sample resume for a freelance writer

• • Generated 100,000+ views on my content in January and February 2017
• • Created journal content for 100+ clients on SaaS topics
• • Increased customer engagement for SaaS clients by up to 60% through revamping website pages and email interaction
• • Worked at Angle Express for 2 weeks as Educator & Assistant Manager
• • Wrote and published over 100 pieces of list articles spanning Blockchain & Cryptography, Scalability and Security
• • Concurrently managed 4 writing projects with strict deadlines
• • Increased average salary per page from $4 to $7 in 3 months
• • Covered subjects such as NWSL, MLS, Ligue 1, Premier League and MMA
• • Generated $6M for my clients with my writing skills and consultancy
• • Published a series of world political columns for four newspapers late 2018
• • Conducted interviews with VH1 stars for article content
• • Consistently increased client sales by between 10-25% after 3 months
• • Created content for 40+ clients within the SaaS industry, increasing sales up to 40%

5 Freelance Writer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your freelance writer resume must showcase your mastery of language and ability to communicate effectively. Demonstrate your proficiency with varied writing styles and tones. Highlight your experience with SEO and content management systems. Employers value a freelance writer who can seamlessly blend creativity with technical skills.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

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Whichever way you slice it, the struggle of finding dependable freelance writing work is real.

You might have to take low-paying writing gigs on Upwork or Fiverr until you “build your skills”.

Counter advice like “Zzzz! No one reads your resume” - isn’t uncommon to hear either.

But often Marketing Managers and Publications ask you for your resume.

And, in a world where even Richard Morgan uses a resume, you should take freelance writer resume a lot more seriously!

"A good writer will do his or her research about your organization to try to determine what type of writing you need and talk in depth about their relevant (and specific) experience to convince you that he or she is right for you."

Kelly Wilhelme , Marketing Manager, Weidert Group

Your goal is to showcase your value by combining your talent, ambition, and personality into a fantastic document that’s tailored to your audience.

What you’ll learn here?

• Go through 10 freelance writer resume section samples.
• What resume header additions can take your resume from “eh” to effective.
• How to create a professional summary that explains why they should hire you.
• What sort of working experience stands out to hiring professionals.
• How to effectively showcase your skills and certifications.

Looking for related resumes?

• Content Marketing Resumes
• Copywriter Resumes

When you build a freelance writing resume , try to see if the organization you’re applying to requires someone deep into the niche, or is it fine otherwise.

Niche freelance writing jobs require your resume to:

• Display a deep subject matter expertise about the subject you’ll be writing on
• Years of months of writing experience within that niche
• Display if you’ve worked with a brand or recognizable name
• Give a sense of autonomous work and ease of collaboration
• Show Niche association memberships and awards

But, if you’re applying to a generic freelance writing gig, the following may help your freelance writer resume look good too:

• Association and experience of writing for any brand
• Display of working with a wide variety of clients or companies
• Working across different types of content (newsletters, blogs, eBooks, whitepapers, etc)
• Journalistic memberships and awards

Imagine you are applying as a freelance writer to OpenAI with your credentials of your freelance writing experience for Casino - surely, you’ll be rejected!

Once you know what type of freelance writing role you’re applying to, it’s time to transform your writing portfolio in an easy to scan resume.

Make your resume easy to scan with the right resume format

Have you been working with a wide variety of clients over the last few years? You can still use a reverse-chronological resume , but make sure that you show what you’re able to do instead of solely discussing when you did it.

A hybrid resume format might be a better way to balance your skills and working experience with your prospective employer’s job requirements.

The top digital marketing director resume sections:

• Writing experience
• Resume header/objective
• Soft and technical skills
• Certifications
• Cover letter

Name, location, email, title, and you’re done, right? Not exactly!

As a writer, choosing the perfect words and providing accurate information should come naturally.

Within a single line, gain the attention of hiring managers by exceeding their expectations.

Leverage your copy skills to go beyond the norm and customize everything(including the title).

In the example below, see how adding “Marketing Freelance Writer” to your title instead of “freelance writer” makes a huge difference.

Applying a more descriptive title ensures that their desired position is immediately understood.

2 beginner freelance writer resume header samples

If you do it right, before the hiring manager gets past your resume header , you’ll have them hook, line, and sinker.

In this competitive industry, adding a personal website and/or certification shows that you’re ahead of other applicants.

For freelance writers just breaking into the writing world, consider employing a resume summary. This requires you to balance your skills with the requested skills of prospective employers.

Did we mention that a resume summary needs to be 1-2 sentences long? Not to worry: As a writer, you’ve got the exact words to do it!

So how are you going to get your freelance writer resume to the top of the pile?

Freelance writer resume summary samples

In the first example, you can clearly spot the length of experience and what kind of value you intend to provide

How to Write a Freelance Writer Resume Objective

For writers with a broader range of experience, a resume objective is probably a better fit.

These 4-6 sentences can extend to previous experience, certifications, and any other information that’s relevant to the job offer.

Just like your resume summary , it’s vital to include pieces of quantifiable experience. Think about ROIs, organic traffic rates, membership rates, and more.

"Make sure you answer everything employers ask for—if you can't follow these simple instructions, how can you follow instructions for a basic writing assignment?"

Syed Farhan Raza, CEO, The Inbound Crew

For prospective employers, skills and values should be as measurable for both the applicant and the employer’s side.

The “wrong” section isn’t clear about the employee’s successes – anyone can write “great content”, but not everyone can prove it.

See what kind of a difference metrics can make?

• • Contributing writer authored 30+ content pieces for Forbes on Career and Coaching
• • Freelance writing lead for Alphabet, responsible for managing Webby award-winning daily column features
• • Exclusive feature writer for Inc. Magazine from last 2 years

Start your bullet points with action verbs like “curated” and “assisted” and “spearheaded” to catch attention.

• • Responsible for hiring managing a team of 4
• • Wrote 30 pieces of great content each month
• • Holiday 2018 newsletter was the most successful company article of 2018

What to do - freelance writer no experience resume?

If you are a freelance writer, trying hard to make it big, tweak your resume to focus more on the writing work you did as a part of your portfolio.

