners. You don’t need experience or a degree; the opportunities are plentiful, and you don’t even need a website to get started. As long as you can provide well-written, engaging content and you can meet deadlines, you can make good money as a writer.

Not convinced?

New York Times Best Selling Author Nora Roberts  only has a high school education. She started writing her first novel back in 1979 after being trapped at home due to blizzard conditions. To date, Nora has written over 200 romance novels – incredible!

Still don’t believe me?

A few years ago, Danny Margulies decided to quit his full-time job to pursue an online copywriting career using the freelance platform Upwork. Without any special education or training, he quickly honed his skills and earned six figures during his second year as a copywriter.

If you’d like to work at home as a freelance writer, here is a huge list of paid writing jobs, where to find them, and, in some cases, pay rates.

Freelance Blog Writing Gigs

Writing blog posts is a quick and easy way to earn money and showcase your expertise, as numerous sites will allow a byline with a link back to your website. Many of these sites have established guidelines in place, so make sure you carefully read through the details and follow all of the guidelines. Crafting a thoughtful pitch will greatly improve your chances of getting accepted.

• 99 Designs – Contact for rates
• A Fine Parent – $75
• AutoStraddle – $80-$200
• BDG – Contact for rates
• Bored Teachers – Contact for rates
• Budget101 – $0.02-$0.05 per word
• Cambrick Yard LLC – Contact for rates
• Christian Courier – $30-$70
• Clever Girl Finance – Contact for rates
• Copyhackers – $300-$1,000
• DIS – $25
• DollarSprout – Check listings for rates
• First Quarter Finance – Contact for rates
• Food Tank – Contact for rates
• Girls Guide to Cars – Contact for rates
• GreenPrints – $100-$150
• Grown and Flown – Contact for rates
• Hip2Save – Contact for rates
• Horse Network – $100
• How-To Geek – Contact for rates
• Income Diary – $100-$300
• Insteading – $50
• Introvert, Dear – $75
• Listverse – $100
• Loaded Landscapes – $20-$150
• Make a Living Writing – $150-$230
• Mold Busters $200-$400
• Mommy Poppins – Competitive rates
• Nutri Inspector – $60-$180
• Pregnant Chicken – $100
• Screen Rant – Contact for rates
• SitePoint – Contact for rates
• Small Biz Trends – Negotiable
• Smashing Magazine – Contact for rates
• Technology Networks – Contact for rates
• The Barefoot Writer – $100-$300
• The Krazy Coupon Lady – Full-time, pay DOE
• The Right Hairstyles – Contact for rates
• The Sportster – Contact for rates
• The Write Life – $75-$250
• Theme Park Tourist – $10-$50
• Wise Bread – Contact for rates
• Writer’s Digest – $50-$100
• Writers Weekly – $30-$60

Full-Time Writing and Editing Jobs

If you prefer not to freelance, there are plenty of options for you to work from home on writing projects full-time. These positions tend to be with marketing and advertising agencies and online content creators and publishers. To find these full-time remote work opportunities, explore the hiring companies below. 

• Dotdash Meredith
• GoBankingRates

Paid Freelance Writing Platforms

No matter what type of freelance writing jobs you’re looking for (article writing,  copywriting , creative writing,  grant writing , ebooks, technical, case studies, press releases, content writing, or white papers), you’ll be able to find them on these freelance marketplaces. Each job site works in its own manner. For some, you’ll search for projects and submit bids; for others, you’ll apply to become a freelance writer; and for others, you’ll set up your own profile and list your services.

• Capital Typing
• ContentWriters
• Express Writers
• Journalism Jobs
• Media Bistro
• People Per Hour

Writing Greeting Cards

Have a knack for writing short and sweet sentiments? Turn your ideas into cash by submitting your words to greeting card companies . According to Carol Eannarino , payment for a greeting card idea ranges from $10-$50 or more, depending on the studio.

• Blue Mountain
• Comstock – $50 per idea
• Greeting Card Universe
• Oatmeal Studios – $100

Of course, you can create your own cards and sell them on a platform like Etsy. Melanie from Simple Made Pretty chronicles her success in selling greeting cards on Etsy . 

Write Helpful Tips, Short Stories, and Magazine Articles

Print and online magazines are always looking for new content, which is why many publications are willing to pay for short stories , helpful tips, poems, and even jokes.

Here are just a few publications that pay for submissions. Payment is made only if your tip or story is published.

• Apex Magazine – $0.08-$0.09 per word
• Broadview Magazine – Negotiable
• Chicken Soup for the Soul – $250
• Cricket – Up to $0.25 per word
• Discover Magazine – Print $1 per word, $300 for web
• Grain Magazine – $50-$500
• Guide – $0.07-$0.10 per word
• Ms. Magazine – Rates vary per assignment
• Narrative Magazine $50-$1,000
• The Story People – Contact for rates
• Writers Digest – $0.30-$0.50 per word
• YES! Magazine – $0.40-$0.50 per word

Do you want to write for magazines? Check out this post , where Linda Formichelli tells you how to break into this lucrative writing niche!

Job Boards for Writers

Smaller, niche-focused job board websites are a great place to search for freelance, part-time, and full-time writing jobs. Search the sites using these key phrases that meet your criteria.

• BloggingPro
• FlexJobs – A paid job board
• Freelance Writing Jobs
• ProBlogger Job Board
• Writers Wanted – A paid job board

Mixed Writing Jobs

One of my favorite places to search for writing jobs, both full-time positions and freelance roles, is staffing agencies . With staffing agencies, you can find contract, permanent, temporary, and remote job openings. They have openings for technical writers, content strategists, copywriters, public relations writers, SEO content writers, and more! Working with a staffing agency is an excellent way to test the waters in different writing careers, as well as a good way to get your foot in the door with companies. 

Here are some staffing agencies to explore for paid writing jobs: 

• Flex Professionals
• Kelly Services
• Robert Half

Medical Writers

If you have a degree in nursing, pharmacology, social work, or another medical specialization and you enjoy writing, there are many remote writing jobs for healthcare writers. With some of these writing job opportunities, you’ll write curriculum and test prep questions; other times, you’ll write policies, continuing education materials, grants, and articles. 

See each website for submission guidelines and assignments. 

• ClearVoice  
• CrowdPharm  

Get Paid to Write Poetry

Are you a creative writer who enjoys evoking emotions in people? Then, perhaps selling your poetry can earn you some extra cash. Here are a few places you can sell your poems.

• Arc Poetry Magazine – $50 per page
• Boulevard – $50-$300
• December – $40-$200
• Palette Poetry – $50-$150
• Poem Analysis – Contact for pay rates
• Poetry Foundation – $10 per line and $150 per page of prose
• Room – $50-$200 CAD
• Three Penny Review – $200-$400
• VQR – $200-$1,000

You’ll also want to check out this list of ways to earn money with your poetry here .

Recipe Writers and Developers

If you’re talented in the kitchen and create your own recipes, there are food bloggers who will pay you for your original written recipes. Most will also want you to include photos or videos as well.

• Recipe Yum – CPM payment model

For more recipe writing gigs, check out our post on how to make money selling your recipes . 

Earn Money as a Resume Writer

Are you good at proofreading, interviewing, and persuasive writing? Then, becoming a professional resume writer may be the perfect freelance writing job for you. As a resume writer, you’ll write cover letters, resumes, and sometimes LinkedIn profiles. You may also help job seekers practice answering common interview questions.

