Can I make money freelance writing?

Freelancing is one of the best ways for anyone with an idea or skill set to turn that into cash. But what if you don't have any ideas? What if you're not naturally gifted at coming up with new concepts and content? If this sounds like you then it's time to consider whether freelancing is right for you. Maybe you've got some great stories but are struggling to find work in your field. Or maybe you want to take on another job, but need something more flexible than full-time employment would offer. Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those who write -- even if they aren't professional journalists or authors.

Here we'll look at what you might expect from working as a freelance writer, including average earnings depending on experience level, along with tips for getting started. Read on to learn about all the different kinds of jobs available, where to start looking, and how to get paid for your skills.

How much can you realistically make as a freelance writer?

While most people think of freelance writing purely as a means of making extra income, it actually has many other uses. For example, companies often hire freelance copywriters to research their market and develop ad campaigns. Freelance graphic designers create logos, flyers, brochures, websites, etc., which businesses use when launching new products or services. And yes, freelance editors check everything from grammar and spelling mistakes, to facts and figures, before sending articles off to publications.

The bottom line is that while being a freelance writer doesn't necessarily pay well (nor does it guarantee steady work), it isn't impossible either. On average, most earn less than $10/hour, although certain industries tend to pay better than others. Here are typical hourly rates according to PayScale.com:

$9 - $11/hr

$12 - $14/hr

$16 - $19/hr

As you can see, journalism pays slightly higher, so keep that mind next time you go searching for gigs. But remember, just because you won't make top dollar by going pro, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try. The key is to focus on building relationships over short periods of time, rather than focusing on earning a huge amount each month. After all, you could easily end up spending years chasing after high paying clients only to discover that they cancel their contracts without explanation months later. So always aim to strike a balance between quality and quantity, especially since your client will probably want revisions anyway.

If you'd prefer to view yourself as an independent contractor instead of someone who works "for" a company, here are additional averages based on PayScale.com:

$8 - $13/hr

$15 - $25/hr

So now you know exactly what kind of wages you can expect, let's move onto finding your first gig. To help break down the process further, we highly recommend starting with freelance sites such as Upwork.com, Fiverr.com, Elance.com, Scriptlance.com, Toptal.com, Vworker.com, Peopleperhour.com, and Probloggeradvertisers.net. These platforms connect customers directly with sellers across a variety of topics. Some require payment upfront, whereas others allow buyers to negotiate payments over several milestones. Either way, once you land a contract, you'll receive a breakdown of tasks completed and expected compensation accordingly.

Upwork.com, for instance, offers a range of different types of projects, including article submissions, blog posts, website reviews, product descriptions, business proposals, press releases, speeches, white papers, eBooks, social media updates, etc. In addition to receiving payment upon completion, you also gain access to the platform's extensive network of recruiters who specialize in matching your talents with potential employers. You can filter through hundreds of options using categories such as location, budget, industry, language, education, expertise, etc.

Fiverr.com connects individuals with small businesses who are willing to pay big bucks for unique talent. Sell anything ranging from custom videos, photos, illustrations, animations, graphics, banners, infographics, icons, etc. Basically, if you have a special skill, odds are good someone else somewhere needs it. As far as fees go, items priced under $5 usually cost nothing to list, though prices increase significantly whenever you opt to include a description, photo, video, audio file, logo, or similar details.

Elance.com allows users to bid on various project requests submitted by prospective clients. Just fill out an application, provide references, submit samples of previous work, and wait for interested parties to contact you. Payment ranges anywhere from $1-$100+ per task, depending on your experience level and specific requirements.

Scriptlance.com works similarly to Elance. However, its interface includes a dedicated section specifically geared toward hiring scriptwriters, screenwriters, voice actors, teleprompter operators, and podcasters. Once again, sign up with an account, post examples of past scripts, portfolio pieces, and sample chapters, and watch for bids and inquiries from eager clients. While the site itself provides no actual editing service, it's still worth mentioning due to the sheer number of potential gigs available.

Toptal.com specializes in connecting software developers, web design professionals, mobile app creators, marketing experts, SEO specialists, data scientists, content marketers, bloggers, event planners, salespeople, etc. With thousands of active listings already posted, you're sure to run into interesting leads. Plus, the site features a handy search bar that lets you browse potential prospects by title, keyword, price, category, region, country, specialty, and more.

Vworker.com is primarily used to place ads related to travel, technology, cars, home improvement, health & fitness, fashion, pets, sports, entertainment, restaurants, weddings, birthday party invitations, college events, etc. Many advertisers choose to employ third-party vendors who send out mass emails, text messages, phone calls, letters, newsletters, coupons, promotional codes, discount vouchers, gift cards, referral programs, etc. This makes Vworker ideal for both customer support positions and personal assistants looking to supplement their existing incomes.

