Comments on: How to Start Your Freelance Writing Business: The Costs

By: Daniel Brantley

Daniel Brantley — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:41:39 +0000

I definitely started on the cheap. An old computer, FREE dial-up. Then the CPU died and I had to grab a new one spur of the moment to get a project to a client.

Good times. If you have a computer and Internet access, there should be no start-up fees. That is, unless you insist on printing off your stories to edit them.

By: Financial Tips for Startup | LM2 Freelance

Financial Tips for Startup | LM2 Freelance — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:06:03 +0000

[...] The Costs at Writing Journey [...]

By: lornadoone

lornadoone — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:35:39 +0000

Bob,

I think you came to the same conclusion that both we and the Pen Men came to: you can start a freelance business on the cheap, but it’s going to be a lot harder.

So, what are the real costs of starting a freelance writing business? I can honestly say I’d put them somewhere between $0 and $20,000.

Exactly!

By: Tao - Starlit Citadel

Tao - Starlit Citadel — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:34:23 +0000

Mmm, having set up my own e-commerce business last year, and having done some basic consulting with others, I can say that the range is true for most online businesses. Admitedly, if it’s online (i.e. needing a website); you’re likely looking at a few more dollars for the domain fee but not much.

By: Monica

Monica — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:21:29 +0000

@Kathryn – Dial up? You are hard core.

@Zoe – I think you’ve summed up the major points about getting started. “Pitching and networking”, “researching markets”, “talking to editors”, and (I’m reading between the lines here), it takes a lot of time and effort before you get going.

By: Links: 2008-11-14 | Meryl.net

Links: 2008-11-14 | Meryl.net — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:07:46 +0000

[...] How to Start Your Freelance Writing Business: The Costs. [...]

By: Zoe

Zoe — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:29:41 +0000

Hey Monica – it was a long journey!
I was lucky in that my first couple of commissions were well paid (I’ve since realised how well paid) and I got them through pitching and networking. I did a lot of work talking to editors, researching markets etc. before I got going.
Oh, and everything I bought was second hand btw

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:29:27 +0000

I started my freelance writing career with no investment AND on dial up. As I began to make money, I invested in my business. Eventually I built up enough income to upgrade to cable (that was a HAPPY day). It is possible to start up a business without any investment other than sweat equity! Kathryns last blog post..Freelance Writers Need to Procrastinate

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:23:49 +0000

I’m in the cashless camp. I think I had £2,000 saved just to get me by for a couple months. But I already had a laptop, internet connection, and will of STEEL.

Zoe, wherever did you land this high-paying gigs?!

Monicas last blog post..Twitter: How Embracing The Mundane Could Be A Boon To Your Writing Business

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:51:58 +0000

Thanks, I think. I've realized that I'll need to put out the blood, sweat, and tears because I certainly don't have the cash. But you gave a very fair assessment of what it takes to get started. Marys last blog post..How Do I Start a Freelance Writing Career?

By: Zoe

Zoe — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:26:41 +0000

Good points.
When I started out as a freelance writer, like you, I didn’t have any money to invest and my first couple of commissions paid for a new PC and printer! If I was starting out again, I’d put some money in first – it would be so much less stressful, but you can do it either way.