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Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business: The Complete Guide to Starting and Scaling from Scratch
The freelance workforce is growing at three times the rate more than the traditional workforce, and writing is the leading category. It is being projected that by 2027, freelancers will make up the majority of professionals. Until now, the only how-to texts on freelancing have been geared toward beginners and only address offline marketing methods. With the rise of online freelancing, many of these books miss the mark to help freelancers build a career with abundant opportunities. Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business will cover all the bases, from freelancing online content creation to corporate communications, blogging, marketing asset creation, and even ghostwriting. The book will cover: Knowing the current phase of your freelance business Getting into the right mindset to increase your earning power Knowing how to spot high-value, high-dollar clients Determining the structure of your business: solo or agency model Speeding your process up and structuring your ideal freelance workday Putting together a client benefit-focused marketing tools plan Raising your rates and transmitting value to prospective clients
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2019
32 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 28, 2019
I've been a "Laura fan" for a couple of years now, after hearing her interviewed in a podcast about Upwork by Ed Gandia. I later reached out to her on Facebook with a client question, and she was kind enough to answer and offer other suggestions. I've since joined her FB groups, bought a couple of her online coaching programs, and been a huge fan ever since.
Laura is a lot braver than I, and it shows! Faced with a situation, she grabbed the bull by the horns and went for it, landing writing clients quickly, and eventually quitting the "safety" of a full-time job to freelance full-time. In this book, Laura discusses how she went about it, starting on the old Elance, and scaling up into a business where she herself hires people on Upwork to work for her.
In my case, I was laid off twice, and being over 50, couldn't find a job doing anything for anyone. While I'd completed copywriting training and done well with it, getting clients was a different matter. Once I got onto Upwork, partly based on Laura's advice and blogs, I've been writing for money ever since.
This isn't a long, drawn-out autobiographical tome that takes too long to read. It's a practical instruction book of less than 200 pages, including the index, and takes just a couple of hours to read. it's less of a book and more of a discussion. Keep your highlighter handy, you'll want to use it often.
Many thanks to Laura for publishing this book for those of us who want to follow her example into creating our own careers and making our own way. If freelance writing is in your future, get this book NOW to read about the nuts and bolts of a freelance writing career and business.
Laura is a lot braver than I, and it shows! Faced with a situation, she grabbed the bull by the horns and went for it, landing writing clients quickly, and eventually quitting the "safety" of a full-time job to freelance full-time. In this book, Laura discusses how she went about it, starting on the old Elance, and scaling up into a business where she herself hires people on Upwork to work for her.
In my case, I was laid off twice, and being over 50, couldn't find a job doing anything for anyone. While I'd completed copywriting training and done well with it, getting clients was a different matter. Once I got onto Upwork, partly based on Laura's advice and blogs, I've been writing for money ever since.
This isn't a long, drawn-out autobiographical tome that takes too long to read. It's a practical instruction book of less than 200 pages, including the index, and takes just a couple of hours to read. it's less of a book and more of a discussion. Keep your highlighter handy, you'll want to use it often.
Many thanks to Laura for publishing this book for those of us who want to follow her example into creating our own careers and making our own way. If freelance writing is in your future, get this book NOW to read about the nuts and bolts of a freelance writing career and business.
July 6, 2019
If you're at the very beginning of your freelance writing career or if you're trying to determine if it's the right career for you, this book can be super helpful. It explains the traits you need to succeed as a freelance writer (such as being a self-motivated worker, liking to work solo on projects, and preferring flexible schedules). It also offers the brass tack basics of freelance writing, including how to get clients, what your rates should be, and how to manage the business aspects (such as contracts and running your own website). Although I've already been a freelance writer for many years, I still found the book to be valuable. There were several websites mentioned that can be utilized to make your writing and aspects of your business even stronger, and I bookmarked those for future reference. Someone with more experience in the field might not find any huge meaningful insights and some sections can feel a little repetitive, but overall it's a great look into the freelance writing industry.
June 28, 2019
I was really happy to see a book on this topic written by Laura Pennington Briggs. I've followed her for quite a few years now, particularly having read certain articles and blogs she'd written, which provided valuable insight into the freelance writing business. And I must say this book is a masterclass compilation (and then some) of the wealth of knowledge that Ms. Briggs has to offer. Super comprehensive. A fast read. Chock full of worthy tips to place any level freelancer on the right path, no matter where they are in the journey!
