So, something really cool is going on… Freelance writers are raising their voices to share their insight and connect with other writers like never before. We’ve noticed that our favorite freelance writing groups on Facebook (including ours—you’re a member already, right?) have been growing as new writers join the freelance workforce.
This development is part of the steadily growing freelance writing movement that was culminating even before the pandemic—but crisis mode definitely propelled many folks to leave behind unsatisfying jobs and pursue flexible, fulfilling freelance careers instead. (We love to see it.)
Last month, in anticipation of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we decided to ask some of the freelance writing women in our own community and peer communities to share their experiences. We’re sharing twenty-five stories in total, starting with the women below. Prepare to be inspired!
Tamika M. Murray: Freelance Writer and Author
How did you get started with freelancing?
I began freelancing in 2008. Writing has been a part of my life since I was gifted my first diary for my eighth birthday. As a high school sophomore, I contributed film and music-related content for my local newspaper, the Press of Atlantic City. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature in 2004. I started a blog called PJ’s and a Movie. I also contributed to online outlets like eHow and Blogger News Network. But I stopped freelance writing from pursuing a Social Work degree.
I returned to freelancing in 2019. Since then, I’ve written for multiple online outlets while working for The Hoth. I recently wrote two children’s books for the school and library market on the third to fourth-grade level. I’ve also self-published two non-fiction books which earned some book awards.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
What works for one person may not work for you. It’s going to take trial and error but eventually, you’ll find your way.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Gain as much experience and samples as possible. But don’t stay stuck earning peanuts for content mills.
Connect with Tamika:
IG: @CelestialScribe81 & @CelestialPublishingllc
TW: @CelestialScr81
Brianne Hogan: Wellness, Relationships and Spirituality Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’ve been freelancing for 12 years come November 2022! I started as a struggling actor who wanted to write her projects. My off-off-off Broadway playa reminded me how much I’ve always loved writing. I thought, why am I not doing this? Because the acting thing wasn’t really working for me. I started out with small blog posts for anything and everything that would hire me — real estate blogs, small businesses, city news. Really topics that I had no expertise or interest in — but I was interested in writing for a living and getting better and getting my name out there.
Flash forward to a decade later and now I’ve written for big publications like the Washington Post, the BBC, Buzzfeed and Elle — and more importantly, I get to write things like that really do interest me. In fact, my interest in astrology and writing about it led me to land two publishing deals and my literary agent.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
When I’m passionate about something, I typically sell the pitch. Trying to sound or be like someone else never works. Carving my own path. Learning through my own mistakes, trusting myself and remembering why I love writing have been the most rewarding parts of this finicky career.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Connections are everything. Deliver clean copy. Communicate clearly with your editors. Let your voice shine through your writing (while adhering to the tone of the publication). Don’t be afraid to say no or speak up when you can’t make a deadline or when you don’t like the shitty rate you’re being offered. Being a good person and being true to yourself will get you further than copying someone else.
Connect with Brianne:
IG: @briehogan
Hailey Hudson: Atlanta-Based Healthcare, Marketing and Pet Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I started freelancing about five years ago right out of high school because I couldn’t attend college due to medical reasons. I’d always loved to write and wanted to be an author when I grew up, so freelancing seemed like a natural step.
I’m extremely proud that I was able to become financially independent and move out into my own apartment in a very nice complex two years after I started freelancing full time. My health has continued to get worse, but my freelance business has continued to grow.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
I’ve become extremely confident in my abilities/skills/knowledge, my worth, and what that means as far as the rates I charge and the type of clients I choose to work with (ie ones who recognize that I have a valuable perspective and lots of experience to bring to the table).
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Don’t work for free!
Connect with Hailey:
IG: @haileyh412
TW: @haileyh412
Kat Gal: Health Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I’m a health writer. I create long-form science-backed blogs, ebooks, and other kinds of content for functional medicine doctors, holistic health practitioners, and health/nutrition brands. I’ve been doing this for nearly a decade. I started freelancing by accident. Writing was always part of my personal life and professional roles, but I never thought I could make money as a writer. I didn’t know people made money writing on the internet. I had a health coaching business (or trying to create one…) and was trying to promote my work through blogging and guest blogging.
People started reaching out to me asking me to write. Some were willing to pay though not much. I had no idea freelance writing was a thing or what the term freelancing meant. But I got curious and started to google how to make money writing. Eventually, I ran into the term ‘freelancing writing’. More googling and some trial and error followed but here I am with a successful freelance writing business.
I am the most proud of just creating this business all by myself without any emotional or financial support behind me from anyone. Except for some freelance writing FB groups, those were invaluable on my journey, which is the reason why I’m so active in them.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
Stop listening to the noise and stop comparing yourself to others.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Portfolio. Portfolio. Portfolio. It doesn’t matter what strategy you are using (cold-emailing, cold-calling, warm messaging, Linkedin, social media, etc), without a strong portfolio you will not be able to get great paying clients. If you don’t have a portfolio yet or it’s not strong. Narrow down your ideal clients. Consider what type of work they need. Create that! You can self-publish on Medium, your blog, or various other platforms, guest post, create mock-ups, or do pro-bono work.
It doesn’t matter how or where you publish these pieces. The most important part is that they are high-quality and super relevant to your ideal client. They need to go “wow, this is exactly what I need!”. And they will hire you.
Connect with Kat:
IG: @katgalwriter
Jennifer Passmore, Parenting Writer
How did you get started with freelancing?
I began freelancing when my son was one year old. I had already known I loved writing since I was a child. I was even in the school newspaper writing columns and interviewing teachers. 12 years ago, I started my journey. I began with a local newspaper that allowed me the freedom to go out and interview local neighbors and those from surrounding areas. I segued into freelancing online, and I have never looked back.
What began as a simple side-gig to try and make a little extra money to supplement what my ex-husband was bringing in, turned into a whole career for me and I could not be happier. I’ve written for many parenting publications, and I continue to look for bigger and better opportunities out there!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer thus far?
I think that the biggest lesson that I’ve learned along my freelancing journey is that I should not be devaluing myself by working for pennies. I had to learn that I was worth more, and my work was worth more. As a person with low self-esteem, this was a rather hard lesson to learn. But I am learning more each and every passing day that I do my work, and I apply that knowledge to my current skills, and try to get better and better every day.
What advice would you give to new freelance writers?
Don’t give up, even if it feels like you’ve not found a job just yet. They’re out there, and they are looking for YOU. Make sure that you know your worth!
Connect with Jennifer:
jenniferpassmore.contently.com
FB: JLynnPassmore
TW: @jenngem
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Stay tuned for more freelance writing wisdom as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month all week long!
Chime in!