Last year, I created my first freelancing profile on Upwork to explore writing professionally.

I pitched oodles of projects, got told my rate was too high and felt a bit hopeless about my freelancing journey. Then, I received a message.

A tech startup found me, thought my bio was snappy and asked me to write copy for their landing page — even though my rate was higher than they wanted to pay.

Landing my first paying project made me feel validated as a writer.

The excitement over my first project was overwhelming. I immediately dove in, wrote magnificent landing page copy, and over-delivered. The client happily paid my rate of $100/hour.

They left me a glittering review:

"We love the story she told about our brand, and it was nice to hear my voice infused in the words she wrote. I consider myself a tough critic, especially when it comes to copywriting, but my expectations were surpassed and my wildest dreams were nearly realized. Yes, she's really THAT good."

They asked me to do another project for them.

The thrill of the first project thrummed through my veins, and they were so happy with my work, so I accepted their second offer to write Facebook ad copy.

While they liked the ad copy I gave them, it wasn't as enjoyable of an experience for me. I learned that I am better with long-form copy and storytelling.

Here's my advice to aspiring freelancers:

• Put yourself out there

• Someone will pay the rate you're asking, don't compromise for cheap offers

• Try new things to see what you like

• Evaluate lessons learned and pivot accordingly