The Part-Time Path to Full-Time Freedom
· April 2nd, 2025 ·
Hey friend 👋,
I’ve been getting over a nasty stomach bug the last couple of days, so apologies for today’s newsletter coming out later than usual.
Being sick reminded me just how important it is to have a freelance writing setup that doesn’t completely fall apart if you need to take a few days off.
This week’s article is all about that.
Specifically, we’re diving into how you can build a sustainable, long-term income on part-time hours.
If you’ve ever wondered whether part-time freelancing can actually pay the bills (or at least cover your grocery tab), this one’s for you.
A part-time freelance writing gig isn’t for everyone. But if you aren’t ready to quit your day job, have other commitments (parenting, school, etc.), or don’t want to risk burnout, it can be fantastic.
Even if you’re pursuing freelancing full-time, this week’s tips can help you be more productive and make more money while spending less time at your desk.
Hope you enjoy!
Best,
🐦⬛ Cody – Founder @ Ravenwood Writing Academy
P.S. Are you a t-shirt fan? We’ve got some hot new merch on the way and I’ll be doing some fun giveaways soon. Keep an eye out for those!
🧛 Freelance Bites:
News and Resources in 2 Minutes
- Want to be more productive? Try these 7 tips for working more efficiently (Freelancer FAQs).
- Landing clients on LinkedIn doesn’t have to suck. Here are 10 steps to take right now to make your life easier (LinkedIn).
- ICYMI: A client I worked with for several years ditched me to create content with AI. Last week, they reached out to re-hire me, and now I’m charging them double. Here’s why… (Ravenwood Writing Academy Blog).
🧐 Your Questions, Answered
Have a question about freelance writing? Drop it in the form below and I’ll answer it in a future newsletter!
❓ Last Week’s Question: “I live with a chronic illness that affects my energy levels. How can I build a freelance writing business that’s consistent when I can’t always stick to a regular schedule?“
🐦⬛ Answer:
I totally hear you. One of the best things about freelancing is that it works around your life. However, building that kind of stability takes time. Be upfront with clients about response times and build in generous buffers for yourself in case you need to take a day off. Also start tracking (if you aren’t already) your energy patterns. Find the times that are better for you and block them off for work.
Above all, though, if you need rest, take it. Jorden Makelle is one of my favorite freelance writing coaches. She schedules “break days” on her calendar. No work. No thinking about work. They’re reserved for activities that refill and restore you. Adopting this strategy has been huge in helping me stay energized and avoid burning out.
📬 Letters From My Desk
How Part-Time Freelance Writers Can Build a Sustainable Income
Freelance writing can be anything you want it to be. A full-time career. A simple side hustle. Or a flexible part-time job that works around your schedule.
Unfortunately, most part-time writers never build a truly sustainable income.
Why?
Because they treat it like a hobby, not a business. They take random gigs, undercharge, and scramble for work every few months. It’s why so many writers burn out or quit before seeing real results.
If that’s been your experience, you aren’t alone.
Luckily, if you structure it right, a part-time writing business could be the key to unlocking exactly what you want in life. Supporting your family. Fueling your travel obsession. Adding income in retirement.
It’s not about working harder, but working smarter.
I’ve helped nearly 100 writers turn their gig-to-gig side hustle into a blossoming part-time business that provides steady, stress-free income. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do that.
Step 1: Stop Taking Random Gigs. Start Building a Niche
If you’re saying yes to everything, you’re saying no to stability.
Many freelancers think casting a wide net means more work. In reality, it leads to low-paying gigs, no clear authority, and constantly hunting for new clients.
Instead, you need to pick a niche.
You don’t have to be married to it forever. But choosing one or two industries or types of content to focus on will make you more valuable.
Today’s clients don’t want “just a writer.” They want a writer who understands their audience’s needs and the nuances of their industry.
If you don’t have a niche yet, start by:
- Looking at your background. Do you have past experience in tech, marketing, health, or finance? Use it.
- Follow the money. Some industries (B2B, SaaS, finance, healthcare, legal) pay $300-500 per article. Others barely hit $50.
- Start small. If you’re unsure, start testing pitches in 2-3 niches and see what sticks.
If you’re interested in more guidance, check out our free course “Niche to Rich” and walk away with your ideal niche in just one hour.
Step 2: Build a Reliable Client Pipeline
If your plan is to keep taking jobs that fall in your lap, or worse, finding them on Upwork or other job boards, the result won’t be pretty.
Relying on this method of landing clients creates feast or famine cycles. You get work, then nothing. You never know where the next payday is coming from.
For a side hustle, it can be good enough. For someone who wants a reliable part-time gig, it’s exhausting.