• Career5 – Freelance
• ERW – Freelance
• Talent Inc. – Freelance
• The Job Sauce – Part-time, independent contractors
• TopStack Resume – Full- and part-time writers

Paid Revenue-Sharing Sites

With revenue-sharing sites, you contribute content to the site, and in return, you make a percentage of the advertising revenue generated from your content. Each site does it a little differently; some offer base pay, while others are strictly based on how much traffic or how many clicks your content receives. I’ve never tried to make money this way, but here are some success tips from Carol Tice .

• The Richest

Write Romance Novels

Do you want to write the next Fifty Shades of Grey? Then, submit your manuscript to one of the many romance publishers.

• Carina Press
• Extasy Books
• Harper Collins Publisher
• Sourcebooks

Of course, you don’t have to go through a traditional publisher to get your book published. With Amazon, you can self-publish your book on a shoestring budget. The nice thing about going this route is you maintain the ownership of your book, which you don’t with a traditional publisher. If you’re curious about self-publishing, check out Rachel Blaufeld’s success story with self-publishing romance novels. 

Social Media and Content Marketing

With platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more, there is a huge demand for writers who know the ins and outs of these online marketing platforms. Sometimes, these positions are called social media managers or virtual assistants, and other times, digital content specialists. Besides writing social media updates, you may also create content for blogs, ads, newsletter campaigns, video scripts, and other forms of content creation.

General knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) is generally needed for these roles. Some companies may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field. However, depending on your experience level, some companies may substitute a degree for experience.

• MarketerHire
• VaVa Virtual Assistants

Travel Writing

Who doesn’t dream of traveling the world and getting paid to write about their adventures ? While most travel gigs pay for free travel, food, lodging, and activities, there are a few outlets that will pay a small amount for your writing.

• Backcountry Magazine – $0.35 or less per word
• Down East – $0.60-$0.75 per word
• Go Nomad – $25
• International Living – $100 per $1,000 words
• Nomadic Matt – $250
• Outpost Magazine – Pay negotiable
• Young Adventuress – $50-$150

Probably one of the best ways to make money as a travel writer is to start your own blog. With travel blogging, you’ll write your own content, publish it, and then make money through activities like affiliate marketing, advertising networks, selling products, and paid sponsorships. If starting a travel blog sounds appealing, be sure to sign up for our free 10-day start your blog course .

Final Words About Paid Writing Gigs

As you can see, there are tons of paid writing jobs for writers!

However, if you don’t see the type or topic of writing assignments you’d like to work on, you can always pitch your freelance writing services to a potential client. If you don’t have a website with writing samples, you can create an online portfolio on LinkedIn or Contently to showcase your work.

Since most of these job opportunities are freelance positions, you’ll want to be sure to track your income and expenses and set aside money for quarterly self-employment taxes. You’ll also need a system for keeping track of clients and deadlines, and our Ultimate Online Business Planning Toolkit is perfect for running your freelance writing business like a pro!

As your freelance writing career grows, you should invest in your writing skills by taking courses, joining professional organizations, and other tools and resources you’ll need to be successful.

What type of paid writing gigs are you searching for? Do you know of another site that pays writers? Let us know in the comment section below.

Originally published on February 25, 2015. Content updated on May 2024.

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About the Author

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna is a former nurse who decided to start a blog to make money from home while caring for her daughter. Since its inception in 2009, The Work at Home Woman has helped millions of readers find legitimate work at home jobs and business ideas. Under Holly's guidance, The Work at Home Woman was named one of the best websites for your career by Forbes two years in a row. Holly graduated from the University of Texas and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Woman’s World Magazine, CNN, and many others.

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Reader Interactions

156 comments.

June 1, 2024 at 6:39 am

I’m interested in pursuing a remote writing job from home. What steps should I take to get started in this field?

June 2, 2024 at 8:34 am

Write a few samples for your portfolio, and start applying for gigs.

February 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm

I began pursuing a career in Copy and SEO Optimization Writing about a year ago. I had at this point been studying the art of Copywriting for about a year. I paid for a course thru the AWAI Institute and even though there was great information, not a lot of support on finding real work. I began working construction last May to make ends meet and because of the long days and hard work, my career in Copy and SEO writing came to a complete stop. I have in the last few weeks began to restart the machine and even took this week off work to start applying for writing jobs and try to keep the dream alive. I go back to work in 2 days and I am concerned the momentum I have built will fall off once again. Even worse, the situation me and my kids have been in will not get any better if I remain doing the same thing. I thank you for this post, as I have been maniacally sitting with my laptop for days on end trying to find work so I can leave my other job. I am about to go one by one thru all your links because I know what I am looking for is there. Thank you

February 19, 2024 at 9:11 am

Check out this article by Danny; he chronicles his success using Upwork as a new copywriter: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-freelancing/

Wishing you all the best!

January 28, 2023 at 4:25 am

Hi, for the poetry, do they accept international submissions?

January 30, 2023 at 7:40 am

I believe they are available globally.

January 30, 2022 at 5:12 pm

Is there anywhere to submit writing samples for songs? Thank you!

January 31, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Let me know do some research — stay tuned.

July 9, 2021 at 7:16 am

Hello, I am Robert from Nakuru, Kenya. Is there an opportunity for men? I am interested, I am willing to contribute in areas of fine arts and writing theological materials. Thank you in advance, Pastor Robert.

July 10, 2021 at 9:18 am

Yes, the information is applicable to men as well.

Just click on the company and it will take you to the opportunity.

September 24, 2019 at 2:52 pm

I have to say I never thought I would get paid to write for a living but blogging is something I never knew would exist when I was growing up either! Such much changes but writing is always a great way to get out your feelings and thoughts and if you can get paid to do so, even better!

September 25, 2019 at 9:13 am

Me either, Scarlet. I’m so glad that you found a career that you love!

Thanks for stopping by!

September 9, 2019 at 1:15 am

I would like to get a job in writing online from home where do I start? and what to do next? many thanks in advance.

September 9, 2019 at 6:44 am

Just click on the links above and follow each sites’ instructions for applying.

February 28, 2019 at 7:18 am

Wow this looks quite informative! Thanks for sharing.

June 22, 2021 at 3:54 pm

Glad you enjoyed the list, Janelle!

February 4, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Thank you for the encouraging responses that you have given your audience. I started my search to find writing gigs that would pay me @ least $75 per day for my work… Unfortunately, several of the blogs/ YouTubers had negative reviews and I was discouraged. I decided to just do a search and I found your blog. The information you listed is mind blowing!!! That is… That someone would put this amount of work into compiling this list and not ask for a dime!! But, what meant the most to me is that you took the time to advise others and encourage people. Thank you for that!

February 5, 2019 at 2:38 pm

You’re welcome!

I’m glad you found the list helpful. Let me know if you decide to apply for any of these positions, I’d love to know how they work out for you!

December 4, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Incredible work Holly! There’s so much good info here, thanks, I know we all appreciate it.

June 22, 2021 at 3:55 pm

Thanks, AJ — I’m glad you found the list helpful.

October 8, 2018 at 8:16 am

hello am a writer which website will I get a client

June 23, 2021 at 8:16 am

Shes not toting her psychic skills. Click a link.

June 6, 2018 at 4:21 am

You can even count this website https://www.gmrtranscription.com/careers.aspx in the list as well for freelance transcription jobs. They’ve plenty of work most of the time and always looking for the candidates.

June 6, 2018 at 11:17 am

Thanks for sharing!

December 2, 2018 at 12:38 pm

I really want a job

May 14, 2018 at 3:15 pm

Hiring? Need job.. Ready to work..

April 19, 2018 at 6:09 pm

I’m looking forward to perusing these sites. I love finding new niches to freelance for. Ultius has treated me well and I think they are almost always hiring ( https://ults.co/writerapply ).

April 20, 2018 at 7:48 am

Thanks for sharing, Alice!

