What Is a Freelance Writer?

A freelance writer is a self-employed professional who writes content for businesses, brands, agencies, or individuals on a contract basis. 

Instead of working as a full-time employee for one company, freelance writers get paid per project, per word, per hour, or on retainer to create content for multiple clients.

In simple terms: a freelance writer turns words into income.

But here’s the real-world truth most articles won’t tell you — freelance writing is not just “writing.” It’s marketing, research, psychology, positioning, and business ownership combined.

If you’re wondering whether freelance writing is a realistic career path, how much you can earn, and how to actually get started, this guide will break it down step by step.

What Does a Freelance Writer Actually Do?

When people hear “freelance writer,” they often think of someone writing novels or opinion pieces. That’s rarely the case.

Most freelance writers create practical, business-driven content such as:

• Blog posts
• Website copy
• Landing pages
• Email marketing campaigns
• Sales pages
• Product descriptions
• SEO articles
• White papers
• Case studies
• Ghostwritten content
• Social media captions
• Technical documentation

Freelance writers work with:

• Small businesses
• Startups
• Marketing agencies
• Large corporations
• E-commerce brands
• Coaches and consultants
• Publishers

The key difference between a hobby writer and a freelance writer is this:

A freelance writer writes with a purpose — usually to drive traffic, generate leads, increase conversions, or educate an audience.

How Do Freelance Writers Get Paid?

One of the most searched questions related to what is a freelance writer is: How do freelance writers get paid?

Here are the primary payment models:

1. Per Word

Common for blog content and SEO writing.
Example: $0.10 per word for a 1,000-word article = $100.

2. Per Project

Flat fee regardless of word count.
Example: $750 for a website homepage.

3. Hourly Rates for Writers

Less common for experienced writers but sometimes used for editing or consulting.

4. Retainer Agreements

Freelance Writers typically offer retainer agreements as legally binding contracts for ongoing monthly payments, large freelance writing projects, or a set amount of work.

Realistic Income Ranges for Freelance Writers

Income varies widely based on niche, experience, and positioning.

• Beginner: $0.03–$0.10 per word
• Intermediate: $0.15–$0.50 per word
• Advanced or specialized niche: $0.75–$1.50+ per word

View Average Annual Freelance Writer Salaries on Indeed. 

Here’s the little-known fact:

High-earning freelance writers rarely compete on low-paying job boards or use content mills for writers. These highly skilled writing professionals organically build authority, by specializing in a niche, and attract inbound leads.

Freelance writing income increases when you position yourself as a specialist, not “a writer for anything.”

The Skills You Actually Need As a Freelance Writer (It’s More Than Just Writing Skills)

Many people believe you need an English degree to become a freelance writer. That’s a myth.

You need skills — but not necessarily credentials.

Core Skills

• Research ability
• Clear, concise communication
• Audience awareness
• Editing and proofreading
• Time management
• Meeting deadlines

Technical Skills

• Basic SEO knowledge
• Keyword placement
• Formatting for WordPress
• Headline writing
• Understanding search intent

Little-Known Fact About Freelance Writers 

Writers who understand conversion psychology and the psychology of marketing can earn significantly more than writers who only focus on grammar. Businesses don’t pay for pretty sentences — they pay for results.

If you can help a client make money, your rates go up.

The Biggest Myths About Freelance Writing

Let’s clear up the misconceptions.

Myth 1: You Need an English Degree

You don’t. Clients care about results and reliability.

Myth 2: You Must Be a Published Author

Freelance writing is business writing, not book publishing.

Myth 3: The Market Is Too Saturated

The low-paying market is saturated. Skilled specialists are in demand.

Myth 4: AI Has Replaced Freelance Writers

AI can generate text. It cannot replace strategy, brand voice, audience targeting, or nuanced persuasion.

Businesses still need humans who understand organic messaging.

How to Become a Freelance Writer (Step-by-Step)

If you’re serious about turning freelance writing into income, here’s the roadmap.

Step 1: Choose a Writing Niche

Specialization increases income. 

