What’s a Freelance Writer?

Print anything with Printful



A writer can be anyone who writes for fun, artistry, creative outlet, volunteer work, or pay. Freelance writers are independent contractors who set their own pace and look for their own work. They have the freedom to choose their genre, but must also have self-discipline and responsibility.

A writer is anyone who puts pen to paper, whether for fun, artistry, creative outlet, volunteer work, or pay. Paid writers, hired full-time by an employer, might work for a newspaper, magazine, advertising firm, or any other business that needs a full-time writer on staff. A freelance writer is simply a writer acting as a small business or independent contractor; he sets his own pace, looks for his own work, and pays no one but himself.

A freelance writer might work full-time as a writer or have an entirely different daytime career. He or she might just write for fun, jot down poetry, blog online, or try his hand at short fiction. He could be a stay-at-home parent, college student, or recluse. Whichever way she chooses, the freedom that comes with working this way is part of the appeal.

There is a large market that a freelance writer can choose from, and the sky is the limit as to the type of genre or amount of work any given writer might have at any given time. One whose specialty is fiction might dabble in poems, short stories, or e-books, or might have a current novel in the works. Many publishers will take on fiction, but most freelance writers agree that it’s a much more difficult market to penetrate.

Nonfiction is everywhere, both online and in print: magazine articles, books, advertisements, business propositions, marketing plans, manuals, contracts, and web content. Articles can be entertaining, informative, or educational. A freelance non-fiction writer will have a better chance of finding work than one who specializes solely in fiction.

A freelance writer might have a freedom that a formally employed worker doesn’t, but with that freedom comes a lot of responsibility. Writing is only part of the job. The writer must keep track of their income and taxes. Money is a constant problem because work is sporadic and ever changing. Many publishers communicate clearly with their freelance writers, offering work, meeting established payment schedules, and explaining any policy changes, while other employers may not respond to questions or send payment in a timely manner. Often a brilliant article is rejected simply because the monthly quota has already been filled.

Freelance writers must also have self-discipline. When he’s not writing, the writer is always looking for new leads, opportunities, and publicity for writers. Those who do this job must have the fortitude and determination to keep going and keep writing.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content