A reasonable proportion of the people who contact me are interested in freelance writing. And by far the most common question I get asked by those people is, “How do I find work?”
More specifically, people are often looking for entry level writing jobs. I always get excited by the prospect of showing someone how they can find clients and start earning money, as I firmly believe freelance writing to be a wonderful way of making a living online. As friends of mine such as Amy Harrison and Ali Luke have demonstrated, freelance writing can become a lucrative and successful career path.
Psychologically speaking, the first step is the hardest. Getting your foot on the ladder and securing your first client can seem like a hefty challenge. But it really isn’t. The barriers of entry to freelance writing are practically non-existent — finding entry level writing jobs is not that hard. It is an industry with great scale — from the guys and girls who are writing $8 articles for Text Broker to the copywriting experts who charge thousands of dollars for a single landing page. The real challenge is in positioning yourself according to your current skill level and experience.
So this list is a start point for anyone who feels that they are a capable writer. Once you start to take on clients and get a feel for your abilities you can scale your business by increasing your rates and hours worked. But before all that, you must make the first step.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at six top resources for entry level writing jobs.
1. Freelance Brokers
By freelance brokers, I mean sites such as Upwork and iFreelance — companies that act as a middle man between a client and vendor. I have personally not used these sites to source freelance work, but I have hired content writers from Upwork and it does seem to be a relatively smooth process.
The upside to using these services is that there usually tends to be some sort of protection against non-payment and breach of contract. The downside is that these sites have a reputation amongst some for attracting bargain searchers. You of course do not want to be that bargain.
2. Craigslist
A lot of people will moan and groan at the mention of Craigslist. I should make something very clear up front — you will have to trawl through a lot of crap to find decent listings. When it comes to entry level writing jobs it is probably the place I would last advise you look. But based upon what people have told me, persistence can lead to finding some decent jobs. And best of all, it is free!
3. ProBlogger Job Board
I have a soft spot for the ProBlogger Job Board as it is where I found both of my current clients. It was in fact the first place I turned to when I started considering freelance writing as a money-making opportunity. It took me just a few days and 10–15 applications to land my first client.
Whilst it is free for you to trawl the boards, those who list job advertisements have to pay a $70 fee for the privilege. This filters out the vast majority of low-end or scammy offers that you will come across on Craigslist.
4. Freelance Switch Job Board
I recently featured Freelance Switch in my top 10 pick of the LWB 100 so you already know that I love their site. Theirs is another job board in the same vein as ProBlogger’s, and although I have not sourced work from it myself, it appears that there are some pretty good offers available. You will need to become a paid subscriber (starting at $7 per month) in order to apply for jobs.
5. Freelance Writer’s Den
I include this as the fifth and final option for two reasons:
- It has a “Junk Free Job Board”, featuring well-paid, genuine job offers only.
- It is a fantastic resource for anyone who is serious about developing a full-time freelance income.
I was a member of the Freelance Writer’s Den until only recently — I am currently not a subscriber as I am not actively seeking any additional freelance work. I got a great amount of value out of the material available on there and also a lot of great advice on rates negotiation on the forum.
If you are an entry level freelance writer but aspire to be more, I would recommend the Freelance Writer’s Den as a great option.
6. Paid to Blog Jobs
It would be remiss of me not to mention my very own solution for finding all of the best freelance blogging jobs available today.
Paid to Blog Jobs is a service I created after having wasted too many hours trawling through numerous jobs boards to find the best gigs on offer. In a nutshell, we trawl all of those boards ourselves, filter out the junk jobs, and present the remaining cream of the crop to you (updated every single day). That saves you time, and almost certainly will lead you to discover jobs you wouldn’t have otherwise found.
If you’re actively in search of freelance blogging jobs, I would of course highly recommend that you check Paid to Blog Jobs out.
Where Have You Found Entry Level Writing Jobs?
So there you have it folks — six places where you can find entry level writing jobs. But for those of you who have already got their foot on the ladder, where have you found work? Let us know in the comments section!
One last thing — if you’re interested in reading more about freelance writing, click here for all of the freelancing posts I have written on LWB.
Creative Commons photo courtesy of JoelMontes
Awesome list Tom! I might do things differently than most people here as I am my own employer and write for me as I feel it’s the best investment I can make, but the ressources listed here are all great way to get started!
If it can help in anyway, when I am searching for a writer to complement my knowledge for a specific website I am building, I usually check for writers that have interest/knowledge in the subject I want to write about. Just like copywriters “position” themselves as expert in psychology/marketing, I think positioning yourself as an authority writer on a specific subject can be great, and if you don’t have enough work using that “angle”, complement your revenue with “average” jobs (even tough they usually pay less).
