Everything You Need to Know to Make Money as a Writer (Plus Free Resources to Help You!)
By Rebecca Matter

So you want to be a well-paid writer …

Fortunately for you, there’s never been a better time to be one!

Good copy and content writers have never been in more demand. Literally millions of companies need loads and loads of ongoing projects written. And the trail to success has already been blazed for you.

Like I said, there’s never been a better time!

But you may have questions … like how to get started, where to find clients, how to create samples, what to say when a client asks for your fees, and more …

Well, you’re in the right spot!

AWAI has been helping writers live the writer’s life for over 21 years.

We know ALL the questions and have ALL the answers.

And we’re here to help you succeed!

Below you’ll find a list of questions, challenges, and opportunities we hear regularly from aspiring writers, and the free resources we have that answer them — in great detail!

Let’s start at the very beginning …

You’re brand-new to the world of paid writing and have no idea what steps to take — or even the very FIRST step to take …

Let’s get you up to speed!

We’ve put together a 9-step blueprint you can follow to take you from zero to well-paid writer.

You hear writing every day can help you strengthen your own writing skills, while banishing writer’s block or “blank page syndrome.” But what exactly are you supposed to write about?

Access our library of persuasive writing prompts!

Each prompt is presented by a working copywriter to inspire you and get you writing fast.

While on a webinar, or talking to a client, you hear a copywriting or marketing term you’re unfamiliar with.

Have no fear …

Just head over to AWAI’s Ultimate Glossary of Copywriting Terms and Direct-Response Definitions and quickly get up to speed and back into the conversation.

You hear picking a niche is a good idea for freelance writers, but aren’t sure which niche to pick, or whether the one you’ve chosen is a profitable one.

Picking a niche definitely makes things easier when marketing yourself … both with finding new clients and negotiating your rates.

And while there are literally thousands of niches you could choose, and a variety of ways to pick one, we’ve put together a webinar that covers the easiest way to pick a profitable niche.

You have writing skills, you just need clients!

Boy, have we got you covered there …

Here are 26 different ways you can find freelance writing clients.

You’re ready to start marketing yourself as a freelance writer. Now what?

Start by putting up a professional LinkedIn profile targeting clients in your niche.

It’s one of the easiest ways to promote your writing business, presell your value and expertise, and generate an ongoing stream of clients for your writing business.

You love the idea of writing content instead of copy. Is there an opportunity to make real money doing it?

Fortunately, the demand for skilled content writing is at an all-time high.

Learn 12 ways to get paid to write content, and the quickest ways to get started.

A client has scheduled a meeting with you by phone. What will you say?!

Listen in as we role-play a variety of different scenarios and show you what to ask and say about project goals, fee estimates, timelines, and setting the tone for a smooth project.

You’ll see how to put the “pro” in your process, so potential clients will be impressed and say yes!

A client calls and asks you to do a project … but you have no idea how much to charge. What do you do?!

You download our free annual Pricing Guide and get the going rates for the top 75 writing projects.

Each year we publish the report, so you know what to charge, and clients know what they should expect to pay.

A client asks you to take on a project, but you’ve never done it before!

Go ahead and say, “No problem! I have time in my schedule three weeks from now.”

Then you head over to the AWAI catalog, and grab the program you need to give you the skills.

You need a little inspiration from your fellow AWAI members who have already blazed the trail and found great success as a well-paid writer …

Check out our case studies on successful AWAI members and see firsthand all the types of people who are making great money — and enjoying freedom they never thought possible — doing what they love.

You’ve been hearing about AWAI’s annual Copywriting Bootcamp but haven’t even finished The Accelerated Program. Is it too soon to consider going?

A lot of our new members go to Bootcamp before they finish The Accelerated Program; it’s not a prerequisite to attending. Our Bootcamp presenters cover a wide range of information about what’s working in the industry now, all in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, they make direct-response concepts come alive with their enthusiasm, so your studies may be even easier once you return home. The other benefit to going to Bootcamp right away is you’ll start to build connections with marketers who are looking for new copywriters. So when you are ready to look for paid work, you’ll have a network to approach.

You have a question about <fill in the blank here>. There’s a good chance we’ve answered it on our website (at least once or twice!).

Head over to the AWAI website and type a word or two in the search bar.

Or go to our content page and browse through the variety of topics and uncover a gold mine of tips and advice that can get you moving forward.

Still can’t find the answer?

Post it as a comment below, and I’ll make sure you do. Or contact our friendly and knowledgeable Member Services Team here.

Bottom line …

If you want to make a great living as a writer, AWAI can help.

So, don’t let any questions or roadblocks stand in your way.

Reach out and we’ll be happy to help you move past them!