August 18, 2019
I'm sure this book will prove helpful to those without insights into running their own business or who have no idea where to start with a freelance career in writing. It certainly looks to provide a holistic approach and suggests there will be an increasing demand for this skill set.
Many of the topics were familiar to me as I run a marketing business., ie writing is a key aspect of brand storytelling and so I was reading this in order to gain more insights into a freelance writing business specifically. On this level, I didn't find it as helpful
While there is really good information contained in the text, I also found it repetitive, eg: "You're going to spend 80 to 90 percent of your time marketing," then a little further along,.."You'll spend most of your time marketing..."
I got 50% of the way through the book and didn't feel compelled to get to the end.
Many of the topics were familiar to me as I run a marketing business., ie writing is a key aspect of brand storytelling and so I was reading this in order to gain more insights into a freelance writing business specifically. On this level, I didn't find it as helpful
While there is really good information contained in the text, I also found it repetitive, eg: "You're going to spend 80 to 90 percent of your time marketing," then a little further along,.."You'll spend most of your time marketing..."
I got 50% of the way through the book and didn't feel compelled to get to the end.
October 25, 2019
This was a great overview of the freelance writing world and a good template for how to get started yourself with a freelance business. There were lots of helpful tips and the author used a lot of great examples from personal experience. One of the things I appreciated most was how the book didn't hold back on the difficulties and pitfalls ahead of any new freelance writer. I have mixed feelings about the hustle, self promotion, and self commodification mindset inherent in the gig economy, there's no denying that that's just the way it works right now, and I really thought the book did a great job in laying out what it would take to make it in that environment.
April 29, 2020
Cover Just About Every Topic You Need to Know about Freelance Writing
After just having read a book about getting into ghostwriting that was actually an extended advertisement for the author's digital products, I so appreciate a book like this that gives detailed, actionable information about how to start your own freelance writing business. The book begins with a snapshot of what exactly freelance writing is and what it looks like today. The authors also list the attributes you should have or be able to develop to be a good freelance writer. One chapter details what a typical day would look like. Several chapters talk about the more business aspects, like legalities, taxes, setting rates, and business setup. A good portion is taken up with the marketing aspect, from how to launch your business to how to pitch yourself to clients. There are specific chapters (and sections within most chapters) about how to work effectively with clients, including how to cultivate good clients and what to do when you get bad ones. They even talk about how to expand your business by becoming a virtual assistant or a content strategist or providing editorial services and even coaching and mentoring. As you can tell just from my brief description, the authors provide a large amount of information on a variety of topics that any would-be freelance writer would find helpful.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
After just having read a book about getting into ghostwriting that was actually an extended advertisement for the author's digital products, I so appreciate a book like this that gives detailed, actionable information about how to start your own freelance writing business. The book begins with a snapshot of what exactly freelance writing is and what it looks like today. The authors also list the attributes you should have or be able to develop to be a good freelance writer. One chapter details what a typical day would look like. Several chapters talk about the more business aspects, like legalities, taxes, setting rates, and business setup. A good portion is taken up with the marketing aspect, from how to launch your business to how to pitch yourself to clients. There are specific chapters (and sections within most chapters) about how to work effectively with clients, including how to cultivate good clients and what to do when you get bad ones. They even talk about how to expand your business by becoming a virtual assistant or a content strategist or providing editorial services and even coaching and mentoring. As you can tell just from my brief description, the authors provide a large amount of information on a variety of topics that any would-be freelance writer would find helpful.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 25, 2022
Aimed more toward writers proper rather than editors, though of much use for both, I would stop short of calling it a "complete guide," as few such books ever are. Like most, this starts from the usual assessments and caveats about freelancing, discusses marketing, pitching, pricing (weakly), and strategy. Uncommonly, and of most use to me, this delves a little more deeply into the legal requirements, such as business licensing, though of course it cannot go too deep there as so much will depend on state, county, and sometimes even municipality. Nevertheless, this will help me narrow my questions for the nearly inevitable lawyer.
In short, among the more helpful freelance-business guidebooks I have encountered.
In short, among the more helpful freelance-business guidebooks I have encountered.
April 11, 2020
What a perfect go-to book.
I have little to add to the accolades that have preceded mine.
