Starting out? A freelance writing gig is the first step to launching your writing career with flexibility and income potential.
How to Find a Freelance Writing Gig as a New Writer
Starting a writing career from scratch may feel overwhelming, especially when you’re surrounded by seasoned professionals and you’re just trying to get your foot in the door. But here’s the secret: everyone started somewhere. Whether you’re transitioning from another job or diving into writing fresh out of school, securing your first freelance writing gig is not only possible—it’s the best way to jumpstart your new career.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how you can break into freelance writing, what platforms to use, how to build your confidence, and how to increase your chances of landing a freelance writing gig, even if you have zero experience.
Why Choose a Freelance Writing Gig?
A freelance writing gig offers unparalleled freedom. You’re not tied to a 9–5 schedule, and you can work from anywhere in the world. This is especially ideal for those who value flexibility, creativity, and control over their workload and career path.
More importantly, freelance gigs can evolve into long-term contracts, retainer clients, or even full-blown careers in content strategy, copywriting, or digital marketing.
Identify Your Writing Strengths
Before applying to any freelance writing gig, take a moment to reflect on what type of content you’re good at—or interested in trying. Are you great at explaining tech topics in simple terms? Love writing lifestyle blog posts or product reviews? The more specific you are, the better your chances of finding gigs that align with your strengths.
Common freelance writing niches include:
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Blog posts and SEO content
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Copywriting for sales pages and ads
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Technical writing
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Ghostwriting eBooks
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Journalism and feature stories
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Social media content
You don’t need to pick just one niche when starting out, but having a few areas of focus helps you stand out when you’re pitching for a freelance writing gig.
Build a Simple Portfolio
If you want to land a freelance writing gig, clients need to see what you can do. Don’t worry if you don’t have published work yet. You can create writing samples on your own blog, LinkedIn, or even as Google Docs.
Portfolio tips:
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Include 3–5 samples across different topics or formats.
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Use real-world tones: write like you’re solving a problem for a reader.
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Make your samples easy to read and mobile-friendly.
Websites like Contently or Journo Portfolio allow you to display your work professionally—even if it’s unpaid work or passion projects.
Set Up a Professional Online Presence
You don’t need a fancy website when you’re starting out. A clean, informative LinkedIn profile or a free WordPress blog can do the trick.
Be sure your profile includes:
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A professional headshot
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A short bio focused on your writing strengths
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A clear statement: “I’m available for your next freelance writing gig.”
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Links to your portfolio or samples
Clients will Google you—make sure what they find adds to your credibility.
Where to Find a Freelance Writing Gig
Here’s where the real hustle begins. Many platforms offer opportunities for beginners, and the key is consistency and persistence.
Top platforms to explore:
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Upwork: Competitive but great for beginners willing to price lower to build experience.
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Fiverr: Create packages and let clients come to you.
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Freelancer.com: Bid on jobs and build your reputation.
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PeoplePerHour: More UK-based but open worldwide.
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ProBlogger Job Board: Great for blogging-related writing gigs.
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LinkedIn Jobs: Use the search feature with filters for “freelance writing gig.”
Don’t underestimate cold pitching either. Look up websites or blogs you admire and reach out with a short, personalized email. Introduce yourself and include a link to your portfolio. You might be surprised by how many editors and small business owners are open to hiring new writers.
How to Craft an Effective Pitch
Whether you’re responding to a job board listing or cold-pitching a company, how you pitch matters.
Tips for a winning pitch:
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Personalize it. Use the recipient’s name.
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Keep it short and to the point.
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Mention what you bring to the table.
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Share 1–2 links to relevant writing samples.
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Include your availability and rate (if asked).
Example Pitch:
Hi [Name],
I’m a freelance content writer with a passion for health and wellness topics. I came across your blog and loved your recent post on mindful eating. If you’re looking for contributors, I’d love to be considered for a freelance writing gig.
Here are a couple of samples of my work:
[link 1]
[link 2]I’m available to start immediately and can provide fresh, SEO-friendly content tailored to your audience. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Setting Your Rates
As a new writer, it’s tempting to undervalue your services to get your first freelance writing gig. While it’s okay to start lower to build your portfolio, avoid charging rates so low that it undermines your long-term goals.
Suggested beginner rates:
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$0.03–$0.10 per word
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$15–$50 per blog post (500–1000 words)
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$20–$40/hour for hourly gigs
With time and positive client feedback, you can increase your rates as you gain experience and credibility.
Handle Rejections Like a Pro
Rejection is a normal part of the freelance journey. Not every pitch will get a response. But every pitch helps you refine your approach, learn what clients are looking for, and grow your resilience.
Each “no” gets you one step closer to a “yes.” If a client passes, don’t be afraid to follow up after a few weeks or apply again to future postings.
Build Relationships, Not Just Income
One of the best things about landing a freelance writing gig is the potential for long-term collaboration. Always deliver on time, communicate clearly, and be open to feedback.
Many beginner writers land one small gig, only to have that client turn into a long-term source of monthly income.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Be cautious of clients who:
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Ask for free samples unrelated to your portfolio
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Offer exposure instead of pay
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Avoid signing contracts or being clear about payments
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Request unreasonable revisions or deadlines
Protect your time and energy—there are plenty of quality freelance writing gigs out there.
The First Win: What It Feels Like
There’s nothing like landing your first freelance writing gig. Whether it’s a $30 blog post or a recurring newsletter job, the moment you get that confirmation email or payment notification, everything changes.
You realize: you can do this.
And that belief is what fuels the rest of your writing career.
What Comes Next?
So you’ve crafted your portfolio, sent pitches, and know where to find writing jobs. You’re right on the edge of something big—your first freelance writing gig could be just a few days away. But how do you make sure your next pitch stands out from hundreds of other beginners? What secret strategies do successful freelancers use to keep getting gigs without spending hours every day looking for them?
That’s what we’ll dive into next.
Ready to take the next step?
Click the Learn More button below and start your journey toward your first freelance writing gig.