I've been freelancing for over 15 years and was looking to expand my client base. So I tried Upwork. The fee paid is worth the security of finding new clients and and breaking into new areas of writing. I have found great clients needing many types of assistance. I have started with clients on their posted job, maybe a simple edit, and have expanded into handling many projects for them. The clients I have added to my business from Upwork are now long term relationships with ongoing work. It has taken a year to build this and the fees do reduce as more money is earned per client. I have never been denied an increase in rate from a client when I've asked, after providing them with a high valued work product.