What Should Technical Writers Look for in a Freelance Platform?
- Commission Fees: Know how much of your hard-earned income the platform takes.
- Job Volume: Are there plenty of technical writing projects available regularly?
- Client Quality: Are clients legit companies or low-budget startups?
- Usability: Are tools like time tracking, chat, and file sharing intuitive?
- Payment Protection: Does the platform use escrow or milestone payments?
- Community & Support: Is help readily available when you need it?
1. Upwork
Upwork remains one of the most popular platforms for technical writers in 2025. With thousands of active listings anytime, it’s ideal for writers specializing in API documentation, SaaS onboarding, user manuals, and more.
Commission: 10% standard, drops to 5% for long-term clients
Pros: Massive job volume, escrow protection, solid reputation
Cons: High competition; bidding wars can undercut rates
“Treat every proposal like a personal pitch. The client wants to know you read the brief.” – Jennifer Y., Technical Writing Consultant
2. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com offers flexibility and various job types—from SOPs to compliance documentation. The platform includes built-in milestone payments and skills tests to boost your credibility.
Commission: 10% or $5 minimum
Pros: Lots of listings, milestone system
Cons: Can be overwhelming with low-budget postings
3. Fiverr
Unlike others, Fiverr is gig-based. Technical writers set up service packages like “Write API Docs” or “Create User Guides” and wait for clients to come to them. It’s great for building passive leads.
Commission: Flat 20%
Pros: Work comes to you, customizable gigs
Cons: High fees, takes time to rank your gig
4. Toptal
Toptal is where elite freelancers go. With a strict vetting process, only the top 3% are accepted. If you pass, you’ll work with high-caliber clients like Shopify, Zendesk, and Airbnb.
Commission: Negotiated per contract; Toptal handles billing
Pros: Premium clients, consistent high pay
Cons: Tough entry process
5. PeoplePerHour
Popular in the UK and EU, PeoplePerHour is excellent for time-zone-friendly jobs. Technical writing roles here span from white papers to internal process documentation.
Commission: 20% starting, drops to 5% with continued billing
Pros: Geo-targeting, buyer ratings
Cons: Fewer listings than Upwork or Freelancer
6. Guru
Guru is especially favored by engineering and medical businesses. Projects tend to be longer-term and more structured. The Work Room feature simplifies communication and file sharing.
Commission: 8.95%, reduced with paid plans
Pros: Structured payments, solid client pool
Cons: Lower traffic volume
7. Workana
Workana is the go-to platform in Latin America. If you’re bilingual, it’s an excellent place to find Spanish and Portuguese technical writing jobs. You can also offer subscription services for recurring work.
Commission: 15%, decreases with ongoing work
Pros: Bilingual opportunities, loyal client base
Cons: Lower pay scale
Comparison Table
| Platform | Commission | Job Volume | Client Quality | Payment Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | 10% → 5% | High | Excellent | Yes |
| Freelancer.com | 10% | High | Mixed | Yes |
| Fiverr | 20% | High | Varies | Yes |
| Toptal | Negotiated | Medium | Premium | Yes |
| PeoplePerHour | 20% → 5% | Medium | Good | Yes |
| Guru | 8.95% | Moderate | Reliable | Yes |
| Workana | 15% | Medium | Regional | Yes |
Tips to Win More Technical Writing Gigs
- Profile Polish: Use a pro photo, clear headline, and include certifications like MadCap or Google’s Technical Writing course.
- Portfolio Punch: Include redacted samples of SOPs, user guides, and API docs.
- Custom Proposals: Don’t use templates. Reference the client’s actual request.
- Smart Pricing: Avoid the race to the bottom. Use platforms like Toptal or Guru for higher-tier clients.
- Stay Active: Reply quickly to invites and job postings. Many platforms favor quick responders.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right platform can completely change your freelance writing journey. If you want volume and visibility, go with Upwork or Fiverr. Want premium clients and fewer proposals? Toptal or Guru is your route. Multilingual? Workana may be your goldmine.
Pro tip: Don’t just sign up—strategize. Choose two platforms that fit your goals and double down. With smart positioning, your technical writing business can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Start today—your next high-paying writing gig might be one click away.