I just wanted to emphasize a few points that I found to be most helpful:
1. Taxes! For those of us who are leaving the W-2 world, this will be an eye-opener.
2. Finding your niche. Meaning, figuring out exactly what you like to do, what you are good at and (very important!) who you want as clients (and why!)
3. Mistakes will be made. There are so many books out there (on other topics) in which the authors present themselves as icons at the starting gate (or even worse, the ever-annoying "humble-brag").
Thank you Laura, I know that I will be reading your other books soon!!
I have little to add to the accolades that have preceded mine.
I just wanted to emphasize a few points that I found to be most helpful:
1. Taxes! For those of us who are leaving the W-2 world, this will be an eye-opener.
2. Finding your niche. Meaning, figuring out exactly what you like to do, what you are good at and (very important!) who you want as clients (and why!)
3. Mistakes will be made. There are so many books out there (on other topics) in which the authors present themselves as icons at the starting gate (or even worse, the ever-annoying "humble-brag").
Thank you Laura, I know that I will be reading your other books soon!!
January 23, 2021
A good, broad overview of how to start and run a freelance writing business. The book includes helpful advice and links to job sites that will help grow your business.
However, I wish there had been examples of all the different forms of paperwork needed to start freelance work. Consistent grammatical errors and missing prepositions were also hard to overlook, especially given that the book focused on how to be a good writer.
However, I wish there had been examples of all the different forms of paperwork needed to start freelance work. Consistent grammatical errors and missing prepositions were also hard to overlook, especially given that the book focused on how to be a good writer.
January 27, 2024
This is a solid start-up text with a particular focus. It has some excellent principles and ideas for any business but the freelance writing emphasis gives it its greatest value. If you are considering a part-time interest or a full-time career in freelance writing, this is an excellent place to start your research.
February 13, 2023
Wow
WOW! This book is packed with a significant amount of information. The biggest thing that I learned is that you can have your freelance career as big or as small as you want. Also it can be as simple or as complex as you want. Definitely gave me a lot of food for thought.
WOW! This book is packed with a significant amount of information. The biggest thing that I learned is that you can have your freelance career as big or as small as you want. Also it can be as simple or as complex as you want. Definitely gave me a lot of food for thought.
October 12, 2025
I'm writing a novel but have never thought to start a freelance writing business till I chanced upon this book. It not only inspired me to get started but provided assurance that it can be done. I like her writing style and the realism she shared on the industry.
May 7, 2021
Some useful information, but very repetitive.
September 20, 2021
Tons of useful information on the freelance business side of this - limited information about writing.
April 29, 2020
Cover Just About Every Topic You Need to Know about Freelance Writing
After just having read a book about getting into ghostwriting that was actually an extended advertisement for the author's digital products, I so appreciate a book like this that gives detailed, actionable information about how to start your own freelance writing business. The book begins with a snapshot of what exactly freelance writing is and what it looks like today. The authors also list the attributes you should have or be able to develop to be a good freelance writer. One chapter details what a typical day would look like. Several chapters talk about the more business aspects, like legalities, taxes, setting rates, and business setup. A good portion is taken up with the marketing aspect, from how to launch your business to how to pitch yourself to clients. There are specific chapters (and sections within most chapters) about how to work effectively with clients, including how to cultivate good clients and what to do when you get bad ones. They even talk about how to expand your business by becoming a virtual assistant or a content strategist or providing editorial services and even coaching and mentoring. As you can tell just from my brief description, the authors provide a large amount of information on a variety of topics that any would-be freelance writer would find helpful.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
After just having read a book about getting into ghostwriting that was actually an extended advertisement for the author's digital products, I so appreciate a book like this that gives detailed, actionable information about how to start your own freelance writing business. The book begins with a snapshot of what exactly freelance writing is and what it looks like today. The authors also list the attributes you should have or be able to develop to be a good freelance writer. One chapter details what a typical day would look like. Several chapters talk about the more business aspects, like legalities, taxes, setting rates, and business setup. A good portion is taken up with the marketing aspect, from how to launch your business to how to pitch yourself to clients. There are specific chapters (and sections within most chapters) about how to work effectively with clients, including how to cultivate good clients and what to do when you get bad ones. They even talk about how to expand your business by becoming a virtual assistant or a content strategist or providing editorial services and even coaching and mentoring. As you can tell just from my brief description, the authors provide a large amount of information on a variety of topics that any would-be freelance writer would find helpful.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 23, 2019
I launched my freelance writing business almost two years ago. Guess what? Being a great writer and running a successful business are two different things. This book contains all the business-ownership gems you need to know to be CEO of a firm that continually generates new leads and retains loyal clients. This book is an easy, pleasurable read and answers all your questions about becoming an entrepreneur: what it takes to succeed, what life is really like as a freelance writer, business basics like setting up your LLC and paying taxes, the art of pitching, setting your rates, and where to find clients. It's exciting that today freelance writing is no longer viewed as a "starving artist" occupation, that talented people can launch six-figure businesses in their first and second years. As an uber-successful freelance writer herself, Laura Pennington Briggs has offered a proven road map to business success that you can devour in a few hours and come back to again and again. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's launching their business, or as a trusted handbook to return to again and again while you're navigating business hurdles.
