How Much Does It Cost To Start A Freelance Writing Business? (In 2024)
Looking to start a freelance writing business?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start a freelance writing business?
- what are the typical freelance writing business startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting freelance writing businesses?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real freelance writing businesses and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
What is the average cost of starting a freelance writing business?
Based on our data reported by actual freelance writing business founders, the average cost of starting a freelance writing business is between $35 and $1,500,000.
Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a freelance writing business are around $500.
Remember, though, not all freelance writing businesses are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of freelance writing businesses
Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a freelance writing business?
We asked real freelance writing business founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?
Here is what they said:
Matt Rudntsky
Founder of Platypus Publishing ($320K/month)
"I built my online course on Teachable, because it’s the lowest-friction creation experience, without sacrificing quality. That’s my ethos: Minimize friction to create, maximize the quality of the content (while still looking “professional,” which is especially important when self-publishing). I’ve made one huge mistake over the past five years: Thinking that business is a competition, not a collaboration. I always looked at fellow entrepreneurs and thought we couldn’t help each other."
Matt Rudnitsky is the founder of Platypus Publishing, a book publishing business that also offers ghostwriting and online courses for aspiring authors.
David Tile
Founder of Article-Writing Co ($125K/month)
"I had my own specific mechanics that I thought would make the game a lot more fair for the average consumer. But alas, 6-8 months later, after burning through thousands of dollars trying to get the technology right, I was absolutely nowhere."
David Tile is the founder of Article-Writing.co, a Content Writing Service that operates under the banner of providing high-quality writing and project management services to various marketing agencies.
Arlie Peyton
Founder of Writing Income Accelerator ($10K/month)
"In the beginning, I wasn’t worried about making money because I was just figuring things out. I had to build a solid track record too. And since there were zero start-up fees, I was profitable from day one."
Arlie Peyton is the founder of [Writing Income Accelerator], a freelance writing program that teaches intermediate-level writers how to command high fees for their articles.
Deja Tyla Hansen
Founder of Tyla's Writing Services ($700/month)
"With my initial startup costs, I bit the bullet and paid for those myself. Luckily, within a couple of weeks, I was able to make up all of my money back."
Tyla is the founder of Tyla’s Writing Services, a professional writing service that offers resumes, cover letters, transcription, and more.
Jorden Makelle
Founder of Writing Revolt ($25K/month)
"Being an online course, the production costs were very minimal. My biggest 'cost' was the time and effort I spent creating the course and building up my blog beforehand, which was several months."
Jorden Makelle is the founder of Writing Revolt, a blog and YouTube channel that helps freelance writers learn how to make money online.
Harshala Chavan
Founder of Merrative ($2K/month)
"The total cost of operating Merrative comes around USD 1,000/- per year + variable costs of hiring freelancers or interns."
Harshala Chavan is the founder of Merrative, a community-led marketplace for the publishing industry that connects brands, creators, and publishers with top publishing talent.
Laura Mikkelsen
Founder of Publishing Services ($72K/month)
“Everything I did at that stage was very low-budget. I was using Rasmus’ site, and I simply asked customers to send their manuscripts to my email address for me to write their descriptions. I would work at home or out on the beach – I certainly wasn’t your classic power-suited entrepreneur. *I already had a captive audience – Rasmus and Christian’s students were looking for exactly the product I was selling.”
Laura Mikkelsen is the founder of Publishing Services, a publishing support business that started in 2019 and now averages $72,000 per month.
Julmar Grace Locsin
Founder of FVA Business Consultancy ($1K/month)
"Because my husband and I have been freelancers for over ten years, we have saved for the capital of FVA."
Julmar Grace Locsin is the founder of Filipino Virtual Assistance, a business that offers training, coaching, and consulting services aimed at empowering freelancers and businesses globally.
Vaibhav Kishnani
Founder of Content-Whale Private Limited ($62.5K/month)
"I started this content agency with a mere sum of Rs. 2,500."
Vaibhav Kishnani is the founder of Content-Whale, a content curation business that started in 2017 and has since reached significant milestones.
