Freelance Writer
Specialties:
Greeting Card Writers, Travel Writers.
What does a Freelance Writer do?
- Freelance Writers inform, entertain and inspire their readers in all
forms of creative literary composition.
- They collect and analyze facts.
- They interview, investigate, and observe others.
- Freelance Writers are distinguished by the fact that they are
self-employed, even though they frequently contract with publishers or
producers for specific assignments.
- They write a draft of a manuscript, review and revise it for publication
and may make changes according to the publisher.
- Those employed by others may do freelance work on occasion.
- They may specialize in one or more styles of writing.
- Tasks include: Freelance Writers research their subject thoroughly to
prepare for writing.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Although most Freelance Writers are self-employed, they work for a number of
employers on a wide variety of subjects. Many work with Publishers on specific
job assignments. Some write for Internet publishing companies, newspapers, news
magazines, radio and television stations, manufacturing firms, public relations
and advertising departments or agencies, and non-profit organizations, such as
labor unions, professional associations, and religious organizations. Some
develop government publications. Some write for motion picture companies. Some
write corporate annual reports, personnel manuals, presentations, business
plans, procedure manuals, training materials, and speeches.
Preparation:
From two years to four years of college education is typically required to
succeed as a Freelance Writer. Some have a graduate masters or doctorate degree.
Many Freelance Writers acquire skills by working as Copy Writers, Technical
Writers and Editors, Journalists or Teaching. Travel, public relations, or
social service also add to the writer's store of experience. Some Writers stress
the importance of maintaining contact with other Writers through reading and
workshops. College coursework in Communications, English or journalism may be
helpful. Proven writing ability is the most important qualification regardless
of educational background.
Educational Program(s):
Journalism
Related Programs: Area and Ethnic Studies, English and Literature,
Interdisciplinary/Liberal Studies, Photographic Arts, Political Science,
Sociology, Speech