Digital Nomad Job #9: Become A Freelancer Writer & Editor

When most people think of a digital nomad job, their minds jump straight to laptops on the beach or remote tech gigs. But the truth is, there are so many different ways to work while traveling. It doesn’t always have to look like Instagram makes it seem.

Freelance writing is one of those jobs that has been around forever. And for good reason. It’s flexible, creative, and allows you to work from literally anywhere (as long as you’ve got WiFi). Today, we’re hearing from Nina Clapperton: a freelance writer, editor, and travel blogger. Who built her business after not landing a “traditional” job right out of university.

This is her story. Let’s dive in! 

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Meet Nina Clapperton

How She Got Started:

Nina didn’t set out to become a freelance writer. In fact, she was planning on going to law school. But after applying to nearly 200 jobs (and getting rejected from all of them — even a pyramid scheme), she realized it was time to get creative.

Without savings but with a desire to travel, she turned to freelancing platforms like UpWork and Fiverr to pick up her first writing gigs. What started as a temporary solution quickly turned into a full-time career.

Today, Nina runs her travel blog Nina Out and About and writes for a variety of clients. Even a law firm (ironic, right?).

Digital Nomad Job #9:

Interview With Freelancer Writer & Editor, Nina Clapperton

Summary of what your job entails

As a freelance writer and editor, I mostly work with clients on any copy they need for their business. I also run my own travel blog, Nina Out and About, where I share travel tips and destination guides. My work is fully remote, which gives me the freedom to create my own schedule and work from anywhere.

What’s a typical day like for you while working and traveling?

I’m a pretty regimented person. Although I can make my own schedule, I tend to stick to a traditional one.

I wake up a 5 or 6, work out, eat breakfast. I usually start working by 8 or 9 am.

The nice thing about my job, especially running my own travel blog, is that “work” days can look really different. Some days, I’m doing content creation trips to the beach for photos or inspiration, others I’m touring castles for a sponsored post, and sometimes I’m lying in bed editing photos for Instagram.

I always take a lot of breaks during my day. I need a lot of food so usually they’re snack breaks coupled with a chapter of a book, some yoga, or a walk. And I nap almost every day. I’m so active that I burn through my energy really quickly. A nice afternoon power nap really keeps me going.

Sometimes I take half days or shift my days off to weekdays just for the hell of it. I prefer to travel or do outings when there are less people, so Wednesdays can be a much nicer “weekend” than a Sunday for me.

I typically work 5-6 days a week. I try not to exceed 40 hours for the sake of my mental health. I have a bad habit of overworking and never stopping (even to go to bed). My schedule for 9-4 (not 5) helps me keep work in work hours. If I work 6 days, it’s usually because I’ve shortened my other days or had some extenuating circumstances – like a tight deadline.

For the most part, my clients don’t care when I work or want to call beyond initial meetings, so I have no set schedule to stick to for other people. The only person I have to answer to is myself on a day to day level.

Best thing you love about your job + the lifestyle

I love the location freedom. I’ve always had itchy feet ever since I was a kid. I can’t stay in one place for very long.

At 16, I moved to Europe by myself. By 24, I’d lived in three continents in over a dozen cities.

Getting to do my own things and listen to my body really works for me. When I’ve worked in offices, I found them super draining. If I had an anxious day or hadn’t slept well, I was stuck. Now I can add in more fitness during the day, take a nap, or schedule a therapy call no problem.

And I can it from a hammock in the Spanish mountains – what could be better?

Least thing you like about your job + the lifestyle

There’s a lot of hustling.

It took me a year before I was making decent money. Even then, I was technically working three jobs.

Now, I’m down to two – freelancer and travel blogger – that luckily coincide nicely. But it’s really difficult to make a solid living without long-term, big clients who take a while to come by.

I hated the period of people offering $5 for me to ghost write their full novel or wanting me to edit their online dating emails for “the exposure”.

Once you work through it and get some larger sources of income that are reliable – like the freelance work I do writing copy for a law firm – you feel so much more stable.

How much do you earn?

I think this varies a ton. For me, it’s varied even year to year.

I typically charge $25 an hour for my services. But a lot of my freelance work has been done on fixed rates, where I’ve tried to estimate $0.10/word on the project.

Sometimes I do work in exchange for a free stay somewhere or free tour for my travel blog, especially because it gives me a free place to stay while I do my other work.

If that’s the case, the experience must be worth over $250 since that’s what I charge for a sponsored post on my website.

I think it’s really important to stick to your guns on your rates. People try to undercut creatives, especially digital nomads who they feel don’t need money to live for some reason (we still have expenses, y’all!).

What qualifications did you need to get in order to do this career?

I have a double BA in English and Creative Writing, and an MA in Publishing Media. I’ve done a number of additional certifications, such as additional writing courses and proofreading competency exam.

Mostly, you don’t need anything to get into freelance writing. I’ve seen people come straight out of high school and succeed because they have the contacts and the business acumen.

I recommend getting some sort of English or Creative Writing degree to show your skills. Then you can do some online proficiency tests to help you out.

You can raise your rates a lot by taking an SEO certification course or an official proofreading exam.

Advice to those who are looking to pursue this field?

The most important thing to have is a portfolio. I started working for cheap to gather some examples of my work. You don’t necessarily have to do this, but I wanted to have a portfolio quickly.

