Freelance Writing Isn’t Just a Hobby

Ready to Launch

If you’re like me, when you first started freelancing, you thought, “Wow, this could be a fun little hobby.” Fast forward three years (and multiple clients later), and here I am building an actual business. And not just “a little something on the side,” but a full-on, revenue-generating, schedule-controlling, freedom-creating business.

The dream is real, people. Freelance writing can be the reason you get to show up at class parties, coach a soccer team, or skip the scramble of begging someone to babysit on random teacher in-service days.

So, if you’re ready to launch your “hobby” into a business, let’s call this your rocket countdown. Buckle up. Here’s how to blast off. 

Shift Your Mindset: You’re the CEO Now

Here’s the deal. If you treat freelancing like a hobby, it’ll pay you like a hobby.

YOU are the business owner now, and it’s time to own that. You’re not “just writing blogs on the side.” You’re providing a professional service. That means showing up whether you’re inspired or not. (Spoiler: Inspiration is overrated. Consistency pays better.)

Think of it like this: Hobby-you waits until you feel like writing. CEO-you? You write because it’s Tuesday at 10 a.m. and the work is on the calendar.

Money Talks: Price Like a Business

I’ll say it loud for the people in the back: start charging what you’re worth. You’re not a newbie anymore. You’re a business owner. And “exposure” doesn’t pay for braces, and “portfolio pieces” won’t keep the lights on.

As a business, you need to:

• Track your income and expenses (yes, even that $12 Canva subscription counts).

• Set rates that reflect your value, not just your time.

• Budget for taxes because Uncle Sam never forgets about freelancers.

It feels scary at first, but your rates set the tone. The right clients will respect it. The wrong ones? Let them find someone else willing to work for “experience.” You’re building a business, not running a charity.

Systems & Tools: Your Secret Business Partners

Running a business without systems is like trying to bake cookies without measuring cups. Possible? Maybe. Messy? Definitely.

And, let’s face it, you don’t have space in your life for messy.

At minimum, you need:

• Contracts (yes, even if the client “seems nice”).

• Invoicing software (FreshBooks, PayPal, Wave…take your pick).

• Project management tools (Trello, Asana, ClickUp. AKA your new brain).

And of course, Grammarly deserves a shoutout. Because nothing says “professional” like catching that you accidentally wrote “pubic” instead of “public.”

Bottom line: tools don’t replace your hustle, they amplify it. They help you look and feel like the business you are. And honestly, nothing feels more official than sending an invoice with your business name instead of a Venmo request.

Boundaries & Professionalism: Batman isn’t the Goal

Confession: when I first started freelancing, I answered client emails at 11 p.m. I thought I was proving how dedicated I was. In reality, I was proving I had no boundaries.

Boundaries protect your time and your sanity.

• Set work hours (and actually stick to them).

• Communicate those hours clearly to clients.

• Create a physical or mental “workspace” that signals you’re working and shouldn’t be interrupted unless it’s urgent.

And listen, people-pleasers. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you “mean” or “unlikeable.” It makes you professional. Professionals hit deadlines, respond in a timely manner, and don’t ghost. Even if writing clients are basically sending up the Bat Signal at all hours, you don’t have to swoop in like Batman at midnight. Regular daylight hours work just fine.

Marketing & Visibility: Don’t be a Best-Kept Secret

Let me repeat myself. Do not be a best-kept secret. You want people to see you as the experienced professional you are, and that only happens when people can find you.

That means:

• Creating a simple portfolio or website (nothing fancy needed, just enough to show what you do).

• Networking in freelance communities and LinkedIn groups.

• Asking happy clients for referrals (yes, you’re allowed to ask!).

Here’s the truth. There are clients out there looking for your exact skill set. The more visible you are, the more likely they’ll find you.

The Long Game: Plan for Growth

Owning your freelancing business isn’t about chasing one-off projects. It’s about building stable, reliable work with clients and content you actually enjoy. You are the master of your own fate.

Ask yourself:

• Where do I want my business to be in 1 year? 3 years?

• What new skills could I add to make myself more valuable?

• How can I diversify my income (ebooks, coaching, digital products)?

Turn those answers into SMART goals, then chip away at them. That’s how you create steady, reliable income that grows with you.

Blast Off!

Treating your freelance writing like a business isn’t just about making money (though let’s be real, that part is nice). It’s about building the freedom you dreamed about when you first started. The ability to say yes to the things that matter and no to the things that don’t.

So, if your freelancing rocket is sitting on the launchpad, this is your green light. Three… two… one… blast off!

And hey, if you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, I’ve found the secret sauce. Head over to the Pajama Writer and Dez will get you writing! She has downloadable guides, a newsletter, and you can even book a call with her. Also, go check her out over on Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy too!