What Nobody Tells You About Starting a Writing Business From Scratch
How I escaped the 9-to-5 trap using nothing but a keyboard
Most writing guides sugarcoat the reality.
They’ll tell you to create a portfolio and pitch clients, but they skip the parts that actually matter.
I’m here to break down the secrets that most successful writers won’t admit.
When I first started, I thought writing was simple.
Write words. Get paid.
Easy peasy, right? Wrong. So spectacularly wrong.
The Raw, Unfiltered Truth About Launching a Writing Business
1. Your First Clients Will Test Your Soul
Forget those dreamy Instagram posts about instant success.
Your initial clients might pay you less than minimum wage.
I once wrote a 2,000-word article for $5. That’s less than a pizza delivery tip!
But every word was a lesson.
2. Imposter Syndrome is Real (and Brutal)
Remember playing “Hot Potato” as a kid?
Imposter syndrome is like that — except the potato is your self-confidence, and it’s on fire.
You’ll constantly question if you’re good enough.
Pro tip: Everyone feels this way. Everyone. Even J.K. Rowling probably wondered if Harry Potter was just another wizard story.
3. Networking is Your Secret Weapon
Here’s a mind-blowing revelation:
Writing is only 30% writing.
The other 70%? Connecting with humans.
Join writing groups
Attend weird local events
Talk to strangers (safely, obviously)
Slide into LinkedIn DMs (professionally)
Not sure where to start?
Setting up the legal side of your business early can make things smoother when landing high-paying clients.
Platforms like Northwest, StartGlobal, and Neubase help freelancers structure their business legally, making it easier to land high-paying clients.
How Writers Actually Make Cash
Forget the starving artist narrative.
Smart writers create multiple income streams:
Freelance writing platforms
Ghostwriting for businesses
Creating digital products
Affiliate content marketing
Technical writing
Copywriting for websites
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways for writers to earn passive income.
Platforms like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, and Clickbank connect you with thousands of brands that pay writers to promote their products.
Income Breakdown
My first year?
A whopping $12,000. Not glamorous, but I was building.
Second year? $45,000.
Third year? Over $80,000.
The secret? Consistency.
Not talent. Not luck. Pure, stubborn consistency.
Tools of the Trade (Without Breaking the Bank)
You don’t need a $3,000 MacBook.
You need:
Google Docs (Free!)
Grammarly (Basic version is gold)
ConvertKit (for building an email list and landing pages)
Canva (for design)
A decent laptop
Noise-canceling headphones
The Weird Skills Nobody Tells You About
1. Become a Chameleon Writer
One day you’re writing about quantum physics.
The next, it’s cat grooming tips.
Flexibility is your superpower.
2. Master the Art of Bullsh*t Detection
Not all writing opportunities are created equal.
Learn to spot scams faster than a squirrel spots a nut.
3. Develop Writer’s Hustle
Think of yourself as a business, not just a writer.
Marketing. Pitching. Following up.
Unexpected Emotional Rollercoaster
Writing isn’t just a job. It’s an emotional journey.
Some days, you’ll feel like Shakespeare.
Other days, you’ll wonder if a monkey with a typewriter could do better.
Survival Kit:
Supportive friends
Therapy (seriously)
Hobby outside writing
Exercise
Weird sense of humor
Real Income Potential
1. Blog Posts:
$25-$100 (Beginner Rate)
$250-$500 (Experienced Rate)
2. Copywriting
$50-$200 (Beginner Rate)
$500-$2,000 (Experienced Rate)
3. Technical Writing
$75-$250 (Beginner Rate)
$300-$1,000 (Experienced Rate)
Weird But True Success Stories
1. The Reddit Writer
Jake started writing tech reviews on Reddit.
Now?
$6,000 monthly from tech companies.
2. Pandemic Pivot
Sarah lost her job.
Started writing LinkedIn posts.
Now manages social media for Fortune 500 companies.
Red Flags to Dodge
Clients who can’t explain their project
Websites promising “instant writing riches”
Jobs that want ALL rights for pennies
Unpaid “exposure” opportunities
Your Battle Plan
Create a simple website
Build a basic portfolio
Start with smaller gigs
Learn continuously
Never stop improving
Personal Confession Time
My first “big break” wasn’t glamorous.
It was a $200 blog post about lawnmowers. Lawn. Mowers.
But that $200?
Felt like winning the lottery.
Writing is more than words. It’s a connection. Emotion. Storytelling.
You’re not just selling text. You’re selling experiences.
Final Wisdom Nugget
Starting a writing business isn’t about being the best writer.
It’s about being the most persistent, adaptable human in the room.
You’ve got this. One weird, wonderful word at a time.
Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary. Results are not guaranteed. But hope? Hope is always free.
Thanks for the read. It's not easy making a living by writing, but now that I've started I can't stop! I appreciate the insight and will try to implement these tips.
All the best.
That imposter syndrome gets you every time. I always have an issue with pricing so your baseline suggestion is helpful. Thanks for the article jam-packed with tips.