Whether you’re just starting as a freelance writer or if you’ve been in the game for a while, it can be tough to figure out where to go to find work. 

Some writers have long-formed relationships with publishers, while others are working to get their careers off the ground. 

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been working as a freelancer, using a content marketplace is a smart way to connect with businesses who are looking for your work.

You might be scrolling through job boards at midnight, half-wondering if any of it ever leads anywhere—or if everyone’s just reposting the same ghostwriting gig for the tenth time. It happens. But there are moments when a well-placed pitch through a marketplace can open a door you didn’t know existed. Actual companies, real editors on the other end, sometimes even those unicorn clients who care about your voice and not just keywords. It doesn’t hurt to cast a wider net, even if some catches get thrown back.

Of course, there’s the flip side—some platforms are crowded with folks trying to outbid each other for peanuts. It’s not exactly a gold rush, more like a flea market some days. There are also hidden gems, though, and you only need one or two regular gigs to start building momentum. If you keep your expectations in check (and your portfolio polished), you’ll probably end up with more options than you expected. And no one says you can’t be picky once you spot what’s working for you.