Hey Jon,
You’ve hit upon a good point – most writers should look to position themselves in a specific market. People don’t want to hire “jack of all trades” writers.
Cheers,
Tom
I’ve heard about the first three although I never actually used them to hire people. But the last two, I haven’t heard about it much. Thanks for sharing though.
S.Merlin
From More Web Site Traffic Guide
No problem Spatch 🙂
I don’t know what to say, but I haven’t really gotten into the career of freelance writing. As I read from you, it could be a lucrative career.
I don’t think I have the time right now, just because I just started my own blog, and the beginning work is so much!
I like craigslist because there is no middleman and like you said, “It’s free”. A lot of crap on there, and gotta watch where you’re writing too.
Anyways, Excellent Article Again, Tom! 🙂
Thanks Samuel; appreciate it 🙂
Freelance writing can most definitely be lucrative, and I see it as one of the most viable means of making money for a lot of us.
Great list, Tom. I’m found lots of good paying jobs on oDesk, but there are definitely A LOT of low-paying ones too. Freelancers can still opt to do the low-paying ones if they want to, but it’s no advisable for the long term.
Yep – the low-paying jobs can get your foot in the door, but they are not viable long term. Cheers Josh! 🙂
Tom, nice list here. I’ve been finding it hard to get a good writer for my blog and my new authority site. I do use indians and Philippians before but I need American writers now – i guess u shud write on that area. English writers or the other type… which is the best?
Sheyi
Hi Sheyi,
I think the answer is pretty obvious — native speakers tend to be better writers and more expensive, non-natives the opposite. The lines are of course blurred somewhere in middle (you can find some great non-native writers, and crappy native writers).
Cheers,
Tom
Great article tom but i disagree with you that non natives are opposite, i dont know about Indian or phillipine writers but as a kenyan, i know i write very well.
Hi Permy,
I didn’t say that non-native writers can’t be good writers (because they can) — I just said that native speakers tend to be better writers and more expensive than non-natives.
Cheers,
Tom
I am from the Philippines and just like Tom said there will be good writers and bad writers regardless if they are native or non native speakers. – and may I ask what is your blog about?
Great list. Just going through your old posts as I’m trying to get started.
I got my first two clients so far from making a simple wordpress.com and getting my e-mates to tweet the url.
Got me two gigs and hopefully some more in the future.
Feel free to tweet my url anyone: http://joecanwrite.wordpress.com
@sheyi: you need to find a native English speaker living in an undeveloped country like the Philippines so they won’t charge as much as a native English speaker living at home.
Hi Joe,
Looks good, but surely you shouldn’t encourage people to go through your Odesk account — won’t you have to pay a commission on any money earned?
Cheers,
Tom
Good point Tom but I’d like to try and get some feedback on ODesk as I doubt anyone will hire me without any work history or customer feed back on there, especially when my rate is so high compared to all the Filipinos and Indians.
Ideally I’d like to avoid Odesk altogether but beggars can’t be choosers!
Do some guest posts and get testimonials from the blog owners/editors. Mix that in with a couple of generic testimonials from friends/family, and hey presto — you’ve got clippings and recommendations.
Although having said that, I started my freelance writing career without any work history or customer feedback, and I didn’t go anywhere near the likes of ODesk, so it’s definitely not a must.
I have been on Elance, problogger, etc and I have not had any luck finding the smallest job. I have the skills and the talent, but I don’t have samples to show potential clients. Every job I see they want experience. A little help here?
Hey Kristen,
Samples are key for all but the lowest-paying jobs. I recommend that you work on getting some guest posts published and/or publishing content on your own blog. I have a huge list of paying guest posting opportunities on Paid to Blog Jobs — there are plenty out there if you have a good look!
Cheers,
Tom
I’ve been in the Freelance Writers Den for a few months now. Love Carol Tice and her group. The Den isn’t always open to new subscribers though. You have to get on her mailing list to know when openings come up.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to
“return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my site!
I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Hi Tom, this is a great list. I found my first paid opportunity through Twitter, believe it or not, and it was a very good paying short term job. That led to another client that read my work finding me and contacting me through Twitter as well. As you well know, since we’re email pals, I’m actively pursuing any and every opportunity, but never underestimate the power of the hashtag. Thanks so much for all of your wonderful information! 🙂
Awesome, that’s great to read! Personally I’ve never picked up a client directly from Twitter, but I know that others (such as yourself) have!
Hi Tom…
I came across your website while searching for guidance as I am trying to make that leap of faith into freelance writing. You seem to be forthright and genuine, and I feel I can trust you and your advice.
Moments ago, I almost signed up with Writing Jobs Source, but stopped and decided to further check them out. My research revealed that they are listed by another name with the Better Business Bureau, and had an “F” rating (on a scale of A+ – F). I immediately abandoned that effort, and came right back to your site to Entry Level Writing Jobs – 5 Top Resources. Thank goodness!
