20 Best Writer
Freelancers
to Hire
in 2023

Freelance writing is a type of self-employment where writers work on a project basis for different clients or publications. Freelance writers are not committed to a single employer or company but work independently, providing their writing services and content creation to clients on a project-by-project basis.

Freelance writing can encompass a range of different writing genres and formats, such as blog posts, articles, website content creation, social media posts, product descriptions, white papers, and many more. Freelance writers are typically responsible for generating their own leads, managing their own workload, negotiating their own rates with clients, and meeting deadlines.

The freedom and flexibility of freelance writing can be attractive to many writers, as it allows them to work from home or from anywhere with an internet connection, set their own schedules, and pursue a variety of writing assignments. However, freelance writing also requires self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to handle the business aspects of writing, such as invoicing and accounting.

A freelance writer is a self-employed professional who writes on a project-by-project basis for clients. In general, a freelance writer's job is to provide written content that meets the specific needs of the client. Here are some of the typical tasks a freelance writer might perform:

1. Researching: A freelance writer conducts research to ensure that the writing is accurate, timely, and informative.
2. Writing: Once the research is complete, the freelance writer will write content that meets the client's requirements.
3. Editing and proofreading: After writing, a freelance writer reviews and edits their work to ensure that it is free from errors and formatted correctly. Rounds of revisions are typically included in writer pricing.
4. Pitching ideas: Freelance writers may pitch ideas to clients or publications they hope to work with.
5. Meeting deadlines: A freelance writer must complete work within the timeframe agreed upon with the client.
6. Managing business needs: Freelance writers often must handle invoicing, marketing, and other business aspects of their work.

Generally, a freelance writer must be able to adapt their writing style to meet the unique needs of each client and produce high-quality work consistently.

There are several reasons why you might hire someone to write content, such as:

1. To save time: Writing can be a time-consuming task, especially if you are not a professional writer. By hiring a writer, you can save time and focus on other aspects of your business.
2. To improve the quality of your content: Professional writers have the training and experience to produce high-quality, consistent content that engages and informs your audience.
3. To provide a fresh perspective: A writer can offer a new perspective on your brand or topic, providing fresh insights that can help you connect with your audience.
4. To meet deadlines: If you have a deadline to meet but don't have the time or resources to complete the writing yourself, a writer can help you meet that deadline.
5. To get expert content writing in a specific area: Professional writers often specialize in certain topics or genres, providing you with consistent, expert writing in a specific area.
6. To improve your Content Marketing & SEO: Writers with expertise in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can help you improve your website's search engine rankings by creating content that is optimized for search engines.

Overall, hiring a writer can be a valuable investment that helps you achieve your business goals by providing high-quality written content that engages and informs your audience.

Here are some steps to follow when hiring a writer:

1. Determine your needs: Before you hire a writer, determine what type of content writing you need. For example, are you looking for a writer to create blog posts, articles, white papers, product descriptions, or social media content? How will hiring a writer help your content strategy?
2. Set your budget: Determine how much you are willing to pay for the writing services you need.
3. Find writers: There are many ways to find writers, such as Contra, social media, personal referrals, and specialized writing services.
4. Evaluate writers' qualifications: Review writers' portfolios, resumes, and writing samples to evaluate their qualifications, experience, and writing skills. Look for writers that create content in your industry or niche.
5. Conduct interviews and/or request writing samples: It is a good idea to conduct an interview with the writer or request writing samples to ensure that their writing style and approach align with your needs.
6. Provide clear instructions: Once you have selected a writer, provide them with clear instructions and guidelines outlining your expectations for the project.
7. Set deadlines: Be clear about deadlines and make sure that the writer can commit to completing the work within the expected timeframe.
8. Communicate effectively: Maintain open communication with the writer throughout the writing process to ensure that the work meets your expectations. Ensure that you provide comprehensive feedback in order for writers to make proper revisions and meet your requirements in the future.

Overall, hiring a writer requires careful consideration and evaluation to ensure that you find a writer who can provide high-quality written content that meets your specific needs and requirements.

There are many software programs that writers use. Here are some of the most common software used by writers:

1. Microsoft Word: This is one of the most popular word processing software used by writers. It helps to format and organize text, making it easy to write and edit content.
2. Google Docs: Google Docs is a free online word processing software that allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document in real-time. It is a popular choice among writers who work in teams or remotely.
3. Scrivener: Scrivener is a writing software that helps writers organize their research, notes, and writing in one central place. It is popular among novelists, screenwriters, and writers of long-form content.
4. Evernote: Evernote is a note-taking software that allows writers to capture and organize their ideas, research, and notes in one place. It is popular among content writers who need to keep track of a lot of information.
5. Grammarly: Grammarly is a writing tool that helps writers improve the quality and clarity of their writing. It checks for grammatical errors, spelling errors, and sentence structure.
6. Hemingway Editor: Hemingway Editor is a writing tool that helps writers make revisions by improving the readability and clarity of their writing. It flags complex sentences, passive voice, adverbs, and other elements that make writing harder to read.