Make sure that you’ve got relevant portfolio pieces highlighted with your resume to cover for the lack of experience.

To compensate for the lack of brand name association, try to list the business outcomes of your work instead. Things like virality, recognitions, etc cover well when you lack in experience.

Well, that depends.

Companies don’t hire copywriter based solely on their literature degree, but having a relevant background in specific fields might help push your resume over the edge (especially true if your alma mater is well-known).

We’d recommend keeping things simple and removing extracurriculars, your GPA , or anything extraneous.

Your education section should include:

• University/college name plus its location
• Degree type, plus your major and any related minor(s)
• Graduation year

Before you start planning your resume, you should have already created a list of your many skills. This will allow you to create the best bespoke freelance writer resumes with ease.

Some of the most basic skills include “excellent grammar” or “ability to stick to deadlines.” As a SEO or technical copywriter, however, you’ll need a lot more details than that.

Be careful: Claiming to be an expert in too many fields can make you sound “too good to be true.”

11 Soft Skills to Include on a Freelance Writer Resume

• SEO (e.g. writing, editing, optimization)
• Data analysis
• Keyword research
• Communication
• Organization
• Follow deadlines
• Bilinguality
• Independence

6 freelance writer technical skills

• Coding languages: HTML/CSS/JS
• CMS Tools like WordPress, WIX, Magento
• Keyword research tools: Semrush, Ubersuggest, Keyword Planner, Ahrefs
• Email marketing tools: MailChimp, Constant Contact
• Social media management tools: Buffer, eClincher
• Design tools: Photoshop, FrameMaker

Though your resume should mostly depend on your on-the-job experience, certifications are excellent ways to illustrate your skillsets while showing prospective employers that you’re the best candidate.

If you only hold a few certifications that are relevant to a specific job advertisement, consider placing them in your resume header instead.

Notice that job advertisements keep citing specific certifications? Consider studying them if you lack experience!

5 Certifications for a Freelance Writer Resume

• Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP)
• Content Marketing Institute Online Certification
• Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer
• Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification
• Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)

There are more sections that you can consider adding to your resume

• Language skills
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• LinkedIn on Resume
• Resume Awards
• Publications

These sections allow you to be a bit more playful about your resume.

In case the job description says you need to provide a cover letter, do include yours. Otherwise, you can always leave it out.

Nowadays, job application forms include questions like “why do you want to work here”, or “explain why you’re the best fit for us”, which makes you wonder are cover letters really necessary ?

Still, they help you tell your story in a way that, if written right, it’s captivating and engaging.

In any case, you should pay close attention to the following tips when a cover letter is a must:

• Make sure you go over a cover letter checklist , not to forget what your cover letter should say ;
• Match the cover letter design with your resume’s;
• Address your cover letter properly;
• Keep an eye on your cover letter length ;
• Use a proper cover letter ending ;

In only a few paragraphs, it’s crucial to show that you’ve taken the time to understand the position, outline your related skills, and share your portfolio (if possible).

Treat each cover letter like a writing assignment and you’ll do great!

• Always look at your resume from the hiring manager’s perspective: What do they want? How can you make yourself the best choice?
• Create a bespoke writer resume for every application.
• In your resume summary or objective, apply quantifiable metrics wherever possible.
• Use certifications to boost your strength in areas outside of your core expertise.

Looking to build your own Freelance Writer resume?

• Resume Examples

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job With No Experience in That Field

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Freelance Writer Resume: Example & Writing Guide for 2024

As a freelance writer, your resume is your first impression. It’s your calling card, your brochure, and your personal branding statement all in one. The importance of having a well-written resume cannot be overstated, especially in a crowded marketplace where every freelancer is trying to stand out.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to create a winning freelance writer resume. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the basics of resume format and structure, to how to showcase your skills and experience in the most effective way possible.

Whether you’re just starting out as a freelance writer or you’re looking to take your career to the next level, this guide will provide you with the insights and strategies you need to create a standout resume that will help you get noticed and land more gigs.

So, let’s get started by exploring the importance of a well-written freelance writer resume and what you can expect to learn from this article.

Understanding the Basics of a Freelance Writer Resume

As a freelance writer, having a well-crafted and attention-grabbing resume can make all the difference in winning clients and securing lucrative projects. But what exactly is a resume? And what are the key parts and types to keep in mind when crafting your own?

Definition of a Resume

A resume is a document that outlines your professional experience, education, skills, and accomplishments. It’s typically used as a tool for job applications, but can also be useful for freelancers looking to showcase their expertise and attract potential clients.

Parts of a Resume

There are several key parts of a resume that you’ll want to include:

Contact information.  This should go at the top of the page and include your name, phone number, email address, and website or portfolio.

Summary or objective statement.  This is a brief, 1-2 sentence introduction that highlights your key strengths and what you have to offer potential clients.

Professional experience.  This section should list your past positions, companies you’ve worked for, and your job duties and accomplishments.

Education.  Include your highest degree earned, the name of the institution, and any relevant coursework or certifications.

Skills.  This section can highlight any unique or in-demand skills you have that are relevant to your freelance work (such as proficiency in a certain software program or language).

Types of Resume

When it comes to the types of resumes you might use as a freelance writer, there are a few to keep in mind:

Chronological resume.  This is the most traditional type of resume, where you list your work experience in reverse chronological order (starting with your current or most recent position). This is a good choice if you have a strong and consistent work history.

Functional resume.  A functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your job history. This is a good choice if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your work history.

Combination resume.  This type of resume combines elements of the chronological and functional formats. It might begin with an overview of your skills and then list your work experience in chronological order.

The key to a strong freelance writer resume is to tailor it to the specific needs and preferences of potential clients. Keep it concise, highlight your unique skills and accomplishments, and showcase your experience in a way that positions you as an expert in your field.

How to Make a Professional-Looking Freelance Writer Resume

Your freelance writer resume is your first impression, and it needs to make an impact. The style and layout of your resume can help you stand out from other candidates, so it’s important to choose the right format and design. Here are some tips for making a professional-looking freelance writer resume that will help you land your dream gig.

