Best Sites To Find Beginner Writing Gigs (From Someone Who Started With Zero Clue)
I’ll be honest: when I first tried to find writing work, I looked like a raccoon who’d just discovered electricity.
I clicked every button, applied to jobs I wasn’t qualified for, and once accidentally pitched myself as a “freelance writher,” which sounds like someone who fights 🐍 snakes for money.
But eventually, after enough trial, error, and mild humiliation, I figured out the best sites to find beginner writing gigs — the ones that actually give new writers a shot instead of demanding a Pulitzer and a blood sample.
And because I had no idea what I was doing when I first tried to break into freelance writing, I’m sharing the list I wish someone had given me — the same one that helped me land my first paid gigs.
Let’s get into it.
Best Sites To Find Beginner Writing Gigs: My Actual Starter List
Below are the platforms where I personally found my first clients, my first $20 article, and my first “oh wow, someone is paying me to type” moment. These are the best sites to find beginner writing gigs because they don’t require a fancy portfolio, a degree, or the ability to write like a Victorian poet.
I’ll tell you what each site is, why it works for beginners, and what chaos to expect.
1. Upwork
Upwork was the first place I ever earned money writing. I charged $10 for a blog post, wrote it while eating cereal, and felt like I’d hacked capitalism.
Why it’s one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs:
- Clients actually hire beginners if you pitch well.
- Tons of small, low‑pressure jobs to practice on.
Watch out for:
People who want a 3,000‑word article for $5 and “unlimited revisions.” I once had a guy ask me to rewrite his entire website because “my cousin didn’t like the vibe.”
Best for:
New writers who want fast wins.
2. Fiverr
I used to think Fiverr was only for people selling “I will pretend to be your girlfriend on Instagram,” but it turns out it’s also one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs if you set up your profile right.
Why it works:
- You don’t pitch — clients come to you.
- You can offer simple services like product descriptions or short blog posts.
Watch out for:
Setting your prices too low. I once offered a $5 gig and someone ordered 12 of them in one day. I aged 10 years.
Best for:
Writers who like predictable tasks.
3. ProBlogger Job Board
ProBlogger feels more “professional,” but don’t let that scare you. I landed one of my first recurring clients here by writing a pitch that basically said, “I’m new, but I’m fast and I don’t disappear.”
Why it’s one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs:
- Real companies post here.
- Many are open to beginners with clean samples.
Watch out for:
Competition — but beginners still get hired.
Best for:
Blog writing and niche content.
4. Freelance Writing Jobs (FWJ)
FWJ is a curated list of writing jobs pulled from around the internet. I used to check it every morning like it was my horoscope.
Why it works:
- Saves time — everything is in one place.
- Lots of entry‑level listings.
Best for:
Writers who want variety.
5. LinkedIn Jobs
I know — LinkedIn feels like a digital networking event where everyone is pretending to love productivity. But it’s secretly one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs if you use filters like “entry level” and “contract.”
Why it works:
- Companies hire beginners for social media and blog roles.
- You can connect with hiring managers directly.
Best for:
People who don’t mind a little networking.
6. Indeed
I used to think Indeed was only for “real jobs,” but nope — it’s full of freelance writing gigs, including beginner‑friendly ones.
Why it works:
- Tons of remote writing listings.
- Many don’t require experience.
Best for:
Writers who want steady, ongoing work.
7. Medium Partner Program
Medium -This one is different — you get paid when people read your stories. I made my first $8 writing about how I once tried to fix my sink with a butter knife.
Why it’s one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs:
- No pitching.
- You can build an audience.
Best for:
Writers who want creative freedom.
8. Textbroker
Textbroker is where I learned how to write fast. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a reliable place to get paid while practicing.
Why it works:
- Instant assignments.
- No pitching required.
Watch out for:
Low rates at the beginning — but it’s great for skill‑building.
Best for:
Writers who want volume.
9. Scripted
Scripted is more selective, but once you’re in, the pay is solid.
Why it works:
- Higher‑paying clients.
- Good for building confidence.
Best for:
Writers ready to level up.
10. Reddit r/HireAWriter
Yes, Reddit. I once got paid $50 to write a product review for someone who said, “I hate writing more than I hate folding laundry.”
Why it’s one of the best sites to find beginner writing gigs:
- Super beginner‑friendly.
- Fast responses.
Watch out for:
Scammers — always ask for payment upfront or use PayPal Goods & Services.
