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Freelance Writers: Show Me the Money!
Inspiration for This Article
I recently wrote an article about content mills; in that article I expressed my displeasure with them, and I explained why I think they are a disservice to talented writers. I obviously struck a chord with quite a few writers, because I received quite a few comments like the ones below.
From Karen: You make some valid points here. And I LOVE the picture! It's just hard for those of us just starting out to find places online that will pay more. Have you written any hubs about that, or can you?
And from Billie: You are EXACTLY right, Bill. Sign me up. I made about $1.60 last month. I have never sold one article anywhere! I am toying with the concept of taking my articles that have a thread running through them and making an ebook of them. However, everything needs promotion. The children's book I wrote as ebook and now in paperback doesn't sell, the app I just made for a kids' Halloween game hasn't gotten any downloads at the googleplay store, my audio essays that I made into an app is offered $3.99 and not one download. So, I'm totally frustrated and feel as if no one wants what I have to offer.
And from Agaglia: Thanks for an interesting article. You opened my eyes. So, where do I find the places that pay for my writing?
I’ve written before about alternatives to content mills, but perhaps we need to discuss it once again for those who missed it the first time.
I’ll share with you what I know from firsthand experience based on three years as a freelance writer. Hopefully you’ll find something in the sections below that will help you in this business.

Say Goodbye to the Middleman
In this case, the middleman is the content mill.
When I first started out in this business, I wrote two articles for content mills. I received a total of ten dollars for my efforts. I then promised myself to never again write for a content mill. I have kept that promise.
It does not take a business mastermind to understand who is making money in the content mill world…the owners of the content mills are paying low and charging high, and writers are left working for peanuts. I think that is nuts. Yes, that pun was intended.
So, I started looking for writing jobs advertised by individual businesses, and I landed my first gig with a real estate firm in Los Angeles. I have now been with them for almost three years. They pay me what they would pay a content mill, but they have a personal relationship with me and they enjoy working with an individual rather than a business entity. That gig led to three other real estate gigs, all paying me what the content mills charge, which is considerably more than what content mills pay the writers.
Go online and look for writing jobs offered. Craigslist actually has writing gigs, so start there. You might also try this site http://www.freelancewriting.com/freelance-writing-jobs.php and see what’s offered there. The important point is to apply for writing gigs offered by individual businesses and not content mills. Yes, you will receive some rejections, but all it takes is one score and more will follow.
Accept Rejection and Start Writing for Magazines
If you have visions, just starting out, of writing for a major mag, like Better Homes and Gardens, discard those visions immediately. It doesn’t work that way. When you are first starting out, you are a rookie, and I don’t care how good you are or think you are. You start at the bottom and work your way to the top.
The bottom of the magazine business is the smaller magazines and the online magazines. Get yourself a copy of the Writers Market. In it you will find a listing of most hard copy magazines in the United States. I say most, because you can find more online magazines simply by doing a Google search.
On the one hand, these bottom-feeders do not pay as well. On the other hand, it is easier to get published by them, and since the goal is to make money, then accepting less is better than being offered nothing. Once you have had an article published with a byline, you can then move up the ladder to more well-known magazines,
There are two approaches when you approach a magazine for publication. You can query an idea to an editor and await their approval, at which time you write the article…or….you can query an article you have already written. I have done both, and I don’t really have a preference. Either one pays, and that’s all I’m concerned with.
Also remember that as long as you don’t sign away exclusive rights, you can sell the same article to other magazines, and there is nothing more rewarding than being paid multiple times for the same article.
Yes, you will get rejected, but once you have an article approved, you then have a working relationship with that editor, and it is much easier to get published the next time with that editor.

Get out in the Real World and Find Jobs in Your Community
This is one area that I believe a lot of writers are missing out on, and it’s a shame, because it really is the best chance of getting a freelance gig. It requires you to actually leave your home and do a little marketing, but it can be quite lucrative.
Go around to businesses in your area and sell your talent. Many businesses have an online presence, but they don’t know the first thing about blogging, keywords, or SEO. You are the pro. Approach them like a pro and sell yourself.
Also consider approaching local newspapers. Most areas have independent, alternative newspapers, and those newspaper editors love working with local writers. I know a writer on HubPages who wrote a series called “Life at Boomer Lake.” She took that series to her local newspaper and for her efforts was rewarded with a weekly column. I have no doubt that her weekly column will lead to bigger and better things, and it’s all because she left her writing studio and actually spoke to someone in person. Another friend has a weekly column in an Iowa newspaper and, again, she actually left her home to find that job.

