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Freelance Jobs Writing Advice

How to get started with simple writing jobs from home

Keen to get cracking on simple writing jobs from home? Taking advantage of the flexibility, cost savings, productivity, and work-life balance that comes from working from home is easier than you might think. 

‘Working from home’ used to have a whiff of unprofessionalism about it. The very phrase once evoked visions of people in pajamas, laboring from non-traditional ‘workstations’ such as the couch, the bed, or the bath, and failing to turn up to meetings.

How things have changed. The pandemic-led migration to remote work helped to shift old perceptions and fuel a new world of online opportunity. In Australia, where I’m based, more than a third (36%) of workers now work at least partially from home, figures from the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey show.  One recent survey of U.S. respondents said nearly 60 percent of the white collar workers surveyed has access to remote work.

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible and flexible types of work you can do from home. In fact, it’s probably the most ‘accepted’ or even ‘expected’ work-from-home gig. You can take things at your own pace when you work one of these types of freelance jobs. You can approach it on a full-time or side-hustle basis. And you probably already have most of the equipment you need–like a notepad, laptop, WiFi access,  and a mobile phone.

A step-by-step guide to securing simple writing jobs from home

Here’s how to find jobs for freelance writers and content writers that can be done remotely.

Discover your freelance niche – or niches

Before launching straight into the job hunt, it’s important to think about the shape you’d like your writing career to take. From surfing and science to travel and true crime, there’s an infinite range of possible topics to cover. 

But also consider the form in which you’d like to write—whether editorial articles, ghostwritten thought leadership pieces, blogs for brands, copywriting, technical writing or many more. Just don’t get too hung up choosing the ‘right’ niche from the get-go. Follow the thread of your curiosity and your interests – and niche – will likely evolve over time. Do some research into the best high-paying freelance niches if you aren’t sure of where to start.

Build a strong portfolio

Potential clients don’t want to hear about your writing goals and dreams. They’ll want to see what you can do for them right now—and that means a portfolio brimming with high-quality writing samples. It’s a crucial component as you’re wondering how to build a freelance portfolio.

If you’re a beginner freelance writer, it’s important to spend some time creating samples that showcase your skills. Ensure they are aligned with the kind of work you’d ultimately like to do. For example, if you’re hankering to write about food, don’t put finance stories front and center in your portfolio (though they’re probably better than nothing). 

Writing at ‘mate’s rates’ for friends, family members, or local businesses is another way of beefing up your portfolio. 

Create a professional online presence

When potential clients Google your name, will they see your professional website, LinkedIn profile, and your most recent freelance articles? Or will they see Facebook snaps of you drinking and dancing till dawn? 

Ensure your online presence speaks to your professionalism and work ethic. There are many ways to bolster your online authority and create a great first impression. Tim Leffel, author of Travel Writing 2.0, suggests boosting your visibility with a blog. “It’s a great mouthpiece, a search engine magnet, and eventually something that will get your media attention and writing assignments,” he writes. Your portfolio and blog can both live on your website.

Find simple writing jobs

Securing simple writing jobs from home requires a combination of strategies. Signing up to newsletters which curate job openings, such as Opportunities of the Week, Write at Home, or Diana Kelly Levey’s Freelance Writing Tips newsletter, are good places to start. Networking with other writers, or following editors, companies, publications and industry influencers on social media can bring fresh opportunities to light. 

Some people recommend exploring job boards such as ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs and BloggingPro, but this isn’t something I’ve done, so I can’t vouch for it. Others suggest signing up to freelance platforms such as Contently and Fiverr, but I personally haven’t gained any work from either and Fiverr’s flood of daily spam is really very tiresome. (One writer shared, “How much can you make on fiverr per month?”)

Apply for simple writing jobs from home that match your skills and interests

Cold pitching can sound scary. But reaching out to editors, brands, or websites to offer services, typically in the form of an email pitch or article pitch, has always been the fastest route to new freelance client work for me. 

Whether you’re the initiator, or you’re responding to general callouts like those outlined in the newsletters and freelance writing jobs websites mentioned above, it’s important to present yourself professionally. 

Be sure to read and adhere to any guidelines. For example, a job posting might ask that you include certain keywords or submit samples in a particular format. Some requirements can be highly specific. One recent callout I saw online noted “you need to be in or near Miami for this role and have a great interest in the music/tattoo scene”. If you don’t meet the criteria, then don’t fudge it. The job is not for you.

Track your inquiries and follow up

Developing some sort of system to monitor your pitches or other forms of outreach to potential clients is vital if you want to stay organized and maintain some level of visibility over your efforts. 

Use an Excel spreadsheet or even a simple Word table to log the details—including what you submitted, to whom, and when. You might find some of the top productivity apps for freelancers helpful for your business. 

