Your Freelance Writing Starter Pack (That Doesn't Suck)
Freelancing feels like juggling fire while riding a unicycle? Here's your battle-tested survival kit for getting started without the guru BS.
Freelancing feels like juggling fire while riding a unicycle?
I get it. You're staring at job boards wondering how people charge $50 for a blog post when you'd probably do it for $5 and a compliment. Everyone's calling themselves a "6-figure freelancer" while you're over here Googling "how to write an invoice."
Here's the thing nobody tells you: most freelancing advice comes from people who either never freelanced or forgot what it was like to start with zero clients and a bank account that laughs at you.
I'm not here to sell you a $2,000 course on "becoming a freelance millionaire." I'm here to give you the actual starter pack that works when you're broke, desperate, and have no idea what you're doing.
Battle-tested by someone who went from $0 to six figures freelancing. No unicorns. No overnight success stories. Just the real stuff that actually works.
The Reality Check Nobody Gives You
Starting freelance writing isn't glamorous. You'll spend more time on proposals than writing. You'll work with clients who think "exposure" pays rent. You'll question your life choices at least three times a week.
But here's what they don't tell you: It gets easier. A lot easier. Once you figure out the system, you'll wonder why you stayed trapped in that soul-crushing 9-to-5 for so long.
The catch: You need to survive those first few months without starving or losing your mind.
🎯 Your "Don't Die" Starter Kit
Step 1: Get Your Foundation Right
Your Portfolio (Without Experience)
- Write 3-5 sample pieces in your target niche
- Pick topics you actually know something about
- Don't write about "10 Ways to Boost Productivity" if you can't remember where you put your keys
- Quality over quantity: Better to have 3 great samples than 10 mediocre ones
Your Rates (That Don't Scream "Desperate")
- Start at $0.10-$0.15 per word for articles
- $25-$50 per hour for project work
- Don't go lower - seriously, you're not doing anyone favors
- Rule: You can always go higher, but climbing out of the "cheap writer" hole sucks
Your Pitch Template (That Gets Responses)
Subject: [Specific Article Idea] for [Their Website]
Hi [Name],
I noticed [specific thing about their business/content].
I'd love to write [specific article title] for [their site]. Here's my angle:
[2-3 bullet points about what you'd cover]
I've written similar pieces for [relevant experience, even if it's your own blog].
Sample: [link to relevant sample]
Rate: $X for a X-word article
Let me know if you'd like to see an outline.
Best,
[Your name]
Step 2: Find Clients Without Selling Your Soul
Job Boards That Don't Completely Suck
- Contently: Higher-paying gigs, but competitive
- ProBlogger Job Board: Quality over quantity
- Mediabistro: Journalism and content marketing
- AngelList: Startups that actually pay
- LinkedIn: Search "[industry] + content writer needed"
Upwork Reality Check
- Yes, it's competitive and full of low-ballers
- But it's also where I got my first $5,000 month
- Strategy: Bid on 10-15 jobs weekly, customize every proposal
- Secret: Many good clients post there because it's easy
Cold Pitching (That Doesn't Feel Gross)
- Find businesses with terrible blogs
- Pitch 2-3 specific article ideas
- Show them exactly what you'd improve
- Hit rate: 2-3 responses per 20 emails (that's actually good)
Step 3: Survive Your First Clients
Red Flags to Run From
- "This should be quick and easy"
- Asking for a "test article" before hiring
- No clear scope or deadline
- Pays "when they get paid"
- Trust your gut: Desperate money isn't worth the headache
How to Not Get Screwed
- Always get half payment upfront
- Use contracts (even simple ones)
- Set clear revision limits (2-3 max)
- Communication: Overcommunicate deadlines and expectations
Managing Scope Creep
- "That's outside the original scope, but I can handle it for $X additional"
- Document everything in writing
- Don't be afraid to say no to unreasonable requests
- Remember: Good clients respect boundaries
🔧 Tools That Actually Matter
The Essentials (All Free or Cheap)
Writing & Editing
- Grammarly: Catches embarrassing mistakes
- Hemingway Editor: Makes your writing clearer
- Google Docs: Client collaboration made easy
- Word counter tools: Stay within limits
Project Management
- Trello or Asana: Track deadlines and projects
- Google Calendar: Block writing time like meetings
- Toggl: Track time (even if clients don't require it)
Invoicing & Payments
- Wave or FreshBooks: Professional invoices
- PayPal or Stripe: Easy payment processing
- Separate business checking account: Trust me on this
Research & Productivity
- Pocket: Save research for later
- Forest app: Focus when everything distracts you
- White noise or instrumental music: Drown out distractions
📈 The 90-Day Game Plan
Month 1: Foundation Building
- Create 3-5 portfolio samples
- Set up basic business tools
- Apply to 10-15 jobs weekly
- Goal: Land your first paying client
Month 2: Momentum Building
- Deliver exceptional work for early clients
- Ask for testimonials and referrals
- Raise your rates by 20-30%
- Goal: $1,000 in monthly revenue
Month 3: System Building
- Streamline your processes
- Focus on higher-paying clients
- Start saying no to low-quality gigs
- Goal: $2,000+ monthly and waiting list of clients
🚫 Mistakes That Kill New Freelancers
Undercharging Because You're "New"
Your work has value regardless of experience. Charge accordingly.
Taking Every Job That Comes Along
Bad clients train you to accept bad treatment. Be selective.
Not Setting Boundaries
If you're available 24/7, clients will expect 24/7 availability.
Forgetting You're Running a Business
Track expenses, save for taxes, invest in growth.
Comparing Yourself to "Successful" Freelancers
Their highlight reel isn't your behind-the-scenes struggle.
When You Want to Quit (Because You Will)
Month 2 is usually when it hits. The rejections pile up, the good clients seem impossible to find, and you start wondering if you should just go back to that safe job.
Here's what I wish someone told me: Every successful freelancer went through this exact phase. The ones who made it just didn't quit.
Your survival tactics:
- Set minimum monthly applications (even when you don't feel like it)
- Celebrate small wins (first client, first $100 day, first repeat client)
- Connect with other freelancers (Twitter and Facebook groups are goldmines)
- Remember: You're building a business, not looking for a job
The Real Talk
Freelancing isn't for everyone. It requires self-discipline, thick skin, and the ability to handle uncertainty. Some months you'll make $5,000. Others you'll make $500.
But if you can push through those first few months, you'll have something most people never get: complete control over your income, schedule, and the work you do.
You don't need to be the world's best writer. You just need to be reliable, professional, and willing to learn. Those three things will put you ahead of 80% of freelancers.
Start messy, improve as you go. Perfect portfolios and websites don't get clients. Consistent outreach and quality work do.
Ready to stop talking and start freelancing? Pick one thing from this post and do it today. Tomorrow, pick another thing. In 90 days, get in touch to share your success story - I love hearing how this stuff works in the real world.
Want more no-BS business advice? Check out our side hustle starter packs or learn about client management strategies that actually work.