How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

Discover how to turn words into income

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BY RANDY DUERMYER

 

Updated August 28, 2017

Writing is one profession that is especially suited to people who want flexibility in where, how, and when they work. That's because most types of writing today only require a computer, an Internet connection, and word processing software.

The Internet is a source of information and entertainment, and while much of that is offered visually, such as through video, the written word still the dominant method for delivering online content.

As a result, there is a large demand for freelance writers.

Pros of Freelance Writing

Work from home or anywhere you have an Internet connection and computer





Flexible schedule





Wide variety of types of writing available, including articles, copywriting, and more





Wide variety of subjects to cover, which means you can avoid getting bored





Low overhead to get started. In fact, you can get started for free



Cons of Freelance Writing

Takes time to find a steady stream of clients





Some forms of writing don't pay very well





Income can ebb and flow





Competition is fierce especially for high paying writing jobs





It's solitary work.



Types of Freelance Writers

There are plenty of types of writing that are in demand. You can focus on one type of writing, such as web content, or do several types. Further, you can specialize in a particular topic or industry, or be a generalist, covering many topics and industries. Here are just a few areas to consider:

Article writer (print) - Print magazines, journals and papers can be one of the more difficult types of writing to break into, but often pays better than online counterparts. While some magazines hire writers, freelance writers pitch article ideas that a magazine either accepts or declines. You're paid when the magazine accepts (or prints) your article.





Web content writing - All sites need good content for SEO, luring traffic, and providing helpful and entertaining information to readers. Because marketing is often a component of web content, you should have a basic knowledge of search engine optimization or are willing to learn, you may be able to command a higher rate writing keyword rich web content. Some writers are hired to provide regular content (i.e. 2 articles a week) while others work like magazines in that you have to query your idea.





Medical writing - Pharmaceutical companies need technical writers who are very knowledgeable about medicine and about FDA requirements.





Technical writing - If you like computers and software, if you have an engineering background, or even if you like to take things apart and put them back together again, this could be a great field for you.





Marketing and advertising copywriting - Copywriting involves crafting sales letters, ads, product descriptions, and other promotional materials. Unlike other forms of writing, copywriting requires an understanding of what entices people to respond to promotional materials. If you understand the psychology of sales and can write persuasively, copywriting is one of the more lucrative forms of writing. There are some excellent books and courses on how to write copy.





Blogging - Similar to content writers, blog writers create articles for bloggers based on the blog's topic. 





Resume writer - If you can craft a great resumes, many job seekers need your services. Similar to copywriting, resume writing requires a special understanding of how to present a job seeker in a way that attracts an employer.





Business plan writer - If you're business savvy and can write clearly, you can also offer your services writing business plans.



Skills and Experiences Required to be a Freelance Writer

Interestingly enough, you don't necessarily need a degree in journalism or English to be a successful freelance writer. You don't even have to have a lot of experience in writing. What you do need is the ability to write well. Other skills or experiences you should have include:

Good grammar 

 https://www.thebalance.com/home-business-idea-freelance-writer-1794506