Definition of Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is, more or less, professional writing done by freelancers. To be freelance is to work on different jobs or for short periods of time, without being a permanent employee. The word 'freelance' itself comes from the Middle Ages, to describe the knights who would defend whichever king paid them, rather than being loyal to just one king. These knights were referred to as 'free lanced'.
If you are a freelance writer, you do not belong to one publication or organization, and instead submit your writing to whomever pays you for it. Freelance writing can be both creative and technical, but either way it is a short-term commitment. For creative writing pieces, a freelance writer usually writes first, and then seeks a publication to house it. For technical or specialized projects, a freelance writer will generally be sought out first.
Types of Freelance Writing
Technically, any writing paid for by a person or company that doesn't employ you full time makes the writing freelance. The most popular freelance writing can be found in publications online or in print, in areas like business, marketing and journalism. They can also be found in businesses and organizations that have single projects to complete, such as grants and proposals.
There are many types of freelance writing gigs:
- Newspaper article
- Grant writing for a nonprofit organization
- Program proposal
- Website blog
- Training manual
- Book review
- Interview published in a magazine
- Translation of a story written in a foreign language
Why Hire a Freelance Writer?
Companies might contract out writing assignments for several reasons. Some businesses do not have in-house employees who specialize in writing, or know a topic or field well enough to write about it. Hiring a freelance writer means getting the work done correctly, accurately, and professionally without putting pressure on an unqualified employee. For publications, keeping their doors open to freelance writing is important. This way, they have access to many different writing styles, subject matters, and voices.
How It Works
Become a Member and Access Online Writing Jobs
Online Writing Jobs is looking for talented freelance writers with strong writing skills and an even stronger motivation to create great website content for the brands and companies we work with. Our clients come from a variety of different fields, including, but not limited to:
Automotive
Education/Academic
Medical/Health
Science
Technology
Travel
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To Apply to Be a Member of the Online Writing Jobs Freelance Staff
Online Writing Jobs is limited to applicants within the United States of America who can provide the required documentation as noted below. International writers will not be considered.
Applicants Must:
- Complete our online writer application form
- Submit a custom writing sample using the provided writing instructions
- Submit a completed W9 tax form
- Submit a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID as proof of U.S. residency (e.g. driver’s license, passport, non-driver ID card, etc.)