August 1, 2019
For Noobs that want to be Freelancers and Succeed, Get this Book!
This book was my best investment in myself to succeed as a freelance writer. This book does as it says, it covers it ALL. This book is for anyone who doesn't know where or how to start. This book is also for those who have already started and want to make sure they've set themselves up for success. Its information and guidance is current and is written in an easy-to-follow comprehensive roadmap.
In this book, Laura adds in plenty of useful tips and doesn't give you fluff and unicorns. She writes as if she's sitting with you as a friend and helping you through the entire process sharing all she has learned as a successful Freelance writer. It really does go through everything to help you set up a successful freelance business. I recommend anyone thinking about being a Freelance writer to make the investment and buy this book. It will be the best money you will ever spend on yourself and for your future freelance freedom. Thank you, Laura, for writing this book!
This book was my best investment in myself to succeed as a freelance writer. This book does as it says, it covers it ALL. This book is for anyone who doesn't know where or how to start. This book is also for those who have already started and want to make sure they've set themselves up for success. Its information and guidance is current and is written in an easy-to-follow comprehensive roadmap.
In this book, Laura adds in plenty of useful tips and doesn't give you fluff and unicorns. She writes as if she's sitting with you as a friend and helping you through the entire process sharing all she has learned as a successful Freelance writer. It really does go through everything to help you set up a successful freelance business. I recommend anyone thinking about being a Freelance writer to make the investment and buy this book. It will be the best money you will ever spend on yourself and for your future freelance freedom. Thank you, Laura, for writing this book!
August 21, 2019
As a writer myself, I was curious to see what kind of advice and tips this book could offer that I wasn't aware of or already doing. As it turns out, quite a lot!
The book is jam-packed with advice, practical tips from everything to starting up your freelance business, to acquiring clients, the types of writing jobs available, what to be aware of, the wrong and the right clients, securing repeat jobs, standing out in the crowd, tax advice, advice on company structure and much, much more.
Honestly, when I was about 40% into the book, I thought, she must have covered everything now, but she kept going and I kept learning more and more.
This book is seriously good and indispensable if you are considering to start out as a freelance writer, but also those who have been working in the field for a while will be able to pick up plenty of good ideas on how to go about their business even better.
Highly recommended.
The book is jam-packed with advice, practical tips from everything to starting up your freelance business, to acquiring clients, the types of writing jobs available, what to be aware of, the wrong and the right clients, securing repeat jobs, standing out in the crowd, tax advice, advice on company structure and much, much more.
Honestly, when I was about 40% into the book, I thought, she must have covered everything now, but she kept going and I kept learning more and more.
This book is seriously good and indispensable if you are considering to start out as a freelance writer, but also those who have been working in the field for a while will be able to pick up plenty of good ideas on how to go about their business even better.
Highly recommended.
November 15, 2019
This book was very comprehensive. I wanted to find a published book about getting started in freelancing because there are plenty of freelance writer websites out there ready to tell you how to make a ton of money with no experience! All you gotta do is sign up for their newsletter, buy their ebook, and take their course! Excuse me for being cynical. A published book still carries more weight for me (and it was published by Entrepreneur Media, so pretty reputable).
This book was not just a round-up of all the advice you could find on the internet; it came from Pennington's experience. While you may not make six-figures right off, and while I may not either, it gave me the confidence to believe I can get started and make a steady living off freelancing. And, that's all I really needed.