Popular Writing Niche Examples:

• Health Writing
• Legal Writing
• Finance Writing
• Technology Writing
• Insurance Writing
• Lifestyle Writing
• RV and Travel Writing
• Small Business Writing

When you niche down, you become easier to hire.

Step 2: Create 3–5 Writing Samples

You don’t need clients to start. You need proof.

Ways to create samples:

• Publish posts on your own WordPress blog
• Write Medium articles
• Guest post for niche blogs
• Create mock samples in your chosen niche

Your writer portfolio should show clarity, structure, and authority.

Read: Use WordPress to Grow Your Writing Website

Step 3: Build a Simple Author Website

At minimum, your website should include:

• About page
• Services page
• Writing samples
• Contact form
• Clear niche positioning

Using popular content management systems like WordPress can make it easy to build and publish your author website with little or no website coding experience.

There is a plan for you!

Step 4: Start Pitching

You can find clients through:

• Cold email outreach
• LinkedIn networking
• Content agencies
• Job boards (selectively)
• Referrals

Pro tip: personalize every writing  pitch. Generic messages get ignored.

Little-Known Tips and Tricks to Get Paid Faster

These are the real-world strategies that increase income quickly.

• Avoid ultra-low-paying platforms if your goal is premium clients.
• Charge per project once you understand scope.
• Always use a contract.
• Request 50% upfront for new clients.
• Track your time for 30 days to understand profitability.
• Raise your rates every 6–12 months.
• Follow up on pitches (most writers don’t).
• Offer value-driven ideas in your outreach.

The biggest income jump usually happens when you stop competing on price and start competing on expertise.

Tools Freelance Writers Use

You don’t need expensive tools to start, but these help:

• Google Docs
• Grammarly
• WordPress

• Keyword research tools
• SEO analysis tools
• Invoicing software
• Project management apps

Focus on skill before stacking subscriptions.

Visit the Hub for Freelance Writers for More Resources, Tools, and Tips

Pros and Cons of Being a Freelance Writer

Pros

• Flexible schedule
• Remote work
• Unlimited income ceiling
• Location independence
• Business ownership

Cons

• Income instability at first
• Client acquisition responsibility
• No built-in benefits
• Requires discipline

Freelance writing rewards consistency. It punishes inconsistency.

Is Freelance Writing Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Can you work independently?
• Can you handle rejection without quitting?
• Are you willing to market yourself?
• Can you treat writing like a business?

Freelance writing is not passive income. It’s active income that can scale.

Learn More About Passive Income vs. Active Income from Investopedia

What Is a Freelance Writer, Really?

A freelance writer is not just someone who writes.

A freelance writer is:

• A business owner
• A marketer
• A researcher
• A strategist
• A communicator

At its highest level, freelance writing is about solving business problems with words.

If you approach it casually, it pays casually.

If you approach it strategically, it can fund your lifestyle, support your family, and create long-term income flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freelance Writing

What is a freelance writer in simple terms?

A freelance writer is a self-employed professional who writes content for clients and gets paid per project, per word, or on retainer instead of working as a full-time employee.

How much do freelance writers make?

Freelance writing income varies widely. Beginners may earn a few hundred dollars per month, while experienced niche writers can earn several thousand dollars per month or more.

Do you need a degree to become a freelance writer?

No. Clients prioritize writing quality, reliability, and results over formal education.

How long does it take to start making money?

Some writers earn within weeks. Others take several months to build momentum. Consistent pitching and skill development shorten the timeline.

Is freelance writing a good career?

Yes — if you are self-motivated, adaptable, and willing to treat it like a business.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a freelance writer?

It’s someone who chooses flexibility over employment, skill over credentials, and ownership over permission.

Freelance Writing is not just a side hustle. It can become a scalable, sustainable career when approached strategically.

If you’re ready to build authority, develop in-demand skills, and get paid to write — start now. Not perfectly. Just consistently.

And remember: the writers who win are not the most talented. They’re the most persistent.