Start a Freelance Writing Business

Planning Your Business

While many people are attracted to the independence and creative freedom associated with a freelance writing career, it's important to remember that a writing business is still a business just like any other entrepreneurial endeavor. Even if you opt not to prepare a formal business plan, it's still important to spend some time clarifying what you hope to accomplish. For example:

• What do you want to write? While it's probably going to be difficult earning a living from writing poetry alone, there are plenty of opportunities for freelance writers interested in writing articles for magazines, newspapers, and Web sites. Copywriting for businesses is another area with many opportunities for new writers.
• How much money do you need to make? Although "as much money as possible" may be your initial answer, it's a good idea to come up with an earning goal that is a bit more specific. For example, how much money do you need to be able to cover all of your living expenses in one particular month? Do you have enough savings to cover the time it will take for you to start earning a semi-regular paycheck? All of these factors must be considered as you're setting your freelance writing fees.
• How much time can you spend on your business? While it's perfectly reasonable for a single man with no children to expect to spend 40 to 50 hours per week launching his freelancing writing business, a mother with a baby and a toddler at home may find it difficult to work more than 20 hours per week. Be realistic about how much time you will be able to spend getting your business off the ground.

Marketing Yourself

For many writers, the thought of having to promote their own skills inspires a combination of fear and dread. However, learning how to market yourself effectively is an important part of developing a successful freelance writing career. No matter how talented you are, your business will never get off the ground if you don't put in the effort necessary to let people know your services are available.

Materials you'll need to market yourself and your writing business include:

• Resume
• Cover letter showcasing your unique writing style
• Portfolio of writing samples, preferably hosted on a Web site with your name as the URL
• Business cards

As a novice freelance writer, expect to spend between 50 and 80 percent of your time taking care of marketing and administration tasks for your business. However, as you gain more experience and a stronger portfolio, you'll likely be able to spend more time writing and less time scrambling for new assignments!

Finding Clients

Once you've decided what you hope to accomplish with your freelance writing business and prepared some basic marketing materials for yourself, it's time to begin finding clients. Here are a few basic strategies to consider:

• Team up with a local business. Graphic designers, Web developers, and printing companies are just some of the many businesses that work with writers on a regular basis.
• Contact businesses on your own. If you have extensive knowledge in a particular subject, such as insurance or real estate, contact businesses in your area to see if they are in need of writers to prepare content for their newsletters, brochures, or Web sites.
• Search the Internet. Sites such as Craig's List, Guru, and Rent a Coder often have ads from people in search of freelance writers, although the pay for many projects tends to be rather low. When you're trying to start a freelance writing business, however, these jobs can be a good way to develop your portfolio while earning extra income.

Additional Information about How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

If you're interested in learning more about how to start a freelance writing business, LoveToKnow Freelance Writing recommends picking up one of the following helpful reference books for writers:

• How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business by Lucy V. Parker is an excellent guide to setting realistic goals for yourself as a freelance writer, regardless of what type of writing you hope to do.
• The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less by Peter Bowerman offers a guide to beginning a career in copywriting.
• Six-Figure Freelancing by Kelly James-Enger discusses how to make money in the field of magazine writing.
• Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids by Christina Katz talks about how to manage freelance writing when you have children at home.