Choosing the Right Format

There are many different resume formats, but the most popular for freelance writers is the chronological format. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This way, employers can see your most relevant experience first. If you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, you may want to consider a functional or combination format.

Tips for Writing a Winning Resume

When it comes to writing your freelance writer resume, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Use bullet points and short, punchy sentences to get your point across quickly.

Focus on accomplishments: Rather than just listing your job duties, highlight your accomplishments. What did you achieve in each role? Did you meet or exceed your goals? Use specific numbers and metrics to showcase your success.

Customize for each job: Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to that position.

Include a summary or objective: A summary or objective can help employers quickly understand your experience and career goals.

Design Considerations

Your resume’s design can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Use a clean, professional font: Your font should be easy to read and not too flashy. Stick with classic options like Times New Roman or Arial.

Organize your content with headings: Use headings to break up your resume into clear sections. This makes it easier for employers to scan and quickly find the information they are looking for.

Use white space: Don’t overcrowd your resume with text. Use white space to make it more visually appealing and easier to read.

Include a pop of color: Adding a pop of color can help your resume stand out, but make sure it’s tasteful and not too over-the-top.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking freelance writer resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience. Remember to customize your resume for each job you apply for and keep it concise and visually appealing. Good luck!

Freelance Writer Resume Example

In this section, we will provide a detailed example of a winning freelance writer resume. We will analyze each section to give you a better understanding of how to create an effective freelance writer resume.

Analysis of Each Section

The header includes your name, contact information, and a link to your portfolio. It is important to make sure your name is easily visible and that your contact information is up-to-date. You also want to make it easy for potential employers to access your portfolio by providing a direct link.

2. Professional Summary

The professional summary should be a brief statement that highlights your skills and experience as a freelance writer. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should grab the reader’s attention.

In this section, you want to highlight your skills as a freelance writer, such as writing, editing, and research skills. You can also include any additional skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, such as social media marketing, SEO, or content management.

4. Work Experience

The work experience section should list your previous writing experience, including the dates, job titles, and companies you worked for. You also want to highlight your achievements and responsibilities in each role.

5. Education

In this section, you want to list any degrees or certifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If you don’t have a degree, you can list any workshops, courses, or training programs you have completed.

6. Awards and Achievements

If you have received any awards or achievements as a freelance writer, you should include them in this section. This can include awards for specific articles or projects, as well as recognition from industry organizations.

Essential Elements of a Freelance Writer Resume

A well-crafted freelance writer resume can set you apart from the competition and help you land more writing gigs. Here are some essential elements to include in your freelance writer resume:

Contact Information

The first section of your resume should include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. Use a professional email address, preferably one that incorporates your name, and a LinkedIn URL that leads the reader to your LinkedIn profile.

Objective Statement

While not always necessary, an objective statement can give the reader an idea of your goals and what you hope to achieve by working as a freelance writer. Keep it brief and specific to your career aspirations.

Professional Summary

A professional summary is a powerful way to showcase your strengths and experience in a concise manner. Use this section to highlight your most impressive achievements and mention how your skills and experience can add value to a client.

Skills Section

This section should include a list of your relevant skills, such as writing expertise in a certain niche, knowledge of SEO or social media, and proficiency in certain software or tools. Be sure to mention any specialized skills that set you apart from others in your field.

Work Experience

Use this section to list your previous writing projects, including the name of the client, the name of the project, your role in the project, and the outcome. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and highlight your accomplishments.

List your educational background, including your degree, major, and any relevant coursework. If you have written any academic papers or articles, make sure to highlight them in this section.

Certifications/Licenses

If you have any relevant certifications or licenses, such as a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) or a freelance writing certificate, include them in this section.

Achievements/Awards

List any notable achievements or awards you have received, such as being published in a reputable publication or winning a prestigious writing award.

If you are fluent in any languages besides English, list them here. This could be a valuable asset for clients looking for writers who can write in a specific language.

Volunteer Work

If you have volunteered your writing services, list the organizations you worked with and the projects you worked on. This shows that you are willing to use your writing talents for a good cause and adds value to your resume.

A well-crafted freelance writer resume can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential clients. Follow these essential elements and make sure to tailor your resume to the specific job or client you are applying for. Best of luck in your freelance writing endeavors!

Tailoring Your Resume to a Specific Freelance Writing Job

As a freelance writer, landing a job opportunity can be a challenging task. One way to stand out from the competition is to tailor your resume to the specific job description. Here are three essential steps to follow:

Keyword Research

Before you start customizing your resume, it is essential to conduct keyword research. What kind of keywords are the employers looking for? What skills and qualifications are vital for the specific job? You can find relevant keywords by studying the job posting, the company website, and the industry publications.

Including relevant keywords shows the employer that you have done your homework on the project, and you have the necessary skills that match the job description. Use action verbs and quantify your experience using numbers, percentages, and analytics to show your achievements.

Company Research

One crucial aspect of personalizing your resume is to do research on the company you are applying to. Find out what the company culture is like, the tone and voice of the content on their website or social media pages, and what issues or values they care about.

By doing so, you can tailor your skills, interests, and experience to match the company’s needs. For instance, if the company’s tone is conversational and informal, you can adjust your writing style accordingly, catering to their preferred style.

Customizing Your Resume to the Job Description

After completing your keyword and company research, it’s time to customize your resume to the specific job description. Highlight the skills and qualifications that match the job’s requirements and omit irrelevant information.

Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan, and keep in mind that employers typically spend only a few seconds looking at resumes. Include a summary or objective section that is tailored to the job, highlighting your relevant experience, and what you can bring to the table.

Tailoring your resume to a specific freelance writing job is a crucial step in landing your dream job. Take time to research and customize your resume by using relevant keywords, researching the company, and customizing your resume to the job description. By doing so, you stand a much better chance of achieving your career goals as a freelance writer.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Freelance Writer Resume Writing

When it comes to crafting a freelance writer resume, there are several common mistakes that job seekers can make. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

Common Errors

Grammatical and spelling errors : While you are a freelancer writer, and not an editor or proofreader, it’s still important to ensure that your resume is well-written, formatted, and error-free. Grammatical and spelling errors can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

Including irrelevant experiences : Some job seekers may include every single job they’ve ever had, even those unrelated to their freelance writing career. This can make your resume seem cluttered and detract from your experience in the field.

