How to Make Money Freelance Writing

Guide Note: Freelance writing is not the life of leisure some people might imagine, but no talented writer should have to skip sleep and survive on Top Ramen to make ends meet. This page provides tips on how to make money freelance writing for those with a few articles under their belts. For the uninitiated, see How to Break into Freelance Writing to get your foot in the door.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

  • If you've done it for any length of time, you know that freelance writing is no get-rich-quick scheme. You're better off in another field if money is your prime objective. However, several guidelines can keep your head above water while you're working toward that staff writer gig or big publishing advance.

Be a Pleasure to Work With

  • It's the nature of most writers to be somewhat disorganized, but many don't realize that if they were only a bit more punctual and professional, they'd be head and shoulders above the pack. If you make life easy for your editors, you'll get more assignments—and maybe even find yourself in a position to ask for more money.
  • If this is your main objective, consider another line of work. (Creative Commons photo by Tracy Olson)
    If this is your main objective, consider another line of work. (Creative Commons photo by Tracy Olson)

Keep Your Deadlines

  • If you have a choice between turning in a good article on time or a masterpiece a day late, don't think twice. It's always better to gain a reputation for punctuality and occasional brilliance, than be a genius who's impossible to work with.
    • Keep a calendar and always know what's on your agenda at least three weeks in advance.
      1. Open a Google Calendar account.
      2. Enter your deadlines in the calendar, as well as important dates for procuring materials and scheduling interviews relevant to each article.
      3. Set Google Calendar as your browser's home page, so that it's the first thing you see when you go online.
    • Never ask for an extension on the same day an article is due.
      • If you anticipate needing extra time to write an article, make sure you have a logistical excuse (difficulty acquiring material needed to write the article, for instance) and alert the editor well in advance.

Fact Check/Spell Check/Grammar Check

  • These are the mundane tasks an editor faces in the course of a day. Your editors will thank you if you proofread your work and turn in clean, verified copy.
    1. Double check any fact about which you're the least bit unsure.
      • If using online research, always corroborate your information with multiple sources.
    2. Thoroughly check spelling.
    3. Don't use 50-cent words or unnecessarily complex sentence structures.

Don't Complain

  • If an editor asks you to revise, don't become indignant. Consider it constructive criticism from an experienced writer, not a personal attack.
    1. Revise according to the editor's directions.
    2. If you're very disappointed about a particular edit, address the matter rationally and with a light touch, explaining your perspective. If the editor persists in his/her position, do not argue.

Request a Raise

  • Don't get weighed down with too many low-paying assignments. (Creative Commons photo by Amir Farshad Ebrahimi)
    Don't get weighed down with too many low-paying assignments. (Creative Commons photo by Amir Farshad Ebrahimi)
  • Though publications maintain a standard pay rate for most of their writers, you shouldn't be shy about asking for a higher fee—that is, if you've truly earned it.
  1. Make a list of editors who have worked with you more than once and have shown appreciation for your work.
  2. Note your past pay rate for each publication.
  3. Determine what would be a reasonable increase.
    • Major glossy magazines can afford premium rates, but smaller publications should be approached with their budget restraints in mind.
  4. Send a polite and respectful query on the matter to each editor.
  5. Make your strongest case for a raise.
    • Use specific examples to remind the editor of your quality work and willingness to go beyond what's expected.
  6. Don't present an ultimatum unless you're serious.
    • If you claim that you can't continue to write at less than $1 per word, your position will be significantly weakened if you come crawling back a week later.

Follow the Money

  • If you have a good working relationship with a low paying publication, it's easy to get complacent and continue pumping out articles for 10 cents per word. Make sure you're always challenging yourself and moving on to better markets. Use the following resources to find well-paying gigs.
    • Writer's Market provides both a website and print edition with comprehensive listings of publications, including pay levels.
    • MediaBistro.com includes well-paying freelance job listings, as well as a How to Pitch section that lists publications and provides specific information for proposing articles to each.
    • WritersWeekly.com posts a variety of freelance job listings on a daily basis.
    • Major publishing companies tend to pay freelancers well. The following links list magazines owned by four such companies:

Save Your Receipts

  • Though they lack the instant gratification of a fat pay check, tax write offs can effectively boost your income. Keep records of any work-related expense, including:
    • Internet: Is half your time online spent researching and sending pitches? Write off 50% of what you pay your ISP.
    • Phone service: Write off whatever portion is spent conducting interviews, calling editors, etc.
    • Health insurance: If you aren't eligible for insurance through an employer, your premiums can be written off.
    • See Mahalo's guide to buying your own health insurance.
    • Rent and utilities: Whatever portion is necessary for your home office can be written off.
  • For other possibilities, see Kiplinger.com's guide to business expense tax deductions.
  • Always consult the current tax laws before filing your taxes.

Resources for How to Make Money Freelancing

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