How to Start Freelance Writing: A Guide for Beginners

Whether you're trying to make extra income on the side or build a fully fledged career as a Freelance Writer, starting out can be overwhelming. Where do you find clients? What topics should you write about? How much should you even charge?

This beginner's guide breaks down all the steps so you can go from a novice to landing your first project with confidence.

Find Your Niche

Start off by identifying topics you like writing about that give you a chance to showcase your expertise. In Hong Kong, some of the big industries for Freelance Writers include Art, Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle, and FinTech.

Here are a few other suggestions to explore:

  • Health & Wellness

  • Personal Finance

  • Beauty & Skincare

  • Entertainment & Media

  • Food & Beverage

  • Sustainability

  • SaaS (Software as Service)

Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio can get your foot in the door. If you don't have writing samples from previous clients or jobs, you can write 2-3 mock-ups tailored to your niche.

These could be blog posts, landing pages, newsletters, or even social media captions. You can publish these on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or your own portfolio site.

A few portfolio writing sites you can try include: Copyfolio, Canva, Contently, ProWriterSites, or even Google Docs.

Start Pitching

While pitching can feel intimidating, it's one of the most effective ways to land your first Freelance Writing opportunity. Start by visiting a company's website and look for editorial contact info or a submission page.

In your email or submission, make sure to include:

  • Who you are

  • Pitch (Working title, main idea, and relevancy

  • Portfolio and contact information

Tip: Many publications have their submission or pitching, so make sure to follow them!

Name Your Rate

Once you've landed a client (Hooray!), it's time to talk rates. If you're just starting out, begin with beginner-friendly pricing. As your portfolio grows, you can gradually raise your rates to reflect your skills.

Rates may be charged hourly, per word, or per project. If you're unsure what numbers to start with, ask fellow freelancers in your area for guidance. Online writing communities are also great resources.

Treat It Like a Business

Freelancing is flexible, but it's still a business. That means staying organized, tracking your income, and meeting legal requirements in your area.

If you live in Hong Kong:

  • Register as a Sole Proprietor

  • Open a business bank account

  • Track income using accounting software for tax filing and compliance

Use tools like Notion, Asana, Trello, or Google Calendar to keep on top of deadlines, invoices, pitches, and payments. The more organized you are, the less stress, and the more likely clients will take you seriously.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Freelance Writing career doesn't require decades of experience, but it does require your diligence, initiative, and a passion for storytelling.

Keep growing, keep writing, and keep learning.