Is making money by writing a dream of yours? Then freelance writing could be your ideal profession!
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of becoming a successful freelance writer. From finding your first gig to mastering the art of working from home, we’ve got you covered!
First of all, let’s talk about what a “freelance writer” does.
What are the different types of freelance writing jobs?
There are many jobs a freelance writer can do. Here are a few examples:
1. Online Blog Articles
2. Ghost Writer
3. Transcription Writing
4. Copywriting
5. Academic Writing
As you can see, there are multiple ways to make money as a freelance writer, but how profitable is being a writer in Canada?
How much do Canadian authors make?
The average writer’s salary in Canada is approximately $75k. Though, most experienced writers can make up to $125k per year.
Now that we have established being a writer in Canada is a profitable occupation, let’s talk about how to become a freelance writer in Canada.
How To Become a Writer in Canada
1. Research the Industry
Just like in any other business, a quick internet surf to research the industry should always be your first step to get an understanding of the market needs and demands.
Browse freelance marketplaces
If you want to pursue a career in freelance, it’s a must that you browse freelance services marketplaces such as Fiverr, which are essentially like job boards, connecting businesses and individuals with freelancers.
Marketplace sites can be great tools for finding the most requested materials and reviewing the employment rates of different freelancers.
2. Develop relevant skills
To become a successful freelance writer, it’s crucial to develop relevant writing skills that captivate readers and leave them wanting more. Practice writing regularly and improve your vocabulary and grammar skills. Embrace your creativity and explore diverse topics to build a versatile portfolio that showcases your unique voice and expertise.
In addition, you can take online classes and check out language manuals, which are excellent resources for learning and generally offer practical tips for freelancers.
Keep in mind that developing these skills is an exciting journey that will allow you to become a sought-after freelance writer.
3. Write for Free (at first!) and Start Guest Posting
Writing for free at the beginning will help you learn how to manage your workload, communicate with clients, follow deadlines, and most importantly, it will get your name out there. As time goes on you will start taking on more important projects and more profitable clients.
Some writers in the business are concerned about their potential for undercutting the market by providing services for free, but remember that when you are just starting out, there is nothing stopping potential clients from going and hiring a more experienced writer. You may need to first start writing for free and make a name for yourself, and eventually, people will start hiring you.
You can also give guest posting a try. Guest posting is a great opportunity to promote yourself on a platform with existing traffic. This way, you make it more accessible for users to find your work, and you are advertising your skills while building professional relationships with other writers.
You can search the web to find an article you’re interested in guest posting. You can also join guest posting groups on platforms such as LinkedIn.
4. Build up a portfolio of freelance writing samples
Developing an extensive portfolio is essential to starting your freelance writing business. Clients will want to see examples of your previous work to determine if you are the right fit for the job.
Your portfolio should showcase different types of work, formats, and topics, demonstrating your range of writing experience. During your journey, it is essential that you continually update and improve your portfolio. A strong portfolio can help your brand emerge from the competition and gain a larger client base while gaining valuable market shares.
It’s possible to build your portfolio through blogs and/or websites. Another option for displaying writing samples is through guest posting. If you can show your clients that you have worked for other people and successfully completed guest articles, you will be more likely to get hired.
5. Network With Other Writers
The next step on our list is to network with other writers and take advantage of their experience. Everyone goes through different experiences and it is crucial to build a habit of learning from others. Each freelance writer you meet might teach you something new, or prepare you for unexpected situations.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow writers and ask to connect and share tips. Remember that at one point they were also just starting out, so more than often they will be willing to connect and have a chat with you.
6. Social media marketing
Finally, the last step is to promote yourself on various social media platforms. In order to be hired, you need to stay visible. Advertise yourself and your work on different platforms, and analyze the overall reaction. Not only you can end up getting more work, but you can also receive valuable feedback from your follower base.
Bonus Steps
Consider Starting a Blog
Though blogs can be quite difficult depending on how often you promise updates, they are a great way for you to showcase your work. Additionally, blogs can eventually become an additional source of income. You can add affiliate marketing products to a blog post, and make a commission on each sale. Hence, blogs are a great way for a writer to get more exposure and make extra money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a freelance writer with no experience?
How do freelance writers get started without requiring any experience? Starting a blog is an excellent way to gain some writing experience and develop your writing skills. Through guest posting and advertising, you can create more brand awareness and get more work. The more you write, the better your portfolio will become, and the more lucrative writing opportunities will come your way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a freelance writer in Canada offers a promising avenue for those with a passion for writing and a desire to make a living from it. By exploring the various types of freelance writing jobs and understanding the potential earnings in the industry, you can see the viability of this career path. To succeed as a freelance writer, it is essential to invest time in research, develop relevant skills, and build a diverse portfolio. Networking with fellow writers and utilizing social media are valuable strategies to gain visibility and attract potential clients. Finally, starting a blog can provide an additional platform to showcase your work and create additional income streams. With determination, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can turn your dream of writing into a fulfilling and profitable reality.
