Are You Really a Freelance Writer?

Freelance writer: A freelancer, freelance worker, or freelance is somebody who is self-employed and is not committed to a particular employer longterm. - Source, wikipedia

Many people use the term "freelance writer" but not all actually qualify for the title. Before you label yourself a freelance writer, take some time to learn more about the term and what it really means.

The recent state of the economy, Google Panda algorithm as well as popularity of work at home job boards has led to an increasing number of people calling themselves "freelance writers" when many may not quite fit the title.

The recent changes in how search engines such as Google rank content and articles online has a big impact on online income. This is something that online freelance writers will face firsthand. Panda had a huge impact on Internet marketing as well, which is where a lot of freelance writers find their clients. The freelance writing market is directly tied to these changes, affecting the availability of work, as well as the quality of work that is generated. We also see a rise in the number of people claiming themselves as freelancers but all are certainly not created equal.

So the first question you might want to ask yourself is "Am I really a freelance writer?"

Many people who write for content sites (sometimes called "content farms" or "content mills") proclaiming themselves as freelance writers. By definition, writing for Hubpages, Squidoo or Demand Media does not make you a freelance writer. This is not to say that you are not a writer or some sort. Some might call you a content writer or a content provider, but not a freelance writer.

Freelance writers are a different sort altogether. They complete work to order, on demand and often for many different and diverse clients at once. They accept projects and fine-tune their crafted words to fit the exceedingly high demands of editors and private clients.

Freelance writing, by definition, demands a different style, voice and approach to each project they take on. Simply article writing or content writing for a particular site will not require these shifts, changes or demands.

Freelance writers are required to meet tight deadlines and rigid specifications. They will be asked to do so with passion, voice and flow that caters to the specific project at hand while immediately flipping the switch and changing to cater to the next project on the to-do list.

Freelance writing is a profession that demands pressure but that pressure if often what keeps the content flowing and the bills paid. If your article for a content site is not top-notch, it usually won't affect your pay very much. Few people are likely to notice. But if your client work is not stellar, you won't be paid. That pressure is a great motivator and true freelance writing, in general, demands a higher quality of writing than churning out articles for a content site.

This is not to say that every person who writes for a content site is not a freelance writer. Some choose content sites as additional income or an outlet for certain interests and hobbies. However, not everyone online who gives themselves the title of "freelance writer" carries the same experience of a true freelance writer. If the title isn't accurate to you, it can be misleading to clients or others looking to hire you. Consider a title that is more befitting to what you do. There are many creative ways to describe the type of writing you do such as "celebrity gossip columnist", "sports aficionado", "online content production expert" and so on.

More on Writing from Lisa:

Writing Tips: Plan to Finish What You Start

4 Evergreen Article Topics for Residual Earnings

Freelance Writing Tips- Self Discipline You Can Live With

Sources:

Writer Lisa Mason

Define: Freelance Writer