PeoplePerHour.com is simply a directory listing dozens of popular occupations alongside corresponding wage estimates. Each entry contains information regarding required qualifications, desired salary, hours needed, estimated benefits, and relevant links. Users can sort results by highest pay rate, lowest pay rate, geographic area, occupation type, and distance away from current residence.

Probloggeradsenders.net serves a wide array of purposes, including allowing entrepreneurs to advertise upcoming blog posts, promoting free giveaways, and generating targeted traffic via banner advertising. Similar to Upwork, however, it typically charges a flat fee for particular pieces of content rather than offering ongoing remuneration. That said, if you plan to stick around long enough to build a loyal audience, you'll eventually attract attention from major brands and companies seeking to capitalize on your popularity.

To read more about becoming a successful freelance writer, visit our helpful resources page.

How much do freelance writers make per 1000 words?

Once you begin submitting pitches to publishers, agents, and magazines, you'll quickly realize that things change considerably depending on what you're selling. Most markets favor lengthy prose, whereas others demand concise reports and bullet points. Furthermore, the exact wording varies greatly depending on readership tastes, target age groups, subject matter, genre, style, tone, format, etc. Since every publication has different guidelines, it's important to ensure you follow each submission carefully. Otherwise, you risk wasting valuable time waiting for rejection notices.

Fortunately, there are tools that simplify the entire process. First, we suggest checking out the Writer's Market Complete Guide. Not only does it feature detailed formatting instructions for each piece of literature mentioned above, but it also highlights important considerations such as length, font size, spacing, margins, tables, headings, subheadings, bibliography, copyright, ISBNs, LSI keywords, etc. It's arguably the single greatest resource in terms of helping newcomers navigate the publishing world.

In addition to the aforementioned guide, here are two other useful reference books:

Writer's Digest Writing Made Easy ($17)

This book provides step-by-step guidance on creating compelling headlines, crafting effective query letters, researching sources, developing outlines, organizing notes, drafting cover letters, and revising manuscripts. All materials within come complete with numerous real-world examples, thus giving aspiring writers confidence in tackling whatever comes their way.

Editorial Query Letter Handbook ($7) [No Longer Available]

For beginners looking to break into the editorial realm, this manual helps explain the inner workings behind the standard letter sent by nearly every publisher. Among other informative tidbits, it reveals why literary managers rarely respond to unsolicited queries, how agents determine whether applicants meet representation criteria, and what factors affect final rejections.

Next, let's discuss how much you should charge per word.

How much should I charge per 1000 words?

If you want to earn some extra cash as a freelancer or maybe even replace your day job with something that pays better, then becoming an author might be for you. Writing is one of those things where people say it's easy but really isn't -- there are tons of hoops you have to jump through in order to get paid what you're worth.  But if you stick with it long enough, the payoff can be huge. Here's everything you need to know about making money as a freelance writer.

Do freelance writers make good money?

Freelance authors don't typically command the same level of pay as other types of professional writers (i.e., screenplays vs. film scripts). The average annual income earned by U.S. full-time nonfiction book publishers was $79,000 in 2012. However, once you reach "established" status after building up a client base and reputation over time, you'll likely see higher royalties than newbie authors.

Also keep in mind that many self-published authors aren't covered under traditional royalty agreements because they are independent contractors rather than employees. That means when their books hit bestseller lists, they won’t receive any credit from their publisher. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't bother trying to publish yourself. There are many resources out there to help you get started on this path.

In terms of freelance versus regular employment, however, we've found that while both jobs involve working at home, freelance work tends to offer more flexibility so that you can spend less hours commuting and more time being productive. You also have greater control over your schedule, which may lead to more financial security. This is especially true if you choose to start small by offering services such as editing copy, proofreading documents, consulting, ghostwriting, etc.

Is freelance writing a good career?

Yes and no. While freelance writing offers great benefits like flexible schedules, lower stress levels, and freedom from office politics, it does require lots of hard work and persistence. It takes a lot longer to build credibility as an expert in your field than someone who has been doing it all along. So yes, you will probably have to put in more effort per hour of work compared to your current position, but eventually you should end up earning way more overall.

Another thing to consider is whether you'd prefer freelance writing as a side gig alongside another profession or if you would enjoy quitting your 9 to 5 altogether. If you decide to go down the latter route, remember that you must stay disciplined and focused otherwise you could easily fall into bad habits that can hinder your progress.

On top of that, since you won't have a boss looking over your shoulder every minute of the day, you will definitely feel much freer to take breaks whenever necessary without worrying about missing deadlines. Although it certainly helps to network and meet potential clients face-to-face, technology makes remote communications easier today than ever before.

For instance, there are plenty of websites such as Fiverr [No Longer Available] that allow users to post gigs seeking bids from others willing to complete them for various prices. And using sites like Craigslist, Gumtree, Oodle Classifieds, Kijiji Marketplace, Backpage, etc., allows you to connect with local businesses looking to hire experienced writers. Freelancers often find these methods faster and cheaper than going directly to companies themselves.

And lastly, while freelance writing provides great opportunities for those with little or no experience, it can still be intimidating to first timers. Don't worry though, there are numerous training courses available across several platforms designed specifically to teach beginners how to write professionally. Take advantage of them to boost your confidence and learn the ropes.

How do freelance writers make the most money?

The amount of money you earn depends largely upon two factors: 1) How well established you are within your niche, and 2) What type of service(s) you provide. For example, let's just assume you specialize in writing business plans. As mentioned above, you may only command a few hundred dollars per document whereas someone else specializing in the exact same subject matter could charge thousands depending on company size/budget.

So the next question becomes...how do you determine what rate you're entitled to? Well, here are some general guidelines based on our experiences:

1.) Start low. People tend to underestimate their own abilities until they actually try freelancing. Many times they think they deserve far more than they actually realize. Therefore, start somewhere between $20-$50 per project. Focus on providing excellent quality and value first, then add features later.

2.) Get referrals. Ask companies currently engaged with you to recommend high-quality vendors who offer similar services. Also ask friends, family members, colleagues, etc. who they use regularly and why. Find out what kind of projects they handle and inquire about rates. Once you establish a rapport with potential customers, you can also leverage social media channels to spread word around among your followers.

3.) Offer variety. Build multiple streams of revenue instead of sticking solely to one particular industry. Not only will you diversify your skillset but it may open doors for future collaborations with different industries down the road. In addition, you never know when one stream dries up that you may suddenly need to branch out elsewhere. Just imagine having to reinvent yourself again in 10 years' time. Now that wouldn't be fun.

4.) Stay consistent. Create a solid portfolio and highlight examples of past successes. Keep track of completed contracts and send reminders prior to due dates. Make sure everyone involved (clients included) knows exactly what needs done and when. Establishing trust and reliability early on goes a long way towards ensuring repeat orders. Never forget that happy clients = repeat business.

5.) Be honest. One thing you absolutely cannot afford to do is lie or mislead anyone regarding your capabilities or deliverables. Doing so puts you and your integrity on the line. Companies expect professionalism and dependability from their suppliers and if you break that promise, not only will you lose their faith, but worse yet, they might sue you for false advertising. Remember, honesty is always the best policy.

6.) Follow through. Have realistic expectations. Don't waste your valuable time pursuing assignments that were never meant to happen in the first place. On the flipside, avoid taking too long to finish projects either. A reputable editor expects his editorial team to wrap up tasks quickly as he receives dozens each week. He also understands that deadlines rarely occur at the drop of a hat. Hence, the sooner you submit finished manuscripts, articles, proposals, etc., the lesser hassle for him.

7.) Know your rights. Always request payment upfront via PayPal or bank transfer. Give clients ample notice ahead of deadlines. Avoid holding onto unfinished projects hoping to receive additional compensation months later. Most experts agree that clients owe you nothing beyond completion unless otherwise agreed upon.

8.) Network. Join forums related to your area of expertise. Attend seminars and conferences held within your niche. Engage with existing clients for feedback. They are usually very willing to share opinions on how you handled previous projects. Plus, you can also refer others to your services now that you've gained their trust.

Can you make a living off of freelance writing?

Absolutely. We believe that you can earn a comfortable living right away provided that you follow the aforementioned tips and strategies. Depending on how big your goals are, you may need to dedicate a significant chunk of time toward marketing yourself and networking events. However, with perseverance and patience, you can succeed in this arena.

What's interesting is that many successful professionals began their careers as unpaid interns, entry-level workers, part-timers, or volunteers. Think back to all the places you volunteered during college and extracurricular activities. Chances are that many of them offered free training and mentoring in exchange for helping others.

Now imagine starting your own business. Isn't it amazing how rewarding it feels knowing that you made it possible? After all, you didn't inherit wealth nor did you win the lottery. All you had to do was focus intensely on learning and practicing specific skills over time. Then the rest happened naturally.

While it's impossible to predict how much money you'll ultimately make, you can control how fast you grow. With determination and consistency, you can achieve whatever your heart desires. So set aside any fears or doubts and embrace your inner entrepreneur. Your journey awaits!

Have questions about starting a freelance writing business? Leave us answers below and check back soon for more helpful content. Or perhaps you prefer email support? Feel free to shoot me an email anytime!

Freelance or ghostwriting is the practice of selling your services by offering them in exchange for compensation. Ghostwriters are paid per project -- instead of an hourly wage like most jobs. If you want to be paid $50 per article or blog post, it's up to you to set that price before starting work on the assignment.  If you're just getting started, there are some basic things you need to know about pricing yourself effectively. Here we'll provide tips on setting rates based on different levels of skill and professionalism.

First off, let me give my definition of "freelancer" so we can all agree on what we mean when we use this term: A freelancer is someone who sells their professional skills (or services) independently via internet marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr.com. Freelancers don't get benefits from companies or organizations, they simply receive payment directly after completing assignments.

So now that we have our terms straight, here are eight guidelines for determining effective prices for newbie writers. These will help you figure out whether you can start making serious cash as a full-time freelance writer, while also helping you determine a realistic rate at which to charge others.

How much should I charge for writing 2000 words?

The first question you need to ask yourself is how many pieces of copy do you think you could complete in one hour if you were working at 100% capacity? The answer is usually between 250 and 500 word articles depending on your level of expertise. This means if you plan to write 1000 words every 60 minutes, you'd earn roughly $16/hour. That sounds pretty good until you realize that 1 hour of solid writing time equals 4 hours total. So if you plan to stay busy for four hours, then the math starts looking even better ($32/hr). You may not feel comfortable charging more than $20 per hour, but keep in mind that you probably won't finish any faster either. You might consider lowering your rate slightly for projects shorter than 2000 words to encourage clients to hire you over competitors.

A great way to estimate your productivity is to check out sites where other people sell similar products or services. For example, if you enjoy blogging, look at what bloggers charge for a standard 5000 word blog entry. Also compare your own unique style against other content creators' styles. Another thing to remember is that if you take longer to complete tasks, clients will expect higher fees. Your best bet is to decide what feels right for you and stick to it without changing too often. Afterward, see if you made enough profit to justify spending your valuable leisure time doing something else.

How much should I charge as a beginner freelance writer?

As mentioned above, you'll have to decide what makes sense for you. But if you've never written professionally before, then you shouldn't go beyond $10 per piece unless you really know what you're doing. As long as you deliver quality, beginners tend to find plenty of paying gigs through freelance job boards. Just make sure to follow these rules:

Don't undercut your competition - Know who your strongest competitors are and try to beat those prices whenever possible. There's nothing wrong with giving away free copies of your book, but you still need to cover costs somehow.

Know what you offer - Make sure you fully understand each client's needs. If you specialize in particular fields, research potential markets and find niches worth filling. Then create solutions tailored specifically toward fulfilling those needs.

Be flexible - Sometimes clients change requirements midstream, leaving you scrambling to meet deadlines. Be ready to adapt quickly and efficiently.

Work within budget constraints - Many clients prefer receiving quotes rather than fixed payments. To accommodate this preference, present proposals containing estimated completion times and budgets along with final charges. Clients will appreciate knowing exactly how much you plan to spend.

Don't forget marketing & branding - Don't underestimate the importance of establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Build credibility by creating informative resources and providing educational material. And always include links back to your website and social media accounts.

Always add value - Offer extra perks and bonuses for larger orders. For example, if a company has advertised a specific deadline, make sure you hit that target. Or if a customer wants testimonials, send them high resolution photos taken during shoots.

Stay organized - Keep track of everything related to each project including files, invoices, contracts etc. Having trouble finding information? Try using web apps to manage your business finances.

How much does a beginner freelance writer make?

You've got the basics down. Now it's time to put numbers to your ideas. Let's say you decided to charge $15 per 500 word article. How would that translate into real dollars and cents? By calculating your hourly earnings, you can determine how much you'll actually make per day or week, assuming you complete two articles per 24 hours.

For instance, if you wrote 16 articles in a single day, you'd earn $30. In contrast, if you only finished 2 out of 16, you'd end up losing $45. This brings us to another important point...

Can you become a freelance writer with no experience?

Yes. It takes years of hard work and dedication to build a successful career as a writer. Most beginning writers lack confidence, knowledge, and connections. Because of this, you must learn how to overcome obstacles, develop strong relationships, and promote yourself effectively. Fortunately, many self-proclaimed experts claim to possess little actual experience. They focus primarily on building credibility and networking contacts. However, true professionals typically acquire skills and training in order to succeed. Once you gain significant experience, you'll have a greater chance of becoming established and maintaining steady income.

There are thousands of opportunities available for earning money online, but unfortunately the vast majority of them require extensive experience and qualifications. On average, employers pay around $40 to $60 per hour for experienced employees. Although less lucrative, the same salary range applies to newbies. Therefore, learning how to write well doesn't guarantee instant wealth. Instead, persistence pays off because it allows you to gradually improve your craft and establish stability. Only persistent writers eventually reach the top of their profession.

Now that you're armed with helpful advice, you can begin searching for relevant jobs on popular websites such as Elance, Vworker, Scriptlance, Odesk, and Problogger. When choosing a service provider, make sure to read reviews and contact customers directly. Ask questions regarding policies and procedures, sample bids, and past experiences.