{ "batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_upwork_connects_cost_and_refunds", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Upwork: Connects needed to submit proposals", "summary": "Upwork Connects cost $0.15 (USD) each and are sold in bundles, buying them requires a verified billing method, and the number of Connects needed to submit a proposal varies by job and can change while the job is posted.", "body": "Upwork Connects cost $0.15 (USD) each and are sold in bundles, buying them requires a verified billing method, and the number of Connects needed to submit a proposal varies by job and can change while the job is posted.\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“Connects cost $0.15 (USD) each and are sold in bundles. To buy Connects, you'll need to have a verified billing method set up on your account. … The number of Connects you'll need varies per job and can change during the time the job is posted. … Returned Connects are credited back to your account for reuse — not for a refund of their cash value.”\n\nNote: The same page lists ways to earn free Connects (badges, onboarding tasks). Some of these are marked as tests or eligibility-based, so they are not recorded here.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211062898-Understanding-and-using-Connects", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Upwork", "evidence_quote": "Connects cost $0.15 (USD) each and are sold in bundles. To buy Connects, you'll need to have a verified billing method set up on your account. … The number of Connects you'll need varies per job and can change during the time the job is posted. … Returned Connects are credited back to your account for reuse — not for a refund of their cash value.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Upwork", "topic": "Connects needed to submit proposals", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Returned Connects go back to the account for reuse and are not refunded as cash. They are returned if the client cancels", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "upwork", "topic": [ "money.pricing", "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_upwork_profile_photo_required", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Upwork: Profile requirement before submitting proposals", "summary": "Upwork requires freelancers to upload a profile portrait photo that is an actual picture of themselves before they can complete their profile and start submitting proposals.", "body": "Upwork requires freelancers to upload a profile portrait photo that is an actual picture of themselves before they can complete their profile and start submitting proposals.\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“To complete your Upwork profile and start submitting proposals, you must upload a profile portrait photo. Profile photos must be an actual picture of you.”\n\nNote: The page does not describe a formal profile-approval or review step. See could_not_verify.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016252373-How-to-build-your-freelancer-profile-the-essentials", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Upwork", "evidence_quote": "To complete your Upwork profile and start submitting proposals, you must upload a profile portrait photo. Profile photos must be an actual picture of you.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Upwork", "topic": "Profile requirement before submitting proposals", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "The page says religious exemptions can be requested through Upwork Support.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "upwork", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_upwork_idv_deadline_and_consequences", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Upwork: Identity verification for freelancers", "summary": "When Upwork asks a freelancer to verify their identity, the freelancer has seven days to do it or the account may be put on hold. Freelancers who don't verify can't submit proposals, accept direct hire offers or withdraw earnings. Freelancers can also verify voluntarily to get a profile badge for 35 Connects.", "body": "When Upwork asks a freelancer to verify their identity, the freelancer has seven days to do it or the account may be put on hold. Freelancers who don't verify can't submit proposals, accept direct hire offers or withdraw earnings. Freelancers can also verify voluntarily to get a profile badge for 35 Connects.\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“Once notified, you’ll have seven days to verify, or your account may be put on hold. … You can’t submit proposals, accept direct hire offers, or withdraw earnings … Freelancers can choose to verify their identity and get the identity verification badge displayed on their profile for 35 Connects.”\n\nNote: The page also says Upwork deletes the submitted government ID image after 30 days, while its third-party provider keeps ID images for up to one year.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001176427-How-to-verify-your-identity-as-a-freelancer", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Upwork", "evidence_quote": "Once notified, you’ll have seven days to verify, or your account may be put on hold. … You can’t submit proposals, accept direct hire offers, or withdraw earnings … Freelancers can choose to verify their identity and get the identity verification badge displayed on their profile for 35 Connects.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Upwork", "topic": "Identity verification for freelancers", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "The ID must show photo, signature, name, date of birth and address (address not needed for passports). The country on th", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "upwork", "topic": [ "access.id", "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_fiverr_idv_new_freelancer", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Fiverr: Identity verification before Gigs are listed", "summary": "Fiverr may require new freelancers to complete phone, business and ID verification before their Gigs are shown in the Fiverr Catalog, and some new freelancers may have to pay a one-time fee for ID verification.", "body": "Fiverr may require new freelancers to complete phone, business and ID verification before their Gigs are shown in the Fiverr Catalog, and some new freelancers may have to pay a one-time fee for ID verification.