A Word About Marketing
I don’t know how to impress upon you the importance of marketing your talents. I know, I know, most writers would love to stay at home and let the world come to them, but in the real world, that rarely happens. If you are a freelance writer, then you own a business, and all businesses must get involved in marketing.
Writing an article is your product, but you still have to sell your product. How can I be any clearer on that point? If you are waiting for an agent to get in touch with you, or some marketing firm that is eager to handle your affairs, then get comfortable because you are in for a very long wait.
You need to do the marketing footwork or you won’t survive as a freelance writer.
Period!
Join me on my writing blog
- William Holland | Helping Writers to Spread Their Wings and Fly
Tips and helpful suggestions about writing
That’s It in a Nutshell
There I go with the nuts again.
Listen, all of you freelance writer wannabees, this is not an easy path. You have to work at it, and you have to be willing to face rejection and failure. I’m being as brutally honest as I can be. I can only point you in the right direction. Whether you move in that direction is your choice.
When I started out three years ago, my hope was to pay my bills in two years. I did it in six months, but those six months were filled with hard work and constant legwork. I did not sit at home and hope the work came to me.
There are, of course, many other ways for you to make money as a freelancer. I can only squeeze so much into a 1,400 word article.
I wish you good luck, and if you want to discuss this in more detail, get in touch with me at holland1145!@yahoo.com. I’ll be glad to answer any other questions you might have.
2014 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Comments
Ok one thing really struck me in this article Bill. I had no idea you could sell the same article to different magazines! Wow. I figured once they paid for it, the article was theirs to keep. I learn something new in every one of your Hubs Bill. Thanks.
Thanks for the plug, Billy, but all I did was send an e-mail, provide a couple of writing samples, and the rest is history.
Hi Bill,
I finally slowed down to read your hub. Your website calls out to the hopeful writers to listen and use. My issue is time, but even with an ill husband and all my animals I think I can finish something before I depart.
Thanks for the Tutorial and I will used your wisdom wisely.
And, we all love Paula---she is the greatest and one of the first writers I met on HubPages. Thanks for the nice remarks you made about someone special to so many of us.
I am so thankful for you and how you share with us, it is like having a brother.
Best wishes to you and Bev.
Bobbi Purvis
Ouch!! :)
Another wonderful slice of the advice cake, bill. I do wonder how many times you have to tell people to go out there and get work! Isn't that what our parents and grandparents had to do whatever their trade or skill? Isn't that what we had to do? It's the same as any other job.
I'm back to playing catch-up; that's what I get for going to France again but Paris was wonderful. However, I've had my art 'fix' for the while - 'done' the Louvre and the Orsay, the latter being easily my favourite.
As my friend said, 'We're all arted out now!'
Enjoy your Tuesday evening and have a great week, bill!
Ann
No matter how many times you say it, we'll still listen. Remember, some of us are thick headed and need things pounded into our heads...just saying.
Thankfully we have you sensei and your word will show us the way!
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Great article man. I have always said in selling anything: half the battle is product, the other half is marketing. Most writers think they're work can speak for itself, but there are no exceptions to the golden rule. Thanks for clarifying this in your article ^_^.
Once again this is some great advice. Many writers, myself included, want to live in our comfortable pretend worlds and not leave the comfort zone of our writers chairs. It's good we have you around to bullwhip us into action. Great hub!
Great advice Bill. Many people don't realize that there are writing opportunities right in their backyard. You just have to get out there and find them. You continue to show us the path, we just have to learn how to follow.
If more writers required a wage that reflected the value of their talent, content mills would eventually find themselves out of business. Never short sell your worth.
My first love is the western story, but there's almost no market for that genre any longer, so I'm submitting work to sci-fi magazines. So far, no accepted work, but no rejections either. But no matter what happens, work on improving your skills, and keep on submitting. As you say, one success can open the door, and your submissions will be probably flagged after that and fast-tracked.
I like when you get down to the nitty gritty... of writing.. love the advice however not so gentle..LOL
Thanks for sharing, Bill. You give really helpful advice as usual, and the message for is zero tolerance for laziness, if we intend to get somewhere. Thanks!
Sound and solid info, Bill,and yes, we have to work on it. While I may be heading that way, I have not actually pushed as yet. Too much going on, but I do like the way that you have approached it. Obviously pays dividends.
Another great, informative hub! Something occurred to me while reading this one.....what if you are great at marketing and pounding the pavement but not so great at writing?
One should take freelance writing seriously to see good results.
Another good useful hub. I realize the points as blunt truths one should accept and face in this profession of freelance writing.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank u for posting this helpful article of becoming a freelance writer and getting paid for your work. This is a lot of valuable advise.
