You can start now with paid writing work.
Below are the most reliable places to find it, an explanation of how each site works, and what you can realistically earn.
Rates vary by niche, experience, and project type.
Big Freelance Marketplaces
You use these for steady lead flow and fast feedback.
Upwork
This is the largest general freelance marketplace. You create a profile, search the Writing & Translation category, and submit proposals.
You can also pitch fixed-price “Project Catalog” offerings to attract buyers.
Upwork explains the full flow—profile, search, proposals, contracts—on its help pages. Use it when you want volume and a steady pipeline.
Fiverr
Fiverr.com is a catalog marketplace. You publish “Gigs” and clients order directly.
The platform guides you through creating a Gig, fulfilling orders, and getting paid.
This works well if you offer clear packages like blog posts, product descriptions, or email sequences.
Curated and Vetted Job Boards
You go here when you want screened listings and fewer scams.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs specializes in remote and flexible roles. It runs a screened job board for writing, editing, and journalism.
Expect a mix of freelance, contract, and part-time postings across industries. This is useful if you want fewer scams and more professional listings.
FreelanceWriting.com
FreelanceWriting is a long-running site that aggregates freelance writing leads and refreshes them in real time.
It’s widely used by beginners and experienced writers. Use filters to narrow to niches like copywriting, journalism, or technical writing.
ProBlogger Job Board
ProBlogger hosts a classic board focused on blogging, content writing, and niche sites.
It still posts contract and freelance roles and offers free candidate registration. It’s practical for blog/SEO-heavy assignments.
Media and Journalism Boards
You’ll find newsroom and editorial assignments with clear requirements.
Mediabistro
Mediabistro lists writing and editing jobs from media brands and creative employers.
You’ll find copywriting, editorial, and content roles, often with clear experience levels and location info.
Use it if you want newsroom, branded content, or agency-style briefs.
JournalismJobs.com
This is a long-standing hub for journalism roles. Universities and career centers cite it as a large, high-traffic resource.
It’s a fit if you pitch reported features, news writing, or editing for outlets.
Remote-only Job Boards
You target companies that hire fully remote from day one.
We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a leading remote job site with heavy traffic. It maintains sections for writers and content roles.
Good for fully remote teams and startups hiring async communicators.
Remote OK
Remote OK lists remote writer and copywriting jobs, often at tech companies and online publishers.
It’s helpful if you want roles with salary ranges and filters by category.
General Job Platforms With Powerful Search
You use these to cast a wide net and automate alerts.
Use the Jobs tab and search by keyword, title, or company. Set alerts, apply filters, and use Boolean operators to refine results like “freelance writer” AND SaaS.
LinkedIn has official guides for search, alerts, and Boolean.
Recent platform verification steps also aim to reduce recruiter impersonation, which helps you assess leads.
Indeed
Indeed hosts thousands of writing listings across “freelance writer,” “content writer,” and “copywriter.”
It also publishes practical guidance on how to find paid writing work and build a portfolio.
Use location filters set to “remote” if you are global.
Networks and Talent Pools (intermediate to advanced)
You apply here when you have clips and want matched briefs.
ClearVoice Talent Network
ClearVoice vets writers and connects them with brand and agency clients.
You apply with a portfolio and samples; acceptance depends on niche capacity and expertise.
This works when you have clips and want matched assignments.
Contra
Contra positions itself as a commission-free network for independents. It features profiles, project listings, and direct client relationships.
Consider it if you want to keep more of your rate and prefer a portfolio-forward approach.
How to Decide Which Sites to Start With
Start with two sources that match your goals.
If you want volume and fast feedback, pair Upwork with Fiverr. If you want vetted roles, pair FlexJobs with FreelanceWriting.com.
If you want media-centric work, pair Mediabistro with JournalismJobs. Use one remote-only board for extra reach.
This focused mix prevents spreading yourself thin while keeping leads consistent.
Salaries and Employment Baselines
In the U.S., the median annual wage for writers and authors is $72,270 (May 2024).
Use multiple data points to triangulate your quotes:
- Upwork guide: common hourly ranges by role ($15–$65+, depending on niche).
- ClearVoice: $0.10–$1.00+ per word for intermediate and advanced writers; niche studies show $0.10–$2.00 in tech/travel at expert levels
- WriterAccess: typical assignments $0.02–$2.00 per word, varying by tier and brief
How to Stand Out When Applications are Crowded
Online applications are easy, so competition is high. Many applicants never hear back because of volume and automated filters.
To stand out, keep your résumé targeted, lead with outcomes in your pitch, and show linked clips that match the brief.
Expect heavy screening and tailor your proposals. On LinkedIn, complete your profile, list at least five skills, and enable job alerts.
LinkedIn’s own guide notes large view and outreach gains for complete profiles. Use this to turn cold applications into recruiter messages and warm intros.
Safety: Avoid Fake Listings and Recruiter Scams
Job scams exist across platforms. Red flags include unsolicited DMs, requests for upfront payments, or moving conversations to unverified channels.
Verify openings on the company’s official site and avoid sharing personal data until you confirm the employer.
If you encounter fraud, report it to the relevant authorities.
Always check for the “Verified” signals on profiles and company pages where available.
Quick Setup Checklist (use this to move today)
Follow each step carefully.
- Pick two primary sites that fit your goals. Create profiles and set alerts. Keep the mix simple at first.
- Build a lean portfolio with 6–10 clips in your niche. If you qualify, submit to a vetted network like ClearVoice.
- Draft two proposal templates: one for blog/SEO work and one for copywriting. Customize each to the posting.
- Use Boolean on LinkedIn and filters on Remote OK or WWR to narrow by niche and seniority. Save searches.
- Track every lead. Note rate, scope, and follow-up date. Follow up once after 5–7 days.
- Vet each lead. Confirm the role on the company site. Decline anything with payment red flags.
Bottom Line
Start where the demand is, then level up to vetted networks. Use BLS, EFA, and platform studies to justify your rates.
Quote per project, convert to a clear per-word or hourly equivalent, and deliver with a simple process.
With focused niches and verified benchmarks, you can land steady work and raise your pay with each project.
