How you can start freelance writing -Starting freelance writing without a portfolio isn’t just possible—it’s how I began. I graduated from university with zero clients, no website, and just a dream—but I discovered how you can start freelance writing without any of the “requirements” everyone talks about. Ten years later, I run a thriving writing platform (inkwrit.com) that’s monetized by Google with articles ranking on page one. This guide shares the exact path I took, the mistakes I made (including getting banned from Amazon), and why starting imperfectly is the only way forward. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to start, this is your sign to begin today.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need a degree or portfolio—just the courage to start with what you have
- Your first niche doesn’t have to be your forever niche (I pivoted multiple times)
- Free pitching and sample work can open doors faster than waiting for “paid opportunities”
- Failure is part of the journey—my Amazon ban taught me more than success ever did
- Building your own platform creates long-term opportunities beyond client work
- The secret formula: Start → Discover what works → Make mistakes → Learn → Continue
The Night Everything Changed
The night I graduated from university was the night I made the decision.
I had written my first novel as a teenager. Writing wasn’t something I learned in school; it was something that lived inside me. While my classmates celebrated graduation, I was calculating how what to do in addition to my certificate. This was what led to my second book.
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What I Didn’t Have When I Started
- No website
- No portfolio
- No clients
- No idea how to price my work
- No business plan
What I Did Have
If you’re wondering how you can start freelance writing when you feel unprepared, let me show you the exact path that worked for me.
- A skill I’d practiced since my teenage years
- Stories demanding to be written
- The willingness to figure it out as I went
That willingness? That’s the only credential you really need.
Finding My Niche (And Why It Changed Multiple Times)
Niche #1: Novelist (2015)
When learning how you can start freelance writing, picking your first niche feels overwhelming. I chose novelist because that’s what I knew.
But novels don’t pay bills while you’re writing them. I needed money to publish my book, so I started exploring other formats.
Niche #2: Scriptwriting (The Game Changer)
While figuring out how to fund my novel’s publication, I discovered something unexpected: I was naturally good at writing in script format.
My stories came alive differently as scripts. The dialogue flowed. The pacing clicked.
So I made a bold move: I started pitching clients using my scripts as gifts—yes, free scripts.
Why Free Work Actually Worked
This is how you can start freelance writing even when clients ask for experience—you create it yourself.
- Removed the “prove yourself” barrier
- Showed my style and skill immediately
- Built relationships before asking for money
- Gave me real-world feedback
The result? In 2016, I landed my first paid scriptwriting gig. Then the gigs started flowing in.
My First Paid Gig (And What Happened Next)
That first paid client in 2016 changed everything. Not because of the money, but because of what it proved:
People will pay for your writing.
Once you break that mental barrier, everything shifts. After that first gig, clients started referring me to others, my confidence increased, and I gradually raised my rates.
But I didn’t stop at scriptwriting. I kept asking: “What else can I write?”
The answer led me to nonfiction books.
My Biggest Mistakes (And What They Taught Me)
Part of understanding how you can start freelance writing is knowing that mistakes are inevitable. Here are mine:
Mistake #1: Publishing Without a Marketing Plan
In 2020-2021, I wrote my first nonfiction book and launched it on Amazon.
I had no audience, no email list, no marketing strategy. So I decided to build a blog to market the book.
I failed at that too.
Mistake #2: Taking Shortcuts
In 2022, I got desperate and tried taking shortcuts to boost my Amazon presence.
Amazon banned me.
That ban was devastating. But it taught me the most valuable lesson: There are no shortcuts to building something real.
Mistake #3: Forcing the Wrong Niche
Also in 2022, I joined the copywriting world because everyone said that’s where the money was.
But I realized: Copywriting wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the sales-focused approach. It didn’t align with my storytelling style.
So I stopped forcing it.
How You Can Start Freelance Writing
The Lessons
- Failure isn’t the end—it’s data
- The wrong path teaches you where the right path is
- Your unique style is your biggest asset
- Rebuilding after setbacks makes you stronger
Building inkwrit.com from Zero
Here’s what I never expected about how you can start freelance writing: Starting my own blog forced me to learn article writing—no clients required.
Writing a Book About Writing
After my Amazon ban and copywriting detour, I wrote a book about how to write. This forced me to clarify my process and position myself as a teacher.
Free Training That Changed Everything
I started offering free writing training in 2022 to sell my book. But something unexpected happened: The training became more valuable than the book.
People wanted community and a place to grow as writers.
Launching My First Blog Platform
In 2022, I launched readshortstories.bridgetaustin.com—a space for short stories, writing tips, and community.
Learning Article Writing By Doing
Here’s what I never expected: Starting my blog forced me to learn article writing.
Before launching the platform, I had never written articles professionally. I was a novelist, a scriptwriter—but articles? That was new.
Yet the blog needed content. So I started writing.
I tried pitching a couple of article-writing clients, but realized I preferred writing for my own platform. The freedom to choose topics, write in my voice, and build something that belonged to me was more valuable than chasing client work.
Big Wins That Validated Everything
Win #1: Google AdSense Monetization
The articles I wrote got inkwrit.com monetized by Google. This wasn’t just about money—it was validation that our content met quality standards and had real value.