If you don’t hear back within a week or two, following up can mean the difference between landing an assignment or not. Many writers are reluctant to do this, but I’ve found that a polite email follow-up will often nudge a decision-maker into action. Even if that answer is a ‘no thanks’, it frees you up to explore other options. But don’t call, follow up several times a day, or argue the merits of your piece in an effort to change someone’s mind.

Maintain a positive mindset

Working from home as a freelance writer has its challenges. Sometimes you’ll be overwhelmed with work; other times, you’ll wonder where the next gig is coming from. When things aren’t going well in your office of one, it’s easy to feel isolated, frustrated, discouraged and even demoralized. 

So ensure you’re maintaining your self-care, in the form of exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and social contact. It’s also important to tackle any mindset blocks such as feelings of freelance Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, or fear of rejection. 

Setting realistic goals, investing in ongoing learning and seeking support can also help you hang in when the going gets tough. These are crucial steps to forming a good freelance writer salary and remain sustainable in this industry.

Frequently asked questions about simple writing jobs from home


How much can I earn from simple writing jobs from home?

Earnings from simple writing jobs from home vary widely. They depend on factors such as your experience, your preferred niche (or niches), the clients you secure, how hard you work, how effectively you market, and even how lucky you are. 

Intent on writing poetry for literary journals? 

You probably won’t be buying a Lamborghini any time soon. But if you’re willing to bone up on highly-paid freelance writing skills such as technical writing, UX writing, digital content writing, ghostwriting or health and medical writing, you’re likely to bring in much bigger bucks. For example, Upwork says technical writers can earn as much as $125 per hour.

How can I stay productive when working from home on simple writing jobs from home?

People often tell me they’d never be able to work from home because of all the ‘distractions’ it contains—such as television, laundry, pets, and more. Yet a combination of discipline, organization and strategic planning can keep even the most distractible individual on track. 

Set consistent working hours as part of a freelance work schedule to provide a sense of structure to the day and be sure to log off the computer and turn off the phone when the working day is done. 

Create a dedicated workspace that’s pleasant to settle into. Establish clear goals for the day and use time blocking to ensure the most important projects are tackled first. Set firm boundaries with friends and family members who think ‘working from home’ means that you’re always available or ‘not really working’.

Are there other simple jobs I can do from home?

While freelance writing is a popular choice for remote work, many other gigs can be done from home. These include virtual assistance (providing administrative support to businesses from a remote location), graphic design (creating visual content for websites, ads and other mediums), online tutoring (providing academic support and instruction via the internet), web development (designing and building websites for clients), and digital marketing (helping businesses promote their products and services online). Whether you opt for freelance writing, or one of the many other types of gigs, remote work offers a plethora of possibilities.

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Mindset/Motivation Writing Advice

5 Ways to Start Freelancing with No Experience

There’s never been a better time to get started as a freelancer—even if you want to start freelancing with no experience.

As conventional career paths continue to shift, demand for freelancers is skyrocketing.

Upwork’s Freelance Forward: 2023 report found that almost 2 in 5 American workers were freelancers, collectively contributing $1.27 trillion to the US economy in annual earnings in 2023.

Eager to join them but worried because you’ve got no experience?

No problem.

How to Land Your First Client When Freelancing with No Experience

Seriously considering how to become a freelance writer with no experience? Here’s what to do

For newcomers, finding a foothold among seasoned pros can feel like a pipedream.

Yet every successful freelancer had to start somewhere.

The truth is that you already have everything you need to get your first clients as a freelancer.

Even without a solid track record, you can still leverage your skills, passion, and determination to carve out your corner of the freelance world.

Here are five ways to get started from scratch when you’re a beginner freelancer and don’t have experience.

1.       Tap your existing networks

The saying, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know’, has never been more apt when it comes to finding your first (and next) freelance gig.

Personal connections play a huge role in accessing freelance opportunities.

Think about how you found your last plumber, dog walker, caterer, or other service provider.

Chances are, you asked friends, family, and colleagues for word-of-mouth referrals first.

That’s because 92 percent of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over all other forms of advertising, according to a Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising report.

Tapping your existing network means you capitalize on inherent trust relationships established over time.

People you know will be eager to help you on your way.

And new clients are more likely to hire freelancers who they know – or who come recommended by someone they know.

2.       Reach out to new contacts to determine how to become a freelance writer with no experience

Some science says that the number of stable social relationships we can maintain is around 150 people.

So stretching beyond your existing network can also help you get your first clients as a freelancer.

Broaden your horizons—by attending industry events, participating in workshops, webinars, and online courses, or joining and participating in professional associations.

Attending conferences is another way to build connections.

I attend The TravMedia Summit and International Media Marketplace (IMM) in Sydney every year.

The presentations, panels, and speed-networking sessions always offer useful information and insights.

But, as in every other industry, the real value of a conference lies in the serendipitous interactions that occur outside the formal agenda.