Overall, the software used by writers depends on their individual preferences and needs. Some writers prefer more basic software, while others prefer more advanced writing tools with lots of features.

Freelancers are paid commission-free on Contra. They may charge per project, per hour, or per milestone. Freelancers get paid for the work they produce for their clients. Clients must pay a minimum of $250 or $25 an hour to post an opportunity on Contra.

The cost of hiring a writer can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the writer's experience, the type of content required, the size of the project, and the turnaround time needed.

In general, freelance writers charge per word, per hour, or per project. The average rates can range from $0.05 to $1.50 per word, $25 to $150 per hour, or $100 to $2000 per project, depending on the factors mentioned above.

For example, a freelance writer who is starting out with little experience may charge lower rates than an experienced writer who has a strong reputation and a considerable portfolio. Similarly, individual projects like blog posts or social media posts can cost less, while larger projects like e-books or whitepapers can cost more.

When hiring a writer, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the project requirements, deliverables, and deadlines, and negotiate the price based on these factors. Also, keep in mind that hiring a professional writer can be a sound investment as their expertise and skills can benefit the long-term success of your business.

Writers' salaries can vary widely depending on their experience, education, genre, publications, and location. Some writers are highly successful and earn six-figure incomes, while others may struggle to make a steady income.

In general, writers earn an average salary of around $61,820 per year in the United States. However, this can range from $31,000 to more than $122,000 for top-earning writers.

Freelance writers' incomes also depend on various factors such as the type of content produced, the clients worked with, the number of projects completed, and the hourly rate charged. According to the Writer's Market 2020 survey, freelance writers can earn an average rate of $1 per word, which means $2,500 upfront for an average-sized project of 2,500 words.

The writing profession can offer a rewarding and satisfying career for those who enjoy writing, storytelling, and sharing their thoughts and ideas. However, it can require hard work, persistence, and commitment to establish oneself as a successful writer and earn a stable income.

Here are some steps to consider when starting to work as a writer:

1. Determine your niche: Consider your interests, expertise, and experiences to determine what writing niche you want to focus on, such as content marketing, copywriting, technical writing, or creative writing.
2. Build your portfolio: Create a collection of writing samples that showcase your writing style and skills. You can write for free initially to build your portfolio by writing for blogs, magazines, or websites. You can create a portfolio on Contra.
3. Network: Join online forums and writer associations, attend writing conferences, and participate in writing workshops to develop your skills and build your network.
4. Find writing opportunities: Look for writing jobs and opportunities on Contra, commission-free. Contact businesses or publications you'd like to work with and inquire if they need writers.
5. Set up your home office: Ensure you have a comfortable workspace with the equipment or gadget you need like PC/laptop, internet connection, printer, and an ergonomic chair.
6. Hone your writing skills: Continuously develop your writing skills by reading widely, taking writing courses, and attending workshops and seminars.

Starting as a writer can be challenging, but taking these steps will help you build a rewarding writing career. Keep in mind that it takes time and effort to establish a successful writing career and be prepared to embrace a never-ending learning process.

Becoming a writer takes time, study, effort, and persistence. The time it takes to become a writer varies depending on the individual's skills, goals, and level of dedication to the craft. Some individuals may be able to establish themselves as writers relatively quickly, while others may take years or decades to hone their writing skills and build a strong reputation.

Here are some factors that can affect how long it takes to become a writer:

1. Natural talent: Some people might have a natural aptitude for writing, while others might need more work to develop their skills.
2. Learning curve: Writing is a craft that requires learning skills such as grammar, style, and structure, and this may take time to master.
3. Professional development: Writers generally need to keep up with professional development by reading widely, seeking feedback, attending workshops, and using technology and software for writing and publishing.
4. Building a portfolio: Writers can take longer to find quality writing experiences to build their portfolio, and this might also take time.

Overall, it is difficult to give a specific timeline for becoming a writer. It depends on many variables, such as your skills, interests, and commitment to the craft. Dedication, practice, and a never-ending learning process are essential to improving writing skills and becoming a successful writer.

Yes, writing is a good career for many people. It can be a challenging but rewarding career path for those who enjoy writing, storytelling, research, and continuous learning.

Here are some of the advantages of a writing career:

1. Flexibility: Writing is a portable and flexible career, allowing writers to work from anywhere and set their own schedules.
2. Creativity: Writing encourages creativity and allows you to express yourself through words and ideas.
3. Intellectual stimulation: Writing can be a challenging and intellectually stimulating career option, involving research, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
4. Variety: Writing offers the opportunity to explore different genres, styles, and mediums such as books, blogs, articles, or social media.
5. Autonomy: Writing gives writers a sense of autonomy and ownership over their work, allowing for a sense of personal fulfillment.
6. Career Opportunities: Writers can work as freelancers, for magazines, newspapers, websites, or even in-house for various businesses

However, like any career, writing also has its challenges and requires hard work, persistence, and commitment to succeed. Building a steady income and a strong reputation also takes time. Overall, writing can be an exciting and rewarding career for those who love the creative, intellectual, and flexible aspects of the job.