how to get started as a freelance writer Archives

Mind Maps for Freelance Writing Success!

March 18, 2020March 28, 2019 by marianamcdougall

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know I LOVE mind maps. Mind maps not only help me to organize my thoughts, they also help me find more companies and publications to pitch. I share several mind maps on this site, but I thought a guide that would explain exactly how to … Read more

Where to Find Freelance Writing Gigs, Part 1

June 10, 2022November 29, 2018 by marianamcdougall

woman's hands putting sticky note on laptop screen. How to really make a living as a writer, www.multitalentedwriters.com, Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

For anyone wanting to make a living as a writer, finding good, well-paying freelance writing gigs can be something of a mystery. Many new writers get discouraged by the peanuts-per-word rates found on content mills and elsewhere. And whereas a handful of writers may have made good money on these types of sites (and I use … Read more

Why Freelancer Writers Shouldn’t Charge by the Word

June 9, 2022March 20, 2018 by marianamcdougall

On a previous post, we discussed why freelance writers shouldn’t charge by the hour. It’s a punitive method: the more efficient you get at your job, the less you get paid. It’s a system that punishes you for getting better at your craft, rather than reward you for doing so. And it’s a silly way to set up your business.

7 New Year’s Resolutions for New Writers

June 9, 2022December 22, 2017 by Celia Abernethy

The end of the year is fast approaching, and many people will be making New Year’s resolutions. Are you making the right ones to grow your writing career? In today’s guest post, Celia Abernethy shares 7 New Year’s resolutions that will actually make a difference for new writers.

Freelance Writing Terms You Should Know

March 22, 2020December 6, 2017 by marianamcdougall

When you’re starting out in freelance writing, you can get easily confused by all the terms that are thrown around in online writing groups and elsewhere on the Internet. Sometimes, it can be a little intimidating to ask for clarification. Fear not; this post will tell you what those terms are.

How to Get Your First Writing Sample

June 9, 2022December 5, 2017 by marianamcdougall

It’s a catch-22: you want to pitch a publication, but you need a writing sample. But you can’t get samples unless you pitch a publication. All is not lost: you can get your initial clip if you follow some simple steps.

Mind Map Monday: Camping Edition

June 9, 2022December 4, 2017 by marianamcdougall

mind map for freelance writing success: camping; Photo by Jake Sloop on Unsplash; design by Mariana Abeid-McDougall

Do you love to go camping and also love to write? If so, you could combine your two passions and earn your keep while doing what you love.

Yes, I write for free. Here’s why.

June 9, 2022November 30, 2017 by marianamcdougall

Yes, I Write for Free. Here’s Why.

“Creatives should be paid for their work.”

“The stereotypical starving artist is a myth that needs to die.”

“You can’t pay your rent with exposure bucks.”

I couldn’t agree more with all of the above statements.

Starting a Writing Career? 4 More Blogs You Should Follow

November 4, 2020November 16, 2017 by marianamcdougall

Recently, Ibrahim Jimoh shared 9 bloggers you should follow if you’re starting a writing career. Here are 4 more blogs that offer great tips on how to start and grow your writing business.

Education Mind Map

October 28, 2020November 13, 2017 by marianamcdougall

There are many ways to achieve freelance writing success. But if you’re a MultiTalented Writer, a lot of the advice you hear probably doesn’t apply. Take “picking a niche,” for example.

MultiTalented Writers work best when they write in multiple niches. It keeps us fresh and allows us to work the way we work best: by making connections between topics.