October 20, 2021 at 9:58 pm

I want a at home job typing on the computer I’m a hard worker but people jobs want cookie cutter people yes people people that can work a lot of hours with no sleep I can work but not to much

October 21, 2021 at 6:36 am

Have you looked at temp agencies like Kelly Services?

April 16, 2018 at 12:13 pm

Wow what a great list. I’ve really enjoyed writing for https://www.constant-content.com/ but will have to check out some of the others in the list. Thanks!

February 28, 2018 at 10:42 am

I’ve noticed these gigs are all in dollars.

Can you use these sites if you live in the United Kingdom?

February 28, 2018 at 3:09 pm

You’ll have to follow up with each site to see if they allow writers from the UK.

July 2, 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi, can i use this site if i live is SA

July 4, 2018 at 7:25 am

Hi Stanley,

Nice to meet you!

With these writing gigs, it shouldn’t matter where you live as long as you provide high-quality work and can be paid via PayPal.

Please check out this post for international listings: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/worldwide-work-from-home-jobs/

Good luck on your job hunt!

December 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

Thank you so much for this list! I drive almost an hour one way to go to work and I am looking for something I can do from home. This information will be a great start for me!

January 2, 2018 at 12:44 pm

Glad you enjoyed the list, Pam.

If you’re looking for more ideas, these articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/

December 1, 2017 at 9:29 am

Great list!! I recently started a free writing leads site as a labor of love from one writer to another. It’s a daily list of Canadian writing jobs and remote and freelance opportunities, too. Feel free to share or check it out. WritingJobsCanada.ca

November 25, 2017 at 11:45 pm

Dear holly any recommendations for offline data entry website as I have time I want to earn some money please advice ASAP FOR some critical issues thanks

November 26, 2017 at 12:31 pm

Try looking on Indeed and FlexJobs, or this post may give you some ideas: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/typing-jobs/

September 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

Holy smokes this is one heck of a list, Holly! Thanks for putting it together for us. You know I’m sharing this one!

Hope all is well. :)

Happy small Friday!

September 28, 2017 at 1:56 pm

Glad you enjoyed the list, Cori. Love that, happy small Friday! Same to you!

June 19, 2017 at 7:38 pm

As retirement approaches, a lifelong desire to simply create, write, and explore avenues that have always proven themselves a true interest and passion is rapidly pulling me in to my most deepest desires of these areas. Admittedly, there are so many areas that are catching my attention, so the question now is, “Where to begin?” Thank you so very much.

June 22, 2017 at 7:58 am

Check out this post, Patty: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/start-working-from-home-now/

June 15, 2017 at 6:35 pm

This is a great website thank you! I have just graduated with a first but want a writing job from home part time to go alongside another full time job. I like beauty/fashion/baking but having done psychology degree I like to write about current issues, including personal ones such as copying with anxiety etc Do you recommend where I could start writing? Thanks

June 13, 2017 at 5:32 am

Story writing is my hobby and want to share it more to you. Though I need my real chance to start for you.

June 7, 2017 at 12:52 am

I just wanted to let you know that you are my muse for extensive thoroughness with my writing. I’m just getting started, and you’re my go-to gal for inspiration and encouragement. As of right now I’m trying to learn the technical ropes and migrate my site to a new host. I’d love to have you in my network! Any tips you could share would be immensely appreciated!

June 12, 2017 at 7:15 am

Hi Ashley, Thanks for your kind words — they made my day!

I’m not a tech person. I use a web programmer for all of my tech issues. Her name is Susan from http://octoberskies.com . I’ve also heard great things about Grayson Bell at https://www.imarkinteractive.com/author/imark/ .

I’m on all the major social channels if you’d like to connect. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment!

May 23, 2017 at 4:33 am

I’m sadia and please suggest me any job .

May 24, 2017 at 9:46 am

Hi Sadia, These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:

May 21, 2017 at 10:43 am

Hey i would love to write. Im pretty good with short stories (usually fiction), what would you suggest?

May 18, 2017 at 11:05 am

I’m used to write in french. I tried upwork but i’m paid 5 dollars per 1000 words or 7 dollars… Can you suggest me a website where i can write in french but having good salary like those websites you posts on your blog ? And can you suggest me VA in french website please ?

May 19, 2017 at 3:32 pm

Rev.com hires French translators: https://www.rev.com/translation

Also, Anna has a great list of translation jobs on her website: https://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/money-earning-directory/translation/

Good luck and keep me posted!

May 15, 2017 at 3:12 pm

Hi Holly, My passions include being a life long runner and outdoor enthusiast, having owned a fairly large business in that niche. In addition, healthy pro-active nutrition, and politics are included. Do you have any recommendations as to what writing industries or companies to pursue? I’m interested in doing reviews, blogs, copywriting but open to suggestions. Thank you very much! Kathy

May 18, 2017 at 7:28 am

Hi Kathy, What about Live Strong? They are always hiring writers in a variety of categories. Also, check out your favorite brands and companies and research their blog posts. Maybe they haven’t added any new content in a long time, and you can send them a proposal, or you can pitch them a few ideas that they haven’t covered. Good luck!

May 9, 2017 at 6:20 pm

Wow! Thank you so much for this blog post! I have never seen so much accurate and helpful information in one post! I have bookmarked this page and will be checking all of them out! Thank you so very much!

May 10, 2017 at 1:30 pm

Glad you enjoyed the list, Courtney!

April 7, 2017 at 10:57 pm

I am interested in a stay at home career in writing. I am a mother of two and I have been writing for many years. Nothing has been published. I write short stories, children’s stories and some poetry. can you please let me know in which direction I should be looking to get started.

April 8, 2017 at 7:29 am

It depends. Do you want to set up a business? Or are you just looking for a little extra side cash?

Here are some hand-picked articles that can help guide your way:

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/4k-writer/

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/start-working-from-home-now/

https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-freelancing/

Good luck and keep us posted!

February 27, 2017 at 8:45 pm

I m interest in writing. Can u plss give me the instruction??

February 26, 2017 at 4:05 pm

This may seem a rather daft question, and it is, but: I’m a man. Now, can men, even incredibly heterosexual ones such as me (lol), utilize and take advantage of these services as a means to market their writerly talents? Also, I have found that, for me personally, nonfiction writing is easier than fiction. However, I must strongly emphasize that this opinion is tempered by and only true of those times when one finds that they can be just as creative and imaginative and fluid and free and freewheeling in their nonfiction as they are in their fiction. To that end, I have furthermore discovered that, for me personally, in addition to the writing of certain essays and ersatz/satirical articles and the prosy like, poetry is also relatively easy to write. Indeed, it is EASIER to write. At least, it is for me, anyway. Now, don’t get me wrong, I also like to fiction, but I can’t write it as speedily and with as much insouciant ease as I can various forms of essay and poetry. Again, that’s just me, though. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity of using this forum as a means of getting a few things off my chest. However, I have one last query to advance: As I have recently written a great, semiautobiographical (or perhaps pseudoautobiographical) seriocomical/jocoserious short story that has a great deal of erotic imagery, action and description in it, I wonder where I might publish this story? It is not, I must stress, despite it’s sexual nature and the intrinsic, crucial importance of the eroticism therein, a bona fide erotic story. It is not erotica, as they call it. It is far above and beyond the trashy simplicity of erotica. Yet, as I said, the middle section of it is a sex scene, but one that I twist and manipulate every sort of human emotion out of, and that sex scene is not gratuitous, it is essential to the story and the plot. I am not one to, even in the writing of the very few forays into erotica and eroticism that I have attempted over the past seven years, write of sexuality overmuch, or at all, or gratuitously, but as this was integral, I saw no reason to withhold the sexual from the bounds of my prose.

