Vitally Necessary Tips for Beginners: How to Get a Job as a Freelance Writer

In the beginning of your freelance writing career, you may feel like the world’s biggest loser if your applications are rejected one after another. However, this shouldn’t discourage you because every freelancer goes through this period. If you present yourself correctly and look for jobs in the right places, you will be able to get the recognition you deserve.

• Before You Start

There are several things you will need to do before you start actively looking for clients that offer you good rates for your work.



• Create a portfolio.

You will eventually enlarge your portfolio by adding links to articles you’ve written for different clients. However, you need to have something on hand even before you start working. Study the guidelines of article writing for the field you want to specialize in. Create several pieces that you can attach to your application as examples.



• Collect endorsements.

If you have worked in the writing field before, you should collect testimonials from people who can vouch for your writing. Even a teacher’s complimentary words may help.



• Make a website/blog/account.

You need to have a place where you can display your portfolio, testimonials, and other achievements. This can be a website or a blog on a popular platform. You can also create an account, or several, on a popular freelance website.

Look for Jobs Everywhere

Now that you have a portfolio, you will need to start looking through job offers. The first place you should turn to is a freelance writing job board. There are many of them online. You can find them simply through a search engine, or through references you get from people on freelance forums.

In order to increase your chances of finding a good client fast, you will need to use several job boards and send out applications to dozens of prospective employers. Personalize every single one of the emails to make a better impression.

You can also use the help of your friends, family, and acquaintances in order to obtain referrals. Don’t try to sell your services to them, but just inform them of your new career and share your hopes of finding clients. You never know if one of them is currently looking for a professional writer.

Socialize with other writers and attend various professional events. For example, if you want to write about wine, go to samplings. There, you can meet people that might be interested in your skills. You can also use this as an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the subject.