Want to learn how to become a freelance writer with no experience? Here’s how you can find freelance writing jobs and make money from home.
Many people dream of finding a freelance writing job and making a living from home. It can be a great career choice if you love writing. Today, I have an insightful interview with Alexander Webb, a freelance writer for National Geographic, the New York Times, and more.
Alexander Webb and Kristin Wong, who writes for the New York Times, Glamour, Lifehacker, and others, created an online course for writers called Come Write With Us. This course covers everything they’ve learned from writing for top newspapers and magazines. Their course has helped students become freelance writers for magazines, websites, and even the New York Times.
If you’re wondering things like:
– What is a freelance writer?
– How do freelance writers get paid?
– What do you need to become a freelance writer?
– How can I find my first writing job?
Today’s interview will help you get started and might even introduce you to a new way to make money from home.
**How to Become a Freelance Writer**
**Background on Alexander Webb:**
Hi! I’m Alex, and I’ve written for the New York Times, National Geographic, and more. Along with Kristin Wong, I founded Come Write With Us, a course and community for freelance writers. The course includes everything we wish we knew when we started freelance writing.
I love writing because it combines learning and creating. Initially, I wanted to write books but shifted to articles to get more practice. I didn’t study English or Literature; I went to university in Hong Kong.
**What is a Freelance Writer?**
Freelance writers are self-employed writers. When you read a newspaper, blog, or magazine, many articles are written by freelancers who pitch ideas to editors, write the articles, and get paid. I enjoy the flexibility and freedom to write for different clients.
Freelance writers usually get paid in two ways: a flat fee or by the word (e.g., $1 per word for print magazines). Hourly pay is rare. Avoid writing for free; it’s usually a bad idea.
**Biggest Mistakes New Writers Make:**
The biggest mistake is never getting started. Many people say they want to write but keep putting it off. You have to force yourself to start. Another mistake is being afraid to ask about money or contracts. Don’t be shy about your work and make sure to stand up for yourself. Review contracts carefully or join an organization like the Author’s Guild for advice.
**Earnings for New Writers:**
I started with short blog posts for $50 each. A few years later, I worked on a National Geographic project for a low five-figure sum. If you’re new, think of freelance writing as a side hustle that can become a career with practice. Aim for publications that pay in the low hundreds per article. As you gain experience, $1 a word is common for major publications. You can make six figures, especially with technical writing or corporate clients, but writing isn’t the easiest way to make a lot of money.
**Do You Need a Degree?**
You don’t need a degree to become a freelance writer. The most important things are the desire to write and the patience to revise your work. Beginners often think a first draft is ready to send off, but writers usually edit their work many times. Getting advice and experience from others can help you improve faster. Don’t give up on your dreams just because you didn’t go to journalism school.
**Improving Your Writing:**
I improved by reading great writers and practicing, but I advanced due to advice and mentorship from other writers. Writing can be solitary, so it’s important to get advice and talk to others in the industry. You can start a writing accountability group, reach out to writers, or just read and write more. The key is to get started and keep improving.
**What I Like About Writing:**
I love that writing forces me to learn new things. For example, writing an issue of National Geographic on medical marijuana taught me a lot. Writing is a window into so much knowledge and has introduced me to wonderful people and diverse ideas.
**Finding Your First Writing Job:**
There are many ways to stand out as a new writer. Don’t compete on price by writing for free or cheap. Instead, stand out with quality, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Volunteering to write for a charity or social cause can be a good way to gain experience. Show that you care and can do a good job, and companies will want to pay you. You can find writing jobs by googling “freelance writing jobs” or searching on Twitter.
**Inspiration and Avoiding Writer’s Block:**
Fostering different types of creativity is important. Reading great writers and having side projects can help. I find that putting a song on repeat helps me focus. Sometimes, it’s just hard, and that’s normal for every writer. There are great books on writing and deadlines can also help you get your work done.
**About the Course:**
If you want to write for top publications, learn from people who have done it. Our course, Come Write With Us, includes all the information, strategies, tips, and tricks we’ve learned. We also have a supportive writing community with job posts and feedback. Many students have landed high-paying assignments and published their first pieces after taking our course. We offer a 30-day refund policy if you’re not happy with the course.
If you’re interested in getting started, sign up for Come Write With Us! What other questions do you have about becoming a freelance writer at home?