\n\nWhat Fiverr actually says:\n\n“Completing these steps may be required to publish your Gigs in the Fiverr Catalog. Some new freelancers may also be required to pay a one time fee to complete ID verification. … If you have not yet completed the identity verification process, your Gigs will not be shown in the Fiverr Catalog until you are fully verified.”\n\nNote: The page does not state the fee amount.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://help.fiverr.com/hc/en-us/articles/6348992414097-Verifying-your-identity-as-a-new-freelancer", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Fiverr", "evidence_quote": "Completing these steps may be required to publish your Gigs in the Fiverr Catalog. Some new freelancers may also be required to pay a one time fee to complete ID verification. … If you have not yet completed the identity verification process, your Gigs will not be shown in the Fiverr Catalog until you are fully verified.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Fiverr", "topic": "Identity verification before Gigs are listed", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "The page says ID verification is included at no extra cost for Seller Plus Kickstart members. The verification task stay", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "fiverr", "topic": [ "access.id", "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_freelancercom_bidding_minimum_balance", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Freelancer.com: Minimum account balance required to bid", "summary": "Bidding on Freelancer.com projects is free (free members initially get 6 bids per month), but freelancers must hold a standard minimum account balance of 20.00 USD before placing any bid.", "body": "Bidding on Freelancer.com projects is free (free members initially get 6 bids per month), but freelancers must hold a standard minimum account balance of 20.00 USD before placing any bid.\n\nWhat Freelancer Technology Pty Limited actually says:\n\n“Bidding on projects is free (free members receive initially 6 bids per month) but a minimum balance is required. … Minimum Account Balance - Standard … 20.00 … Required balance that a Freelancer must hold before placing any bid.”\n\nNote: The balance must stay unreserved until the bid is accepted or withdrawn.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/feesandcharges", "last_verified": "2026-09-25", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Freelancer Technology Pty Limited", "evidence_quote": "Bidding on projects is free (free members receive initially 6 bids per month) but a minimum balance is required. … Minimum Account Balance - Standard … 20.00 … Required balance that a Freelancer must hold before placing any bid.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Freelancer.com", "topic": "Minimum account balance required to bid", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "The page says the minimum balance may be set higher for higher-risk profiles, categories or regions, or for high-value p", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "freelancercom", "topic": [ "access.signup", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_upwork_profile_steps", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Upwork: ['Access.signup', 'Money.payout']", "summary": "Upwork's freelancer help center outlines the key steps to create a profile: Get Started, Build Your Profile, Find a Project, Start Working, and Get Paid.", "body": "Upwork's freelancer help center outlines the key steps to create a profile: Get Started, Build Your Profile, Find a Project, Start Working, and Get Paid.\n\nWhat Upwork actually says:\n\n“### Get Started\nHow It Works, Getting Started, Fees & Protection\n\n### Build Your Profile\nSettings, Programs, Stats\n\n### Find a Project\nSearch, Send Proposals, Interview, Accept Offers\n\n### Start Working\nMessages, Work Diary, Contracts, Feedback\n\n### Get Paid\nGet Paid, Payment Options, Reports, Earnings, Taxes”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Upwork", "evidence_quote": "### Get Started\nHow It Works, Getting Started, Fees & Protection\n\n### Build Your Profile\nSettings, Programs, Stats\n\n### Find a Project\nSearch, Send Proposals, Interview, Accept Offers\n\n### Start Working\nMessages, Work Diary, Contracts, Feedback\n\n### Get Paid\nGet Paid, Payment Options, Reports, Earnings, Taxes", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Upwork", "topic": "['Access.signup', 'Money.payout']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "upwork", "topic": [ "access.signup", "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_problogger_phishing_warning", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] ProBlogger Jobs: ['Rules.content', 'Safety.legal']", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] ProBlogger Jobs warns users about phishing scams and recommends reviewing job postings carefully and never providing personal financial information until the legitimacy of the job and employer is verified.", "body": "ProBlogger Jobs warns users about phishing scams and recommends reviewing job postings carefully and never providing personal financial information until the legitimacy of the job and employer is verified.\n\nWhat ProBlogger actually says:\n\n“**Heads Up!**\n\nThere is a phishing scam hitting many job boards that is hard for us to detect. We recommend you review each job posting carefully and never provide personal financial information to a potential employer until you have verified the legitimacy of the job and employer.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://problogger.com/jobs/faqs/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "ProBlogger", "evidence_quote": "**Heads Up!**\n\nThere is a phishing scam hitting many job boards that is hard for us to detect. We recommend you review each job posting carefully and never provide personal financial information to a potential employer until you have verified the legitimacy of the job and employer.