Win #2: First-Page Google Rankings
My articles started ranking on Google’s first page. These rankings attracted organic traffic daily and proved I could write SEO-friendly content without formal training.
The irony? I learned article writing by doing it—not by taking courses or working for clients first.
Going Global
After seeing the potential, I got a fresh domain: inkwrit.com
We’ve now celebrated 2 solid years with:
- Google AdSense monetization
- First-page Google rankings
- A growing community of writers
- Hundreds of published articles
All because I started writing for my own platform instead of waiting to be hired.
5 Steps to Start Freelance Writing Today
Step 1: Start with What You Already Know
You don’t need to learn everything first. I started with storytelling from my teenage years. New skills came as I needed them.
When I launched my blog, I had to learn article writing. Now inkwrit.com is monetized and ranking on Google—all from on-the-job learning.
Your action: List every type of writing you’ve done (essays, emails, social posts, journals). That’s your foundation. This is exactly how you can start freelance writing—with what you already have, not what you think you need.
Step 2: Pick a Niche (But Stay Flexible)
I went from novels to scripts to copywriting to content writing. Your first niche is just a starting point.
Your action: Choose one niche for the next 90 days. You can pivot later.
Step 3: Create Samples (Free or Self-Made)
Understanding how you can start freelance writing without a portfolio is simple: create one. I gave away free scripts. You can:
- Write sample posts on inkwrit
- Create mock projects
- Offer free work to local businesses
- Start your own blog
Your action: Create 3 writing samples this week.
Step 4: Pitch Consistently
In 2015, I pitched with free work. By 2016, I was getting paid. Or build your own platform like I did with inkwrit.com.
Your action: Send 5 pitches this week OR publish 3 articles on your own blog.
Step 5: Learn from Every Failure
My Amazon ban hurt. But it taught me to build ethically and sustainably.
Your action: When facing rejection, ask “What can I learn?” not “Why me?”
Tools and Resources
Free Tools
- Google Docs – Writing and collaboration
- Grammarly Free – Basic grammar checking
- Canva Free – Simple graphics
- Medium – Publish samples and build audience
Paid Tools Worth It
- Grammarly Premium – Advanced editing ($12/month)
- WordPress + Hosting – Your own blog ($5-10/month)
- ConvertKit – Email marketing ($0-29/month)
Skills to Develop
- Basic SEO (get your writing found)
- Email writing (connect with clients/readers)
- Social media (especially LinkedIn for clients)
How You Can Start Freelance Writing: The Real Secret
The secret is in starting.
If I hadn’t taken the bull by the horns and picked up the skill I discovered as a teenager—the year I wrote my first novel—I wouldn’t be here telling you this story.
I wouldn’t have:
- Written multiple novels and scripts
- Landed paying clients
- Built a 2-year-old platform (inkwrit.com)
- Achieved Google monetization and first-page rankings
- Helped hundreds of writers find their voice
The secret formula:
- Start (even imperfectly)
- Discover what works for you
- Make mistakes where necessary
- Learn from those mistakes
- Continue until you exceed your milestone
You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfection. You just need to start.
Ready to Start Your Freelance Writing Journey?
At inkwrit.com, we show you how you can start freelance writing and help writers like you:
- Build your writing skills through practical training
- Connect with a global community of writers
- Showcase your work on our platform
- Access resources, tips, and opportunities
Join our free writing community today and get:
- Monthly writing challenges
- Portfolio-building opportunities
- Exclusive writing tips and templates
- A supportive community at every level
Visit inkwrit.com and start your writing journey now
Because the best time to start was ten years ago. The second-best time is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a freelance writer?
No. I started with teenage writing experience and passion for storytelling. Your ability to write, learn, and deliver value matters most.
How long does it take to get your first paid client?
It took me about a year of pitching with free samples before my first paid gig in 2016. Your timeline depends on your niche and effort.
What if I fail like you did with Amazon?
Failure is part of the journey. My Amazon ban taught me to build sustainably. Every failure moves you closer to success.
Can I switch niches if my first choice doesn’t work?
Absolutely! I went from novels to scripts to copywriting to content writing. Your first niche is just your starting point.
Do I need to write for clients to be successful?
Not necessarily. While I wrote scripts for clients, I focused my article writing on inkwrit.com rather than pursue article clients. This led to Google monetization and first-page rankings—proving your own platform can be just as valuable.
How did you learn article writing without clients?
I learned by doing. When my blog needed content, I started writing articles. Each one taught me about structure, SEO, and engagement. By the time inkwrit.com got monetized and ranked on page one, I had trained myself through consistent practice.
Is it too late to start freelance writing?
Never. Whether you’re 18 or 58, if you can write and are willing to learn, you can build a freelance writing career.
What’s the fastest way to learn how you can start freelance writing?
Start writing today. Don’t wait for courses, credentials, or the perfect moment. I learned article writing by launching my blog, scriptwriting by pitching clients, and storytelling by writing my first novel as a teenager. The fastest way is to begin, make mistakes, learn, and continue. That’s exactly how you can start freelance writing—by writing.
Conclusion
Now you know how you can start freelance writing—the same way I did. Imperfectly, courageously, and consistently.