Enjoyed reading these real world examples?
Our platform is full of case studies of successful freelance writing businesses that you can learn from.
Starting a freelance writing business - what you should know:
Understanding the financial landscape of starting a freelance writing business can help you minimize costs and plan effectively.
Equipment Costs
At a minimum, you will need a reliable computer and internet connection. A decent laptop costs around $500-$1,000, while a high-speed internet plan can range from $50 to $100 per month. If you already own a computer, you can bypass this initial expense, making your starting costs cheaper.
Software and Tools
You may need writing software such as Microsoft Word or a subscription to tools like Grammarly. Microsoft Office 365 costs approximately $69.99 per year, while Grammarly Premium costs $139.95 annually. These tools are essential for producing high-quality content and ensuring it’s free of errors. If you're looking to save, Google Docs is a free alternative to Microsoft Word.
Marketing and Networking
Building your brand might involve creating a website, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 annually for domain registration and hosting. Additionally, investing in business cards or promotional materials could cost another $50-$100. Social media platforms are usually free but consider budgeting for paid promotions, which might range from $20 to $100 per month, depending on your target audience.
Ongoing Education
Staying updated with industry trends is crucial. Online courses and webinars range from free to $200 per course. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer free courses or subscription models costing roughly $20-$30 per month. Investing in continuous learning can enhance your skills and potentially raise your earning capacity.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Don't forget about potential legal costs, such as registering your business or obtaining a business license, which can range from $50 to $500 depending on your location. Accounting software like QuickBooks may cost around $25 per month, but can save you time and money on managing your finances.
By being mindful of these costs and planning accordingly, you can set yourself up for a successful and financially manageable freelance writing business.
Potential Costs of Starting a Freelance Writing Business
Starting a freelance writing business involves various upfront and ongoing expenses, ranging from essential tools to additional services that can enhance productivity and professionalism. Below is a detailed breakdown of the potential costs:
| Expense Category | Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Computer/Laptop | $500 - $2,000 | A reliable computer is crucial for writing, research, and managing tasks. |
| High-Speed Internet | $50 - $100/month | Fast and reliable internet connection to handle research and communication. | |
| Software (Word Processor, etc.) | $0 - $150/year | Options range from free tools like Google Docs to Microsoft Office Suite. | |
| Backup Storage (External HDD/Cloud) | $50 - $100/year | Essential for data security and storage. | |
| Antivirus Software | $30 - $100/year | Protects against malware and viruses. | |
| Web Presence | Domain Name | $10 - $20/year | Your professional website's address. |
| Web Hosting | $50 - $150/year | Charges for hosting your professional website. | |
| Website Design (initial setup) | $500 - $1,500 (one-time) | Cost for custom website design; can be lower with DIY website builders. | |
| Ongoing Website Maintenance | $50 - $200/month | Regular updates and backups. | |
| Marketing & Branding | Logo Design | $50 - $300 (one-time) | Professional logo for branding. |
| Business Cards | $20 - $100 | Physical cards for networking. | |
| Online Marketing Tools | $10 - $100/month | Email marketing, social media scheduling tools, etc. | |
| Advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) | $50 - $500/month | Online advertising to attract clients. | |
| Professional Services | Accounting Software | $100 - $300/year | Software like QuickBooks for managing finances. |
| Legal Fees | $200 - $1,000 (one-time) | For setting up business contracts, LLC formation, etc. | |
| Professional Memberships | $50 - $200/year | Membership in writing or freelancer organizations. | |
| Work Environment | Office Supplies | $20 - $100 | Basic supplies like notebooks, pens, etc. |
| Ergonomic Chair/Desk | $150 - $500 | Comfortable and healthy working setup. | |
| Professional Development | Courses/Workshops/Books | $50 - $500/year | Investing in continuous skill improvement. |
| Conference & Networking Events | $100 - $1,000/year | Costs associated with attending industry events. |
Make sure to carefully plan your budget to cover these initial and ongoing expenses to set a strong foundation for your freelance writing business.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
