Best freelance writer websites

In this short guide, we’ll share some of the best websites for freelance writers, along with the pros and cons of each.

Best Freelance Websites for Writers | Thimble
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Finding freelance writing work can be incredibly time-consuming and takes away from the time you could be writing. If cold pitching articles, scrolling through your LinkedIn network for potential clients, and advertising your services on your website isn’t yielding a steady enough workflow, you may want to check out some of the best freelance writer websites.

While they will help you get more business, keep in mind that many of these websites have their own model for turning a profit. That means they may require a membership fee or take a cut of your rate in exchange for connecting you with jobs.

In this short guide, we’ll review the best websites for freelance writers, along with the pros and cons of each. Let’s do this.

#1: Freelance Writing Jobs

Are you looking for a way to find jobs without paying a fee? Freelance Writing Jobs is an excellent resource, and you don’t have to pay a dime to access postings or apply to a freelance.

How does it work?

  • Freelance Writing Jobs aggregates jobs from several different job boards
  • Search by skill and location (including remote)
  • Apply directly to the company

Because this is a job board, you will find contract positions, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities.

While this is a great, free resource, be aware the focus is on ongoing employment rather than small gigs you can complete in an afternoon or weekend.

#2: Blogging Pro

Do you specialize in writing blog posts? Blogging Pro connects writers with blogging jobs.

It’s easy to browse jobs and apply directly to companies without paying any hidden fees. If you’re more of a long-form (or creative) writer, this may not be the right platform for you. However, blog posts are a great way to generate supplemental income, especially because the turnaround is usually quite rapid.

If you have a knack for research, understand the importance of integrating SEO keywords into your copy, and can quickly adopt the voice of different brands, Blogging Pro may be a great fit.

#3: Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com lets you browse and apply to writing and editing jobs. However, you’ll need to bid on jobs, which can make the process different from traditional job applications.

Follow these steps:

  • Create a profile and list your skills
  • Search postings by budget, duration, and skills
  • Place your bid
  • Wait for employers to get in touch

Additionally, there are a few potential downsides.

  • You can only bid on 8 jobs per month with a free profile
  • This freelance writing website takes a fee of $3 or 3% per job (whichever is greater)
  • You may be competing with international candidates and others who can offer services at much less than your usual hourly or per-word rate.

#4: FlexJobs

FlexJobs is another job database. All participating companies are pre-researched and approved by FlexJobs, so you won’t have to worry about sketchy hiring or payment practices.

FlexJobs is not free, however. It costs:

  • $6.95 for one week
  • $14.95 for one month
  • $29.95 for three months
  • $49.95 for a year

With a subscription, you’ll get alerts about jobs that are relevant to your skills and income requirements. If you have the cash, this can be a great way to find a part-time or full-time freelance writing job.

#5: Fiverr

Have you ever used TaskRabbit to find a furniture assembly pro?

Fiverr is a similar marketplace where freelancers can list their services and rates. Interested people will contact you if they’re in need of a writer.

The specifics are as follows:

  • It’s free to join Fiverr
  • Create a service: web copywriting, resume writing, article writing, etc
  • Set a rate and wait for replies
  • Fiverr will keep 20% of each payment you receive, so set your fees accordingly

#6: Upwork

Upwork is another popular marketplace where freelance writers can bid on jobs.

While you can create an account for free, you’ll be limited to a set number of bids and connections per month. For $14.99 per month, you’ll receive more capabilities, including more bids.

Be aware that Upwork also takes a portion of each transaction:

  • Upwork receives 20% of your fee for any client up to $500
  • If you consistently work with a client, Upwork takes a lower 10% when you bill between $500-$10,000
  • If you find a single client who pays $10,000 or more over the course of your relationship, Upwork takes just 5%

Because you’re bidding against freelancers from around the world, you may find it difficult to gain momentum within this network. It takes persistence to turn Upwork into a steady stream of income.

#7: Craigslist

Craigslist? Really? Isn’t that where people post their old couches?

Sure. But it’s also a great place to find writing jobs. You’ll have to do some digging through your city’s postings under “writing/editing” in the jobs category and “writing” under gigs to find the right opportunities. But with persistence, you’ll find everything from $5 Amazon book reviews to full-length ghostwriting projects.

Apply to as many jobs as you want—completely for free. Here are a few tips for standing out as you send out emails:

  • State your qualifications in the subject line of your email: “Copywriter with 3+ years of experience applying for…”
  • Demonstrate you’ve actually read the post by customizing your email to include some of the project details
  • Link to your freelance writer website or writing portfolio

Once you have the job, it’s up to you to negotiate your rate.

How to succeed as a freelance writer

So, which freelance writing website is right for you?

If you’re actively looking for freelance work, you may find it beneficial to try out all of the free websites (numbers 1-3), along with at least one paid freelance writer website. When you cast a wider net, you’re more likely to find multiple short-term gigs to keep you busy while you’re waiting for your next big client.

Once the freelance work starts coming in, get organized:

  • Create a legal business entity like an LLC to separate your business income from your personal finances
  • Don’t forget to set aside a certain amount of money for taxes
  • Protect your freelance writing business with writer insurance so that a single litigious client doesn’t sink your new business venture. Find a flexible insurer like Thimble that only charges you for freelance insurance coverage when you’re actually working.

Then, keep your eye on the job boards (and sign up for search agents). And remember that each freelance writing job you ace has the potential to refer you to new clients and projects. For now, just keep your eyes on the prize and your fingers on the keyboard!

Our editorial content is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by a licensed insurance agent. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary by class of business and state.

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