How I Penetrated the International Freelance Writing Industry
At the age of 21, I can’t imagine I am able to earn just by doing one thing I love – writing.
I have never even imagined I would be writing for a living – even when I was still studying in the university, or when I was doing my internship in Europe.
But how did I come across the world of freelance writing?
I admit, working with Essays.ph (see post here) really shaped who I am now. Writing for them taught me simple SEO techniques, and the flexibility that I should have as a writer. Writing from HDTVs to Finance is a great leap, but Essays.ph trained me for that. And no, I’m sorry. Essays.ph is not a scam and they did not pay me to write this blog. I just love that community. I still write for them whenever I have extra time. 
Over the past couple of months, I have been getting freelance writing jobs not only in the Philippines but also from the US, Thailand and Singapore.
A lot of people were asking me how I did it. I’m currently making the same amount of (or sometimes even more) money as that of somebody in a typical office. And yes, I only stay at home and pay the electricity and Internet bills. My only enemies are my bed, my piano, my guitar and my pets.
Like the Filipino Writer who relayed how he broke into the world of International Freelance Writing, I also have my own story.
Searching in Google was my first step. Then I stumbled upon Craigslist Manila, which was absolutely heaven for me. Seeing those dollar signs beside the salary expectations made me think, ‘Hey, I could make money out of writing.’
I was then ready to take on the International Freelance Writing Scene.
I scoured, sent query e-mails, wrote samples, waited for replies…and everything. Yes, sometimes they DO NOT answer (probably because they think you aren’t qualified). As what I’ve written some things that you SHOULDN’T BE AFRAID OF (here) if ever you finally decide on writing at home.
At one point, I was even scammed by some stupid guy from GetAFreelancer.com – that was worth $37.50. I thought that I’ll just charge it to experience..$37.50 won’t get him richer, anyways. (He pointed me to THIS website when I asked for the URL of the site where my articles would be placed.) However, I didn’t see my articles published there. I’d have to check soon.
I got my big break when some man I wrote to from Craigslist wanted me to write a paid sample for him – it was a 400-word article for web content. I wrote it at around 3am, PH time, then sent it one hour after we talked. He was pleased. He gave me 10 more articles to write for the week…which was increased after some days to 33 articles/week, and even went to as much as 48 articles per week. That was worth $$$. My Paypal account went boom. I was ecstatic. My mom was in awe.
I was shocked. Really. I was happy.
I didn’t know that a little effort goes a long way.
A little sample article could go a long way.
After that big break, I considered searching for companies looking for freelance writers. I signed up, emailed, queried once again to these companies…and now, I am a member of a couple of pools of writers for multinational companies all over the world. I’m also a constant contributor for FrostClick, which provides 100% legal downloads for FrostWire.
So now that I can say I know the freelance writing industry fairly well, I want to share things I’ve done to help other young people like me to earn their own money and not just to Facebook all day long or to play DoTA all night.
Yes, I am a gamer, too.
I hope through these simple things, you’d be able to discover your love for writing, and make the most out of it! With the continuous development of freelance writing in the Philippines, and more and more jobs posted for freelance writers in the Philippines, you have a whole world to conquer – you have the whole international freelance industry to work for.
I mean, if I did it, so can you!
14 comments
Nice Kristine! I was amazed with your story and I think you deserved two thumbs up. I want to work at home too, I am pregnant and really have to stay at home until I give birth.
I am not sure if I can make it as a freelance writer. I am not really good in English, I admit. Hehehe.. right now, I am focusing with the PTC sites. I know the income is too little and it is not a "quick-get-rich" program for me to expect higher earnings.
Anyway, congrats!
Hi Jaque!
Thanks for that! You can always try to be a freelance writer – there is no harm in trying!:) And besides, there are editors who'd edit your works and tell you as to which things you have to improve. You've got nothing to lose, anyway!
Yes, I agree. I was also using PTC sites, but got tired of them in the long run. You could always try freelancing, anyway
Thanks, and I hope you keep on reading!
wow, very good info my frind, I have an online money making site where I gather some writting ideas too, it is awsome what you write. I think I might add a link to your site to it. http://easyonlinemoney2.blogspot.com
Yes, freelance writing is a good job, especially if you want to stay at home.
Muchas gracias, mi amiga.
You're an awesome writer! Interesting start. When I was your age online freelance jobs and websites aren't around.
Yeah, I think technology has some pros and cons, indeed
My friend mentioned essays.ph last week but my hands are full these days. I might give it a go some other time
Great post Kristine! So inspiring
Iris
Essays.ph is open anytime, Iris
Thanks for reading
i am really thinking of working as a freelance writer and your story really inspired me! im currently working as a content writer here in bicol and unfortunately, im not really satisfied of the pay..some of my colleagues already started in freelance writing and i admit im quite envious of them.. thanks for all the tips
Hi Sid!
Don’t be scared – there’s no harm in trying AND succeeding
always keep that in your mind 
Hi Kristine,
I stumbled on your blog! I honestly admire you because you realize what you want to do in life at an early stage.
I knew that I wanted to be a writer however faith interferred and things in my life were decided based on pragmatic rationale.
Anyway, early last year I decided to seriously pursue my writing dream and guess what, I started too in Essays.ph. My experience with them taught me the basic of freelance writing. Great!
Anyway, just sharing and wishing you more success in your writing careers..
Cheers
Wow!
That is so nice, Cyra !:) Like you, I’ve had my share of being an expat :p (although not officially) but I guess our love for writing won’t falter…
(I bought one when I went to Egypt – it’s now here in the PH! Weeee!)
And like you, I am also a shisha sucker
Thanks for dropping by my blog. It means so much
Cheers!
LOL! As much as I wanted to have my own shisha, I don’t know how to put it all together.. hahahhaha…
I like mint and apple..hahahah
It’s quite easy!!!
banana is nice too ;P
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