Where I’m Writing: 10 Months As A Freelance Writer

Elna Cain March 2, 2021 18 Comments

I’ve been freelance writing for under a year now and thought I’d update you on all my new writing gigs.

About three months ago I did a similar post on where I’m writing and how I was able to pull it off (at that time I had 8 writing gigs).

It’s been approximately 10 months since I started freelance writing and in that time I was able to:

Land my first client and went from $0 to $1k in two months freelance writing from scratch
Build my brand as a Canadian freelance writer and Millennial mom to twin toddlers
Land guest post spots on high authority websites such as Brazen Careerist, Social Media Today and Psych Central
Build up my email list to close to 200 subscribers in less than six months
Collaborate with a fellow freelance writer and become owner of FreelancerFAQs, a resource for freelance writers
Find another freelance writer in my town (Lorraine Reguly) and become friends with her. We meet regularly for coffee and gab about blogging and freelance writing
Start getting noticed by influential bloggers like Sue Anne Dunlevie, Ryan Biddulph, Adrienne Smith and Adam Connell to name a few

But the biggest things that have happened since I started freelance writing are:

I landed my ideal freelance writing client
I am scaling my business, which allows me to make more money each month

My Freelance Writing Business is Growing

So, how is my business doing?

Since my last post on where I was writing, I have picked up six additional clients.

Two of them are ghostwriting clients and one is deciding whether or not to use my ghostwriting services or have me write under my byline.

I also hired some additional writers as a way to scale my business and it’s proving to be successful.

I have a list of freelance writers interested in writing for me and whenever I’m in a pinch I can call on them to help out.

So, who are my new clients?

1. Blogging Wizard

Adam Connell, the owner of Blogging Wizard approached me for my blog writing services. KeriLynn, another freelance writer for Blogging Wizard, referred me to him.

Three of my posts are already up and are doing fantastic – with many social shares and high engagement:

I’m having a blast writing for Blogging Wizard and Adam is a fantastic client to have.

2. Purcus

Adam also has another website, Purcus, that’s new and he asked me to write for this site as well. I’m in the process of pitching some ideas and will have my content up on his site next month.

3. Home Office Careers

In addition to having clients contact me for writing services, I do my best to pitch as much as I can on a weekly basis.

Even though I have over 10 clients on my plate, you never know when some or all of them will stop needing your blog content or writing content.

I landed this particular writing job on Tom Ewer’s Paid to Blog Job Board. I have since discontinued using this job board simply because the quality of job ads are below my rate.

I took the Home Office Careers writing gig because, while the pay is below my ideal rate:

I enjoy the topic – working from home careers and being a WAHM
The topic is in my wheelhouse
It’s easy to write
It takes me less than 45 minutes to write a post

4. My Ghostwriting Clients

During this time I landed two ghostwriting clients and I have one on the fence about whether or not to use my ghostwriting services.

One client is a security background check business and needs HR content on their blog. Another client is an entrepreneur and requires social media content.

The last client (that’s on the fence) is a doctor. She has a thriving practice and wants to have a blog. She contacted me after looking at my posts on Visualaz, another client of mine.

More Queries Lately

Recently, I’ve been getting more queries regarding my writing services. This could be related to my Blogging Wizard writing gig.

On a weekly basis I’ve been receiving 1-2 queries. Not all of them lead to a writing gig – but since more interested clients are coming to me, I can be picky and choose ones that are the right fit for me.

One of these queries is from a local business. I had reached out to them before Christmas, and they are only now getting back to me. I’m excited about collaborating with a local web design company as they have many clients that need web content.

I also pitched to the local newspaper and was able to meet with the chief editor. I’m not sure if I will be the right fit, but you will never know until you try, right?

Reflecting On the Last 10 Months

I’ve been almost freelance writing for a year. I started this journey as a SAHM wanting to earn some extra cash at home.

I’ve learned you need a tough shell in this business. There are many highs and lows and while the highs are great to move your freelance writing to the next level, it’s your lows that will help you sustain your business.

Your lows will teach you valuable lessons on perseverance and you’ll end up growing from them. For me, my biggest low was having two clients drop their content needs from 4 posts a month to 1 post a month.

I learned I should always be marketing and made sure to add pitching to job boards a priority every day for several weeks.

I’ve enjoyed this ride as a freelance writer and can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Now, it’s your turn – tell me where you’re writing and how your year has been as a freelancer.