Best for:
Quick, simple jobs.
11. Facebook Writing Groups
I found my first ghostwriting client in a Facebook group. I wrote her dog’s biography. It was surprisingly emotional.
Why it works:
- Tons of small business owners looking for help.
- Beginners get hired all the time.
Best for:
Writers who like casual, friendly clients.
12. Contena
Contena is paid, but it’s packed with high‑quality listings.
Why it works:
- Serious clients.
- Good for long‑term work.
Best for:
Writers who want to invest in their career.
Why These Are the Best Sites To Find Beginner Writing Gigs (According to My Mistakes)
When I started, I wasted weeks applying to jobs that required “5 years of experience” and “expert knowledge of blockchain, AI, and 17th‑century maritime law.”
These sites are different. They’re the best sites to find beginner writing gigs because:
- They don’t demand a huge portfolio.
- They let you learn while earning.
- They offer small, low‑pressure jobs.
- They help you build confidence fast.
I used these platforms to go from “I hope someone pays me $10” to “I’m charging real rates and not apologizing for it.”
How I Stood Out as a Beginner (So You Can Steal My Strategy)
Here’s what actually worked for me when I had no experience:
- I created a tiny 3‑sample portfolio.
- I wrote short, friendly pitches.
- I replied fast — clients love that.
- I didn’t pretend to be an expert.
- I proofread like my life depended on it.
This is also how I landed my first gig after digging through some easy online side jobs, which convinced me that writing was the least painful option.”
Extra Ways I Made Money While Learning to Write
While I was building my writing income, I also tried doing website‑testing gigs on the side — and honestly, it was weirdly fun. I once got paid to click around a site and say, ‘Your menu button is hiding from me.’”
These little side jobs helped me stay afloat while I built my writing skills.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Experience — You Need Momentum
If you’re overwhelmed, trust me — I’ve been there. I googled best sites to find beginner writing gigs so many times I’m surprised Google didn’t send help.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need experience.
You don’t need a perfect portfolio.
You just need to start.
Pick one site.
Apply to five gigs.
Send one pitch that sounds like a real human wrote it.
That’s it. You’re already ahead of 90% of beginners.
FAQ: Beginner Writing Gigs
Do I need experience to get beginner writing gigs?
Nope. I started with zero experience, zero confidence, and a portfolio that looked like a sad Word document. Clients hiring beginners mostly care that you can write clearly, follow instructions, and respond like a human being. That’s it.
How much do beginner writers usually earn?
When I started, I made anywhere from $10 to $30 per article. As you get faster and better, that jumps quickly. Most beginners earn between $15–$25 per hour in the early stages, then raise rates as they build samples and confidence.
How long does it take to land your first writing gig?
My first one took a week. Some people get hired the same day, others take a few weeks. It depends on how many pitches you send and which platforms you use. The more active you are, the faster it happens.
Should beginners niche down right away?
Honestly? No. I didn’t. I wrote about pets, cleaning hacks, productivity, and once even reviewed a blender I didn’t own. Try a few topics first. Once you see what you enjoy (and what pays), then niche down.
Which site is best for absolute beginners?
Upwork and Fiverr are the easiest places to get your first “yes.” They don’t require experience, and clients are used to hiring new writers. They’re not glamorous, but they work.
Do I need a portfolio before applying?
A tiny one. I started with three simple samples I wrote myself — no clients involved. You don’t need a fancy website. A Google Drive folder works perfectly.
Just make sure you don’t accidentally pitch yourself as a “freelance writher,” , (like I did) which sounds like someone who fights 
snakes for money.
How do I avoid scams when looking for writing gigs?
I learned this the hard way. Avoid anyone who:
- asks for free samples
- wants “unlimited revisions”
- refuses to pay upfront (especially on Reddit or Facebook)
- has a job description that feels like a riddle
If it smells weird, it is weird.
Can I get writing gigs without being a native English speaker?
Yes. Plenty of writers do. Just make sure your samples are clean, proofread, and easy to read. Clients care more about clarity than perfect idioms.
How many pitches should I send as a beginner?
My magic number was five per day. It keeps momentum going without burning you out. The more you pitch, the faster you get hired.
What kind of writing samples should beginners create?
Write samples that match the jobs you want. If you want blog writing gigs, create three short blog posts. If you want product descriptions, write a few fake ones. Clients just want proof you can do the thing.
This is exactly how I started building the kind of beginner writing samples that actually get you paid.”