Find the Best Freelance Writing Jobs

What does a freelance writer do?

A freelance writer may be asked to do everything from developing topics to write about to providing an outline for an article or blog post to writing an article or blog post that exhibits proper spelling, sentence structure, and flow.

A freelance writer may be asked to manage the overall content direction of a company or to simply write and deliver individual pieces. In addition, freelance writers are often asked to conduct research about the topic they are writing about. This can range from doing a simple Google search to interviewing subject matter experts. Furthermore, freelance writers are often asked to rewrite content from others that does not meet the brand or editorial standards of the business. In these situations, companies rely on senior writers with a great deal of experience and an ability for excellent sentence structure and story flow.

Freelance writers might be asked to work with other writers and editors as part of a client’s editorial process. This could include some back and forth with the client’s staff to achieve an acceptable level of content that meets predetermined editorial standards. Part of the process might also include asking the freelance copywriter to upload approved guest blog posts to the client’s website. Finally, freelance writers may choose to start blogging to build their portfolio of work and hone a daily writing practice. Launching your own blog is an excellent choice if you’re just starting your freelance career.

What skills do I need to become a freelance writer?

To start your freelance writing business, you’ll want to achieve a certain level of proficiency in content development. Several years of experience copywriting for different organizations or within certain industries can position a freelance writer for an exceptional career. In addition to experience, obtaining a formal education is usually an excellent starting point for those interested in offering their content writing services as a freelancer.

With that said, there are a number of common skills a freelance writer should possess.

• Excellent writing skills. A freelance writer will be relied upon to develop content with little to no editing help. Basic skills such as spelling and sentence structure are requirements for even an entry-level freelance writer.
• Ability to provide quick turnaround. When clients work with freelance writers, it’s often with the understanding that projects should be turned around rather quickly. Clients might request that a 1,000-word article or blog entry be turned around in as few as 24 hours. The submitted copy should be in its final form, having been reviewed and edited to ensure proper grammar, spelling, and flow.
• Being a self-starter. Freelance writers should know how to do things such as research, structure content, social media, and SEO development without a great deal of hands-on direction from the client. It’s important for the freelance writer to ask questions up front. This allows for a smoother process overall and less back and forth between the writer and the client.
• Ability to write short- and long-form content. While many freelancers can write short-form content, those who are highly marketable can also write long-form content. The ability to successfully craft content with a word count of 2,500 or more will place freelancers near the front of the hiring queue.
• Excellent editing skills. Though it’s understood that freelance writers should edit their own work, it’s worth mentioning that freelancers with excellent editing skills might be asked to take on more projects, including editing copy by other writers.
• Ability to meet deadlines. Clients expect freelance writers to meet deadlines. They will also work with the writer, if they possess excellent skills, by providing additional time if the writer needs it or the subject warrants it. But if the client is willing to be flexible and extend a deadline, they will usually do so up front with the expectation the writer will meet that new deadline.
• Ability to multitask. Most freelance writers have several projects going at one time for multiple clients. It’s important for the freelance writer to not allow work from one client to disrupt work from another client. The writer must be adept at handling multiple projects at once while meeting multiple deadlines.

What are the core freelance writer job responsibilities?

Freelance writers can be tasked with a number of responsibilities by their clients. In addition to writing, tasks can include editing, topic creation, and SEO management. Typical responsibilities for freelance writers include:

• Writing content designed to engage the client’s audience
• Researching and fact-checking information included in the content, ensuring the accuracy of data and all claims made
• Adhering to the client’s brand and editorial guidelines by writing content that fits with the company’s positioning and furthers its key objectives
• Pitching potential topics for a variety of audiences across multiple media and platforms

Should I get a freelance writer degree or certification?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a degree or professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. Many freelance writers have a formal education from an accredited university. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or literature can be an excellent foundation for freelance writers. In addition, popular certifications or courses for freelance writers include:

• Online Creative Writing from Skillshare
• Creative Writing Certification from Wesleyan-Coursera
• Writing with Flair: How to Become an Exceptional Writer from Udemy