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "ProBlogger Jobs", "topic": "['Rules.content', 'Safety.legal']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "problogger", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_substack_profile_url", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Substack: ['Access.signup']", "summary": "Substack requires writers to select a unique handle during signup, which determines their profile URL at substack.com/@handle, and the profile is public by default showing posts and activity.", "body": "Substack requires writers to select a unique handle during signup, which determines their profile URL at substack.com/@handle, and the profile is public by default showing posts and activity.\n\nWhat Substack actually says:\n\n“You'll be asked to select a handle when you sign up for Substack and create a new profile. Handles are unique, making it easy for others to mention you in notes, posts, and profile sharing. Your handle will also determine your Substack profile URL: substack.com/@handle.\n\nYour Substack profile is public and will show posts you've written, your notes or restacks, and things you liked and currently read on Substack.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/29152946791188-How-can-I-publish-on-Substack", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Substack", "evidence_quote": "You'll be asked to select a handle when you sign up for Substack and create a new profile. Handles are unique, making it easy for others to mention you in notes, posts, and profile sharing. Your handle will also determine your Substack profile URL: substack.com/@handle.\n\nYour Substack profile is public and will show posts you've written, your notes or restacks, and things you liked and currently read on Substack.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Substack", "topic": "['Access.signup']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "substack", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_substack_earnings", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Substack: ['Money.payout', 'Money.fees']", "summary": "Substack states that 90% of subscription revenue goes to creators while 10% powers the platform that supports their work.", "body": "Substack states that 90% of subscription revenue goes to creators while 10% powers the platform that supports their work.\n\nWhat Substack actually says:\n\n“Earn money right away\n\n90% goes to you. The rest powers the platform that supports your work.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://substack.com/get-started", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Substack", "evidence_quote": "Earn money right away\n\n90% goes to you. The rest powers the platform that supports your work.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Substack", "topic": "['Money.payout', 'Money.fees']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "substack", "topic": [ "money.payout", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_fiverr_account_creation", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Fiverr: ['Access.signup']", "summary": "Fiverr requires users to create an account and sign in before accessing seller features, with options to continue with Google, email/username, Apple, or Facebook, and agreement to terms of service.", "body": "Fiverr requires users to create an account and sign in before accessing seller features, with options to continue with Google, email/username, Apple, or Facebook, and agreement to terms of service.\n\nWhat Fiverr actually says:\n\n“## Success starts here\n\nSign in to your account\n\nDon't have an account? Join here\n\nContinue with Google\n\nContinue with email/username\n\nOR\n\nApple\n\nFacebook\n\nBy joining, you agree to the Fiverr Terms of Service and to occasionally receive emails from us. Please read our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your personal data.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.fiverr.com/start_selling", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Fiverr", "evidence_quote": "## Success starts here\n\nSign in to your account\n\nDon't have an account? Join here\n\nContinue with Google\n\nContinue with email/username\n\nOR\n\nApple\n\nFacebook\n\nBy joining, you agree to the Fiverr Terms of Service and to occasionally receive emails from us. Please read our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your personal data.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Fiverr", "topic": "['Access.signup']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "fiverr", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_medium_earning_model", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Medium: ['Money.payout']", "summary": "Medium's Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on how much engagement their stories receive from Medium members, with payments issued monthly.", "body": "Medium's Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on how much engagement their stories receive from Medium members, with payments issued monthly.\n\nWhat Medium actually says:\n\n“Earn money for your writing\n\nGet paid based on how much engagement your stories receive from Medium members.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.medium.com/partnership-program", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Medium", "evidence_quote": "Earn money for your writing\n\nGet paid based on how much engagement your stories receive from Medium members.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Medium", "topic": "['Money.payout']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "medium", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_983_freelance_writing_how_to_start_contently_talent_network", "category": "Getting Started", "title": "Contently: ['Access.signup']", "summary": "Contently's Talent Network comprises 10,000+ creators with 2,000+ credentialed specialists who must apply to join and access writing assignments.", "body": "Contently's Talent Network comprises 10,000+ creators with 2,000+ credentialed specialists who must apply to join and access writing assignments.\n\nWhat Contently actually says:\n\n“Talent Network\n10K+ creators; 2,000+ credentialed specialists”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://contently.com/talent-network/", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Contently", "evidence_quote": "Talent Network\n10K+ creators; 2,000+ credentialed specialists", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "983-freelance-writing-how-to-start", "subject": "Contently", "topic": "['Access.signup']", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "contently", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }