Breaking into the freelance writing world can feel overwhelming. Where do you find clients? How do you build a portfolio? What rates should you charge? The good news is that several established platforms make this process much easier by connecting writers with people who need content.
As a new writer in 2025, you have more options than ever before. These freelance marketplaces handle the business side of things—contracts, payments, client communication—so you can focus on what you do best: writing great content.
Let’s explore the top seven freelance writing sites that are particularly friendly to beginners in 2025, examining what makes each one unique and how to make the most of their features.
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1. Upwork
Upwork remains the largest freelance marketplace in 2025, connecting writers with clients across every industry imaginable. Its size is both its greatest strength and challenge—there’s an abundance of work, but also plenty of competition. The platform uses a proposal-based system where you’ll apply to job postings with customized pitches.
As a new writer, you’ll start with limited “Connects” (the platform’s application currency), so you’ll want to be strategic about which jobs you apply for. To get you started on Upwork get this one-time bonus of 50 Connects once you purchase Connects or subscribe to the Freelancer Plus plan.
One standout feature for beginners is Upwork’s Contract-To-Hire program, which allows clients to test your skills on a short-term project before bringing you on for longer-term work. This can be an excellent way to build lasting client relationships.
Be aware that Upwork takes 10% of your earnings as a service fee (20% until you earn $500 with a client, then 10% until $10,000, and 5% beyond that). While this might seem steep, many writers find the platform’s payment protection and client access worth the investment.
For new writers, Upwork’s Rising Talent program can help you stand out even without extensive platform history. The key to success here is creating a stellar profile that showcases your writing skills and specific expertise areas.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr flips the traditional job application model on its head. Instead of sending proposals to client postings, you create “gigs” detailing the specific writing services you offer, and clients come to you.
This approach can be particularly good for beginners who feel intimidated by crafting dozens of personalized proposals. You set up your gig once, defining exactly what you offer—whether that’s blog posts, product descriptions, email newsletters, or any other writing service—and then focus on marketing your profile and delivering great work.
Fiverr takes 20% of each transaction, which is on the higher end of platform fees. However, the platform’s simplicity and the fact that clients come to you rather than you chasing them can make this worthwhile, especially when you’re just starting out.
The platform’s level system rewards consistent work and good reviews by promoting your gigs more prominently. Starting at New Seller and progressing through Level One, Level Two, and ultimately Top Rated Seller status gives you clear goals to work toward.
For maximum visibility as a new writer, create multiple gigs targeting different niches or writing formats, use all available portfolio slots, and consider offering promotional pricing on your first few projects to gather those all-important initial reviews.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com offers a bid-based system similar to Upwork but with some unique features that can benefit new writers. The platform hosts regular contests where clients post specific writing needs and freelancers submit completed work—only the winner gets paid, but it’s a way to potentially build your portfolio quickly.
The regular job marketplace works on a bidding system where you’ll propose your rate for specific projects. New writers should be strategic here—while it’s tempting to bid very low to get work, this sets a precedent that’s hard to break. Instead, focus on highlighting your specific skills and explaining your value, even if your rates are somewhat modest at first.
The platform charges a 10% fee or $5, whichever is greater, on fixed-price projects. For hourly projects, the fee is 10%. Like most freelance platforms, there’s a waiting period before funds are released, though Freelancer.com’s “milestone payment” system does offer some security.
One advantage for beginners is Freelancer.com’s exam system, which allows you to take skills tests to verify your abilities in different writing styles or topics. Strong scores can help you stand out even without extensive work history on the platform.
4. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is particularly popular with European clients but has a growing global presence. Like Fiverr, it allows you to create “Hourlies” (pre-packaged services), but also includes a proposal system for custom jobs.
This hybrid approach gives new writers flexibility—you can create packages for standard services while also applying for specific jobs that interest you. The proposal system is less competitive than some larger platforms, giving beginners a better chance to stand out.
Be aware that the platform charges freelancers a fee that can range from 3.5% to 20% of their earnings, with higher percentages applying to smaller projects. As you earn more with the same client, the percentage decreases, encouraging long-term relationships.