Regardless, and for comedic effect a few very dirty vulgarities and smutty colloquialisms are used within the context of my tale, but still I wonder: Who would publish such an esoteric, unidentifiable, eclectic work?

I am rightly proud of the story, it being one of the best and funniest yet most strangely sad stories I’ve ever written, and long to see it in all the unbounded glory of print.

(I did not mean this thing to turn out to be some abridged story of my life, but as the next revelation that I am about to parenthetically reveal is somewhat imperative, I feel I must, if only as a means to create an understanding of me, my works and, most especially, my STYLE and TECHNIQUE as a writer, share the following bit of semi-personal data with you: Namely, that I am an avid reader in general and in particular of the greatest Anglo-American/European/Russian/Near-Eastern/Mediterranean writers of all manner of prose of the past several millennia, but with an especial focus on the greatest writers of the 1700’s-1960’s: and before and beyond: and it is them and their monumental and intellectually-stimulating, descriptive, sublime works that inform all my writing….therefore, that’s why I’ve elected to write in the way in which I’ve done here….not to impress, except by diffusion and osmosis, but rather because it is just the general, natural way I always have of speaking and, most especially, writing. Thank you bearing with me through this difficult digression….which, if I was going to submit and publish this essay-length comment, I think that would make an excellent title for it! lol)

February 27, 2017 at 12:06 pm

Yes, these opportunities are applicable to both women and men.

February 24, 2017 at 6:47 am

Hi Holly, I’d appreciate knowing about your favorite freelance writing opportunities for elementary educators. Thanks!

February 24, 2017 at 7:26 am

Hi Lesley, Have you thought about curriculum writing or instructional design? Really, the sky’s the limit, you can write for education blogs, magazines, newsletters. It just depends on your area of expertise within the education field and what type of writing interests you.

February 22, 2017 at 1:47 am

I’m interested in writing in several categories: my worldwide travel experiences; the 23+ years of meeting, taking pictures and talking to hundreds of celebrities in NYC.

I’m also interested in writing book, TV and movie reviews. I’ve done quite a few travel reviews on TripAdvisor. I’ve written a couple of book reviews and received thank you notes from the author.

Can you give me some advice where I can do this and get paid for it? Thank you.

February 22, 2017 at 8:48 am

Hi Diane, Have you thought about starting a review blog?

February 17, 2017 at 3:40 am

Hi, I am Rashid from India.Just recently I had started blogging and I had published two based on my personal experience.Now I am willing to write a short fictional story.Can you suggest me any site where I could begin with?

January 26, 2017 at 8:41 am

I also have had a lot of luck scoring paid contracts on freelancing websites like Upwork. I t’s tough to build up a profile initially, but after about a year I was able to make solid money – between $500-$1000 per week. It’s all about building up a profile and reputation, just like any business.

Thanks for these tips!

January 26, 2017 at 12:15 pm

That’s great — congrats on your writing success!

January 16, 2017 at 2:35 pm

I am interested in writing about women’s life experiences. Its been suggested to me because of my sense of humor and the way I look at life, especially mine!! Blogging has been suggested but boy I feel lost and not so sure. Main ideas?

January 16, 2017 at 4:37 pm

Hi Paula, This post will give you a great place to start: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/setup-blog/ Let me know if you have further questions — happy to get you going in the right direction.

January 15, 2017 at 6:12 am

Hi I’m also interested in writing ….I’m from India….how can I be helped…..

January 16, 2017 at 6:25 am

Hi Rosy, Most of these sites pay via PayPal, so if you’re able to accept payment via PayPal — just start pitching and applying. Good luck!

December 2, 2016 at 4:07 pm

I just stumbled on this informative gift from your stable by luck today. I like to earn from writing and online typing. I’m in Nigeria. Guide me.

December 4, 2016 at 7:52 am

As long as you’re able to accept payments via PayPal, you should be able to write for the majority of these sites. Good luck!

November 29, 2016 at 12:49 pm

All this being said if you’re a fast writer, and you don’t spend a lot of time on each article, maybe you could make minimum wage working on Demand Studio stuff. Which would be cool if you’re working from home and that’s all the money you were looking for. But long-term, other “freelance” writing jobs would be likely to net you a lot more. Blogging is my favorite.

I’ve done quite a bit of freelance writing, myself–not the website, but jobs you hunt down for yourself in corporate America–and the income can be excellent, but often requires a lot more personal marketing or a good list of personal contacts. And you’ll need to be able to prove you can do the work with a combination of references, education, and samples. You also need to have the good aptitude for customer service, so you can keep your clients happy.

November 5, 2016 at 12:47 am

Thanks for the informative post. I’ve been trying to assess the validity of the site writingjobz.com for a potential scam without much luck. I notice that it isn’t on your list. Have you ever heard anything about them? If not, could you please look into this? I’ve given my info (basic application stuff, but still) and am, sadly, backward fact-checking. Thanks!

November 7, 2016 at 6:53 am

The one thing that stands out to me is they’re hiring writers, but nowhere on the website are they selling the articles to clients. Most legit sites have a page for customers and another for writers. They are based in India, not the US — I’d steer clear of this one.

September 26, 2016 at 2:28 pm

Hi Holly! There are a ton of awesome ideas here that I am eager to explore! I recently started a blog that I’m going to use as a portfolio for my pieces and hopefully will submit them somewhere for pay and future writing gigs. I am currently working in a full time office job and would like to move from this lifestyle that allows me to write remotely on a more flexible schedule. I have just submitted an essay to a contest about my experiences as a person with a disability. I’m wondering if you have any additional suggestions on where to send my essay, or else any information you can provide as I try to embark upon this difficult career change. Thanks so much!

September 27, 2016 at 7:18 am

Hi Brittany, Glad you enjoyed the list! It sounds like you have a good plan in place.

Here are some pieces that I think will help you on your journey:

Gina Horkey has had tremendous success as a freelance writer and virtual assistant and she gives some great advice in this interview: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/4k-writer/

This article by Katie McDonald has some excellent information on identifying strong freelance leads: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/promising-leads/

Oh, and this article has some advice from four successful freelancers (Carol Tice, Kristi Hines, Mary Jaksch, and Heather Robson) on how to make more money with your writing: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-more-money-writing/

September 27, 2016 at 8:49 pm

This is great, thanks so much!

September 28, 2016 at 8:54 am

You’re welcome, Brittany!

August 18, 2016 at 6:46 am

I have around 7 years of experience in IT currently a stay at home mom with two naughty boys.. I love to write and earn a living.. what would be the best site for me to start with

August 18, 2016 at 11:35 am

Have you written articles before? Or is this your first stab at freelance writing? If you’re new to the game, I’d suggest looking at the ProBlogger job board or Upwork. Get some articles under your belt, then go after higher paying gigs.

August 15, 2016 at 11:09 am

Its one of the best posts full of good resources on writing content. I have not visited all of the sites yet but I am going to check them all one by one. Thank you so much.

August 16, 2016 at 3:02 pm

Glad you enjoyed the list!

July 31, 2016 at 1:28 pm

Scary Mommy is no longer offering payment for submissions.

August 1, 2016 at 10:24 am

Thanks for letting me know, Jessica. I’ll take it off the list.

August 3, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Such a bummer! Still a good opportunity to build up a portfolio though :)

August 3, 2016 at 4:39 pm

Definitely!

July 6, 2016 at 1:11 am

Hi holly I love to write on life and experience and many more but could not find website

July 6, 2016 at 7:07 am

Have you checked Carol Tice’s website? She too has a great list of paid opportunities: http://www.makealivingwriting.com/earn-money-online-websites-that-pay-writers-spring-2016/

June 7, 2016 at 6:59 am

Looking to get hired. How do I start?

