Yes You Can Build a Freelance Writing Career with Online Magazines

by Heather M. Jones

When a degenerative spine condition prevented me from continuing to work in child care, an editor and writer friend of mine suggested I allow her to put me in touch with the editor of an online parenting publication.

I had written for my own satisfaction since childhood, but I had never written professionally.

I nervously wrote and sent a personal essay to the editor. As soon as I saw my name in a byline, I was hooked. I knew this is what I wanted to be doing.

I continued writing for this publication, and its sister sites, for about a year, and then I started pitching other publications and writing freelance. Everything snowballed from there.

The Only Brand I Have is Authenticity

I write in a variety of styles and formats, and cover a wide range of topics—but I tend to gravitate towards personal essays over reported pieces. I enjoy the opportunity to share my own stories, and voice my opinions on what I see in the world.

I would say I have three niches. I often cover parenting topics, both my own experiences as a parent and parenting in general. I frequently write humour pieces, which is always a fun break. I also write a lot of advocacy pieces, promoting better representation, denouncing bigotry, discussing body image, mental health, vaccines, and really anything else about which I feel strongly.

Whenever I am asked about whether or not I have a “brand,” I say that the only brand I have is authenticity.

The tone, voice, style, and subjects of my work varies so widely between articles—but what always stays consistent is that I mean every word I say. Sometimes it’s poignant, sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s brutally blunt, but it’s always genuine.

Freelance Writing Requires Constantly Reaching Out and Networking

I’ve been fortunate enough to foster relationships with editors at several online publications who have allowed me to write for them regularly. This my favourite way to work.

With these editors, I have both a working relationship and a friendship. Instead of sending comprehensive pitches one at a time, I can send a quick email outlining a few ideas I have, and they let me know whether or not they are interested.

But freelance writing requires constantly reaching out and networking. A regular gig can change quickly in the publishing world, and you can’t count on staying with one or two places for long periods.

For this reason, while I am writing for these regular places, I pitch as many other publications as I can. I either respond to calls for pitches, or I will cold pitch an editor if I have an idea that I think will work for them.

A well-crafted pitch is paramount. This is something that took a while for me to master with practice, and I am constantly refining the pitching process.

Every Writer Uses Social Media Differently

Social media is also an important tool. I have a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and an Instagram account devoted to my writing, and I use them all differently.

I post mostly funny memes on Instagram without much engagement. I connect with readers on Facebook, and share my articles, memes, and sometimes some short article-like posts. On Twitter, I engage with editors and fellow writers.

Every writer uses social media differently, and finds which space works best for them.

The More I Pitch, the More I Write

The only work I get paid for is freelance article writing.

I don’t do contracted promotion, or have a personal blog that I have monetized.

The pay for each article can vary by hundreds of dollars each. Before I pitch a publication, I research what they typically pay, and decide if it is enough to give them my time and talent.

Landing assignments is largely a numbers game for me. The more I pitch, the more I write.

I Wish I Had Created My Website Earlier

When I first started writing, other authors told me to make a website. I didn’t think that was necessary, and avoided doing so until I was much more established and had many bylines under my belt.

Once I finally relented and made one, I saw its usefulness and importance. I wish I had made one earlier.

On my website, I include an overall statement on what I’m about, as well as a longer bio on a dedicated page. I have a slideshow to showcase my most recent work, a section highlighting some of my favourite pieces, and another page with a bigger sampling of some of my work. There is a section listing (using thumbnails) the places I have bylines, and a contact page that links to my email and my social media.

When I pitch, instead of having to rehash all of this info, I simply give a brief summary and link to my website for further information if editors are interested in seeing more.

It’s incredibly valuable to have a user-friendly website that really gives an idea of who you are and what you’re about.

Advice for a Young Writer: Refuse to Work for Free

I would encourage new writers to refuse to work for free unless there is a very compelling reason.

Your time and your efforts are worth compensation, and there are a lot of publications out there who will take advantage of novice writers who are excited to see their work published in any capacity.

It’s important to note also that making a living wage by freelance article writing is difficult. Most freelance writers I know have income coming in from another source as well, be that from a full or part-time job, business writing such as copy writing or in-house work for corporations, or even having a spouse or partner who earns enough money to cover the gap.

This is true even of the very successful ones. Not making enough money to live on is not an indication that you aren’t “making it” as a writer.

I would also tell new writers that rejection is part of the job, not a personal slight. For every article I write, there is a pile of rejections or non-replies. If one place doesn’t feel the article is a fit, try someone else. It’s difficult to not take rejection to heart, but it really is just part of the process and every single writer experiences it frequently.

It’s never too late to start writing. You don’t need to be young to begin this journey.

I was thirty-six when I started, and I can list multiple writers who were even decades older when they began. If anything, life experience gives you more to write about, and a wider perspective.

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Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer in Toronto. She is a regular writer for “Yummy Mummy Club,” “Savvy Mom,” and “Filter Free Parents.”

Her work has been featured by the CBC, Huffington Post, Bustle, Ravishly, Romper, and many other online publications.

To see her work, you can visit her website at or check in with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.