I highly recommend it and checking out Pennington's blogs, too. There is awesome additional content.
This book was not just a round-up of all the advice you could find on the internet; it came from Pennington's experience. While you may not make six-figures right off, and while I may not either, it gave me the confidence to believe I can get started and make a steady living off freelancing. And, that's all I really needed.
I highly recommend it and checking out Pennington's blogs, too. There is awesome additional content.
August 2, 2019
This is a well-written book and very clear. There are many references to external tools and resources that can help to kickstart your career as a freelance writer and many tips and shared experiences that can help you to avoid common pitfalls on your way to establishing yourself. Laura Pennington-Briggs shares the mistakes she made starting out and challenges some of the common advice given such as "don't write for a niche" and "you have to share published samples" and this provides a set-up for a non-nonsense approach to finding out what your writing opportunities might be.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that there is some noticeable repetition of both advice and anecdotes which I found a little confusing and not helpful.
But this is a minor criticism. The advice in this book will definitely prove useful.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that there is some noticeable repetition of both advice and anecdotes which I found a little confusing and not helpful.
But this is a minor criticism. The advice in this book will definitely prove useful.
July 31, 2019
This book is ideal for anyone interested in starting a career as a freelance writer or finding freelance work in general. Laura shares details about her own experiences, and does a phenomenal job of opening your eyes to the benefits of freelance writing "side hustle $" and how many companies use freelance writers!
Each chapter provides you with easy to follow steps, tips, and resources to get you started. At the end of the book, you truly do feel motivated and excited to launch your career in freelance writing! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking at ways to make extra money, kick start their own writing business, or educate themselves on freelance work.
Each chapter provides you with easy to follow steps, tips, and resources to get you started. At the end of the book, you truly do feel motivated and excited to launch your career in freelance writing! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking at ways to make extra money, kick start their own writing business, or educate themselves on freelance work.
July 28, 2019
Laura does an incredible job sharing what it takes to jump full force into the freelance writing world. Even as an experienced freelance writer, I found there were helpful reminders of best business practices that I could be using daily.
If you’re a new freelancer, this book should be added to your collection immediately. Freelancing isn’t for the faint of heart, but Laura breaks it down in a way that makes it feel doable even as a side hustle. From business basics to daily life as a freelancer, you learn about what it takes to succeed in the digital freelance writing world!
If you’re a new freelancer, this book should be added to your collection immediately. Freelancing isn’t for the faint of heart, but Laura breaks it down in a way that makes it feel doable even as a side hustle. From business basics to daily life as a freelancer, you learn about what it takes to succeed in the digital freelance writing world!
June 24, 2019
I thought this was a very helpful book for anyone wanting to start a freelance writing business. It covered all the basics and even provided a list of helpful resources at the end. My only problem was the way the pitching chapter was written, seemed a little disorganized but the information was very relevant and important. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wanted to be a freelance writer.
August 9, 2019
A thorough look at how to set up a freelance writing business, this book offers a signifcant amount of information in easily digestable chapters. Although it had a US business slant, only a few places here and there were specific only to the US, so it will prove helpful to those in other countries as well. I particularly liked the chapters on niches and on pitching.
December 12, 2020
This was a great book. It had a ton of practical information that is geared to anyone who is thinking about taking a leap into the world of freelance writing. The author was upfront and direct on what it takes to be a success in the field, which I appreciated. I will probably buy this to add to my personal library.
January 12, 2020
If you're a true beginner, I think this could be a very quick and dirty overview of what it takes to become a freelance writer. But I could have used more tips on marketing and getting work versus how to set up your office and run your day.
January 14, 2020
Thought this book was excellent. Freelance writing is whole new word of possibilities. I learn quite a bit of information. Now I just need to decide if this is something I want to try. If I do I will purchase this book as a reference.
August 1, 2020
This was a great introductory guide to the world of freelance writing. It lays out all the aspects of the business in basic form so you can, if needed, look more into only the topics that interest you.
May 20, 2019
This book offers some great advice and tips about starting your own freelancing business. The book is well researched and well written.
October 22, 2019
Although this is catered towards people just beginning to take the leap into freelance writing, I think that this is one of the most comprehensive books I've read about the subject. Great advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews