What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Freelance Writer

I have been *casually* freelance content writing for a little over a year now, and it's something I am still trying to crack the code on. I mostly do it now for fun and for extra money, but back in 2020/the first half of 2021, I was desperate for it to become my new profession or at least lead me out of a job I didn't exactly love. I had always wanted to write articles for places like Pop Sugar or Bustle, and truly thought that my college essays and writing projects were good enough writing samples. And truth be told, I didn't know what freelance writing was.

For instance, I first learned what pitching was during a virtual career fair by the millennial-favorite site, Bustle, back in the fall of 2020. I didn't know what building my portfolio meant, that I should just always be writing even if know one reads it, and so on. When I tried to look online for a clear and concise path on how to write articles for sites I loved, I didn't find too much. What I did find was that some other freelancers can keep to themselves and not share how they got into freelancing, after all it is quite competitive out there, and they worked hard to build their freelancing business so I kind of get it. After a year of developing relationships with some editors, getting articles published, and regaining confidence in myself and my abilities to write well, here are some things I would have wanted to know when I first started freelancing and had no clue how to begin.

1. Understand that it kind of is all who you know

I am by no means an expert freelancer yet, but I feel like my desperation in trying to get noticed by some editors should at least be mentioned and be someone else's lesson. One of the things I learned during that virtual career fair is that you should reach out to people who have the job you want for an "informational interview." This means you should reach out to say, the fashion editor of Seventeen magazine if you are dying to write about fashion or work at Seventeen magazine to write about fashion. You can find these people on the masthead usually at the bottom of the website you want to write for, and search their names through LinkedIn or Twitter. It's a lot of lurking, but that's part of finding people who may be able to give you great advice or even a chance to write with or for them. The only thing you can do after finding someone you want to talk to is send them a brief and casual message about wanting to speak to them about their career since you are interested in doing the same thing. Don't be too overbearing or vague. Most of the time, they won't answer, and that's okay. The people who do respond are usually quite flattered you thought of them and will love to talk about how they got to be where they are today. I didn't understand the power of networking until I started doing this, and realized that a lot of people are closely connected and everyone kind of refers each other to different jobs or positions. It's hard getting your foot in the door to an industry like that, but just like what Rob says to Josie in Never Been Kissed, "All you need is for one person to think you're cool and you're in. Everyone else will be scared to question it."

2. Figure out your rates early on

When I had to tell an editor what my rates were, I had no clue. I tried Googling what a beginner freelance content writer should charge, and I got mixed answers. I didn't want to charge an obscene amount of money but also didn't want to get swindled. What I ended up doing was asking a freelance content writer I had previously found and done an informational interview with and asked her for advice. She was gracious enough to respond and explain that I should have a clear rate for reported pieces and non reported articles, which I was kind of nervous to present to the editor. Most of the time, editors will accept your rates. Just be prepared to know how to create an invoice and make sure you get paid on time!

3. Remember that every article has value

When I was writing listicles about romantic comedies, I was a little embarrassed, to be honest. I was worried that people would think what I had written was dumb or an easy feat but I'm here to tell you listicles can be tedious and require research. Yes, it may not be a riveting piece on politics, body image, or anything else that appears "smart"or conversation worthy but you have to remember there is an audience for everything. After my first listicle was published, a ton of people reached out to me saying they enjoyed the article and could relate to it. It took me back to when I was in college and how when I took a breaks from homework, I always wanted to take Buzzfeed quizzes or read listicles about the top romcoms of the 90's. They were easy and enjoyable reads, and if that's what you love to write about then go for it!

4. Join Facebook writing groups--with caution

When I was looking for a writing job, I joined Facebook writing groups and was a little intimidated at first. I joined ones that advertised both entry level and seasoned positions and even witnessed a group implode because of a political post. These groups can be great resources but I would caution anyone from frequently posting because the Internet can be a touchy place where people can nitpick at every little thing you say. Something I have found out as well is that some writers can be quite pretentious and will make you feel insecure about your work unintentionally. We are all trying to do our best, but sometimes personalities and writing styles clash and that's just part of it. Another writing opportunities resource is the newsletter Study Hall, which gives a weekly overview of calls for pitches. Utilize search engines, Twitter, and of course, LinkedIn to build your community.

5. Write and write some more!

When I was at my previous job, I was not happy. My job didn't fulfill me, and I felt like I was too drained at the end of each day to write anything for fun. It was a huge blow to my self-esteem because I felt like I was a pretty creative person, but all of a sudden it had left my body. When I first started thinking of article ideas, it was painful. I could. Not. Write. Eventually, I added a blog section to my website which had originally just housed my resume, and now we're here! One helpful tip I have for people looking for article ideas is to keep an article idea page on the notes app and every time an idea pops into your head, you write it down. No matter how ridiculous it may seem, someone might be interested. So many people have said they wake up and just write down whatever pops into their mind, and that seems to get the wheels turning. Once you find your niche, you can start pitching to outlets big and small the ideas that you yourself as a consumer would want to read.

One final note, I am grateful to a couple people in particular for taking a chance on me. One person shared a ton of information on how to pitch, answered my questions about what kind of stuff I should write about when I had a creative writing block, and was very kind, which can be kind of hard to find in a world of ghosting and rejection. Another editor at Cafe Mom told me they'd let me write something for them because everyone needs to start somewhere. So find the people who will take time to help you, and be willing to be kind and you will eventually make an idea into a story and build your brand as a successful freelance content writer--something I'm still learning!