5 New Year’s Resolutions for Freelance Writers

Whether you had a steady stream of writing gigs or a tiny trickle, you undoubtedly learned some lessons on what to do—and not to do—as a freelance writer in 2024.

As you write your way into 2025, here are some New Year’s resolutions for you, the freelance writer, that will help you create a freelance writing career you’ll love.

New Year’s resolutions for freelance writers

Reach out to former clients

You had a lot of fun writing that piece for a client on what guys really think. But it doesn’t have to be a one-story deal. Reach out to your former editor to see if you can write for him again. Don’t assume that he’ll automatically assign you a story, though. Have a few pitches ready when you make contact to ensure you’ll get hired again.

Be strategic in your search

Truth be told, your method for landing new jobs may have been a mélange of word-of-mouth references and a little bit of luck. For the new year, try to be more strategic in your job search by targeting outlets or platforms you’d really like to work for—then contact them to see if they are currently hiring freelancers. You can also use job search boards, but target the ones that offer freelance writing jobs, so that you use your time wisely. 

Charge the right rates

The passion-profit paradox is real in freelance writing: while you may excel at crafting compelling content, the business side—particularly pricing your work—often feels uncomfortable. According to the 2024 Writers Market survey, many freelancers undercharge by 25-40% compared to industry standards. This hesitation to charge market rates isn’t just about modesty—it can seriously impact your long-term career sustainability.

Recent data from the Editorial Freelancers Association shows that professional content writers typically charge between $0.30-$2 per word for specialized content, while content marketing pieces command $75-200 per hour. Yet many talented writers still price their work well below these benchmarks.

The challenge becomes even more complex with long-term clients. As digital content demand continues to grow—with content marketing spending projected to reach $107 billion in 2025—maintaining artificially low rates not only undermines your own value but also creates a difficult transition when you need to adjust your pricing to reflect market realities.

Professional tip: Rather than viewing pricing as a necessary evil, consider it an essential part of your business strategy. Your expertise, research skills, and ability to create engaging content that drives results deserve appropriate compensation. Many successful freelancers recommend implementing a gradual rate increase strategy with existing clients while establishing market-appropriate rates with new ones.

Take a class

Professional development remains crucial in today’s rapidly evolving writing landscape. With AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude reshaping content creation, and new digital platforms emerging constantly, staying current isn’t just about style and vocabulary—it’s about maintaining your competitive edge.

Consider investing in your expertise through online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or MasterClass, which offer everything from SEO optimization to AI-assisted writing workflows. Many professional organizations like the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and the Professional Writers Alliance now offer certification programs specifically designed for the 2025 digital marketplace.

Beyond traditional writing skills, today’s most successful freelancers are expanding their knowledge in:

• Data storytelling and visualization
• Content optimization for voice search
• Multimedia content creation
• Digital audience engagement strategies
• AI collaboration techniques

Local writing workshops and community college courses still offer valuable networking opportunities and specialized training in emerging niches like technical documentation for AI systems or environmental storytelling. Professional conferences, both virtual and in-person, provide crucial insights into industry trends and best practices.

Remember: The most sought-after assignments often go to writers who demonstrate not just solid writing skills, but also an understanding of current digital trends and emerging communication technologies. Continuous learning isn’t just about improvement—it’s about staying relevant in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever.

Read our guide on How to Upskill as a Freelance Writer.

Get social

You know that you hit Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest when you get a little writer’s block. Now, make all your social media accounts work for you by helping you get offered writing jobs! Create professional FB, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram accounts that focus on your writing and advertise your specific specialty. Update your LinkedIn profile, too, since recruiters and hiring managers often scour the site looking for new talent.

There are many ways you can create the freelance writing career that you want. Simply decide how you’d like it to be, then write your way to success.

This post was written by Jennifer Parris, career writer at FlexJobs, the award-winning site for telecommuting and flexible job listings. FlexJobs lists thousands of pre-screened, legitimate, and professional-level work-from-home jobs and other types of flexibility like part-time positions, freelancing, and flexible schedules.

For more tips, visit our Resources Area.

Updated January 2025