If you want the latter, focus on building a client pipeline that brings work to you more steadily. Start with these three avenues:
1️⃣ Use LinkedIn the Smart Way
Most people post their portfolio and… wait around. Successful writers engage. Follow decision-makers in your niche and learn their pain points. Leave insightful comments on their posts (like this killer strategy Anna shared). Post your own content that delivers value and demonstrates your expertise.
2️⃣ Use Warm Outreach (Not Cold Pitches)
Cold emails are easy to ignore. Warm outreach—where you engage first, then pitch—works better.
After a few interactions on LinkedIn or an industry forum, send your leads a message. This approach feels natural and less spammy. And it works.
3️⃣ Ask for Referrals
If you’ve done even one paid writing gig, you have a referral network. Reach out to your past clients and say, “Hey [Name], I loved working with you! If you know anyone looking for content, I’d really appreciate if you could connect us.”
Many opportunities come this way. Sometimes, all you need to do is ask.
Step 3: Price for Sustainability
Every time I see a part-time freelancer undercharging because they’re afraid of scaring clients away, I die a little inside. It’s an easy mistake to make. But what you think is getting you more clients may actually be costing you opportunities.
If your rates are too low, clients won’t take you seriously. Good news: pricing higher attracts better clients. Unlocking the psychology tricks behind pricing your work can set you up for long-term success.
Step 4: Structure Your Workload to Avoid Burnout
Another mistake many part-time freelancers make is trying to squeeze in work whenever they “find time.” Maybe you have kids and are working around their schedule. Maybe you’re battling a chronic health condition and only have so much energy for the day. Maybe you just don’t want to work 40 hours a week.
That’s a recipe for burnout. It also leads to rushed work, missed deadlines, and lots of stress.
That’s why I recommend what I like to call the “Core Client” strategy.
Instead of juggling 10 random clients at once or picking up one-off gigs, aim to find 2-3 core clients who provide steady work.
- What’s a core client? A company or publication that gives you regular assignments (weekly or monthly) at a regular rate.
- Why does this work? Less time spent hunting for new gigs = more time actually writing (and earning).
- How do you get them? Start by approaching your existing clients and offer them a custom package for set work (bundle discounts work great here).
Your Next Steps (Do This Now)
Learning is great, but action gets results. If you’re serious about turning freelance writing into a part-time job that provides steady income and freedom to do what you want without working 40 hours, do these three things this week.
✔️ Pick (or refine) your niche.
✔️ Reach out to ten potential clients using the warm outreach method.
✔️ Assess your rates and increase them if they’re too low.
Cody’s Top Picks
This is the part where I share some of the content I’ve been enjoying lately. Hope you enjoy!
(This section may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small percentage, which helps support this free newsletter at no extra cost to you.)
- 📖 I’m Reading… “Blood of the Chosen” by Django Wexler. I talked about book one of this series a few weeks back. Book two picked up right on pace and even started with a nice little recap (a godsend given that its been a few weeks since I finished the first one… I wish more writers did this!).
- 🎧 I’m Listening to… “Up From the Bottom” by Linkin Park. The latest single sounds like something out of the early 2000s and screams (literally) classic LP.
- 🌍 I’m Doing… Drinking so many electrolytes trying not to get dehydrated. Drip Drop is my favorite brand on the market. It tastes way better than some others I’ve tried and has all the hydration boost you can ask for. It’s been a lifesaver this week!
- 🧠 You Should Remember:
“Time is a gift that most of us take for granted.” — Cheryl Richardson, Author
Freelance Writing Job Openings
1️⃣ Sustainable Travel International is looking for freelance writers to explore the intersection of travel and environmental impact.
- 💲 Pay Rate: Undisclosed
- See the original job posting on Qwoted
- Apply by filling out the application form on Qwoted
2️⃣ Siege Media, a digital marketing and PR agency, is looking for a freelance content writer to join their team.
- 💲 Pay Rate: Undisclosed
- See the original job posting on RemoteJobs Ninja
- Apply by filling out the application and submitting your resume and a short cover letter, along with a portfolio.
3️⃣ Nicholas Miller of Dallas Writing Project is looking for a freelance resume writer to help manage excess volume.
- 💲 Pay Rate: $150-$350 per resume project
- See the original job posting on LinkedIn
- Apply by filling out the application on LinkedIn.
4️⃣ Hometown News is looking for freelance writers to contribute to its lineup of Treasure Coast and Brevard County (FL) newspapers. Coverage areas include entertainment, government, features, and sports.
5️⃣ Forbes Vetted is looking for a temporary newsletter editor from April 2025 through November 2025.
- 💲 Pay Rate: $80 per hour
- See the original job posting on Greenhouse
- Apply by filling out the application on Greenhouse.
6️⃣ Access 2 Insight is looking for a part-time freelance copywriter for email copy.
- 💲 Pay Rate: Undisclosed
- See the original job posting on Qwoted
- Apply by filling out the application on Qwoted.
