Freelance Writing: Is it For You?
The term “freelance writing” is used to describe the work of a writer who is not a company employee. A freelancer’s clientele can range from those looking for copywriting or content creation in business to newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses.
As a freelance writer, you have the flexibility to offer a variety of services or specialize in one. Writing blogs, magazine articles, website content, white papers, case studies, and ebooks are all examples of such services.
Read also: how much do news reporters get paid
There Are Goods, And There Are Bads
It’s best to get the bad stuff out of the way first. You are not a worker who is entitled to employment benefits like paid vacation, health insurance, and a steady paycheck. A backup source of funds would be helpful in this situation. However, it can be challenging to keep up with your bills and living expenses during periods of fluctuating income.
You should keep your day job even if you decide to try your hand at freelance writing. Before you have established a loyal clientele and steady flow of freelance work, you shouldn’t make the transition to freelancing full-time. You’ll have to put in long hours as the sole person responsible for the company’s success. You’ll need to multitask as your salesperson, marketer, and advertiser.
However, freelancing as a writer has its benefits. For instance, all introverts will agree that the reduced need for social interaction at work is a significant draw. Besides, you are not required to show up to a physical location, provide biometric information, or log the hours you provide for a project.
You can work from anywhere, be it a coffee shop, library, different city, or your home, and set your deadlines. You’re free to use whatever methods and resources you see fit for achieving your goals. If being your boss sounds like a thing that can outweigh the downsides of freelance writing for you, you should consider it.
Degrees are Appreciated But Not a Necessity
Even though it’s a hot topic of debate, the best part about being a freelance writer is that you don’t have to flaunt your degree to land clients. The truth is that even the best GPA won’t save you if you don’t have a solid writing portfolio to show for it.
Knowing the subject inside and out won’t hurt your chances at success, though, if you’re going for a specific market niche. It could even earn you bonus points with potential customers.
Freelance writing is a viable career option for anyone with strong writing skills who can articulate their thoughts clearly. The more important truth, however, is that not everyone who writes well has a degree in English, Journalism, or any other discipline typically associated with writers.
About Cassidy George
A native of New Orleans, Cassidy George spent her formative years learning the art of media at NOCCA. After moving to New York University to study art history, political science, and critical theory, she relocated to Berlin to begin a career in writing for SLEEK in 2017. Cassidy started working as the digital editor for 032c’s team in 2021. She is now back to actively pursuing a career as a freelance culture writer.
Twenty-five publications have featured her work, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, GQ, The Cut, W, BBC, Dazed, i-D, and Vice. Her assignments for some of these prominent names are behind some unique and enviable experiences, from drinking White Russians with Elvis impersonators to finding cover in a line of rubber bullets at Black Lives Matter protests. Her stories may be about anything from politics to fashion to music, but they share a deep interest in how history, politics, and power structures inform every aspect of contemporary culture.
Check out her latest featured work and follow her Instagram.