Not highlighting your unique strengths : As a freelance writer, you likely have unique strengths and skills that set you apart from other candidates. Failing to highlight these strengths could cause you to blend in with the crowd.

Tips for Catching Mistakes

To ensure that your freelance writer resume is error-free and highlights your strengths, here are some tips:

Proofread multiple times : Before sending out your resume, proofread it multiple times to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Consider having someone else review it as well.

Tailor your resume for each position : Rather than sending out a generic resume for every job you apply for, tailor your document to the specific position. Be sure to highlight relevant experience and skills.

Use numbers to demonstrate achievements : Rather than simply listing your job duties and responsibilities, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “wrote articles for company blog,” say “wrote 50 articles for company blog, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic.”

By avoiding common mistakes and following these tips, you can craft a freelance writer resume that showcases your strengths and lands you the job you’re after.

How to Include Freelance Writing Experience in Your Resume

As a freelance writer, it’s important to showcase your experience in your resume to land your next gig. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of including freelance writing work and how to showcase it effectively.

Importance of Including Freelance Writing Work

Including freelance writing work in your resume is crucial for several reasons:

• Demonstrates your experience: Freelance writing work shows your experience in writing for different industries, topics, and audiences. This demonstrates your versatility and expertise as a writer.
• Highlights your skills: By including your freelance writing work, you can showcase your writing, editing, and research skills. This gives potential employers a preview of your capabilities.
• Shows your work ethic: Freelance writing work requires a great deal of self-motivation, time management, and accountability. By including this work in your resume, you’re demonstrating your strong work ethic.

How to Showcase Your Freelance Writing Experience

To effectively showcase your freelance writing experience, consider the following tips:

• Include a separate section: Create a separate section on your resume titled “Freelance Writing Experience” or “Selected Writing Projects.” This helps to showcase your experience and ensure it doesn’t get lost in your general work experience section.
• Highlight your most relevant projects: Choose your most relevant freelance writing projects that highlight your skills and expertise. These can include articles, blog posts, white papers, case studies, and more.
• Quantify your impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your freelance work. This can include the number of clicks, views, social media shares, or leads generated by the content you created.
• List your clients: List the names and industries of the clients you’ve worked with. This shows your ability to write for diverse audiences and industries.
• Include a portfolio link: Finally, include a link to your online portfolio or writing samples. This makes it easy for potential employers to view your work and see your writing style.

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your freelance writing experience on your resume and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for and keep it concise and clear. Happy job hunting!

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Freelance Writer Resume

As a freelance writer, your resume is often your first point of contact with potential clients. However, to make the right impression and secure that dream job, it is important to also write an effective cover letter.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, highlight your skills and achievements, and convey your enthusiasm for the job opportunity. A great cover letter should be customized for each job and show the employer why you are the best candidate for the role.

Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

To make your cover letter stand out, follow these tips:

• Address the hiring manager by name
• Show enthusiasm for the job, and enthusiasm for the company
• Highlight your experience, skills and achievements
• Be concise, no longer than one page
• Tailor your cover letter for the job

Sample Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the freelance writer position at XYZ Company. Your mission to create high-quality content for clients aligns with my passion for producing compelling and engaging writing. I am confident that my seven years of experience in freelance writing, along with my attention to detail, makes me a perfect candidate for the role.

In my previous work, I have written articles for various clients across a range of industries, including technology, health and wellness, and finance. I have also worked on marketing and social media campaigns, as well as writing and editing copy for websites.

I have a strong portfolio that showcases my writing style, which is suitable for different audiences and purposes. Additionally, I have experience in conducting research, interviews, and using SEO strategies to create content that ranks well online.

I am passionate about what I do and would love the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for review.

[Your Name]

Writing an effective cover letter is vital for securing freelance writing jobs. Tailor each cover letter to the job, keep it concise, and highlight your skills and experience. By following these tips, you can make a great first impression and land your dream job.

Handling Gaps in Your Freelance Writer Resume

Strategies for explaining employment gaps.

As a freelance writer, it is common to have gaps in your employment history. However, it is important to be able to explain these gaps to potential clients or employers. Here are some strategies for handling employment gaps on your freelance writer resume:

Be honest and upfront: If you have a gap in your employment history, it is best to be honest and upfront about it. Address the gap in your cover letter or introduction email and explain the reason for the gap.

Focus on your skills and achievements: When explaining an employment gap, focus on your skills and achievements during that time. For example, if you took a year off to travel, mention how this experience improved your writing skills and broadened your perspective.

Utilize freelance work: Freelance work can fill employment gaps on your resume. Include your freelance work and highlight the skills you developed during that time.

Consider continuing education: If you have gaps due to education, consider highlighting the courses you took during that time and how they have improved your writing skills.

Dealing with Lack of Experience

If you are a new freelance writer, you may not have much experience to include on your resume. However, there are still ways to demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential clients or employers. Here are some tips for dealing with lack of experience on your freelance writer resume:

Highlight relevant coursework or training: If you have taken writing courses or training programs, include them on your resume to show your commitment to improving your writing skills.

Emphasize writing samples: Include writing samples that showcase your writing abilities. Make sure they are relevant to the type of writing you want to do for clients or employers.

Volunteer your writing skills: Volunteer to write for non-profit organizations, newsletters, or local newspapers. This will allow you to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Leverage transferable skills: Many skills are transferable to freelance writing such as research, editing, and project management. Highlight these skills on your resume to show your versatility.

By being honest and upfront about employment gaps and focusing on skills and achievements, and finding ways to showcase your skills even if you lack experience, you can create a successful freelance writer resume that will impress potential clients and employers.

Preparing Your Freelance Writer Resume for Online Applications

As a freelance writer, online applications are crucial to land new clients and secure projects. Online applications allow you to quickly and easily send your resume and writing samples to potential clients without ever leaving your home. However, with so many people applying for freelance writing jobs online, it’s important to ensure your application stands out from the rest.

