Welcome to The Lucky Freelancer
Mission, submission guidelines, and updated contact email inside!
If you want to be a freelance writer, but don’t know where to start, then you’re in the right place. Four years ago, I was in the exact same position. I wanted to write but didn’t know where to find jobs, how to contact editors, or even how to properly format articles. Since I didn’t have a mentor, I had to learn the ropes through trial and error.
Within the first year alone, I was scammed twice, laid off once, and bullied by an editor with a chip on her shoulder.
Don’t feel bad for me, though. Nobody’s freelance journey is perfect and everyone will experience highs and lows, but I know for a fact that things would have gone smoother had I had someone to guide me.
That’s why I created The Lucky Freelancer, a publication that I hope will become a one-stop shop for all things freelance writing.
Here, you will find real-life actionable tips on how to:
1. Choose a Writing path that works for you
Want to know something promising?
Text is the foundation of the internet. Some people will argue that it’s actually computer code —and yeah, that’s true. But the text that decorates and informs is just as important as the invisible text of which the foundation of a website or app is built.
And get this — someone was paid to write every single word of it.
Just think about your favorite music review blog or TV features publication. The landing page for a dentist’s website. Even Tweets posted by your favorite corporate entity!
None of the above appears out of thin air.
You can be the person who’s hired to create it. You just have to decide which path suits your skills and abilities. Or, which path you’re willing to train in.
2. Prepare writing samples/set up a blog
Sure, an article in the Huff Post will probably go further than a self-made blog post. But you sometimes have to work with what you have. And if you have nothing else, a blog post is the way to go.
At the end of the day, your only goal is to impress your potential employer with your writing skills. Do that, and they won’t care that it was self-published or not.
Your work will speak for itself.
3. Land your first paid Writing job
I’m not saying getting your first writing job will be easy, but it’s not nearly as hard as you think. No, that doesn’t mean you have to write for free. You also don’t have to low ball your worth on sites like Upwork.
Even as a beginner, you can find real writing work with reputable websites that pay.
The Lucky Freelancer will teach you how.
4. Learn how to send an invoice, file taxes, de-construct contracts + more!
Write For The Lucky Freelancer
There’s still so much for me to explore as a writer. Currently, I’m taking a technical writing class. And one day I hope to write scripts for YouTube videos and short films. Long story short, there is more than enough work to go around. And no one is qualified to do it all.
That’s where you can come in.
Anyone who’s managed to make money as a freelance writer — in any capacity — is welcome to contribute to The Lucky Freelancer. Article writers are fine, but I welcome a diversity of skills. Even if your niche is lesser-known, you’re welcome to join us.
Examples of topics I’m looking for right now are as follows:
- How I Landed A Job With XYZ
- This Is The Pitch That Got Me Noticed By Big Shot Editor — With Examples
- Content Mills You Should NEVER Write For
- Freelance Writer Money Diaries
- How To Budget For Gaps In Income
If you’d like to contribute your expertise, please respond to this post with “add me.”
Once you’re added to the publication, you can submit full drafts for me to look over. Generally, I try to accept requests within a week. If I haven’t accepted it, don’t be afraid to ping me.
Submissions:
Articles should be upbeat and positive, feature a large, colorful, properly sourced stock image and be in need of minimal edits before submitting. If you submit, you agree to allow me to add The Lucky Freelancer’s logo at the bottom of your article and make minor formatting changes, if necessary.
I try to publish articles as soon as possible. If I haven’t published your article (or made a private note on it) within five days, you can assume that it’s not quite right for TLF at this time. Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it. Feel free to publish it independently.
Right now, I’d prefer that your article was monetized so that you can earn money for your contributions (via Medium’s Partner Program), but the final decision will be left up to you.
One last thing: Writers and potential writers can contact me at theluckyfreelancer[at]gmail.com for questions about submissions and other housekeeping.
I look forward to hearing from you.
— Serenity J.
