Being a freelance writer can be a rewarding and interesting way to supplement income or even build a career. 

But to learn how to become a successful freelance writer takes something more than just a casual attitude and a passing knowledge of how to write a sentence, you also need to know how to navigate freelance writing marketplaces. 

If you are serious about wanting to become a successful freelance writer, here are seven tips to get started.

Honestly, just finding your footing can feel like trying to pick the right table at a crowded café—everyone’s working, you’re not sure where to squeeze in, and it seems like every spot has a different vibe. There’s this weird expectation that you’ll instantly “find your niche,” but sometimes, you don’t figure it out until you make a bunch of little mistakes. You might try pitching yourself as an expert in tech, stumble through an assignment, and realize, well, health writing actually comes a lot more naturally. That sort of trial and error is more common than folks admit, and it’s not something to be ashamed about.

Also, nobody talks enough about the downtime. Not every day will be productive—some days, you spend hours scrolling through gigs and end up with nothing but a headache. That’s sort of the hidden tax of freelancing; you have to get used to uncertainty and learn to make the most of the quiet. If you’re capable of sitting with discomfort (and maybe channeling it into your writing), then you’ve already got a head start compared to people who bail after the first slow week. Just don’t let the quiet fool you into thinking nothing’s happening beneath the surface.