Friday, September 26, 2008

The Freelance Copywriting World

By Ray Edwards

Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish historical novelist and poet, referred to mercenary soldiers as "freelancers" in his book Ivanhoe. This is where the word found its genesis. Since then, the word "freelancer" has gained new meanings. It became much more figurative by the 1860's and was finally officially recognized as a word by the English Oxford Dictionary in 1903.

Today, the word "freelance" has changed into different forms: as a noun, freelance or freelancer; as a verb, a photographer who freelances; and as an adverb, he works freelance.

Freelancing has become a career choice for many different markets, including copywriting. Freelancing can give copywriters greater benefits over a regular job at an advertising agency or firm. The flexibility and options freelancers hold cause them to feel that freelancing is superior to employed work.

Today, more and more copywriters are leaving the security of their day jobs and engaging in freelance copywriting work because of the following factors:

* There are a variety of projects for freelance copywriters. The Internet offers more opportunities than regular employed positions. Freelancing helps those who want more opportunities, better projects, and a higher salary. A freelance copywriter can also work on multiple projects at once: They can write web content for one client while working on a sales letter at the same time for another client.

* Projects Have Fast Turnaround. Since most freelance copywriting jobs are time based, they have to be done by a certain date. Copywriters can generally do these jobs quickly with ease, allowing them to pack in more projects per year than regular copywriters.

* More Freedom, More Flexibility. Becoming a freelance copywriter can give a person the freedom to choose the place, date, and manner in which they do their work. Though some freelancing does require contracts, freelance copywriting is still a no employer-no employee relationship. Freelance work offers more freedom for someone who does not want to be confined to an 8 to 5 or 9 to 6 work schedule. A freelance copywriter is free to choose their working hours and is their own boss. Because of this freedom, freelance copywriting gives a person more time to pursue other interests or take on more jobs. Many freelancers feel that they can take care of their families easier as well.

* Improved Income. Freelance copywriters can usually bring in higher income for their projects because they are hired for their specific talents and skills. This is a plus because they are paid well but do not have to work full-time at a firm, nor do they have to give some of it to an advertising agency. Though income for freelancers can vary, most freelancers still benefit from it. Freelance copywriters charge by the hour, by the day, or on per-project basis. Others use value-based pricing methods instead of imposing a flat rate. Payments are arranged based on the agreement between the copywriter and client. The payment could be done upfront, staggered, or paid when the project is completed.

The Internet immensely helps freelance copywriters today. It helps copywriters and clients do business with each other from all over the world. Projects range from writing short articles to web content or sales letters. You should do some more research into freelance copywriting to see if it is right for your life.

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