It’s not easy starting fresh – and when you’re a new writer it’s pretty overwhelming. While there are plenty of job sites out there these are the 10 I used to find my first freelance writing gig, and the top three are ones I still check daily. They’re all free, and they’re a great place for finding that first paying client.
1. Writing Career
Writingcareer.com is one of the best places I’ve found for open submissions. If you write fiction of any kind this is the first place you should start. Almost every listing has their pay rates listed & a detailed application.
2. Write Jobs
Write Jobs is my favorite. I check it at least twice a day, but I just can’t help it. They’ve got listings that no one else has, they often post pay rates, and the job descriptions are thorough. You can filter to browse through listings with pay rates only, non craigslist ads, writing competitions & editing jobs.
3. ProBlogger Job Board
Though the popularity of the ProBlogger job board makes for a lot of competition it’s where you’ll find some of the best opportunities. If you already have a resume & portfolio written up don’t let the competition scare you away – it’s always worth a shot.
4. Freelance Writing
I check the Freelance Writing job board for online writing jobs daily. While you’re there be sure to check out their blogging & freelance job sections as well.
5. Blogging Pro Jobs
The Blogging Pro job board is another one of my ‘check daily’ sites. Not quite as many listings as some of the other boards but they’re all aimed at freelance bloggers.
6. Freelance Writing Gigs
A wonderful archive of writing gigs posted daily that’s curated with writing jobs from multiple sources.
7. Blogger Jobs
Another useful site with a daily archive of blogging jobs. Categorized into blogging, copywriting, editing, internships & more.
8. Journalism Jobs
Easy to filter by job type or field this is a great job board for aspiring writers.
9. All Indie Writers
The All Indie Job board lists blogging jobs by pay rate. Gives detailed job description, qualifications needed and detailed instructions on applying.
10. Media Bistro
Their freelance section has some great job listings for writers, designers, editors & copywriters.
Don’t Get Discouraged If You Don’t Hear Back
These job boards get seen by a lot of eyeballs – and some get hundreds (thousands in the case of Pro Blogger) of applications. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away – it happens to all of us.
Make sure you follow the instructions and hit apply. Sometimes it’s your pitch that gets a client’s attention, and other times it’s the samples you provide. Clean up your portfolio, create a great pitch & start checking these sites daily – you’ll never land your first gig if you don’t apply.
Looking For More Ways to Land Freelance Writing Gigs?
Check out these awesome articles with even more ideas for finding your first writing job. Having trouble finding your first paying writing job? Try pitching articles you’ve written to sites that pay – it’s a great way to earn some extra money while building up your portfolio.
- 21 Places to Find Blogging Jobs – The Write Life
- Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners – Leaving Work Behind
- 9 Places to Find Blogging Jobs Ads That Don’t Suck – Be a Freelance Blogger
- 79 Sites That Offer $50 and up for Posts – Make a Living Writing