June 11, 2016 at 10:05 am

Hi Angel, Just click on the links and it will take you to each gig. Good luck!

June 5, 2016 at 10:46 pm

Hi I live in India n love to write so please let me know how I can do that . Thanks

June 11, 2016 at 10:15 am

Hi Damanpreet, Click on the links above and each site will tell you how to apply. Good luck!

April 28, 2016 at 6:54 pm

I don’t have website but looking and love writing. I had been writing on agony aunts column I enjoy helping other people. Love to follow my dream and do this for a job.

April 29, 2016 at 10:32 am

With these sort of gigs you don’t need a website. However, if you’re interested in getting a website for free – this article has some good options: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/35-free-resources-to-help-manage-your-business-life/

Good luck on your writing journey!

April 9, 2016 at 8:32 pm

We pay $100 per post if you want to add our site. All details are here: http://www.blessthislist.com/write-get-paid/

April 9, 2016 at 9:01 pm

Thanks for sharing your writing gig!

July 27, 2016 at 5:40 pm

Hi holly I enjoyed reading your post on writing I love writing and would like to start blogging How can I find a how to guide to begin blogging? And with no experience what best choices are there for hiring fresh writers

July 27, 2016 at 6:31 pm

Hi Meandra, Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to setup a blog: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/setup-blog/

This post explains how to get started: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/blogging/

April 8, 2016 at 10:17 am

Thanks for all the information. I am a homemaker and enjoy writing picture book stories, I have been looking for some freelance work and your article has been a blessing. I will be checking at the sites you recommend, thanks again and take care.

April 9, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Good luck, Denita!

April 4, 2016 at 3:15 am

I would like to recommend my site 20four7va. We currently need lots of writers and VA’s for different kind of business.

April 5, 2016 at 10:16 am

Thanks for sharing, Catherine. How much does 20four7va pay per article?

October 6, 2016 at 7:01 am

i live in india… i m a home maker… i love writing…. creative work like designing cards, dresses… plz let me know how can i work from home….

October 6, 2016 at 6:56 pm

The Work at Home Woman is geared toward U.S. residents.

March 15, 2016 at 11:44 am

So many interesting information, thanks. I also would like to recommend another source paperwritingonline.com. I often write to this site. If it’s interesting for somebody, you can visit a site or write me for more information.

March 15, 2016 at 12:03 pm

Thanks for the lead, Selena!

March 31, 2016 at 7:55 am

They do not have current openings for writers. Contacted them through their site chat..

March 2, 2016 at 7:24 am

Thanks for sharing this huge list. very nice list for writers

March 2, 2016 at 8:38 am

Glad you enjoyed it, Ranjeet!

February 26, 2016 at 12:49 pm

Once I get started writing a blog how would I get paid for it?

February 26, 2016 at 1:34 pm

Hi Amber, Most of these opportunities pay via PayPal. However, you’ll need read each companies terms to verify the exact payment method. Good luck!

February 21, 2016 at 9:33 pm

Great tips Holly! always enjoy your posts :)

February 22, 2016 at 9:12 am

So glad you enjoyed it, Mandi. Thanks for stopping by =)

February 18, 2016 at 12:45 pm

This looks interesting. I like to type and I would like to make some extra money. Please send me some info

January 29, 2016 at 4:31 am

i want a writing job

January 28, 2016 at 4:38 pm

Holly, I just wanted to thank you for this incredible post. It’s full of SO much good information and resources to find freelance writing work online. I can tell you spent a lot of time on it, so thank you, thank you, thank you! And I had NO idea about Nora Roberts only having a high-school education! That is a great cocktail party fact, too! Hope you’re well.

January 29, 2016 at 9:30 am

You’re welcome, Lisa! I love to do research — so it was a fun post to write!

January 28, 2016 at 11:07 am

I’m a Social Work student, who cares about special needs and social needs in public.IS there any sites to become a writer in this field? :)

January 29, 2016 at 9:31 am

Try looking at LiveStrong. If I come across any others — I’ll drop the links here. Good luck!

January 10, 2016 at 8:42 am

This is by far the most complete list I have come across of the highest paying writing jobs. I have been seriously considering working as a freelance writer, however many of the jobs that I have seem are not as generous in compensation as the ones listed here in your article. I look forward to checking out these opportunities! Thank you!

January 11, 2016 at 7:56 am

You’re welcome, Clara! Good luck on your freelance writing journey and keep us posted =)

January 6, 2016 at 10:53 am

I’m a yoga teacher an a Nutritionist. What do you think the best place to start would be for my knowledge? Thanks.

January 7, 2016 at 7:35 am

Have you tried LIVESTRONG? They hire writers for fitness and wellness articles. Also try looking at Upwork and Problogger.net for fitness gigs. Good luck!

December 17, 2015 at 2:06 pm

Would anyone happen to know a good place to write opinion articles? Maybe 300 to 500 words for $10 a pop? Whenever I find these lists of blogs and publications that pay, they are almost never looking for opinion. Maybe the niche is not profitable.

January 4, 2016 at 10:37 am

Try looking at magazines — many publications will pay a small stipend for short stories, jokes, recipes, and poems. Good luck and keep us posted!

December 10, 2015 at 5:28 pm

Parents, teachers and homeschoolers – Get paid to share your expertise and ideas with thousands of readers!! -Opportunities for paid blog posts on the Educents blog (blog.educents.com) -Receive a quarterly newsletter with blog topic ideas -Receive invitations to submit pitches for blog posts -Get your name out there! Every blog post published on Educents has an author bio

More info: http://blog.educents.com/join-the-educents-all-star-blogger-program/

December 2, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Greetings Holly, Top Tenz is no longer excepting submissions until further notice. They are now using their inside staff writers.

This information was on the website.

December 2, 2015 at 2:03 pm

Thanks for letting me know, Tangela. I’ll have to find a replacement =)

January 4, 2016 at 4:14 am

Accepting is the appropriate word, not excepting.

October 30, 2015 at 6:19 pm

Hi I have just written a short story about an old pit bull telling his life story. It’s approx 20,000 words. Any suggestions as to where I go next with this

November 2, 2015 at 7:25 am

Here’s a great list of places to submit your short stories: http://thewritelife.com/where-to-submit-short-stories/

October 7, 2015 at 4:36 pm

Thanks Ms. Hanna! I love doing recipes and this article will really be a blessing!

October 9, 2015 at 7:42 am

You’re welcome, Leiann! Glad you found the recipe section helpful. I’ll keep you posted if I find some more sites.

September 25, 2015 at 2:23 am

The Intense Blog link leads to the Dollar Stretcher page. (It isn’t hard to Google the write for us link, just thought you should know anyways!)

September 25, 2015 at 8:45 am

Thanks for letting me know, Kali. The link has been corrected =)

September 5, 2015 at 6:15 pm

I enjoy writing poems. I don’t see any place for me to submit a freelance poem here though.

Heading Onward makes one Lag when Learning of the Yearly traffic gag.

September 8, 2015 at 8:02 am

Try submitting to greeting card companies, magazines, and contests.

July 16, 2017 at 10:17 am

There’s an app you could download for writers and although its free to use and doesn’t necessarily pay you for each poem u post theirs perhaps some leads on paying opportunities and contests…. Mirakee

August 19, 2015 at 10:11 am

Good Morning!

I’m glad I came across this site. I am inspired to express myself through the written word again. I am new to blogging, but excited to get my feet wet learning about it.