While my experience in writing is not entry level, my portfolio is…I have nothing that has been published. All my experience has been in the corporate world where content was proprietary. I know I can be a proficient writer, and was wondering if there are opportunities out there on a “pay if we like it” basis…meaning, is anyone willing to give me an opportunity without seeing previous work, and paying only if they like it? Do you think that is a viable (and wise) option?
I would love to know your thoughts on this, and I thank you for all your great information you have shared!
p.s. Your last sentence of the topic above, “With that in mind, let’s take at five top resources…” was probably meant to read, “…let’s take a look at five top resources…” Just a miss in proofing 🙂
Hey Jacelyn,
I’d recommend that you check out “57 Blogs That Pay” over at Be a Freelance Blogger (http://beafreelanceblogger.com/).
Thanks for the heads up on the mistake 🙂
Tom
Good list Tom. Am a newbie, truly i would think many people would love the idea of working for themselves not the other way round. People out there look for information on online jobs – most of them are total crap only disappointments on signup . Someone would give up at this stage. As for me, i believe creating your own content or a product and selling it online should the be the major objective at mind. If as well a truly viable online job comes up, then Do it!
Tom,
I notice that you did not mention the Barefoot Writer’s Club, a facet of AWAI. I joined recently… but so far notice that their main intent seems to be to simply sell more of their products, and not offer much by way of valuable guidance. Also, the job board–what you get as part of the subscription to the Club–seems to mostly contain offers for experienced writers, no entry level. It is frustrating that their pitch makes it sound “easy as pie” to get started, but that is certainly not my experience! Please comment.
thanks!
Hey Sherilynn,
I hadn’t actually heard of AWAI until the other day. In short, it doesn’t look like my cup of tea! Way too much hype.
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks for your comment on this. I made the mistake of signing up for emails with them. They send far to many emails each day, and most are for workshops they want you to pay for. I am brand new at copy writing. I am retired and want to earn some extra income. I think I might like to do some copy writing for catalogs. How do I land a first job in this area? Are there some web sites for finding a first job ?
Hi Folks,
I have gone through all the comments here. There are some interesting insights about finding work when you are just starting up.
I will surely implement these ideas and check out what works for me!
However, if anyone of you is interested to hire a passionate writer with a creative mind, please give me a buzz.
You can go through some of my stuff on thetejeffect.blogspot.com
It will give you a fair idea about my writing ability.
Awaiting a response. Thanks in advance!
Regards,
Tej
Hi Folks,
I have gone through all the comments here. There are some interesting insights about finding work when you are just starting up.
I will surely implement these ideas and check out what works for me!
However, if anyone of you is interested to hire a passionate writer with a creative mind, please give me a buzz.
You can go through some of my stuff on thetejeffect.blogspot.com
It will give you a fair idea about my writing ability.
Awaiting a response. Thanks in advance!
You can drop me a e-mail at pai.tejas.blogs@gmail.com
Regards,
Tej
Hello!
I am looking into freelance writing but I am wondering how the pay works. Do you sign a contract with the entity you are writing for? Do they send you a check or is it paid another way? I am so looking forward to working for myself but I would like to know this information first.
Thank you for your help and insight.
Rochelle Whitman
Clients typically pay via PayPal, and in my experience, blogging clients pay within a day or two of having received an invoice. (Your results may vary of course.)
Thanks for the article. Like others, I too have experience in writing (technical writing), but it’s proprietary.
I would love to get into this type of freelance work, as well as my true passion of fiction writing. Could you suggest any sites along these lines?
Much appreciated!
As in sites to find those kinds of jobs? Not sure what you mean Jimmy…
Yes, sites for freelance technical writing or fiction.
I’m afraid that’s not an area that I have much experience in Jimmy. Sorry!
Text-Writers is another great website for beginners to start earning online.
am very interested in writing but how can i join?have tried to sign up but very unsuccessful
HI there, Tom! Great list. Actually, I’m planning to start a freelance writing career. The problem is, I’m not an English native speaker, and I don’t have a degree in that field. Some people have advised me to try writing locally, but it is pretty hard to write locally with no degree. Do you think I still have a chance to be a freelance writer? Thank you so much, and keep up the good work!
Any advice for someone looking to get an article published in a magazine? I have no experience at this type of writing, but have always considered myself very creative. Thank you
One method I use most is just cold contacting. I find a website that ranks on page 2-3 of a google search and contact them about re-writing some of their content. This works especially well with websites that sell common products. Having product descriptions that stand out from their competitors really helps.
I end up with quite a bit of work that way. So much so that I’ve been farming out most of it.
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