Here are some tips for preparing your freelance writer resume for online applications:

Importance of Online Applications

Online applications offer several benefits to freelance writers. For starters, they allow you to apply to numerous jobs quickly and easily. You can even set up alerts for job postings and apply as soon as they become available. Additionally, online applications allow you to showcase your writing skills by uploading writing samples or providing links to published articles.

Online applications are also becoming increasingly popular with clients who are looking for freelance writers. By offering a streamlined application process, clients are able to review applications quickly and easily, which means you have a better chance of getting noticed.

Tips for Preparing Your Resume for Online Applications

When preparing your resume for online applications, make sure to follow these tips:

Keep it concise: Clients are busy and don’t have time to read through lengthy resumes. Keep it to one or two pages.

Highlight your writing experience: Make sure to showcase your writing experience at the top of your resume. This will capture the client’s attention and make them want to read more.

Include writing samples: Provide links to your published articles or upload writing samples directly to your application. This will demonstrate your writing skills and show the client what you’re capable of.

Use keywords: Many online applications use applicant tracking systems, which means keywords are important. Make sure to use relevant keywords throughout your resume.

Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This demonstrates that you’ve read the job posting and shows the client that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

Common Online Application Systems

There are several online application systems that clients use to receive resumes from freelance writers. Here are some of the most common:

Upwork: Upwork is a popular platform for freelance writers that allows you to create a profile and bid on job postings.

Freelancer: Freelancer is another popular platform that allows you to create a profile and bid on job postings.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that allows you to search for freelance writing jobs and apply directly to the client.

Indeed: Indeed is a job search engine that allows you to search for freelance writing jobs and apply directly to the client.

Your own website: Creating your own website is another way to showcase your writing skills and make it easy for clients to contact you.

By following these tips and utilizing online application systems, you’ll be well on your way to securing more freelance writing projects. Remember, the key is to showcase your writing skills and make sure your resume stands out from the rest.

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• Freelance Writer Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Freelance Writer Resumes:

• Research topics and develop ideas for articles
• Write original content for websites, blogs, and other online publications
• Edit and proofread content for accuracy and clarity
• Develop content strategies for clients
• Develop content calendars and editorial plans
• Generate ideas for new content topics
• Collaborate with other writers and editors
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and news
• Monitor analytics to measure content performance
• Develop content for social media platforms
• Optimize content for SEO
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Freelance Writer Resume Example:

• Researched and developed compelling article ideas, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% growth in reader engagement.
• Collaborated with a team of writers and editors to create high-quality content, leading to a 25% increase in client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Implemented SEO strategies and optimized content, resulting in a 15% improvement in search engine rankings and organic traffic.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality content to clients, resulting in a 95% client retention rate.
• Developed content strategies and editorial plans for clients, resulting in a 40% increase in social media followers and a 25% growth in website conversions.
• Monitored analytics and conducted A/B testing to optimize content performance, achieving a 10% increase in click-through rates and a 20% decrease in bounce rates.
• Wrote original content for websites and blogs, consistently exceeding client expectations and receiving positive feedback, resulting in a 90% client satisfaction rate.
• Edited and proofread content for accuracy and clarity, ensuring error-free and polished final deliverables.
• Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and news, incorporating relevant information into articles and establishing credibility as a subject matter expert.
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to develop compelling content ideas
• Team collaboration
• SEO knowledge and implementation
• Content optimization
• Project management
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Content strategy development
• Editorial planning
• Social media strategy
• Analytics monitoring
• A/B testing
• Original content creation
• Editing and proofreading
• Industry trend awareness
• Subject matter expertise
• Client satisfaction management
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Understanding of website conversions
• Ability to decrease bounce rates
• Ability to increase click-through rates
• Ability to increase reader engagement
• Ability to increase website traffic
• Ability to increase client retention rate
• Ability to increase social media followers.

Top Skills & Keywords for Freelance Writer Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Content Writing
• Copywriting
• Editing and Proofreading
• SEO Writing
• Research Skills
• Creative Writing
• Social Media Management
• Technical Writing
• Press Release Writing
• Grant Writing

Soft Skills

• Strong written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management and deadline-oriented
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Research and analytical skills
• Creativity and innovation
• Self-motivated and disciplined
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong editing and proofreading skills

Resume Action Verbs for Freelance Writers:

• Collaborated
• Interviewed
• Brainstormed
• Synthesized
• Strategized

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Freelance Writers:

How long should i make my freelance writer resume, what is the best way to format a freelance writer resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a freelance writer resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a freelance writer, compare your freelance writer resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Freelance Writer job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Freelance Writers:

Freelance content writer, freelance copywriter, content writer, creative writer, seo content writer, junior content writer, content editor.

Table of contents

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• Career Tips

Freelance Writer Resume Guide (With Examples to Copy)

The best weapon in a freelance writer’s arsenal will always be their writing portfolio . But some companies still ask for CVs from their potential contractors —and writing one is not as straightforward as for an in-house employee. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ll show you how to write a strong freelance writer resume, illustrated with examples of resume summaries, work experience sections, and more.

Keep on reading to find answers to all essential writer resume questions, and get in touch with us via email or TikTok if there’s anything left unanswered.

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What skills should be on your freelance writer resume?

When looking at your resume, potential clients want to know two things: what you’re good at and how you’ve proven that before. You can do the former by showcasing your top skills there. But which ones should you add?

Think about it from an employer’s perspective. They’ll want to know what type of tasks you can do, what tools you know how to use, and if working with you as a person, potentially a part of a team will be easy. So add 3-4 skills for each of these categories.

Here’s an example of a freelance content writer’s skills:

Professional skills

• Blog post writing
• SEO optimization
• Research and analytics
• Web page copywriting

Tools & software

• Ahrefs for SEO
• Google Analytics for stats
• Hemingway for writing

Personal skills

• Intercultural communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Efficient time management

What’s the best resume format for freelance writers?

Before we get into the “how to write the resume” part, we need to stop for a second and talk about the resume format. Because for freelancers, the traditional reverse chronological resume format might not work so well.

When does the reverse chronological resume format work for freelancers?

