Building Confidence as a Freelance Writer: Yes, You Can Do This!

Wondering if You’ve Got What It Takes to Be a Freelance Writer?

I totally get it.

If you’d told 16-year-old me that I’d grow up to be a freelance writer, I would’ve rolled my eyes so hard I’d give Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher from Clueless a run for her money.

Not only did I think I was destined to be a physical therapist (until I realized I’d actually need to know science—hard pass,) but I was a terrible writer.

How terrible? I did so poorly in my first college writing class that I actually withdrew. I ended up getting a tutor, stumbling my way through next semester, and passing with a decent grade. Here’s what I learned: The more you do something, the more you can actually start to enjoy it.

I enjoyed it so much that I built an entire career around writing—grants, press releases, ad copy, you name it. And yet, when the idea of freelance writing as a job first crossed my mind, I still had doubts:

• Can I actually do this?

• Will I be any good?

• Is there even money in freelance writing?

If you’re thinking about diving into the world of freelancing, I’m guessing you’ve asked yourself the same questions.

Well, let me put your mind at ease: The answers are yes, yes, and YES!

Kick Confidence Blockers Goodbye

Let’s just get this out of the way: If you’re afraid of rejection and criticism, welcome to the club. I mean, who wouldn’t want everyone to be in awe of their work and shower them with praise?

However, that’s not reality.

You simply can’t let fear stand between you and what you want.

I’ve had all the same doubts you probably have:

• There are way better writers out there than me.

• I don’t have a niche, so I’m not marketable.

• What if I get writer’s block?

• What if they say I’m a terrible writer?

The thing is, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s freelance writing work out there for every skill level.

And let me be real with you—no matter how experienced you are, you’re going to get feedback on your writing.

Remember: Your employer has vision, and their feedback isn’t a criticism.

Practical Steps to Build Confidence

Building confidence as a freelance writer doesn’t have to be complicated. The key? Set yourself up for wins.

When you’re first starting out, don’t jump into the biggest project you find. That’s a surefire way to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even had a chance to shine.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Write About What You Love

Find a topic you enjoy. Love baking? There are entire blogs dedicated to it. Obsessed with analyzing data and sharing insights? There’s a niche for that, too. Starting with subjects you’re passionate about will make writing much more enjoyable.

Start Small

Don’t overload yourself. Take on small projects and gradually increase your workload as your confidence grows.

Celebrate Every Win

When you submit your first piece—or receive positive feedback—celebrate it! And if the feedback isn’t glowing, use it as a learning opportunity. Every critique is a steppingstone toward becoming a better writer.

Invest in Your Craft

Take writing courses, read books, or watch videos on how to improve your skills and become more marketable. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel.

Set SMART Goals

Create Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-sensitive goals. For example, aim to pitch one article to a new client each week or to write 500w this week. Breaking goals into smaller steps makes them way less intimidating.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Even if you’ve got a rock-solid mental health game (and if you do, kudos!), negative self-talk can still creep in. And for those of us whose mental state can ebb and flow, those thoughts can sometimes feel overwhelming. Imposter syndrome is no stranger for new freelance writers.

When those pesky doubts pop up (“I suck,” “I’m never going to be good at this,”) try these strategies for shifting your mindset:

Positive Affirmations

Okay, I know this can feel a bit cheesy, but hear me out. There’s real science behind the power of positive self-talk. Saying kind and affirming things to yourself can genuinely shift your mindset. So go look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I’m a great writer!”

Mindset Exercises

Simple changes in your routine—like starting a journal or mixing up your work environment—can bring fresh perspective and help you see things in a more positive light.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Make it a habit to think of at least one way you’ve made progress each day, no matter how small. It could be writing a paragraph, sending a pitch, or even just brainstorming ideas. Small steps forward add up overtime!

Building Confidence is a Journey

You know the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Well, neither is a successful freelance writing career. It takes time to find your groove, shift your mindset, and build confidence. But with the right steps, a positive outlook, and those SMART goals in place, you’ll be well on your way to freelance success.

Still feeling a little Clueless about what to do next? Check out Dez at The Pajama Writer for resources to help you get started—whether that’s downloading helpful guides, booking a call, or signing up for the newsletter. Learn how to hone your skills with writing introductions, how to source free-use images, or how to price your writing rates. There’s a guide for practically everything. And they’re all designed to help you take those small steps towards freelance writing confidence and success.

And if you’re all about staying connected, head over to The Pajama Writer’s Instagram and Facebook.