For new writers, PeoplePerHour’s CERT (Community of Expertise, Reputation and Trust) algorithm can help you become more visible as you complete projects successfully. The platform also offers a workstream feature that makes client communication straightforward and keeps all project details organized in one place.
5. Guru
Guru may not be as well-known as some other platforms, but it offers excellent conditions for beginning writers. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easier to navigate as you learn the freelancing ropes.
The platform uses a “WorkRoom” system where all project communications and deliverables are managed in one place, creating clear documentation and reducing misunderstandings. For new writers still figuring out client management, this structure is invaluable.
Freelancers can sign up for free and benefit from a job fee ranging from 5-9%, which is the lowest among popular freelance platforms. This fee structure means you keep more of what you earn, which is particularly important when you’re building your income in the early stages.
Guru’s “Quote” system allows you to respond to job postings with detailed proposals. While the platform has fewer writing jobs than giants like Upwork, the reduced competition can make it easier to land your first few clients.
For new writers, Guru’s portfolio showcases features and the ability to create multiple specialized profiles for different types of writing services can help you present yourself professionally even without extensive work history.
6. FlexJobs
FlexJobs takes a different approach from the bidding platforms. Instead of connecting freelancers and clients directly, FlexJobs researches and curates legitimate remote and flexible job opportunities, including freelance writing positions.
Unlike most platforms, FlexJobs charges freelancers a subscription fee (rather than a percentage of earnings) to access their job database. While paying to access job listings might seem counterintuitive, the quality of opportunities and absence of scams makes it worthwhile for many writers.
The writing jobs on FlexJobs tend to be more traditional employment relationships—ongoing contracts or part-time positions rather than one-off projects. For beginners looking for stable income while building their skills, this can be an advantage.
FlexJobs screens all listed positions, significantly reducing the time you might waste pursuing questionable opportunities or dealing with difficult clients. Their listings also include detailed company information and transparent pay ranges when available.
For new writers seeking legitimate opportunities without wading through the sometimes overwhelming options on bidding platforms, FlexJobs offers a more curated experience that many find worth the subscription cost.
7. Contently
Contently operates differently from most freelance platforms. Rather than open bidding, Contently maintains a talent network of pre-screened writers that they match with their enterprise clients.
The barrier to entry is higher—you’ll need to create a strong portfolio and apply to join their network—but the quality of opportunities and pay rates are significantly better than most freelance marketplaces. Rates commonly range from $0.25 to $2 per word, far above the penny-per-word projects often found on other platforms.
For new writers with some solid samples (even if from your own blog or unpaid work), Contently can provide access to premium clients and brand publications that would be difficult to reach otherwise. The platform handles all contracting and payment processing, typically paying within 30 days regardless of when the client pays them.
Once accepted, you don’t actively bid on projects—instead, Contently’s team matches you with appropriate opportunities based on your profile and expertise. This creates a more passive income stream that requires less time spent hunting for gigs.
While not the easiest platform for absolute beginners to break into, writers with some samples and specific industry knowledge can find Contently a refreshing alternative to the often race-to-the-bottom pricing of bidding platforms.
Final Thoughts for New Writers
As you explore these platforms in 2025, remember that they’re tools, not destinations. The most successful freelance writers typically start on platforms but eventually diversify their client sources, often moving toward direct relationships that bypass platform fees altogether.
Don’t limit yourself to just one site—each platform has different strengths and client bases. Many successful writers maintain profiles on multiple services, especially when starting out. This diversification helps maintain a steady workflow and reduces the impact if one platform changes its policies or algorithms.
For complete beginners, the best approach is often to:
- Create polished profiles on 2-3 platforms that seem most aligned with your goals
- Develop 3-5 strong samples in your intended niche (even if self-assigned)
- Start with a few lower-priced projects to build reviews and platform reputation
- Gradually increase your rates as your profile strengthens
- Focus on delivering exceptional work to encourage repeat business
Remember that freelance writing success rarely happens overnight. The writers who thrive approach these platforms strategically, focusing on building relationships rather than just completing transactions. With persistence and quality work, you can use these platforms as stepping stones to a sustainable writing career in 2025 and beyond.