If you’ve been in contract steadily, for longer periods of time, for a smaller number of clients, you could still use the reverse chronological format. Then your work experience section might look something like this:

2020-2023 Staff writer (contractor) Louloubelle Magazine

2019-2022 Content writer (contractor) TheTech Blog

2017-2019 Writer and editorial assistant (contractor) Hochmann & Co.

And if you had multiple smaller clients or projects on the side, you can just list them all afterward, without noting exact time periods.

What would be a better resume format for freelance writers then?

For writers with many more freelance projects, we recommend a functional resume format instead.

This one puts the skills and types of projects into the spotlight, without breaking it down by clients or years. Let us show you an example to better explain it.

Work experiences

Blog post writing: I wrote over a hundred articles for companies in the health, wellness, and fitness niches that typically rank in the top 10 on Google for their chosen keywords. I work with in-house editors to make sure the articles will not only bring in traffic but also convert people, whether that’s purchasing a product or subscribing to a newsletter.

Clients for this type of projects include Bloomsville, Lodegorie, Hydrophare, Misst

How to write a freelance writer resume

And now the fun part. How do you actually write that freelance writer resume? Do you just list your skills and work experience like we outlined above and you’re done?

Well, not really. There are a few more sections you need to include —these are what we’re going to review now.

Freelance writer resume summary examples & how to write yours

Following your name and contact info at the top of the CV, your resume summary will be the first thing people read. So it comes as no surprise when we say it’s a really important part and that you should strive to nail it.

What is a resume summary?

The resume summary is a short paragraph concisely explaining your career, including your work experiences and top skills. Its aim is to catch the attention of recruiters and show whether you might be a good fit for the company, without having to read through the whole CV.

5 resume summary examples for writers

Now that we got the definition out of the way, let’s see a few examples.

1. Experienced freelance writer with a passion for creating compelling content. With five years of experience writing in a variety of niches, including health, finance, and technology, I bring outstanding skills and expertise to every project. I specialize in crafting engaging blog posts and social media content that resonates with the brand’s target audience and drives engagement.

2. Award-winning freelance writer with a knack for storytelling. I’ve been recognized by industry leaders for my ability to craft compelling narratives that capture readers' attention with every piece I write. Whether it's a feature article, a case study, or a marketing campaign, I know how to create content that connects with audiences and makes people take action.

3. Organized and efficient freelance writer with a talent for meeting deadlines. With a background in journalism, I am used to producing high-quality content while working under tight deadlines. I am skilled in doing research, interviewing sources, and translating complex information into clear and concise language.

4. Versatile freelance writer skilled in adapting to diverse audiences and topics. With a background in both creative and technical writing, I can communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging language. I have written for clients in industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality and can write in a variety of formats and styles.

5. Expert content strategist and freelance writer. As a former content marketing manager, I know how content fits into broader marketing strategies. I can develop content calendars, conduct keyword research, and optimize content for search engines. As a writer, I bring this strategic mindset to every project, ensuring that each piece of content is designed to achieve the set KPIs and business objectives.

Make sure to be concise and include your strongest skills and most impressive work experiences. If you can, you can also add some stats to show what an impact your writing made.

Don’t forget to link to your writing portfolio

The resume summary, work experience section, and your list of skills are perfect for telling people what you do and what you’re good at. But that doesn’t have quite the same effect as actually showing them how you do it. And that’s what your writing portfolio is all about.

If you’re not adding a link to your portfolio in your resume (don’t worry, PDFs these days have clickable links), you’re leaving money on the table. If your CV got someone’s attention (which is its primary purpose), they’ll be happy to find out more. So make it easy for them!

How to create a writing portfolio

If you don’t have a writing portfolio yet, you should find a platform that makes it quick and easy to put one together. Just make sure it’s one that also helps you make it look professional.

For that, check out Copyfolio , which is a portfolio website builder designed for writers and marketers. With easy-to-use templates, a visual editor, and profession-based content generation for your site, you can create a stunning portfolio in just about 30 minutes.

To learn more, check out its list of features , explore portfolio examples and templates , or learn how to build a proper freelance writer website (with even more examples)!

Do you need an education section as a freelance writer?

Last, but not least, since freelancer resumes are already unconventional, comes the question: do you even need an education section in there?

The answer, as it often is, it depends.

List your educational background if you…

• Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in English, writing, journalism, communications, or marketing
• Completed certifications well-known and reputable in the writing world
• Did courses or earned a degree in a field related to the companies you’re applying to (e.g. if you have a healthcare-related degree and want to be a freelance health writer)

Skip the education section if you…

• Don’t have any English or writing-related degrees or certifications
• Have an impressive list of previous clients, who are well-known in their industry
• Created a writing portfolio that’ll absolutely sweep them off their feet

The overall goal of the education background section is to help convince potential employers. So if yours doesn’t help your case at all, it’s better to just leave it out.

Where to create your freelance writer resume

When you know exactly what to write, the next logical question is: how do you make it presentable? There are three ways to go about it:

• Create a PDF resume yourself. Using a design software like Canva (or Adobe InDesign, if you’re a real pro) and potentially a resume template, you can design a fully custom and on-brand CV for yourself —then export it as a PDF.
• Use a resume builder. There are resume-builder tools out there that were developed for this exact purpose. They help you with formatting and writing prompts, making resume creation as painless as possible.
• Add it to your portfolio website. In Copyfolio , there’s a dedicated resume section that makes it easy to showcase your resume without any design software involved. The style and layout are given, all you have to do is type it in.

Whichever way you choose, follow our tips, and you’ll surely write a resume that’ll sweep recruiters off their feet. Good luck!

Dorka Kardos-Latif

Digital marketer & portfolio expert, the face behind all content on Copyfolio 👋

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Freelance Writer Resume Samples

The guide to resume tailoring.

Guide the recruiter to the conclusion that you are the best candidate for the freelance writer job. It’s actually very simple. Tailor your resume by picking relevant responsibilities from the examples below and then add your accomplishments. This way, you can position yourself in the best way to get hired.

