How do you make money as a freelance writer?

[mcclaskeywriting]

So I'm 18, and in about 6-7 months I'm getting kicked out or paying rent. I want to be a writer, but I'm unsure of how and where to make money. I don't know where to start. I have projects in the works with artists, and a game studio, but they're all work for free stuff. Does anyone know anything about getting jobs or doing commissions? I've been writing for almost a year now, but I have no idea about the workspace or rates or really anything. I have work done, but I don't have a portfolio. I am unsure of how to make one/ what to make.

I appreciate any help.

On top of that, I need help with what my social media accounts should look like for this
here are my socials. What should I have on them?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrMcClaskey
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mr_mcclaskey/

Thanks in advance!

[CarltonIsaac]

Look up freelance websites like guru, upwork, fiver, people for hire, freelancer and more.

If you don't have a portfolio, make one with excerpts of some of your best work.

And never give away free samples.

[Crusoe]

Honestly... It's unlikely that you'll built up enough of a following in 6-7 months to support you fully with writing, so in the main time it's a good idea to look for a stable job that can support you while taking commissions from fiver and working on a portfolio in your free time. Idk, but maybe editing work will be more easily available too? It'll help you sharpen your skills, but might be easier to get.

[a.g.meade]

@mcclaskeywriting - I'm a professional freelance writer who has been working in the industry for ~6 years. Here are some tips that I hope will be helpful for you.

• Start specializing now: I would recommend finding a niche to specialize in and focusing on building your reputation there. I can't emphasize this enough. It will help you be more competitive (and thus be able to charge more) as you grow your reputation and experience.

• Don't undersell yourself: A lot of potential employers will, unfortunately, pay you pennies for work done. This is especially true if you don't have any type of certification, degree, or specialized niche to increase your value. Different industries will have different pay rates, so do your research and price yourself competitively.

• Get a Linkedin: The industry standard is Linkedin, which is a good place to point potential employers to (and many applications will have a place for you to link your profile anyway).

• Build your portfolio: Hiring managers are going to want to see proof that you can write. I would prep at least 3 solid pieces for them that showcase the types of styles you can do. I'll second @carltonisaac - don't give away free samples. If anyone asks you to write something for them just to be considered, RUN AWAY.

• Make sure you have a cover letter: Also, make sure that you edit it every time you submit it somewhere (as someone who has seen a lot of these, I'll tell you that form letters are easy to spot from a mile away).

• Read contracts: This is a no-brainer, but seriously. Read the fine print so you know what to expect with late fees, whether you'll be compensated if the client cancels the project for any reason, what happens if the client doesn't like your work, etc,.

6 months isn't a long time, so I agree with @MeLovesTacos that it may be a good idea to get part-time work while you're building up your reputation and experience.

Best of luck!

[Puck]

I would get a full time job in a similiar field and do commissions at the side until you can live on writing alone

[mcclaskeywriting]

Thank you so much! I've posted this same question to many different forums and the only response I have gotten was "Get a second job". Without even telling me anything about the industry. I'll keep your words in mind thanks.

I do have some follow-up questions if you don't mind.

1: With Freelance writing, what normally is the work? I have been writing scripts and lore for a game team and artists. Is that something that I could find my niche in? Doing scripts and world-building?
2: What type of writing should I have on my portfolio? Should it be work I have done, or can it be from scripts that represent my style better?
3: Do you have any personal place you would recommend to look for gigs/jobs?

Sorry if that's a lot, I want as much info on it as possible.

[a.g.meade]

@mcclaskeywriting - Sure thing - we freelancers have to help each other out where we can!

1. You can find writing work in pretty much any industry you can think of. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to find work as a scriptwriter or as part of a concept/development team.
2. This depends on where you're planning to apply. Think in terms of what an employer might like to see. If you're planning to apply within the arts/entertainment industry, then what can you submit to showcase what you can bring to the team?
3. I'm afraid I can't be much help in regards to where to look for entertainment-specific writing job postings, as my specialty is medical/science writing. I do know that people here on the Tapas forums put out postings for writers, so perhaps that could be a good place to start. Otherwise, I'm sure other people in the community could point you in the right direction.

Hope this helps, and best of luck!

[mcclaskeywriting]

Thank you so much, this really helps.