Chance encounters at social drinks, coffee breaks or formal dinners always tend to open doors to new opportunities—and might just help you land your first client.

3.       Build a freelance portfolio

Imagine, for a moment, you’re getting married.

You and your betrothed want to capture every special moment.

Would you entrust the job to a wedding photographer without being able to view their work beforehand?

Other freelance roles are much the same, even if they’re not so visually oriented.

From graphic designers and social media managers to web developers and virtual assistants, all sorts of freelancers find that a portfolio is a powerful sales tool.

A portfolio establishes credibility by showcasing your skills and expertise to potential clients, letting them “try before they buy”.

Of course, your portfolio needs to be tailored to the work you do.

For example, a freelance voice-over artist I know posts recordings from her previous gigs on her Instagram page.

And before she had any gigs, she posted samples she’d recorded in her home studio.

This helped her get her first clients as a freelancer. You can do the same when you’re exploring how to freelance with no experience.

Write samples that your ideal client would want to see. Post them on your site, or even on LinkedIn.

4.       Cultivate your digital presence

We all have a digital presence.

The question is whether it’s working in your favor.

The editor of one Australian travel publication says that when a new freelance writer comes knocking, the first thing he does is look at their social media profiles.

Is this person a keen traveler? What are their interests? How professional and polished are their posts? Are they consistent (meaning reliable)? How well do they communicate?

Freelancers in other fields can also use social media to bolster their personal brands.

Share valuable content to establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. It’s one of the best ways to get started freelancing with no experience.

Post behind-the-scenes snippets to pique curiosity and increase the “know, like, trust” factor. You’ll probably find that this tip for how to become a freelance writer with no experience is fun to implement.

Provide “sneak peeks” of your latest products or services, or use social media to showcase your latest work.

Reveal some of your personality, your history, your journey.

You could conceivably land your first client as a freelancer by having a decision maker click on your profile and think, ‘Wow, this person is perfect for the project I have in mind.’

5.       Write on spec to start freelance with no experience

Or do whatever type of freelance service you offer “on spec.” Writing “on spec” means crafting stories without any guarantee of publication or payment – unless a publisher or client opts to use it.

While not as common in other freelance fields, the same principle applies.

Do the work. Cross your fingers. Say a prayer.

The first story I ever sold was written on spec. (I didn’t know about pitching back then.)

Writing on spec is a strategy I still use sometimes to break into new publications – even three decades after starting out as a freelance writer.

Sinking time and effort into projects that might never see the light of day can be disappointing, frustrating and, when used as your standalone sales strategy, financially unsustainable.

But writing on spec is also necessary sometimes for a whole host of reasons.

Certain subjects just don’t translate to compelling pitches.

Imagine, for instance, if Joan Didion had tried to sell her much-admired In Bed by crafting a pitch about excruciating headaches.

Then there are those editors who, no matter how many clips you have, demand you submit the first article on spec.

Yes, there are people out there hell-bent on exploiting you.

You could always walk away.

But sometimes it’s worth taking the risk of a few (potentially) wasted hours to have the opportunity to demonstrate what you can really do.

And perhaps land your first client as a freelancer.

Kick-Start Your Freelance Career Today

The freelance landscape is ripe with opportunities, and the time to seize them is now. With conventional career paths evolving, freelancers are in high demand, contributing significantly to the economy. As this guide to starting freelance with no experience shows you, there are lot of ways to land your first freelance job or secure a freelance writing job. Try one or all of them or find your own best practices.

Get more information on how to become a freelance writer with no experience by signing up for a freelance newsletter. Enter your details into the module on the right.

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Industry Money

Can You Earn a Living Freelancing?

You’re thinking about starting a freelance career or, you’ve already kick-started one and wondered if it’s truly possible to earn a living freelancing and earn a living freelance writing. Some days freelancers can feel like they’re rolling in the money and need to turn down freelance assignments. Other days, you keep refreshing your inbox to see if clients need your freelance talents and stress about your bank account statements.

When I was in high school, I dreamed of becoming a freelance writer who worked from home and was able to support a family. My first byline was in 1978, and it wasn’t until 1996 that I made the leap from “full-time employee” to “full-time freelance writer.”  The journey has been an exciting one, and the Internet has made the process a lot easier.

Until the past two decades, freelance writers had to submit everything via snail mail. Can you imagine writing a query letter (magazine pitch), and making sure you included a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) if you wanted a reply? Then it would take several months before you would hear back from an editor.

These days, you can get rejected within a few hours thanks to the invention of email. But, you can also get an assignment within a few hours, too.  You can earn as much money as you want as a freelancer. Marketing is the key component.

That’s why it’s still possible to earn a living freelance writing.

4 Ways You Can Earn a Living Freelance Writing

Making a living as a freelancer is possible when you follow these steps.