August 19, 2015 at 9:51 am

hey there holly, always love the info you send! ps-elance & odesk are now upwork.com keep up the great work! best, jo-anna

August 26, 2015 at 12:40 pm

Thanks for letting me know, I’ll get that corrected.

July 17, 2015 at 7:56 pm

This is very helpful. Writing for a living is something I’ve always wanted to do, but finding legitimate resources is a difficult tasks. You’ve made this journey easier to bear. Thanks!

April 29, 2015 at 10:54 am

So going to check all this out.

February 26, 2015 at 7:31 am

Holly, thanks for including Write Naked on your list of blogs that compensate writers. Just wanted to let you know the rate posted is incorrect. I do not pay $100. (I ran a promotion a few years ago for that rate, so perhaps you saw an old page.) I pay $50 per guest post, but if I am particularly wowed with a pitch I pay $200. Thanks again–really appreciate the exposure and love the site you have built here.

February 26, 2015 at 11:14 am

You’re welcome, Tara. I’ll update that information =)

March 22, 2016 at 6:36 am

Are you still looking for writers?

December 4, 2016 at 4:59 am

I need aa job

January 11, 2017 at 1:35 pm

I would like to help you, first you read and then decided to how much pay.

November 17, 2017 at 4:30 am

I need job..my Gmail I’d is [email protected]

January 21, 2017 at 4:14 am

I’m an enthusiast guy and currently looking for writing jobs. I’m available at all times and would really appreciate for working with you Tara.regards

May 10, 2017 at 5:57 pm

If there is any alert me please

May 10, 2017 at 5:56 pm

Okay no problem with that

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OpenAI says it’s taking a ‘deliberate approach’ to releasing tools that can detect writing from ChatGPT

OpenAI has built a tool that could potentially catch students who cheat by asking ChatGPT to write their assignments — but according to The Wall Street Journal , the company is debating whether to actually release it.

In a statement provided to TechCrunch, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed that the company is researching the text watermarking method described in the Journal’s story, but said it’s taking a “deliberate approach” due to “the complexities involved and its likely impact on the broader ecosystem beyond OpenAI.”

“The text watermarking method we’re developing is technically promising, but has important risks we’re weighing while we research alternatives, including susceptibility to circumvention by bad actors and the potential to disproportionately impact groups like non-English speakers,” the spokesperson said.

This would be a different approach from most previous efforts to detect AI-generated text, which have been largely ineffective . Even OpenAI itself shut down its previous AI text detector last year due to its “low rate of accuracy.”

With text watermarking, OpenAI would focus solely on detecting writing from ChatGPT, not from other companies’ models. It would do so by making small changes to how ChatGPT selects words, essentially creating an invisible watermark in the writing that could later be detected by a separate tool.

Following the publication of the Journal’s story, OpenAI also updated a May blog post about its research around detecting AI-generated content. The update says text watermarking has proven “highly accurate and even effective against localized tampering, such as paraphrasing,” but has proven “less robust against globalized tampering; like using translation systems, rewording with another generative model, or asking the model to insert a special character in between every word and then deleting that character.”

As a result, OpenAI writes that this method is “trivial to circumvention by bad actors.” OpenAI’s update also echoes the spokesperson’s point about non-English speakers, writing that text watermarking could “stigmatize use of AI as a useful writing tool for non-native English speakers.”

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NYC journalist who documented pro-Palestinian vandalism arrested on felony hate crime charges

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NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City journalist was arrested Tuesday on charges that he accompanied a group of pro-Palestinian protesters as they hurled red paint at the homes of top leaders at the Brooklyn Museum earlier this summer.

Samuel Seligson, an independent videographer, faces felony hate crime charges.

According to a criminal complaint written by a police detective, Seligson, 31, traveled with the group of vandals as they defaced the facades of two apartments belonging to the museum’s director and president. The activists are accused of spray-painting doors and sidewalks with messages that accused the two leaders of supporting genocide. A banner hung at the home of the museum’s Jewish president called her a “white-supremacist Zionist.”

Seligson’s attorney, Leena Widdi, said her client was acting in his capacity as a credentialed member of the media, describing the hate crime charges as an “appalling” overreach by police and prosecutors. She said police had twice raided his Brooklyn home before he turned himself in early Tuesday.

While the complaint described Seligson as a participant in the crime, a law enforcement official said he was not directly involved in the spray-painting or property damage. The official spoke with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

The arrest has drawn condemnations from press freedom groups, while raising questions about the rights of a journalist to document illegal activity. Seligson, who is Jewish, is a fixture at New York City protests and has licensed and sold footage to mainstream outlets, including Reuters and ABC News.

“Samuel is being charged for alleged behavior that is protected by the First amendment and consistent with his job as a credentialed member of the press ,” Widdi said in an email. “What is even more concerning, however, is that this member of the press is being charged with a hate crime.”

Seligson was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn on eight counts of criminal mischief, four of which were classified as a hate crime. He was released on supervision.

“This is an extremely serious charge against a journalist,” said Robert Balin, an attorney who has defended photojournalists arrested by the NYPD. “If he was not a participant in these events, this could be a brazen violation of the right of the press to gather news.”

In order to prove a hate crime charge, Balin said, prosecutors would have to show that Seligson participated in the vandalism and was targeting the directors because of their religion, race or other personal characteristics. Balin represented The Associated Press and other news organizations in negotiations involving access to former President Donald Trump’s legal cases.

Seligson was previously arrested in May at a separate pro-Gaza demonstration. He told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker he was livestreaming the demonstration as police made arrests and identified himself as a journalist. A spokesperson for the Brooklyn district attorney said that case had been closed and sealed.

The June vandalism targeted four homes belonging to members of the Brooklyn Museum’s board, generating allegations of antisemitism and condemnations from across the political spectrum.

The activists wore face masks and dark clothing as they spray-painted slogans on the board members’ homes, according to court papers. They also hung banners featuring an inverted red triangle that authorities say is a symbol used by Hamas to identify Israeli military targets.

The vandalism came days after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the Brooklyn Museum’s lobby and vandalized artwork. Organizers at that event said the museum was “deeply invested in and complicit” in Israel’s military actions in Gaza through its leadership, trustees, corporate sponsors and donors — an allegation museum officials deny.

Last week, police arrested another suspect , 28-year-old Taylor Pelton, who is accused of driving the car used by the vandals. Authorities are still seeking four people involved in the vandalism.

As fierce protests erupted in New York City against Israel’s actions in the war with Hamas, the NYPD has come under scrutiny for its treatment of both protesters and journalists.

In May, officers were accused of tackling and arresting two photojournalists covering an encampment at a state university. Top police officials have also gone after journalists on social media , accusing one freelance reporter of “inventing false narratives” about their treatment of protesters.

This story has been corrected to reflect that Pelton is not Jewish.

• SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS

Home > Tools for Freelancers > Publications > On Your Own: A Guide to Freelance Journalism > Tools of the trade

Tools of the trade Why journalism ethics matter

On Your Own: A Guide to Freelance Journalism

> Introduction: The freelance side of life

Freelance journalism 101

> Vocabulary lesson

> Dollars and sense     – Pay structures     – Payday     – Retainers and draws     – Rate specifics: Mum’s the word

> Contracts are essential

> Copyright 101

> Dressing for success as a freelancer

> Staying productive even when you’re not working

Business matters

> Five reasons to pay attention to business

> Contracts and copyright — beyond the basics

> Getting your business organized     – Licenses and permits     – Form of business

> Separating yourself from your business     – Money     – Contacts

> Keeping track of business     – Tracking productivity and business results     – Recordkeeping for tax purposes     – Recordkeeping systems

> Taxing matters     – Income adjustments for self-employed health insurance premiums

> Insurance considerations for freelance journalists     – Liability insurance for media freelancers     – Protecting your business property, income and budget

Making a living

> Time and money     – Time — out of hand     – Money — out of pocket

> Budgeting without a salary

> A simple way to boost your pay: Ask

> Retirement planning: Where to stash your cash?

