I have been a freelance writer since 1993 and blog about freelance writing. One of the most frequently asked questions is some variation of “How do I get started as a freelance writer?“This question is based on fear. Why do I say this?

Because there is already more than enough information on how to start a freelance writing business for anyone who is really ready to get started. But if you’re scared, asking questions like this makes you “feel like” you’re doing something by seeking the advice of so-called experts.

Becoming a Freelance Writer: Fears and Solutions

The following are three of the most common fears I’ve observed over the years that many who want to start freelance writing businesses have, and some ideas on how to overcome them.

1) I don’t have any/enough experience: When I started freelancing years ago, having experience was a much more important factor than it is now.

Online Freelance Writing Jobs Is Where The Opportunities Are

Online writing niches like search engine optimization writing (ie SEO writing), blogging, and social media writing have made experience much less of a factor. Also, the need for constant content has grown by leaps and bounds ever since content marketing became all the rage. Proof?

According to the April 2013 industry report, “Characteristics Study: A Look at the Volume and Type of Content Marketing in the United States for 2013“by the Custom Content Council and ContentWise“Spending on custom content across production and distribution rose to $43.9 billion, the second-highest amount on record.

[And] Of the average overall marketing, advertising, and communications budget, 39% of funds were dedicated to content marketing.”

This means that opportunities in freelance writing are more abundant than ever because so much of this content is produced by freelancers.

How to get around the “no experience” problem: Show that you can write. This can be done through:

(i) Writing Samples: They don’t have to be for a real customer; write them “as if” you were writing for a client. Then post them on your freelance writing blog/website, which brings us to the next point.

(ii) A blog/website: Create a freelance writing blog/website that you update professionally and constantly.

2) Will I be able to earn enough to survive? This is different for each person, so sit down and make a budget. Remember, as a self-employed person you are responsible for paying your own taxes. You’ll also have other expenses like health insurance that are likely covered by your employer now.

How to get around the money problem: I advise all freelancers, where possible, to save six months to a year of expenses before embarking on their own full-time freelance work. This provides enough protection to get you through the months of commissioning.

Also, start freelancing part-time while you still have your full-time job. This way, you will be able to start working, so to speak, when you stop freelancing full time.

3) How do I know what to charge? There is so much confusing and conflicting information on the web regarding how much to charge as a freelance writer. So I just know that this is happening.

FYI, when doing your research on freelance writing fees, be sure to compare apples to apples, that is, research what others are charging, in the niche you want to specialize in.

How to get around the “independent write rate” problem: The way I did it when I started was to figure out what I needed to earn to support myself. Then I set my rates accordingly. You can always adjust your rates as you gain more experience.

Starting a Freelance Writing Business: Conclusion

The bottom line is that if there is one topic that is covered online, it is how to start a freelance writing career. And while it’s not that easy, it’s easier than many other businesses because if you have a computer and an internet connection, you can get started right away.