Craft your perfect resume by picking job responsibilities written by professional recruiters

Pick from the thousands of curated job responsibilities used by the leading companies, tailor your resume & cover letter with wording that best fits for each job you apply.

Create a Resume in Minutes with Professional Resume Templates

• Acute knowledge of New York’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Edits video & sound bites both for assigned stories and reporter live shots
• Acute knowledge of DC’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Writes stories and promotion assigned by the executive producer
• Updates scripts as stories change
• Reads wires, internet, social media and monitors other broadcasts
• Write and produce vos, vosot and packages for daily newscasts and digital platform in a timely fashion
• Acute knowledge of Phoenix’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Works closely with Producers, Executive Producers, Reporters and Assignment Desk to relay and receive information for stories
• Works closely with Producers, Executive Producers,
• Works closely with producers and executive producers to ensure all updates get into the newscasts
• Work with reporters to gather elements and information about stories
• Acute knowledge of LA’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Acute knowledge of London's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Create relevant and engaging content based on new and best destinations as assigned and pitched
• Provide media (e.g., original photography, sourced images, etc.) to accompany copy
• Work with Editor to generate ideas for new content topics
• Meet regular submission deadlines
• Acute knowledge of Cleveland's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Deep personal enthusiasm for the best, newest, and coolest places to eat, drink, and have fun
• Appreciation for the Thrillist brand and voice
• BA/BS in English, journalism, communications or comparable job experience
• Feels comfortable working remotely
• Grant and proposal writing experience
• Passion for Writing and Art!
• Can start immediately
• Patient and thorough

7 Freelance Writer resume templates

Read our complete resume writing guides

How to tailor your resume, how to make a resume, how to mention achievements, work experience in resume, 50+ skills to put on a resume, how and why put hobbies, top 22 fonts for your resume, 50 best resume tips, 200+ action words to use, internship resume, killer resume summary, write a resume objective, what to put on a resume, how long should a resume be, the best resume format, how to list education, cv vs. resume: the difference, include contact information, resume format pdf vs word, how to write a student resume, freelance writer resume examples & samples.

• Background in Art History
• Excellent research, writing, editing and rewriting skills
• Flexible schedule
• College degree or sufficient maturity preferred
• Prefer candidate have at least 3-5 years experience in broadcast or print journalism
• Working familiarity with ENG (Electronic News Gathering) and SNG (Satellite News Gathering) operations, iNews, ENPS, Final Cut Pro, Avid and other Newsroom software programs
• Individual could be considered if he or she has experience in another area of television news
• Effective writing skills
• Can perform duties and make decisions under extreme pressure
• Position is needed to fill in during vacation, and leaves
• One year of experience working in news preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Journalism or related field

Freelance Writer, Charlotte Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Charlotte
• Acute knowledge of Charlotte's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, Philadelphia Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Philadelphia
• Acute knowledge of Philadelphia’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Strong photography skills w/ a DSLR camera preferred

Freelance Writer, Cleveland Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Cleveland
• Acute knowledge of Cleveland's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Strong writing skills

Freelance Writer, Houston Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Houston
• Acute knowledge of Houston’s food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• Ability to meet regular deadlines while working independently
• Must be based in or near Los Angeles
• Acute knowledge of LA’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Strong photography skills w/ a DSLR camera preferres

Freelance Writer, Las Vegas Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Las Vegas
• Acute knowledge of Las Vegas’ food, bar, nightlife, and events scenes

Freelance Writer, Phoenix Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in or near Phoenix
• Acute knowledge of Phoenix’s food, bar, nightlife and summer events scenes
• Must meet regular deadlines while working independently

Freelance Writer, Pittsburgh Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Pittsburgh
• Acute knowledge of Pittsburgh's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, San Antonio Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in San Antonio
• 3+ years experience writing, with focus on local food and nightlife content
• Acute knowledge of San Antonio's food, bar, nightlife and event scenes

Freelance Writer, Toronto Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be based in Toronto
• Acute knowledge of Toronto’s food, bar, nightlife and event scenes
• May have to produce other news programs as assigned
• May be assigned to variety of shifts including weekends and overnights
• May need to perform other duties including but not limited to teleprompter, traffic production, crawl and graphics
• 5+ years of prior work experience as a pro writer and creative whiz
• Content marketing experience, social media experience, a must
• PR agency or corporate communications experience, a plus
• Experience writing for brands to consumers/customers/technical audiences
• Must provide writing samples
• Be able to write accurate and conversational stories that follow the facts and reference video and graphics
• Pay attention to detail, including fact-checking, grammar, spelling
• Be highly organized as well as possess creative production skills
• Use strong editorial judgement
• Be willing and able to train on producing and fill in for producers for various newscasts
• Help cultivate unique story ideas and tips
• College degree in Journalism/Communications/Broadcasting preferred along with prior experience writing and producing for broadcast news
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays and weekends
• Must be able to work under deadlines and have the ability to multi-task
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must be willing to submit to a background check

Freelance Writer, Newsedge Resume Examples & Samples

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in related field)
• Broadcast writing experience at legitimate news organization or news producing affiliate
• Solid news judgment and understanding of fair and balanced journalism
• Strong knowledge of current events
• Ability to work with others under strict pressure to meet imposed deadlines
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours: overnight, early AM, late night & weekend hours
• Be able to write accurate and conversational stories in broadcast style that follow the facts and reference video and graphics
• Use strong news editorial judgement
• 1-2 years of experience as a news writer or news producer

Related Job Titles

How to Become a Freelance Writer, Plus Tips for Success

F reelance writing is a booming industry, and it could be a great way to enjoy remote work and set your own schedule. Yet becoming a freelance writer can be difficult and confusing, especially in the beginning.

Today, let's explore how to become a freelance writer step-by-step, plus break down some extra tips to ensure success in this field.

1. Decide what kind of writer you'll be

No freelance writer can do it all, so you need to decide what kind of writer you'll be before starting on this career path.