18 Comments

I am not a freelancer. At least not at this time. I am not sure I am ready for that, but I blog everyday mainly about my life, mental illness and physical illness and write stories and poems. I am a invisible illness advocate. Great article and sounds like you are making your dreams come true.Reply to Tessa

Thanks Tessa for stopping by. You have established a great foundation in your portfolio already! Having your own blog with various posts can help you, if you decide, to pursue freelance writing. Thanks again! ElnaReply to Elna

Wow this has some great links on here. Definitely looks like you’ve been grinding each day. Looking forward to more from you. 😀Reply to Ally

Hi Ally Thanks so much! Yes, it’s a lot of work and it’s primarily part time. I need to find a client management system so I’m exploring those options like ZoHo, Basecamp or Freshbooks. I don’t mind my excel sheet system, but there are many steps from inception to publication that if I can put it all on one sheet or one area it might be better. Thanks for stopping by! ElnaReply to Elna

Hi Elna, You are referred to me by Adrienne Smith. We have been talking on the phone this morning and she mentioned to me about you. And that’s why I’m here. I have read your whole article just now and I’m pretty impressed. And so I signed up in your mailing list. I want to follow your posts. So far I’m in the midst of a transition. But predominantly speaking, I am going through a lot of changes in my personal relationship which I cannot mention here because it’s “too personal”. Anyway, when I was in college I almost major Journalism but instead I took Commercial Art. I have been a Graphic Designer for many years but lately I have been thinking about switching to a different path such as…concentrate more on my writing. Since “The Grid” is taking over the website design industry, I mean you don’t need a designer now to construct your website. And so being in this business is tougher for us Graphic Designers who spent 3 or more years in college and little did we know, we are just being replaced by companies such as Elance, PeoplePerHour, oDesk, etc. The competition is getting tougher each time. And so I am thinking of switching my career to maybe become a Marketing Consultant instead. I don’t know. I have been praying about this lately and still I am contemplating a lot in my mind. What do you suggest? AngelaReply to Angela

Hi Angela, I should thanks Adrienne for connecting us! She really is awesome! Thanks for signing up to my newsletter and wanting to keep in touch. It seems you have a lot to think about! I think you can still use your graphic designer background to freelance your services out. People still need designers for logos, themes etc.. and if you can bring a personal touch, all the better. You can also promote other services such as writing and marketing and perhaps do packages for clients. Offer a website design plus blog content and marketing. You can always hire those parts out too. There’s a lot to think about, but I’d stick to what you know the best and that’s graphic design. Good luck! ElnaReply to Elna

Congrats! Your one-year mark is fast approaching! Hope you have time to kick back and celebrate when the anniversary rolls around. 🙂Reply to Tara

Thanks Tara! Can’t believe a year is almost here. Went by fast. I’m having a blast though and am glad I can stay home and raise my twins and still be able to work. ElnaReply to Elna

I’m so proud of you, Elna!!! You go, girl. 🙂Reply to Lorraine

Thanks Lorraine! I’ve learned a lot from you and am so happy for you about your book making it in our Library and bookstore!Reply to Elna

Hey Elna, Wow girl, you’re going strong and this is very impressive to say the least. It just goes to show you that when you put your mind to something and go for it just how quickly things can start to turn around. I love your getting paid to write series you did teaching people how to get started and all that goes with building a freelance writing career. I’ve shared your post with friends of mine who are eager to do this same thing because I felt it would be very helpful. I’m flattered that you mentioned me here Elna and I’m glad we connected. Love sharing your content because I know it can really help others. Thanks for the mention and you have a wonderful week. ~AdrienneReply to Adrienne

Thanks Adrienne! I feel bad that I am not up-to-date on what’s going over on your blog – with my recent addition to writing for Blogging Wizard, most of my “free time” is gone to research for his posts. And why wouldn’t I mention you? If you’re a blogger, you should definitely know Adrienne Smith! Thanks so much for promoting my getting paid to write series! I was debating whether or not to make this into an eBook, but I can see it’s helping a lot of people. Perhaps in the future. Thanks for stopping by! ElnaReply to Elna

Amazing progress Elna – I’m SO proud of you. You’re managing so much and doing it with great class. Jut think where you’ll be 10 more months down the road?Reply to Gina

Hi Gina! Thanks. I’m working super hard as a part-time freelance writer. Well, the actual client work is part time but my promotion and getting my business up and writing is a full time gig. Let’s hope I’ll keep going on the up and up in the next 10 months! You’ve done remarkable in 6 months! Way to go Gina! ElnaReply to Elna

One of my dreams is to become a freelance writter…I’m saving this for later!Reply to Emilie

Hi Emilie, Good to know! Please take a look at my blog series on how to get paid while writing. It’s a step by step process! Thanks for stopping by. ElnaReply to Elna

Wow, you’ve really accomplished a lot in 10 months, Elna! I’m glad you’re doing so well (and glad I was able to help a bit – Adam is a wonderful client to work with!). I’d love to learn more about your experiences hiring other writers. Maybe in your next post? 🙂Reply to KeriLynn

Hi Keri! Thanks for introducing me to Adam. I’m super excited to write for BW and Purcus! Not sure if I’ll talk extensively about hiring other writers. I’ll see if people want to know though and think about it! Thanks for stopping by. ElnaReply to Elna