Finding work

> Finding your way to work

> Trolling the web for work     – How to succeed on jobs websites without killing your schedule     – Beware the temptation of bidding websites

> Inspiration for finding the story

> Brainstorming ideas you can sell

> Pitching your way to a full story calendar

> Tips on freelancing for newspapers     – How to get a newspaper editor’s attention

Marketing yourself

> Paying attention to business

> Making a home for your business on the web     – A website of your own

> Networking: the key to staying happy and fed     – Networking in local groups     – Networking through SPJ and other journalism organizations     – Following up

> Business cards help make the best first impression

Tools of the trade

> Why journalism ethics matter

> Four tips for better self-editing

> Selected websites for finding freelance journalism assignments

> Journalism organizations

> Journalism reading list

So-called citizen journalists who write enthusiastically and mostly (or entirely) for free have been a subject of much debate, particularly regarding their effect on freelance pay rates. The fact that many such writers may not understand the nature of journalism ethics is an equally serious concern that affects the way credible freelancers do their work. Some of these amateur freelancers act as if they are allowed to follow standards that are different from those followed by staff journalists. Consider, for example:

• a freelancer fired for taking an active role in an event she was covering;
• a blogger making personal attacks on an attorney, who in turn sued; and
• a hobbyist photographer who melded two images, which a newspaper published as one before the editor or publisher knew how the image came to be.

These people used their amateur status to justify their actions. Kevin Smith, past president of SPJ and past chairman of the society’s Ethics Committee, expressed concern a few years ago in an email discussion with SPJ Freelance Committee members that such misbehavior “will only grow among freelancers.” Citizen journalists also often don’t understand ethical niceties such as attributing quotes properly, confirming basic facts and separating opinion from fact. The same can be said for some freelancers who call themselves journalists but have never worked in a formal journalism environment and haven’t put in the time or effort to learn about professional practices and ethics. The credibility of all journalists depends, to a large extent, on ethical behavior. Conflicts of interest don’t disappear when a journalist stops working on a staff. A prime guide for good behavior is SPJ’s Code of Ethics , which was rewritten in 2014 to be more inclusive of all publication media. Not following this code is “idiocy,” according to Boston freelancer Jeff Cutler. “If a freelancer isn’t held to the same requirements and ethics that a staffer has to follow, then the system is broken,” he said. “We need editors and publications to realize that whether a story is written internally or externally, all standards must be adhered to and all ethical T’s and i’s should be crossed and dotted.” Because media outlets are using outside contributors more often than they did in the past, editors and publishers must educate their freelancers about journalism ethics. Assignments and contracts with new contributors could include a copy of the SPJ Code and a statement that freelancers are expected to adhere to it. This constitutes an efficient and easily implemented first step — and might be all that is needed. One argument is that freelancers do not have to adhere to the same institutional standards as staffers because they do not receive benefits. But no journalist should bend rules based on job status, says former SPJ Freelance Community Chair Michael Fitzgerald. And ethics have nothing to do with getting benefits. “I try to apply the standards of the strictest organization I work for to all situations, regardless of whether I’m on assignment for it or not,” Fitzgerald said. At the core of this conversation is whether media outlets can and should have a say in the lives of their freelancers. That employers of in-house, full-time journalists have such a role has been established and codified, but those journalists who have moved from in-house to freelance work and want to be considered professional should continue being ethical without being told. It should not be necessary to create a separate code of behavior for freelancers who call themselves journalists. “Being a freelancer doesn’t relieve a journalist of his or her ethical obligations,” said Dana Neuts, SPJ president, a freelance journalist from Washington state. “We should do everything possible to avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, in the course of our work. This is perhaps more important for freelancers, whose identity and potential relationships to a story may not be readily transparent.” Audiences deserve freelance journalists who represent the best of journalism, not its worst. Contributor: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Resources: – SPJ Code of Ethics , as amended in 2014 – Ethics Answers on the SPJ website – Ethics Case Studies on the SPJ website – “On the Basics: Thou Shall Behave — A 4th Commandment for Editors” at An American Editor

Last updated: December 2018

Copyright © 2012-2018 by Society of Professional Journalists. All Rights Reserved.

Questions or comments? Please post them in the Freelance Guide Comments forum of the Freelance Community Board or email [email protected] . We’ll answer as soon as we can!

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SPJ News –  SPJ celebrates the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich –  SPJ strongly condemns sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich –  SPJ Stands With Hong Kong Press Freedom Advocate Selina Cheng After Firing

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Opinion | Why Bloomberg’s broken embargo matters

Bloomberg prematurely shared news about evan gershkovich before he and other prisoners were safely back in the us, putting the operation in jeopardy.

The big news last week: After 16 months of imprisonment in Russia under false charges, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was free .

The Journal was not the newsroom to break that story, however.

Bloomberg News was.

And it wasn’t a scoop to celebrate, since it came thanks to what looks like a broken embargo and before Gershkovich and other prisoners were safely back in the United States.

In the days since, the story of how that happened has itself become the news.

“Embargoes are an important tool for both journalists and sources,” said Kelly McBride, Poynter’s senior vice president and the chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership. “Most of the time they involve a timing request by the source: Don’t report this information until this specific point in time. They allow journalists to prepare a news story, so that they can publish the moment the embargo is lifted. Just like granting a source background or off-the-record status, agreeing to participate in an embargo is a promise that you are making.”

They can also be crucial to national security, troop movements and people’s lives.

On Friday, Charlotte Klein wrote for New York Magazine “Everybody Is Mad at Bloomberg News for Its Embargo-Breaking Gershkovich-Is-Free Scoop.”

Klein reported: “At 7:41 a.m. on August 1, Bloomberg published its scoop about the prisoner swap. Ten minutes later, a Bloomberg editor posted proudly on X, ‘It is one of the greatest honors of my career to have helped break this news. I love my job and my colleagues.’ Then, 8:59, the piece was updated to read: ‘An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the Americans have not been released yet.’ The Journal itself didn’t report it until just after 11 when their reporter and other Americans — whose freedom was negotiated by the U.S. Government as part of an extremely complicated , 24-person swap across multiple countries — actually deplaned in Turkey.”

That scoop, Klein continues “was inaccurate, given that the Russian plane was still in the air at the time of publication. That plane could have just turned around and gone back to Moscow, which is why the Journal and other publications had agreed to hold off.”

Klein reports that Bloomberg was among the news organizations that were getting briefings after agreeing to hold the story.

On Monday, New York Times media reporter Katie Robertson tweeted about disciplinary action Bloomberg took against a number of people involved and included the screenshot of an email from Bloomberg’s editor-in-chief, John Micklethwait.

NEW: Bloomberg says it has taken disciplinary action against a number of people involved in breaking the prisoner swap embargo last week, email here from EIC John Micklethwait pic.twitter.com/XfFvuCO7x7 — Katie Robertson (@katie_robertson) August 5, 2024

Soon after, Washington Post media reporter Elahe Izadi tweeted that one of the two Bloomberg reporters who broke the news was no longer at Bloomberg.

Jennifer Jacobs is no longer with Bloomberg News, per two sources familiar — Elahe Izadi | الهه (@ElaheIzadi) August 5, 2024

That reporter, Jennifer Jacobs, followed up Monday afternoon with a tweet that further explained the breach .

pic.twitter.com/Qecn7Hmkt0 — Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 5, 2024

Bloomberg wasn’t the only news organization to disregard the embargo. Author and journalist Brian Stelter tweeted that Fox News broke the news on Wednesday night.