Here are some examples of freelance writing niches and focuses:

• Technical writers : have technical expertise or in-depth knowledge about a specific subject, like manufacturing, finance, programming, etc. This type of writing is the most profitable side hustle. However, it's also the hardest for new freelance writers to break into as small businesses.
• Content writers: create blog posts for a variety of websites, often retail or affiliate websites. Content marketing includes high-qualitycontent writing. Such content might include guest posts for bloggers and business owners. It might also include other freelance content, like creating social posts or email copy. Helpful skills to know are how to use WordPress, Slack, Google Suite, Asana and similar.
• Copywriters : create content for brands by mimicking brand voice, tone and language rules. This freelance writing work means providing writing services to a brand's own blog. Such purposes typically revolve around SEO/search engine optimization purposes.

Of these types of freelance writers, you can further specialize. For instance, you can be a retail content writer exclusively, a finance technical writer and so on. In many cases, you should choose your freelance writer niche based on your previous experience, interests or specializations.

Consider your working schedule, too. Full-time writers will have more access to freelance writing jobs. However, you can still build a writing portfolio with stellar writing samples to attract potential clients, even as a part-time writer.

There are lots of online writing clients to attract. In any case, you'll build up a byline reputation after you get your first client and start flexing your creative writing skills.

Related: How Much Should You Charge as a Freelance Writer ?

2. Learn your niche's writing conventions and strategies

Next, you'll need to learn and master your niche's writing conventions and strategies.

As an example, if you become a copywriter for retail brands, you need to understand typical writing conventions like:

• Reading through your clients' tone packages or portfolios (sometimes called brand guides). These will give you the information you need to mimic your client's voice appropriately.
• Writing in streamlined, short sentences without a lot of fluff. These days, most online readers skim written content rather than reading it word by word, so you need to know how to create compelling, attractive headers and content blocks.
• Using bullet points frequently (just like this.) to convey key informational points quickly and succinctly.

Many of these skills can be learned and practiced as you hone your writing skills and as you determine your ultimate freelance writing niche or focus. Outside of learning by pursuing writing opportunities and building an online presence, many good writers have positive experiences with writing courses designed to build professional writing skills for different types of content.

3. Build a portfolio and join freelance job sites

No one will want to hire you as a freelance writer without seeing some samples of your work. This can sound counterintuitive, as at the beginning of your career, you won't have any work to showcase. However, you should create a portfolio of sample or trial blog posts, copy and more. Even if you come up with this content from scratch, it can serve as a good example of the work future clients can expect.

Once you have your portfolio, put it up on your personal website and your social media pages (particularly your LinkedIn profile). Then add to freelance job websites like Upwork. Make profiles on all the freelance job boards you can.

In the earliest days of your freelance writing career, you'll be pursuing as many jobs as possible. The more places you have to advertise your skills, the better.

Related: Leaving a Steady Job to Start a Freelance Career ? Here Are 5 Things You Must Know

4. Start looking for work

Now it's time to put your nose to the grindstone and begin looking for work. As a freelance writer, the initial months of your career will be filled with proposals and requests for work. Don't expect to get a lot of clients initially. In fact, you'll probably spend most of your time seeking out clients instead of writing.

This isn't a bad thing. During this time, you'll learn how to write effective, persuasive proposals to your clients and how best to represent yourself as the ideal freelancer for their needs. In time, you'll get a few jobs, then use those jobs to open further doors and new professional opportunities.

5. Request good reviews

Each time you get a job from a client, do it to perfection. Then, at the end of your contract, request an excellent review or testimonial. Many freelance job board websites allow you to post reviews or automatically calculate a review or star score based on your performance.

The better your review score is, the easier you'll find it to acquire new, high-paying clients. In this way, your freelance writing career will start off very slow, then quickly pick up speed.

Related: The 9 Skills it Takes to Succeed as a Freelance Writer

6. Market your writing aggressively

As you earn initial success, you should market your writing aggressively. There are a few different ways in which you can do this:

• You can create a personal website for your freelance writing business, showcasing your best samples and reviews or testimonials.
• You can make online ads promoting your skills as a knowledgeable copywriter, particularly in a specific industry or niche.
• You can and should market yourself on social media by regularly posting that you are looking for work or new clients.

Don't feel bad about announcing your skills in this way: You have to hustle to make it in this industry, a truism that holds for all freelance professionals, in fact.

Other tips for freelance writing success

You now know the basics about how to become a freelance writer. But even with the step-by-step process above, you might not see initial success unless you keep some key tips and strategies in mind.

Pick a niche to excel at

First, and perhaps most importantly, you should pick a niche or specialization at the earliest opportunity. Generalized freelance writers don't make nearly as much money as specialized writers. That's because specialized writers can provide more raw value to their clients.

Imagine a situation in which a programming company needs a writer to create some in-depth blog posts for B2B clients. They can hire a generalized content writer or a specialized technical writer who knows the ins and outs of programming languages and computer science. The latter choice is always the better option for that client.

To that end, find a niche in which to excel based on your previous schooling, your interests and more.

Price your writing properly

Many freelance writers struggle with getting a living wage, partially because they price their writing too low. True, in the earliest stage of your career, you'll probably earn about one cent or two cents per word. However, as you earn your first initial reviews, you should counterintuitively increase your price to five cents per word or more.

Why? If you price your writing too low, clients will think that you aren't worth their time. By pricing your writing sufficiently high, you show that you are confident in your ability to deliver results to those clients.

Always be looking for new clients

The life of a freelance writer involves constantly looking for new clients and work opportunities. Even if you have a handful of solid clients who send you work consistently, don't rest on your laurels.

Always be cultivating new contacts and finding new professional clients who you can approach for work. You never know when your current jobs or projects might dry up, leaving you in desperate need of new income streams.

Always improve your writing skills

Similarly, always work to improve your writing skills by learning new words, practicing your grammar and so on. As a writing craftsman, it's up to you to make sure that your skills are as sharp and desirable as possible. Don't let your writing skills fall by the wayside just because you have achieved some initial success as a freelance writer.

Related: Examples of Writing Business Ideas

Start your journey as a freelance writer

As you can see, you can become a successful freelance writer in a variety of ways and niches. But keep the above tips in mind, and you'll be sure to land high-paying clients and master your new business in short order.

Check out Entrepreneur's other guides and resources for more information on this topic.