60 Helpful Freelance Writing Career Resources

60 Helpful Freelance Writing Career Resources

There are many benefits to a freelance writing career.

Including freedom to indulge your creative instincts, freedom to write for a variety of industries and resources, freedom from the daily drudgery of office work and meetings.

At the same time, there are obstacles to navigate: you need to find and maintain clients, work constant hours, and oftentimes provide for your own benefits. It’s a tricky - but rewarding - career to establish and maintain.

Luckily, we’re here to help.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the career of all the online resources you’re going to need to thrive as a freelance writer. Enjoy all (or some) of these links, and good luck on your new career!

Table of Contents

  1. General Freelance Writing Career Resources
  2. Freelance Writing Tools
  3. Finding Freelance Writing Work
  4. Freelance Writing Groups
  5. Freelance Writer Blogs
  6. Freelance Writing Podcasts
#general-career-resources

General Freelance Writing Career Resources

1

So you’ve decided to become a freelance writer. Well, welcome to the world.

However, before you dive in head-first into the pool, get yourself a good look into the industry with these general resources into freelance writing.

#freelance-writing-tools

Freelance Writing Tools

2

Stephen King, in his autobiography, describes a “writer’s toolbox” as the basic utility belt for writers everywhere. Here’s our version of that very same writer’s toolbox for all those in the freelance industry out there.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

To be, or not to be, a specialist.

Try to figure out early on whether your writing suits particular niches and to become an expert, or "thought leader" in a field.

A good example would be writing about music. It's a niche and requires specialist knowledge.

Or, you may prefer to write broadly, especially if you're part-time or write for local publications.

celebrity big breaks

Before Hunter S. Thompson became famous for his Gonzo journalism he had unsuccessful freelancing stints in Middletown, New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

That was, until 1965 when he was hired to write a story on the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang for The Nation. After spending a year with the gang, his breakout book Hell's Angels was published.

From then on he was writing for publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, and Harper’s.

#finding-work

Finding Freelance Writing Work

3

Okay, so you’ve decided to become a freelance writer.

Congratulations!

Welcome to the freelance workforce. Now, how can you get some gigs?

Here are some online outlets for those interested in freelance writing to actually do some work to get paid.

6 Types of Freelance Writer - Which are You?
  • Web Content Writer
  • Technical Writer
  • Business Writer
  • Newspaper/Periodoical Writer
  • Instructional/Curriculum Writer
  • Ghostwriter

#writing-groups

Freelance Writing Groups (Social Media, Message Boards and Forums)

4

Social media, message boards and forums are very valuable tools for the freelance writer; it’s important to grow and expand with the community and open yourself up to plenty of different voices, thoughts and opinions. Here’s a list of groups and sites to check out.

You're not alone!

According to a recent FreelancersUnion survey, more than 53 million Americans - 35% of the entire workforce - work freelance.

Social media is the perfect platform to connect and network with these individuals.

#blogs

Freelance Writer Blogs

5

Blogs!

They’re big things these days - and they’re the perfect type of medium for the modern, internet-driven, short attention span world.

Enough content to give a bit of illumination while still being short enough to have an effective impact on a millennial mind. Peruse through these to get some interesting tips and tidbits.

#podcasts

Freelance Writing Podcasts

6

If you’re a freelance writer, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to listen to podcasts - hey, try to throw one or two on in the background to give you some extra motivation to work (and maybe learn a thing or two). Here’s a list of the best freelance writing podcasts to give an extra boost to your writing.

Resume Builder / Go ahead, enjoy your coffee..
Resume Builder / Go ahead, enjoy your coffee..