Today, I want to introduce you to Laura Pennington Briggs, a former teacher who transitioned into a successful freelance writer and author. Laura has delivered two TEDx talks on the freelance economy and wrote “How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business” for Entrepreneur Press.
In our interview, Laura shares how she began her freelance writing journey in 2012. Just a year later, she went full-time and started earning a substantial income. She explains how freelance writing can be a great way to make extra money or even become a full-time career.
Laura started freelancing out of necessity when her husband was put on unpaid leave by the military. After leaving her job as a middle school teacher, she took a low-paying office job but soon realized she needed more income. She evaluated her skills and began freelancing as a writer. Within a year, her freelance business had scaled to a multi-six-figure income, leading to TEDx talks and a book deal.
Laura enjoys the variety that comes with freelance writing, as no two days are the same. Unlike her previous job, where tasks were repetitive, freelance writing allows her to learn and create new content daily. This career has also opened doors to other opportunities, such as coaching, podcasting, and working with notable clients like Microsoft and TrueCar.
A freelance writer creates various types of content, including sales copy, blogs, articles, and email newsletters, for a range of clients from small businesses to large corporations. They adapt the company’s brand, tone, and voice to connect with readers and improve search engine rankings.
Beginners in freelance writing can typically expect to earn $25 to $50 per hour, with the potential to increase their rates as they gain experience and specialized skills. Initial income goals might start at $1,000 per month, growing to $5,000 and $10,000 over time.
To find their first job, new freelance writers should start within their network, offering services like resume revisions to gain experience and testimonials. Job boards like ProBlogger, FlexJobs, and Upwork are also good resources.
Key steps to succeed in freelance writing include developing a niche and creating writing samples to showcase your style. Persistence is crucial, as it may take numerous pitches before landing a client. Freelancers must be prepared for rejection but should not let it deter them.
For those interested in freelance writing, educating yourself about different types of copy and leveraging free resources like YouTube videos or affordable online courses can be beneficial.
Reading a book on freelance writing can provide a structured approach to launching your business, offering insights into setting rates, writing pitches, finding clients, and overcoming common challenges.
Laura’s book offers a comprehensive guide to starting a freelance writing business, covering essential topics like rate-setting, creating writing samples, and marketing methods. She has helped many freelancers scale their businesses and transition from traditional jobs to freelance writing, demonstrating the high demand for skilled copywriters.
Are you interested in becoming a freelance writer? What questions do you have for Laura?