You’re serious about being a freelance writer. You want to make money, share your voice, and work for a variety of publications and companies. But where do you begin? Finding the right resources for freelance writers can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the time to sift through countless websites, or feel clueless when it comes to navigating job opportunities. Not to mention being overwhelmed by writing multiple individual pitches, or the additional stress if you’re already working another job.
Don’t worry, though! If you’re serious about writing as a career, the hardest part is actually getting started.
From a collection of social media accounts to follow, to websites that provide excellent ideas and options for publication, here is a list of the best resources for freelance writers who are serious about getting their content out, and are willing to work hard.
Resource #1: Job Boards
Searching for freelance job opportunities can be daunting, but, obviously, it’s the only way you’ll become successful. Instead of simply Google searching and scrolling through pages, or trying to find job sections on websites that may be confusing, start by navigating a search on a job board or work-from-home website.
Here are a few excellent ones:
1. LinkedIn: This is a LinkedIn job board specific to opportunities with the tag ‘freelance writer.’ You can modify this search as desired, and for more specific areas too, like ‘content writer’ or ‘creative writer’ etc.
2. Indeed: This is another great job board that continually updates with available positions for freelancers. You can even create an account and upload your resume with one click!
PS: If you’re interested in working remotely, there’s a board for that, too: Indeed Remote Writing Jobs.
3. Problogger: This is an excellent free resource for freelance writers that’s updated frequently, giving you the best opportunity to see what’s new and what to apply for.
4. Freelance Writing Jobs: As simple as the name states, this is a great place to find jobs. It’s updated less frequently than Problogger, but it’s still a very useful tool!
5. Proofreading Jobs: If you’re a proofreader or interested in being paid to edit people’s websites or content, check this out! This article has a bunch of options for proofreaders looking to grow their business (or skills).
Other job boards include BloggingPro, Paid to Blog, Media Bistro, and Contena.
Resource #2: Social Media (For Networking)
Surprisingly (or maybe not, if you’re dabbling in the internet world already) social media can be a tremendous tool when it comes to finding, posting, seeking, and applying for freelance writer jobs. Whether you search sites, connect with different groups, or follow specific journals/magazines etc. that you’re interested in, you can typically find behind-the-scenes information on who’s hiring and what for. Plus, you can also hear about opportunities like contests, submission openings, reading periods, etc. often firsthand!
Here are a few freelance writer specific pages I follow:
Twitter: @Write_Jobs, @JJobs_Tweets, and @WhoPaysWriters. I would also suggest following Twitters of the magazines/publications you love (and even the editors!) as sometimes the pages or people will Tweet submission calls or state what they’re looking for!
Facebook: The biggest tip I have for Facebook is to get connected with groups. In my company Facebook group, Be A Light Collective I often share about opportunities for writers, jobs, publications, and other important information in the form of newsletters or posts. Other groups for specific publications or companies may offer job opportunities (local and remote) and even allow you the ability to share when you’re searching for, pitch, or hire someone for work!
Resource #3: The Cold (And Warm) Pitch
The most terrifying, and yet rewarding part of being a freelance writer: pitching. What does this mean, exactly? It’s reaching out to companies, bloggers, websites, businesses (large and small), startups, and entrepreneurs and letting them know how you, as a freelancer, can help them grow their business.
Basically you sell yourself and content by following these steps:
1. Tell them how you heard about them and why you’re interested in writing for them.
2. Explain who you are and why you’re relevant or a good person for the task.
3. Share what, exactly, you can do to help them reach a goal/grow their business.
*Tip: You can also pitch through sites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour, or even job boards! Don’t be afraid to reach out.
PS: As a writing coach, I help clients create pitches all the time! If you’re interested in my coaching services, head over here to learn more!
Resource #4: Guest Posting
Okay, so how does writing for free benefit you? Before you shake your head, what can be invaluable as a freelance writer (especially when starting out), is having a byline and publications that you can reference in your portfolio. Not to mention the readership you may gain in sharing a guest post on a prominent blog, or the connections you can build when a company promotes you and their website simultaneously.
Obviously you don’t want to always be writing for free, but see if you can pitch and submit to some prominent pages just to get your byline and client list built. When prospective companies/organizations/sites see that you can, and have been writing for other places, they’re more likely to hire you for other projects!
Resource #5: Resume And Bio
This is both a resource and a no-brainer, but something that can really build you as become a freelancer is having a strong resume and bio that showcase your skills, publications, triumphs, and individuality.
As you revise, keep in mind that there are some things you don’t want to include on a resume.
Resource #6: Request Referrals
Something that can really develop your freelance writing career is using your network and connections to your advantage! Did you have a successful project, gig, or write up for a company? Can you tap into that group/person and ask for a referral for someone else who may be searching?
Again, you have to be bold. Don’t be afraid to ask, inquire, or be a little (politely) aggressive.
Resource #7: Paid Writing Sites
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Why guest post for free if you can just submit to publications and magazines that pay? In a perfect world, every piece you write will get published and give you money. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world. Getting paid to write is a challenge (especially in the beginning!) and that’s why guest posting/free writing is important for self-promotion.
However, as you establish yourself and grow as a writer, sending your work to places that pay is both lucrative and valuable.
One site I love for finding paid opportunities is Freedom With Writing. They have an assortment of magazines, blogs, literary journals, websites, contests, and communities that will pay for your work.
Resource #8: Apps For Organization & Focus
As you begin your career, staying organized is of utmost importance, especially as you acquire multiple clients and deadlines. Here is a list of apps that will help keep you organized!
For other freelance writing ideas, click here. Or, feel free to comment below!
Featured Image Credit: TONL
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