1.  Write articles for publications and websites. 

One of the reasons you’re thinking about earning a living as a freelance writer is because you’re interested in writing for magazines, editorial websites, or brands.

Some places will pay “per word,” while others will pay “per project.” 

Many magazines and websites hire freelance writers to help with content. 

(Hint: look for publications and websites that are a good fit for your interests and skill set.)

2.  Write greeting cards. 

Yes, people are still buying them and this industry needs your writing talents.

Most card companies accept submissions from freelance writers. Visit their website and look for the submission guidelines. In the past, I have sold greeting cards for rates ranging from $75 to $150. Blue Mountain Arts pays $300. Research card companies online at the Greeting Card Association.

(Hint: look for greeting card companies that are not in the association…they won’t be getting as many submissions from freelance writers.)

This is just one of many fun answers to the question, “Can you earn a living freelancing?”

3.  Write for specialty newsletters. 

I got one of my first freelance newsletter writing assignments after answering an ad on a job board. article was only 250 words, and it paid $100. Find lots of newsletters at the Directory of Associations and Industry Newsletters. You could also offer freelance writing services to clients as a writer for their e-newsletters.

4.  Write books. It’s a great way to earn a living freelancing.

Sure, that’s way easier said than done, John!

Here’s how to earn a living freelancer with book writing projects.

·         The “traditional way” is when you create a book proposal and either submit it directly to a publisher, or through a literary agent (there are still plenty of mainstream publishers that accept submissions directly from authors).

·         You can also “self-publish,” either on Amazon or with a “print on demand” (POD) company. When you self-publish on Amazon, for example, they handle all the printing and shipping, etc., and you receive a monthly royalty payment.

·         You can also find “work-for-hire” book project opportunities. Many publishers have ideas for books and need authors to create them. I have worked on these types of projects for rates ranging from $800 (for a children’s book for a school library publisher) to $15,000 (for a business book for a mainstream publisher).

·         Write chapters for publishers. Many publishers are looking for “experts” in different fields to write just one or two chapters for a book. (I wrote a few chapters in “Family Health for Dummies” and “Men’s Health for Dummies.”)

FAQs: Can You Earn a Living Freelancing?

How much do freelancers earn freelancing for a living?

Good question, and the answers are all over the place. For example, there are several surveys online that indicate the average hourly rate for a freelance writer is about $29. Other surveys have the figure higher, and few even have it much lower.

I have never been a fan of an hourly wage for a freelance assignment. Most of the freelance assignments I get these days pay on a per project or per word basis. Much better, in my opinion. (That being said, freelance rates are how they charge are up to each freelancer.)

In the past, I have written articles for rates ranging from 50 cents to $2.00 per word.  These days most of my article assignments pay between $350 and $750, depending upon a variety of factors (timeline, amount of research that is required, and if outside sources are needed as quotes).

Consider these stats from SmartBlogger.com:

·         50% (or more) of freelance writers earn less than $30k per year.

·         18% of freelance writers reported income levels of $31k – $50k 

·         5% reported making between $100k – $125,000

·         4% earned over $125,000

Can I make a career out of freelancing?

Is it possible to seriously earn a living freelancing?

Most freelance writers are happy with getting assignments as a side gig and starting a freelance side hustle.

Depending on your schedule, you may only have time to squeeze in one article per week. Or, as a reminder, we all get the same 24 hours a day, seven. days a week. Learning how to manage your time wisely…and financially…should be a key factor in deciding if you want to make a career out of freelance writing.

Can freelancers make good money?

Freelancers can absolutely make good money doing this! I know hundreds of freelance writers who are making darn good money. In fact, most of them are making great money—over six figure freelancer salaries.

Brainstorm some ways to find those higher-paying projects. Present yourself as a professional and convince the editor that YOU are the right freelance writer for the next assignment.

Is freelancing still profitable?

Freelancing is still profitable for freelancers if you’re willing to embrace marketing, marketing, and marketing. (Did we get the point across?) A freelance marketing plan is the key to a successful…and profitable…freelance journey. The more you market yourself, the more bylines and checks will come your way.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and get outside your comfort zone when it comes to being able to earn a living freelancing. I never thought I would be writing greeting cards and school library books, but I am glad that I tried it.

How to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer

While the freelance landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few decades, one thing remains constant: the importance of marketing oneself effectively. Whether you’re earning a living freelancing by writing articles, crafting greeting cards, creating newsletters, penning books, or promoting yourself and your freelance business on social media, marketing is the key to attracting high-paying clients and catapulting your earning potential.

In order to stay relevant and successful for decades to come, be resilient, embrace new opportunities, and continuously refine your marketing skills. You can indeed earn a living freelancing and thrive in the roller coaster ride that is the freelance industry. So, don’t hesitate to explore new avenues, seize opportunities, and make your freelance dreams a reality.

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