Show your new clients your previous work so they understand your abilities.

And always go for paying gigs. You are worth their money. If they can’t afford to pay you properly, then they can’t afford to have that work done.

Best tips on how to be successful?

I like to separate work from pleasure. This means literally dividing my work from my regular time.

I got to coffee shops, beaches, etc. to work in an area that isn’t my rest space. It also means I can stay in hostels without resenting everyone around me for distractions while I work.

Co working spaces are great for this, but if you’re on a budget, museums or parks are free (or at least it’s a free add on to your museum ticket).

Also always have data! I’ve gotten into a number of situations where the wifi turned out to be awful (especially in New Zealand) and my deadline was a few hours away, but I couldn’t send the items.

Data (and Starbucks a time or two) really saved me and let me get my work done.

Did you face any criticism getting started?

My dad absolutely hates that I work this way. He sees Freelance work as a part of the gig economy and thinks I’m just bumming around Europe without a causee. He doesn’t understand how I turned down a full scholarship to law school to make far less.

But he also doesn’t see how happy I am day to day. I basically stopped talking to him about my job and forced him to talk about feelings/life instead. That helped him see that what I’m doing is pretty cool. He still doesn’t think it’s a job, but I’m ok with that.

I created this test to help keep me on track. Back when I got my scholarship to law school, I had gotten a chocolate chip cookie from Starbucks. I was more excited about that terrible (no offense Starbucks, but your cookies aren’t the best thing you do) cookie than I was about getting in.

A year later, I did the same test when I got into my masters for publishing. The cookie paled in comparison – even though I’d be paying thousands in tuition. I like to check in every now and then. If the cookie is better than whatever is happening in my life, then clearly I need to change my life. So far, the cookie hasn’t been sweeter than being a digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Job #7

Additional Goodies

What’s your favorite quote?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

I read it online and it really spoke to me. I’d never thank past Nina for settling for a boring office job. Or for doing what made her parents happy.

But I thank her so much for taking the leap to leave her life behind and head to Europe, for buying that $200 plane ticket to New Zealand on a whim, and to valuing happiness over traditional paths.

Your best travel tip or budget travel tip

Carry your student ID long after you’re a student!

Most places in Europe won’t check expiry dates (mine doesn’t even have one). I used my undergraduate ID for two years across Europe to get discounted tickets and some cool deals that helped me travel further.

Digital Nomad Job #9:

Extra Resources

If freelance writing sounds like a career path you’d like to explore, here’s everything you’ll need to know to get started. Freelance writing can be a great option if you love writing, want flexibility in your schedule, and are willing to put in the work to build a client base. Below you’ll find where to look for freelance jobs, helpful platforms to get started, and a few podcasts to keep you inspired along the way.

Certification or Licensure

The short answer: nope.

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible remote jobs out there because you don’t need a specific degree or certification to get started. If you enjoy writing, have strong communication skills, and can meet deadlines — you’re already off to a good start.

That being said, there are tons of free (or affordable) online resources to sharpen your skills if you want to learn more about SEO writing, blogging, content marketing, or copywriting.

A few popular platforms for online courses:

• Skillshare
• Udemy
• Coursera
• Copyhackers (specific to copywriting)

Companies to apply with:

There are tons of places to look for freelance writing gigs. Especially when you’re just getting started. These platforms are beginner-friendly and have new listings daily.

• Upwork — A popular freelancing platform for beginners. Clients post jobs and you send proposals.

• Fiverr — Great for creating writing packages (blog posts, web copy, product descriptions, etc.) and having clients come to you.

• ProBlogger Job Board — A niche job board specifically for freelance writers.

• Freelance Writing Jobs — A free site that aggregates writing jobs from all over the internet.

• FB Groups — These are my favorite for all type of things, especially looking for jobs. Here I’ve linked one for example.

Podcasts:

If you want to learn more about building a freelance writing career or content creation while getting inspired by people who’ve done it, here are a few podcasts worth checking out:

• The Writer’s Co-op — A podcast for freelancers about the business side of writing.
• Freelance Writing Coach — Tips on pitching, pricing, and building your writing career from experienced freelancers.
• Content is Profit — A podcast that dives into content creation, online marketing, and growing your brand.

Final Thoughts from Nina

Nina’s story is a reminder that sometimes an unconventional path ends up being the best one. What started as a temporary solution while job hunting turned into a full-time freelance writing career that allows her to work from anywhere. She’s built a routine that works for her: mixing client work, blog writing, and travel. All while having the flexibility to take breaks, nap when needed, and enjoy quieter travel days during the week. It’s not always glamorous or easy, but it’s proof that a remote lifestyle is possible if you’re determined.

Digital Nomad Job #6:

Summed Up As A Freelancer Writer & Editor

If you’re looking for a way to work remotely, write creatively, and have the freedom to travel at your own pace then freelance writing might just be your thing.

It’s not always glamorous, and it definitely takes patience and persistence to build up clients, but it’s proof that the “digital nomad” lifestyle can look however you want it to.

And if you’re someone who enjoys writing, storytelling, or helping brands communicate better, this could be your sign to start.

If you’re interested in keeping up with Nina, you can check out her instagram here or visit her travel blog.

Stay tuned for more digital nomad job interviews as I release them, which you can catch here on my blog.

xx, christine

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