Today I’d like to introduce Laura Pennington Briggs, a former teacher who reinvented her career as a freelance writer, author, and coach.
Laura began freelancing in 2012 out of necessity when her family faced reduced income. Within a year she transitioned to freelancing full time. Over time her business scaled to multiple six figures, she delivered two TEDx talks about the freelance economy, and she wrote Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business, published by Entrepreneur Press.
In the interview below, Laura shares how she launched her freelance writing career, how she grew it into a sustainable full-time business, and why freelance writing can be a great way to earn extra income or build a flexible career. Her book offers a practical roadmap for anyone who wants to start and scale a freelance writing business.
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Question: Can you tell my readers a bit about your story and why you’re an expert on this topic?
I started freelancing in 2012, largely by accident. My husband was placed on leave without pay by the military, and we needed additional income. I had recently left a position as an inner-city middle school teacher and taken a low-paying office job while evaluating other skills I could use. I launched a side hustle as a freelance writer.
A year later I was working full time as a freelancer. Over the years my business grew significantly, I spoke at two TEDx events, and I secured a book deal with Entrepreneur Press to help others start their own freelance writing businesses.
Question: What do you like about being a freelance writer? What does it help to accomplish?
I appreciate the variety freelance writing offers—no two days are the same. In my previous day job, routines and repeated issues often led to boredom. As a freelance writer I still perform recurring tasks like pitching, writing client work, emailing, and editing, but I’m constantly creating new content and learning new things.
Freelance writing has opened doors to additional opportunities: coaching intermediate and advanced freelancers, hosting a podcast, and publishing books. It’s allowed me to work with clients such as Microsoft and TrueCar, among others. The work challenges me and keeps me engaged.
Question: Can you explain what exactly a freelance writer is, who they work for, and what they do?
A freelance writer—sometimes called a copywriter or content writer—is hired on contract to produce many kinds of content: sales copy, landing pages, blog posts, articles, website content, brochures, product descriptions, and email newsletters, among other formats.
Freelance writers work with a wide range of clients, from solo entrepreneurs to large corporations. They adapt to a client’s brand voice and tone, craft content that resonates with the target audience, and often optimize content to perform well in search engines.
Question: How much can a beginner freelance writer expect to make?
Many beginners start with rates in the range of $25 to $50 per hour, and then increase fees as they gain experience, learn new skills, or become more efficient. Writers in specialized niches—technical, medical, or finance writing, for example—can command higher rates.
Common early income milestones freelancers aim for include $1,000 per month, then $5,000, and later $10,000 as they build a reliable client base and processes.
Question: How does a person find their first freelance writing job?
I recommend starting with people you already know. Your first project doesn’t have to reflect your long-term niche. For example, help a contact revise a cover letter or restructure a resume. That experience yields a sample and possibly a testimonial you can use when pitching other clients.
Freelancers can also find opportunities on job boards such as ProBlogger, FlexJobs, and Upwork, plus niche boards for specific industries.
Question: What steps does a person need to take to make money as a freelance writer?
Two essentials are choosing a niche and developing writing samples. I recommend having at least three samples that showcase your style and ability. These don’t need to be paid or published; they just need to demonstrate competence.
Alongside samples, you need a strong pitch that communicates the value you offer. Expect to face rejection and be persistent—many writers send dozens of pitches before landing steady clients. Persistence helps refine your value proposition and build the client relationships that will sustain your business.
Question: Are there any tips you have for someone who wants to become a freelance writer?
Learn about the specific type of copy that interests you—email newsletters, content marketing, technical writing, etc. Study existing work in that format and use free resources like YouTube tutorials or affordable online courses to build your skills.
Question: Why should a person read a book on this subject? Is it hard?
Starting a freelance writing business can be overwhelming. A practical book from an experienced writer lays out clear steps: setting rates, creating samples and pitches, finding clients, structuring your workday, and navigating common early obstacles. That guidance shortens the learning curve and reduces frustration.
Question: What can a person learn from your book? Can you tell us about some of the people who have learned from you?
My book provides nuts-and-bolts instruction for launching a freelance writing business: how to set rates, write effective pitches, build samples, find clients, and market yourself. It also covers mindset and practical daily routines that support consistent work.
Through coaching and consulting, I’ve helped many freelancers start and scale their businesses—some maintaining steady side-hustle income, others making a full transition from traditional employment to freelancing. Many clients have increased monthly revenue significantly and improved their operations by hiring virtual assistants and focusing on their strengths.
Copywriting and content writing remain in high demand, whether you pursue an in-house remote role or work with multiple clients as a freelancer. With persistence and skill development, many writers build rewarding, flexible careers.
More info about Laura:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurapenningtonwrites
- Book: Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business (available through major retailers)
Are you interested in becoming a freelance writer? What other questions do you have for Laura?