When Sarah told me she was earning over $1,000 per article as a freelance writer—all while raising her young child at home—I was floored. Not because I doubted her abilities, but because she made something that feels nearly impossible for many moms look completely attainable. And it is.
Sarah’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a blueprint. As a fellow stay-at-home mom, she’s navigated the chaos of motherhood and carved out a career path that fits her life and fuels her bank account. So grab that cup of coffee (yes, the one you reheated three times), and get ready to take notes on how you, too, can make money as a freelance writer from home.
Freelance Writing 101: What Is It?
At its core, freelance writing means getting paid to write for clients—articles, blog posts, web content, and more. The beauty? Most of it can be done remotely, flexibly, and in your pajamas if needed. It’s a profession that’s been around for ages, but thanks to the internet, getting started has never been easier.
Gone are the days of mailing pitch letters to magazine editors. Now, a simple email and an online portfolio can open the door to paid writing gigs across industries.
Yes, You Can Do This Too
Let’s get one thing out of the way: you don’t need a fancy degree or years of journalism experience. Sarah herself holds a liberal arts degree but writes for top-tier personal finance companies. Her secret? Strong writing skills, the willingness to learn, and the hustle to keep pitching.
Whether you’re writing during nap time, school drop-offs, or those sacred early morning hours, freelance writing can fit into a busy mom’s schedule. And with enough momentum, it can turn into a steady, even six-figure, income.
Your Freelance Writing Starter Pack
You don’t need much to begin. Here’s what you really need to get going:
- A list of services you offer (like blog writing, SEO content, etc.)
- Contracts to outline project terms (start with free templates online)
- Invoicing software (PayPal and Wave are great for beginners)
- Word processing tools (Google Docs is perfect and shareable)
- A professional email address
- Some kind of online presence (LinkedIn works; a simple website is even better)
- And the golden ticket: a writing portfolio
Building Your Portfolio from Scratch
Don’t worry if you don’t have published work yet. You can create sample blog posts for your own website or submit guest posts to others. Every published piece, even on a small blog, can be used as a “clip” to show future clients your writing skills.
Here’s how to start your writing portfolio:
- Start a personal blog and write sample articles.
- Pitch guest posts to blogs in your niche.
- Create a simple portfolio page to link your best work.
Finding Your First Clients
Now that you’ve got your tools ready, where do you find people to pay you to write?
1. Job Boards
Great for beginners, job boards list freelance gigs across niches. Some good ones to check out:
- ProBlogger Job Board
- FreelanceWriting.com
- BloggingPro
- All Indie Writers
While competition can be fierce, these listings give you insight into what’s out there and what clients are paying.
2. Tap into Your Network
Reach out to former colleagues, friends, or even family. Let them know you’re offering writing services and share a link to your portfolio. You’d be surprised how often someone knows someone looking for a writer.
Use a short email like this:
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re doing well! I’m starting a freelance writing business, specializing in [topic]. I’m reaching out to see if you or someone in your network might need a writer. I’d appreciate any referrals or introductions!
Best, [Your Name]
3. Online Research
Find freelance writers who already write in your niche and see which companies they work with. Then, research those companies, find their content or marketing managers, and pitch your services directly.
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Let’s be real: your first few gigs might pay $25 per article. But as your skills and client list grow, so does your rate. Sarah started there too—and now commands $1,000+ per article. Her journey took time: about four years of part-time work before going full-time and hitting six figures.
Even if you’re not aiming for full-time income, freelance writing can bring in a few hundred to several thousand dollars a month—ideal for stay-at-home moms who want to contribute financially without clocking in 9 to 5.
Bonus: Freelancing Helps Your Blog Too
If you run a personal blog, freelance writing helps in two huge ways:
- Skill Building – Working with editors teaches you to write better, faster, and more intentionally.
- Visibility – Many client sites allow you to link to your own blog in your author bio, which can drive traffic and improve SEO.
So, Can You Really Do This?
Absolutely.
Freelance writing isn’t just for English majors or full-time professionals. It’s for moms with a story to tell, skills to offer, and the drive to carve out something of their own.
If Sarah can do it with a toddler underfoot, so can you.
So take that leap. Start with one blog post, one pitch, one yes. Before you know it, you might just be the one telling a friend over coffee, “Guess what? I make $1,000 per article.”
Need a little more guidance? Sarah has put together a Freelance Writing Starter Kit with everything from a checklist to pitch templates. Click here to sign up and start your journey.
You’ve got this, mama. Your writing desk—and your future—are waiting.
