Dictionary.com defines a freelancer as “a person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them.” As a freelance writer, you are a self-employed writer who takes assignments from various clients.

What kinds of jobs can a freelance writer get?

The possibilities are practically endless.  Basically, if it can be written, it can be written by a freelance writer.   The most common job for freelance writers is magazine writing.   Most magazines are 60-95% freelance written.   Other freelancing jobs include medical writing, writing copy for businesses or newspapers, writing for clients online (blogs, websites, etc.).    There is a huge market for copy writers.  Freelance copy writers can write anything from pamphlets to mailings to newsletters (both hard copy and email).

How can I become a freelance writer?

Take on a few small jobs to start.  This can be anything from writing for a free newspaper or small town paper to writing a few articles or pieces of content for a webmaster.  Try sites like guru.com or elance.com to find small jobs.  Get testimonials from everyone you write for early on.  This will serve as a testament to your skill and work ethic when you move your way up on the freelance writing ladder.

What else should I do?

As a self-employed writer, it’s your job to market yourself.     To do this, discuss your business with everyone you meet.   Something as simple as, “I’m a freelance writer.  If you or anyone you know ever needs something written, keep me in mind.”

Commit to yourself and your career.   Treat freelance writing like any other job.  If you were a doctor, you wouldn’t treat patients only when you were happy about your income and life.  Doctors go into work every day, even when insurances don’t pay them particularly well.   With freelance writing, the income will not be steady, but you must press on if you want to be successful.   Even if you get a few rejection notices, keep writing.   Commit to writing X number of query letters or articles each week, and sit down to work on them every single day.
Get yourself some business cards.   Keep several with you at all times, and hand them out when you meet new people (particularly those who own their own businesses or are in the writing field).     You can get a set of 250 high-quality business cards for free.    To keep the cards looking pristine (because handing out dog-eared dirty cards is unprofessional), keep them in a business card case.

How much money does a freelance writer make?

The income levels for freelance writers vary greatly.   Most freelance writers make around $5,000 to $10,000 per year.  There are some, though, who make in excess of $100,000 per year.  Some very successful freelance copywriters can make over $250,000 per year writing copy for businesses.

Want to make freelancing writing your sole career?  Read The Six Figure Freelancer ebook.