How to Start Freelance Writing in 2023 - Easy Steps

If you are reading this it shows two things, first I'm eligible to advise you on how to start writing (good or bad, it doesn't matter in the beginning), and second you want to start writing (to express yourself and your learning or earn through freelancing).

And after earning (just more than peanuts) as a freelance writer, I entitled myself to a mentor who can guide you to start freelance writing and earn.

With the right knowledge and resources, anyone can become a successful freelance writer in 2023 and beyond. Whether you’re writing for magazines, websites, blogs, or other clients, the following steps will help you get started on the path to freelance writing success.

Step 0: Start Writing

I purposely wrote it step 0 because I thought it was the most important step before you start writing (surprised, stick with me for a few more lines). Before starting writing, you should write:

i. Why do you want to start writing:

It would be your inspiration, keep it with you at your writing place, and in case you feel tired read it to get yourself motivated again.

ii. What do you want to write:

Select your niche (or in simple terms topic, subject, field, etc.) you want to write. It doesn't have to be a topic you are good at rather it can be what you want to be good at as writing itself best way to learn.

Even if you have no topic, don't worry I would suggest writing about the following:

• Your interest/hobby
• any good/bad experience
• any life lesson
• subject/topic/book you studied recently.
• or anything you feel like writing

iii. Set a time, place, and accessories:

it is important to set up a place, time, and resources you need to start writing. The place should be comfortable for you and easy to access. It can be your writing table, library, or place you feel you can get ideas to write (don't exclude your bed or washroom as some people get good ideas at these places🤔).

The time should be a convenient time you can allot every day the ideal time to start is at least 20 minutes daily and you can increase as you go.

Accessories are the things you need to start writing. These may be a pen, paper, laptop, tablet, or even your mobile with appropriate and helpful internet, software, apps, etc.

iv. Be consistent: Last but not the least, you should be consistent to achieve your goal. If you feel tired, depressed, or busy don't worry, fulfill your commitment by writing just for 10 minutes (10 minutes are better than 0 minutes). It may help you in making writing a habit, be consistent, add one or two paragraphs to your work, or sometimes get rid of you the things bothering you (for the time being).

Step 1: Determine Your Specialty

The first step in becoming a successful freelance writer is to decide what type of writing you want to specialize in. Be specific about what you want to write about:

• health and wellness
• Technology
• Food
• Business, etc.

Deciding on a specialty will help you focus your efforts and give you a better chance of getting noticed.

Step 2: Develop Your Writing Skills

Before you can begin freelance writing, it’s important to have a strong foundation of writing skills. There are plenty of online resources available to help you improve your writing, such as:

• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html)

• Writers Workshop (writersworkshop.co.uk)

• Writing Den (writingden.com)

• Grammarly blog (grammarly.com/blog)

Step 3: Create a Portfolio

Once you’ve chosen your niche, you’ll need to create a portfolio of your work. This portfolio should include samples of your writing in different formats, such as articles, blog posts, and website copy. Your portfolio should demonstrate your writing ability and show potential clients what you’re capable of. You can start with Free resources like:

• Medium
• Hashnode
• WordPress
• Blogger

Don't forget to write and share your work on:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram It is free marketing of you and your work and a way to reach the clients.

Step 4: Establish Your Rates

In the beginning, you can start with an internship or a very low rate but as you get the experience you should work on what to charge.

Establishing your rates is an important step in becoming a successful freelance writer. You should research what other writers in your field are charging and then determine what you’re comfortable charging.

Remember to factor in the time and effort you’ll need to put into each project.

Step 5: Reach Out to Potential Clients

Once you’ve developed your writing skills and created a portfolio, it’s time to find clients. There are several ways to do this, such as:

• Joining freelance writing job boards (freelancewriting.com/jobs)

• Applying for writing gigs on freelance websites (such as Upwork and Fiverr)

• Contacting businesses and publications directly (themuse.com/advice/how-to-get-freelance-wri..)

Step 6: Utilize Writing Resources

In addition to finding potential clients, you should also use online resources to help you become a successful freelance writer. There are numerous websites, such as:

• Grammarly (a must for every writer)
• Contently
• Freelance Writers Den
• Problogger

These resources provide tips, advice, and job postings for freelance writers. Take advantage of these resources to help you become a better writer and find more work.

Conclusion

With the right knowledge and resources, anyone can become a successful freelance writer in 2023 and beyond. Follow the steps outlined above to get started on your journey to freelance writing success. Utilize writing resources, reach out to potential clients, establish your rates, create a portfolio, and determine your specialty to make the most of your freelance writing career.

Happy Writing!