How Do I Get Started as a Freelance Writer

Dear Jodee,

I love writing. It’s always been one of my passions. I want to go to college but can’t afford it and am definitely not scholarship material. I want to get a job as a freelance writer to earn some money for at least a two year college. I’m graduating this year and I can’t stand thinking I might not be able to go to school anymore. Will you please give me some advice on what I should do? I’d really appreciate it.

Jo

Dear Jo,

It is possible to make enough money from writing to help you pay for school, but I should tell you that there is a difference between writing for yourself and taking on assignments for clients. You will need to be able to follow instructions carefully when doing paid writing work.

If you are going to be graduating this year, I would suggest that you find some non-writing work first and then start writing part-time. That way, you can give yourself some time to get a feel for whether this is something that you would like to pursue professionally while not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

There are many different ways to get paid to write, and I would suggest that you check out the information here at FreelanceWritingGigs, as well as other sites, to learn as much as you can before you start looking for work. You may have to try a few things before you find a type of writing that is a good fit for you but if you are passionate about words and willing to work at it, you can reach your goal. Good luck!

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3 responses
  1. M. LaVora Avatar
    M. LaVora

    Great response, Jodee.

    Jo, I’d also suggest that you consider attending a local community college for starters. They cost a lot less that 4-year schools and usually offer courses that are comparable to those that freshman and sophomores at 4-years institutions take. Once you’ve completed 2-years at the community college, you can transfer to a 4-year.

    It’s a good idea to think about where you want to go to complete your bachelor’s so you can contact the different institutions to find out if all of your credits from the community college will transfer. Most likely, if you plan to attend an in-state public university or college, they will accept your credits from the community college.

    Also, at the community college, you can focus on improving your GPA, which will increase your chances of obtaining merit scholarships.

    As I writer, education is one of your greatest assets, whether you obtain it formally or informally. I think it’s a smart move to further your education while you’re still young. It’s harder, but not impossible, to enroll in college as you get older and take on more and more responsibilities.

    LaVora

    Reply
  2. Carol | Make a Living Writing Avatar
    Carol | Make a Living Writing

    As a proud college dropout, I’d say start finding entry-level writing assignments you can do for others and learn on the job! Worked for me.

    Reply
  3. A real life freelance writer Avatar
    A real life freelance writer

    in today’s economy, the people who are going to make it are the ones who have that real entrepreneur spirit and can find ways to make money for themselves without having to depend on an employer. Freelance writing is a great career and with the explosion of the internet, there is no shortage of job opportunities.

    Reply

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