Stock photo via Unsplash
I‘m going to be blogging about freelancing a lot, for two reasons. One, I’m in the process of transitioning from a 9-to-5 newspaper job to self-employment and that’s where my focus is right now. Two, because there’s a lot of haziness and confusion about how freelancers make it work. I’m not saying I am an expert, since I’m just now switching over, but I am earning enough freelance income to cover my bills and quit my job. The assignments listed here pay $50-$200, depending on the client. Here are my main clients and how I got them.
Thrillist. Thrillist is my biggest client right now. My editor generally offers me three to five health assignments every two weeks. I usually claim two assignments from each batch because that’s all I have time for. I’m hoping that once I’ve quit my job, I can take more, because I love health reporting, I love my editor, and I love working with Thrillist. I got this gig by cold-pitching Thrillist; you can read the cover letter I wrote here.
Imaginal Marketing Group. Imaginal handles marketing for salons nationwide. I usually write blog content for them. I got this gig in August, thanks to a referral from owner Kathleen Turpel, who used to work at the newspaper where I work now. This is another reason I’m glad to have had my newspaper job for so long–the contacts are invaluable and the position is a great platform. I suggest that anyone who wants to become a freelance writer work a full-time writing job first (not that this is a super easy thing to do, but if you have the chance, take it, or at least intern).
SixEstate. This is a content marketing firm, too. I got this gig by applying on WorkNola.com, and a recent scan of that site reveals the owners are looking to pick up more copywriters. So feel free to apply.
SOLID Web Service. I write blog posts for spine surgeons, bariatric surgeons, physical therapists and soon, a lawyer. This is a position where my health reporting background really comes in handy. I got this gig through LinkedIn. Owner Jamie Foster saw my profile and contacted me. So it always pays to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date, if you’re a freelancer.
This is how my week (Monday, Dec. 5 through Friday, Dec. 9) breaks down, freelance-gig wise:
Monday: Blog post for SixEstate
Tuesday: Blog post for SOLID Web Service
Wednesday: Blog posts for SixEstate and Imaginal
Thursday: Blog post for Imaginal
Friday: Blog post for SixEstate and stylist profile for Imaginal
The week’s invoices will total $460*. That’s a little short of the goal I set for myself ($500 a week), but it is still pretty dang good, especially since I am still working full-time at the newspaper. I also get income from renting out my spare bedroom on Airbnb, which warrants its own post. Anyway, next week, I’m set to earn $450, writing two Thrillist pieces and a blog post. That’s also my very last week as a 9-to-5er. As much as I am going to miss the people at Gambit, I’m looking forward to only working one job starting December 16.
*If you want to know what each client pays per blog, message me–I feel like they wouldn’t appreciate me sharing rates on a public post, though.
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