How to start freelance writing with three samples

Write samples of the service

For a help-article service, draft three pieces answering different customer questions. Give each a brief stating the reader, problem, and intended result. Follow the steps yourself where possible, link primary sources, and check every factual claim. Never invent quotes or clients.

Edit out anything the reader does not need to complete the task. Ask someone unfamiliar with the subject to follow the instructions and mark confusing steps. Revise those sections before sharing.

Price the whole project

Estimate research, drafting, revisions, meetings, and administration. Multiply the total hours by your chosen hourly target and add project expenses. Include any payment or marketplace fees, checking current terms before quoting.

For illustration, six hours at USD 25 plus USD 10 in expenses gives a USD 160 project quote. After those expenses, USD 150 remains before tax and other overhead; unpaid sample and outreach time reduces your effective hourly return. This arithmetic is a planning example. The EFA survey provides reported rates for comparison.

Agree on terms before starting

Get written agreement on deliverables, length, deadline, included revisions, fee, deposit if any, payment due date, cancellation terms, and usage rights. Clarify who supplies source material and approves the draft. Quote extra work separately.

Deliver in the agreed format and invoice on the agreed schedule. Keep the brief, approval messages, and invoice together.