Regarding today’s story about Bloomberg breaking an embargo: Fox News rushed onto the air Wednesday night and said the swap was happening 8+ hours before any other outlet. Totally irresponsible. Fox later deleted the video from its website. https://t.co/EsFBffyKbO — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 2, 2024

While most embargoes are about the release of reports, studies and rulings and can be inconsequential, McBride said, that doesn’t mean they should be disregarded.

“It undermines the trustworthiness of you and your colleagues.”

By Kristen Hare, Poynter faculty

Why was Trump at NABJ?

Why was former President Donald Trump at the Black journalist family reunion last week? The question continues to reverberate.

Before a crowd of predominantly Black journalists at the NABJ convention in Chicago, Trump implied his opponent Kamala Harris is Indian and not really Black, berated Black women moderators, and toyed with giving immunity to Jan. 6 Capitol insurrectionists and the police officers who killed Sonya Massey.

His appearance pushed NABJ into the national news, brought protesters to the hotel where the convention was hosted, and created a rift within the organization. One of the interview hosts received death threats following the interview .

Some left asking — what’s a Black journalists’ convention for?

NABJ has long faced questions over its mission .

Letrell Crittenden , now the director of inclusion and audience growth at the American Press Institute , wrote his dissertation on NABJ’s history.

There has been “a great deal of dissension over how and for whom NABJ would operate” ever since its founding meeting on Dec. 12, 1975, Crittenden wrote. (Read Crittenden’s dissertation on the history of NABJ, from its founding in 1975 through 2014, here .)

The question about purpose emerged yet again last week, like an ugly pimple, when NABJ was at the top of the news cycle for all the wrong reasons.

“At a time when NABJ members should have been engaging in fellowship with their peers and mentors,” Shamira Ibrahim wrote in The Guardian last week, “they were instead forced to extend professionalism to a hostile guest who peddled racist ideas.”

The organization faced the tension between its dedication to journalism and journalistic integrity and its mission to advocate for fair treatment of Black journalists.

While leadership has defended its decision to invite Trump, there’s no ignoring the potential for a ripple effect.

By TyLisa C. Johnson, audience engagement producer

Louisana police: ‘Stay back’

A new Louisiana law will make it a misdemeanor for anyone — including journalists — to be within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer if the officer orders them back, Nieman Lab reports .

A coalition of media companies representing a couple dozen Louisiana news outlets are alleging the law violates the First Amendment, and has filed suit against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III.

In 2016, two Louisiana journalists were among a group that filed a suit alleging their constitutional rights were violated when they were arrested during a protest march in Baton Rouge. The city later agreed to pay them $1.17 million.

Images made by those in attendance, including the journalists, were critical in countering the officers’ claims that the protesters were the aggressors, said William Most, an attorney for the plaintiffs.

The two journalists said they wouldn’t have been able to capture those images if the law had been on the books during the protests.

Divide and conquer

Bill Grueskin, professor at the Columbia Journalism School and alumnus of The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and the Miami Herald, wrote for CJR about the benefits and complications of starting a new arm of a newsroom in the spirit of innovation.

“(Harvard Professor Clay) Christensen nailed the key issue, then and now: newsroom managers must figure out if their current staff is equipped — intellectually, emotionally, technologically — to handle the pace of change in the business.”

The Washington Post is the latest traditional outlet to rise to such a challenge, with new publisher Will Lewis putting into action a plan that created a third, digital division .

The piece also reminds readers that if this seems like deja vu, that’s because it is. Other outlets, especially in the very early 2000s, allowed digital teams to experiment with homepage editing, podcasting, blogging, etc. “And let me tell you, it was glorious ,” Greuskin wrote.

Greuskin also said the quiet part out loud: “Dual staffs are expensive.” And he recalled how contentious these “digital vs. print” divisions got in newsrooms.

By Josie Hollingsworth, audience director

Media tidbits and links

• Unionized staff at Crooked Media — which was founded by former Barack Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor — staged a one-day strike Monday after more than a year of contract negotiations. Members of the 61-person union alleged in a statement that the company was not living up to its progressive values: “Jon, Jon, and Tommy have consistently reminded us that organizing is essential to successful politics. If the founders believe that this is the case, we ask them to show that by coming to the bargaining table in these final days.” Among the union’s demands are higher salary floors, annual cost-of-living adjustments and safeguards against layoffs.
• McClatchy — which owns about 30 newspapers, including the Miami Herald and The Kansas City Star — will merge with accelerate360 , a major magazine publisher and distributor. The magazine company owns such titles as Us Weekly, In Touch Weekly, Woman’s World and Life & Style. Its tabloid publications, including the National Enquirer, Star, National Examiner and Globe, will not be included in the merger. Both companies are owned by hedge fund Chatham Asset Management.
• The Buffalo News has completed the sale of its former headquarters to a local developer for $5.2 million. In a feature story about the effects of new leadership on the News , Poynter media business reporter Angela Fu noted that a previous deal, for $9 million, fell through in February 2023. Once interest rates cool down, the developer plans to connect the property to others that he owns and create a neighborhood of little alleys and “very cool little buildings.” He also plans to make “some kind of display and create a museum about the history of The Buffalo News.” The News was housed in the brutalist structure from 1973 until 2022.
• What happens when a news site shuts down and takes its website with it? Neiman Lab’s Hanaa’ Tameez with “To preserve their work — and drafts of history — journalists take archiving into their own hands.” 
• 404 Media’s Samantha Cole with “Leaked Documents Show Nvidia Scraping ‘A Human Lifetime’ of Videos Per Day to Train AI.”
• The New York Times’ David McCabe writes, “‘Google Is a Monopolist,’ Judge Rules in Landmark Antitrust Case.” We’ll have more on this in the coming days and weeks.
• The United States’ Olympic drought in the men’s 100m final came to an end on Sunday, thanks to Noah Lyles — and extremely precise photo finish equipment. Lyles beat Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just .005 seconds. ESPN has a photo breakdown of Lyles’ by-a-hair finish.

Today’s Poynter Report was written by Kristen Hare, TyLisa Johnson, Angela Fu and Ren LaForme.

More resources for journalists

• Lead With Influence is for leaders who manage big responsibilities but have no direct reports.
• Public media journalists: attend our Digital Transformation Project Q&A webinar Aug. 13.
• Teaching, informing, empowering and convening — see our impact .

Have feedback or a tip? Email Poynter senior media writer Tom Jones at [email protected] .

The Poynter Report is our daily media newsletter. To have it delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, sign up here .

Opinion | Wyoming reporter uncovers competitor using AI-generated quotes

A reporter resigned and the Cody Enterprise attached corrections to four articles after a competitor noted quotes that appeared real — but weren’t

Tim Walz didn’t pick Minnesota’s new flag, and its designer said it wasn’t inspired by Somalia’s

The flag includes a star and blue coloring, as does Somalia’s national flag, but Somalia’s flag was not an inspiration, its designer says

Opinion | New York Times adds 300,000 subscribers and ends most recent quarter in the black

Much of its growth was driven by a ‘bundle’ of news, cooking and games. The company has stayed profitable while many news organizations struggle.

What Gov. Tim Walz said about the border wall and investing in a ‘ladder factory’

Some Trump supporters shared a 14-second clip of Walz and said it showed he planned to welcome immigrants into the country illegally

Robin Roberts of ABC’s ’Good Morning America’ to receive Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

The celebration will occur at the Bowtie Ball Nov. 16 in Tampa, Florida.

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