Being sick to death of content mills, I'm liking the idea of going out in person. I tend to be more convincing that way anyhow. I do have a question though and I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to leave it. In small towns, where the local newspapers are not currently hiring, would you consider letters to the editor they typically publish in each issue a good way to get one's name out there, perhaps even be a way to get one's foot in the door so to speak? God bless and thank you for sharing your experience.
You couldn't be any more clear than that, Bill. I like it. Straight forward, no nonsense. This is a challenge in a way to put our effort where our mouth is. I've heard it said that you're not a runner until you enter a race (without the race part, you're just a jogger). Perhaps we writers should hold ourselves to a similar standard. We shouldn't call ourselves freelancers until we have a rejection letter. This goes for me too. Ok, my friend, challenge accepted. I'm going to go out there and get myself a rejection letter. I'll tell you when I get it. :) Voted up and sharing.
I like the way you tell it like it is. I know this will help all who want to be freelance writers....
Great advise. As you say in your nutshell, though, each person must get out there and do it… or nothing will happen. I loved writing for the many small, niche magazines. And yes, reworking and reselling the same basic article over and over and over to non-competing magazines is very, very satisfying. Definitely my best money-makers when I was writing for money! Thanks, again and again, for sharing these gems! ;-)
Thanks for the advice! Although, that nut pun was a bit corny, there definitely was a kernel of truth to it. ZING! :-)
Do I really have to comment? Of course not! Preach on! :)
Thank you, as always! You're a great person to do so much to help others get the experience you have had.
As always, another wonderful, insightful and useful article. I can see why you do so well as a freelance writer! Your work is very informative and consistent. Thank you for everything you share with the "little guys" who are learning their way around the world of writing! :) God bless you*
Voted up and shared!
You've shared some great advice, Bill. This is another very useful hub for freelance writers.
Billy
I found the links above very useful, thank you.
I tend to forget that sometimes there are other places where I could write and even get rewarded for the privilege.
I am beginning to think I need to start looking at the much wider picture, perhaps do some projects with this in mind.
Have a great week-end
Sally
Seems like it would be fun to go sell your work to a real person. That is something I miss online -- real folks. I will give it a try someday soon.
Hey I hope we don't cause the middle man to go out of business, jobs are hard to find these days.
Thanks Bill for being realistic about the whirlwind we have all got sucked into. And yes it will take work to stop spinning. I am so a wannabee right now and proudly claim that title. Though I can only hope that I move in a direction that when I look back it was forward motion. Always a pleasure. Have a great weekend and happy writing :)
Great Advice, Bill!! I never thought about Craig's List!! It is so easy to get comfortable and sit at your computer in your little writing haven, but you are so right about getting out there to market our talents!!
Thanks for the info!! :-)
Bill,
This hub is the epitome of what makes you so special. You listen. You respond. And most importantly, you share lessons that can save others a great deal of time if they take the time to read your hubs.
You are wonderful and a very special human being.
Kim
I agree with you on small magazines. Seek short venues that offer from $25-$50. They are mostly self improvement ideas or non-fiction, but they do pay. The important thing is to keep writing and improving your skills.
A few weeks ago I had my very first in-person consultation with a local business owner. He loved my ideas. However, right now he has someone working his website to pay off a debt. He did tell me, though, that he'd like to put me on retainer in three to six months when he can cut the guy loose. I think he's sincere. I checked his website yesterday and he has not implemented the changes I recommended, so I don't think he's blowing smoke up my ass, otherwise he would have taken the free advice and run with it. He also took some business cards to pass out in his travels.
I know it doesn't help me at the moment, but the result was positive enough to give me the confidence to reach out.
Great incentives for writers here. You do have a way of getting people enthused. However I know how hard you have worked and that work ethic is not felt by everyone. They want..but are not willing to go through the painful process (actually exhausting). I just got an amazing writing job which I fell into. Going thru the learning curve but it will turn out really super. More later when it gets into rhythm. Actually I fell into it and was sought out. I am sure you know the topic...Astrology. I remember when you commented on an astrology article I wrote and felt I found my niche. It took a long time but I think it is here.
Bill, you said it perfectly here and you are so right about content mills having to profit off us as writers. So, your alternatives are also truly welcome, because as I have said, I haven't done work for content mills since the early days on her and don't plan on it anytime soon. So, I thank you always for sharing with us. Happy Friday!
This is very informative, Bill. I didn't know we could also try to write for online magazines. Thanks for sharing.
It's just a very strong article about the realities of writing, and the benefits and excitement you can get from persevering. Great hub.
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