TIPS: How to build and sustain a career as a freelance writer

Freelance writing may offer flexibility and freedom, but building a career in the field takes more than just good writing skills. So, where do you begin?

The most basic starting point is gaining experience. Maan Pamaran, a freelance writer for 20 years, built her portfolio in college as a campus paper editor.

"For those with no prior experience, they can start a blog or contribute to indie publications so they have sample works to use as part of their portfolio," she said.

Mikhail Lecaros, who has been freelancing for around 16 years, finds that the simplest advice goes a long way: stay flexible, reliable, and ready for opportunities.

Build a network and protect your reputation

The publishing industry relies heavily on relationships. Some say, it is still important to know people in the industry.

"The media/publishing industry is like a small town. Everybody knows/has heard of/is a common friend of everybody else," Pamaran, who has been in the industry for 20 years, told L!fe. "Kahit gaano ka kagaling magsulat, no one will want to work with you if you have a bad attitude. Never go viral for the wrong reasons."

Kara Santos, travel blogger behind Travel Up, echoed this, reminding the importance of meeting deadlines: "If you can't take on an assignment for some reason, communicate immediately."

Steph Arnaldo, a content creator and freelancer for more than a decade, added that maintaining a good reputation can help bring back past clients and lead to referrals.

"Word of mouth is powerful. A friend can recommend you to another friend if they know they can vouch for your work ethic," she said. "Be kind but firm, be open, communicate, and maintain professionalism."

To keep these relationships secure, Pamaran also cautioned writers to trust their gut when meeting potential clients and use contracts.

"There are also those who meet with you several times and when they harvest all your ideas, will decide to do it themselves. Happened to me twice already. Have a contract, especially with people you are going to work with for the first time," Pamaran stressed.

Don't limit yourself to one niche and pitch boldly

Arnaldo encouraged aspiring freelancers to take on small gigs—like writing press releases or making social media copies for small businesses—to build both experience and confidence.

"There's a misconception that you need to be published right away to build a portfolio; that's not necessarily true," she stressed. "Sooner or later, these will build your portfolio (and confidence) in your writing skills, versatility, and adaptability."

Lecaros likewise suggested always looking for opportunities to pitch stories, even from simple experiences like going to a nice cafe.

"Don’t be afraid to say 'please.' Going someplace fun? Pitch a feature to an editor. Eating something good? Propose a review. Meeting somebody interesting? See if you can set up an exclusive interview," he said.

"That’s how I was able to write about meeting Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, and Stan Lee. I’ve set up an interview with Project Hail Mary author Andy Weir, and gotten a post-interview autograph from Lady Gaga (after security said 'no')– if the worst someone can say to you is 'no,' you don’t lose anything by asking, and it’s the best feeling in the world to get a 'yes,'" he shared.

As a freelancer, you’ll work with different clients and varying demands. Regardless, Pamaran said it’s important to give your 100% every time.

"Freelancing is not for the weak. You always have to bring your A-game so that your editors will assign you more articles and your clients will be repeat clients," she said.

She recommends that writers should regularly update their CV and portfolio so they stay current with their latest projects.