You probably don't want to jump right in and apply for high-paying jobs until you have had a chance to get a feel for the writing community. Once you have done a few jobs for pay and feel a little more well-versed in everything, jump right in and start applying for higher paying jobs. Don't feel intimidated when applying for writing jobs. You never know when a high-paying client will like your style of writing, so it is worth it to at least jump in and start applying. You have to get over any fear of rejection you have if there is any hope of you really making it as a freelance writer, because even some of the busiest freelance writers deal with rejection on a daily basis. You never know; you may be a better writer than you think you are. There is no harm in trying to snag a high-paying job, right? Once you receive your very first paycheck from writing you can technically claim that you are a bona fide professional writer. It doesn't matter if you get paid five dollars or five hundred dollars for your first professional piece…receiving money for writing makes you a professional. The quicker you get into this mindset, the more confidence you will have to move forward in your writing career.